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Exhibit 10.3
TAX DISAFFILIATION AGREEMENT dated as of
September 30, 1997 by and among XXXXXXX ENTERTAINMENT
COMPANY, a Delaware corporation ("GEC"), XXXXXXX
ENTERTAINMENT COMPANY, a Delaware corporation and a
direct, wholly owned subsidiary of GEC ("New
Xxxxxxx"), and WESTINGHOUSE ELECTRIC CORPORATION, a
Pennsylvania corporation ("Parent").
WHEREAS, GEC is the common parent of an affiliated group of
corporations (the "GEC Group") within the meaning of Section 1504(a) of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), and the members of the
GEC Group have heretofore joined in filing consolidated federal income Tax
Returns;
WHEREAS, GEC expects, pursuant to the Agreement and Plan of
Distribution dated as of September 30, 1997 (the "Distribution Agreement") by
and between GEC and New Xxxxxxx, to spin off to GEC's stockholders GEC's
interest in certain assets. In furtherance of this plan, among other things, and
as more fully set forth in the Distribution Agreement, GEC will (i) effect the
recapitalization described in Article II of the Distribution Agreement and the
restructuring transactions described in Article IV of the Distribution Agreement
(together, the "Restructuring") and (ii) distribute (the "Distribution") on the
Distribution Date (as defined below) to the holders of GEC Common Stock all of
the outstanding shares of New Xxxxxxx Common Stock (as defined below);
WHEREAS, on the day after the Distribution Date, G Acquisition
Corp., a Delaware corporation and a wholly owned subsidiary ("Sub") of Parent,
will merge with and into GEC with GEC surviving (the "Merger"), as contemplated
by the Agreement and Plan of Merger dated as of February 9, 1997 (the "Merger
Agreement") by and among GEC, Sub and Parent, pursuant to which the holders of
GEC Common Stock (as defined below) will receive solely common stock of Parent
in exchange for their GEC Common Stock;
WHEREAS, GEC and New Xxxxxxx intend the Distribution to be a
tax-free transaction under Section 355 of the Code, after which neither New
Xxxxxxx nor any of its Subsidiaries (as defined below) will be a member of the
GEC Group for federal income tax purposes;
WHEREAS, GEC, Sub and Parent intend the Merger to be a
reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(a)(1)(B) of the Code; and
WHEREAS, GEC and New Xxxxxxx desire on behalf of themselves,
their Subsidiaries and their successors to set forth their rights and
obligations with respect to Taxes relating to taxable periods before and after
the Distribution.
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NOW, THEREFORE, the parties hereto agree as follows:
ARTICLE I
DEFINITIONS
For purposes of this Agreement,
1.1 "Acquired Business" shall mean the Retained Business, as defined
in the Merger Agreement.
1.2 "Acquired Group" shall mean, for any Post-Distribution Period, GEC
and its Subsidiaries.
1.3 "Ancillary Agreements" shall have the meaning set forth in the
Distribution Agreement.
1.4 "Code" shall have the meaning set forth in the Recitals.
1.5 "Dispose" (and, with correlative meaning, "Disposition") shall
mean pay, discharge, settle or otherwise dispose.
1.6 "Distributed Business" shall mean the Entertainment Business, as
defined in the Distribution Agreement.
1.7 "Distribution" shall have the meaning set forth in the Recitals.
1.8 "Distribution Agreement" shall have the meaning set forth in the
Recitals.
1.9 "Distribution Date" shall mean the last day on which, due to the
Distribution, New Xxxxxxx could be considered a member of the GEC Group for
federal income Tax purposes.
1.10 "Due Date" shall mean, with respect to any Tax Return or payment,
the date on which such Tax Return is due to be filed with or such payment is due
to be made to the appropriate Tax Authority pursuant to applicable law, giving
effect to any applicable extensions of the time for such filing or payment.
1.11 "Effective Time" shall have the meaning set forth in the Merger
Agreement.
1.12 "Final Determination" shall mean (1) the entry of a decision of a
court of competent jurisdiction at such time as an appeal may no longer be taken
from such decision or (2) the execution of a closing agreement or its equivalent
between the particular taxpayer and the relevant Tax Authority.
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1.13 "GEC" shall have the meaning set forth in the Preamble.
1.14 "GEC Common Stock" shall have the same meaning as "Company Common
Stock" set forth in the Distribution Agreement.
1.15 "GEC Group" shall have the meaning set forth in the Recitals.
1.16 "Merger" shall have the meaning set forth in the Recitals.
1.17 "Merger Agreement" shall have the meaning set forth in the
Recitals.
1.18 "New Xxxxxxx" shall have the meaning set forth in the Preamble.
1.19 "New Xxxxxxx Common Stock" shall have the meaning set forth in the
Distribution Agreement.
1.20 "New Xxxxxxx Group" shall mean, for any Post-Distribution Period,
the affiliated group of corporations (within the meaning of Section 1504(a) of
the Code) of which New Xxxxxxx is the common parent and which join in filing
consolidated federal income Tax Returns.
1.21 "NV" shall mean NV International, Inc., a Georgia corporation.
1.22 "O&W" shall mean O&W Corporation, a Tennessee corporation.
1.23 "Parent" shall have the meaning set forth in the Recitals.
1.24 "Payee" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 4.7 hereof.
1.25 "Payor" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 4.7 hereof.
1.26 "Post-Distribution Period" shall mean any taxable period beginning
after the Distribution Date (or, if the Effective Time occurs later than the day
immediately following the Distribution Date, the last day that GEC is the common
parent of the GEC Group) and, in the case of any Straddle Period, that portion
of such Straddle Period that begins on the day immediately following the
Distribution Date (or, if the Effective Time occurs later than the day
immediately following the Distribution Date, the day immediately following the
last day that GEC is the common parent of the GEC Group).
1.27 "Pre-Distribution Period" shall mean any taxable period that ends
on or prior to the Distribution Date (or, if the Effective Time occurs later
than the day immediately following the Distribution Date, the last day that GEC
is the common parent of the GEC Group) and, in the case of any Straddle Period,
that portion of such Straddle Period ending on and including the Distribution
Date (or, if the Effective Time occurs later than the day
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immediately following the Distribution Date, the last day that GEC is the common
parent of the GEC Group).
1.28 "Restructuring" shall have the meaning set forth in the Recitals.
1.29 "Straddle Period" shall mean any taxable period that begins before
or on and ends after the Distribution Date (or, if the Effective Time occurs
later than the day immediately following the Distribution Date, any taxable
period that begins before or on and ends after the last day that GEC is the
common parent of the GEC Group).
1.30 "Sub" shall have the meaning set forth in the Recitals.
1.31 "Subsidiary" shall mean a subsidiary, as defined in the Merger
Agreement.
1.32 "Tax Attribute" shall mean any net operating loss, investment tax
credit, foreign tax credit, or other credit, deduction or tax attribute
(including basis).
1.33 "Tax Authority" shall mean the Internal Revenue Service and any
other state, local or foreign governmental authority responsible for the
administration of Taxes.
1.34 "Tax Claim" shall mean a notice of deficiency, proposed
adjustment, assessment, audit, examination, suit, dispute or other claim with
respect to Taxes or a Tax Return.
1.35 "Taxes" (and, with correlative meaning, "Tax") means all taxes,
charges, fees, levies, imposts, duties and other assessments, including, without
limitation, income, gross receipts, excise, personal property, real property,
sales, ad valorem, value-added, withholding, social security, occupation, use,
service, service use, leasing, leasing use, license, payroll, franchise,
transfer and recording taxes, fees and charges, imposed by any Tax Authority,
whether computed on a separate, consolidated, unitary, combined or any other
basis, together with any interest, fines, penalties and additional amounts
attributable to, imposed on, or with respect to, any such taxes, charges, fees,
levies, imposts, duties or other assessments, and interest thereon.
1.36 "Tax Returns" (and, with correlative meaning, "Tax Return") shall
mean all returns, reports, declarations, information, estimates, schedules,
filings or documents (including any related or supporting information) filed or
required by any Tax Authority to be filed with respect to Taxes, including,
without limitation, all information returns, claims for refund, amended returns,
declarations of estimated Tax, and requests for extensions of time to file any
item described in this paragraph.
1.37 "Transaction Agreements" shall have the meaning set forth in the
Merger Agreement.
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1.38 "Transfer Tax" shall mean any real property transfer Tax, sales
Tax, use Tax, stamp Tax, stock transfer Tax, or other similar Tax.
1.39 "Underpayment Rate" shall mean the interest rate specified under
Section 6621(a)(2) of the Code.
ARTICLE II
PREPARATION AND FILING OF TAX RETURNS
2.1 Preparation of Pre-Distribution Period Tax Returns and Certain
Straddle Period Tax Returns. New Xxxxxxx, with the cooperation of Parent, GEC
and any member of the Acquired Group (as provided for in Article VII hereof),
shall prepare (or cause to be prepared) all Tax Returns with respect to any
Pre-Distribution Period or Straddle Period that include GEC or any of its
Subsidiaries (including all Tax Returns filed on a consolidated, combined or
unitary basis). New Xxxxxxx shall have sole discretion as to the positions in
and with respect to any Tax Returns described in this Section 2.1 to the extent
that such positions relate to a Pre-Distribution Period or the Restructuring.
2.2 Filing of Certain Pre-Distribution Period Tax Returns. At least 20
days before the Due Date of any Tax Return which New Xxxxxxx is required to
prepare (or cause to be prepared) pursuant to Section 2.1 hereof and Parent, GEC
or a member of the Acquired Group is required to file, New Xxxxxxx shall deliver
to GEC such Tax Return. Parent or GEC shall timely file (or cause to be filed)
any such Tax Return as prepared by New Xxxxxxx with the appropriate Tax
Authority.
2.3 Preparation and Filing of Certain Straddle Period Tax Returns. With
respect to any Straddle Period Tax Return required to be filed by New Xxxxxxx or
any of New Gaylord's Subsidiaries with respect to which Parent or GEC is liable
for any Tax shown to be due thereon pursuant to this Agreement, New Xxxxxxx
shall prepare (or cause to be prepared) such Tax Return and, at least 20 days
prior to the Due Date thereof, shall deliver such Tax Return (or cause such Tax
Return to be delivered) to GEC for its review, together with a statement showing
in reasonable detail New Gaylord's calculation of any Taxes attributable to a
Pre-Distribution Period. New Xxxxxxx shall file such Tax Return, with GEC's
prior written consent, which shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed.
2.4 Preparation and Filing of Post-Distribution Period Tax Returns.
Except as set forth in this Article II, with respect to Post-Distribution
Periods, New Xxxxxxx shall not have any responsibility for preparing (or causing
to be prepared) and timely filing (or causing to be timely filed) any Tax Return
with respect to any member of the Acquired Group, and Parent shall not have any
responsibility for preparing (or causing to be prepared) and timely filing (or
causing to be filed) any Tax Return with respect to New Xxxxxxx or any of its
Subsidiaries.
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2.5 Consistent Treatment. (a) Each Tax Return described in this Article
II shall be consistent with the rulings obtained from the Internal Revenue
Service in connection with the Restructuring, the Distribution and the Merger
(including any opinions of counsel of GEC or Parent in lieu of any rulings
pursuant to the provisions of the Merger Agreement), and, to the extent not
inconsistent with such rulings and any such opinions, with the Transaction
Agreements.
(b) In the absence of a controlling change in law and except as
otherwise expressly required by this Agreement, each Tax Return described in
Section 2.1, 2.2 or 2.3 hereof shall be prepared on a basis that is consistent
with the elections, accounting methods, conventions, practices and principles of
taxation used for the most recent taxable periods for which Tax Returns for GEC
or any of its Subsidiaries have been filed.
2.6 Amended Returns and Claims for Refund. No member of the Acquired
Group (or any entity that directly or indirectly controls GEC) shall amend a Tax
Return or file a claim for Tax refund with respect to any Pre-Distribution
Period of GEC or any of its Subsidiaries without the prior written consent of
New Xxxxxxx, which shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed.
ARTICLE III
PAYMENTS WITH RESPECT TO TAXES
3.1 Payment of Taxes. (a) Except as set forth in Section 3.1(c) hereof,
for all Taxes with respect to which Parent, GEC or a member of the Acquired
Group is required to file Tax Returns pursuant to Section 2.2 hereof, New
Xxxxxxx shall pay GEC the amount of such Taxes relating to any Pre-Distribution
Period at least 5 business days prior to the Due Date of the Tax Return
reporting such Taxes.
(b) Except as set forth in Section 3.1(c) hereof, for all Taxes with
respect to which New Xxxxxxx or any of its Subsidiaries is required to file Tax
Returns pursuant to Section 2.3 hereof, Parent or GEC shall pay New Xxxxxxx the
amount of such Taxes relating to the Acquired Business for any Post-Distribution
Period at least 5 business days prior to the Due Date of the Tax Return
reporting such Taxes.
(c) For all Taxes with respect to which Parent or GEC is required to
file Tax Returns for O&W, NV or any of their Subsidiaries pursuant to Section
2.2 hereof, New Xxxxxxx shall pay GEC New Gaylord's share of the amount, if any,
of such Taxes, as determined pursuant to Article IV hereof, at least 5 business
days prior to the Due Date of the Tax Return reporting such Taxes and include a
statement showing in reasonable detail New Gaylord's calculation of such Taxes.
3.2 Remittance of Taxes to a Tax Authority. Parent and New Xxxxxxx,
as the case may be, shall each remit or cause to be remitted in a timely manner
to the appropriate Tax
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Authority all Taxes due in respect of any Tax for which it is required to file a
Tax Return pursuant to Article II hereof.
ARTICLE IV
INDEMNIFICATION
4.1 Obligations of GEC. Parent, GEC and GEC's Subsidiaries shall
indemnify and hold New Xxxxxxx and New Gaylord's Subsidiaries harmless from and
against the following:
(a) except to the extent otherwise expressly provided in Sections
4.2(c), (d) and (e) hereof, any liability for Taxes attributable to the Acquired
Business, any current member of the Acquired Group or any Subsidiary of any such
member for any Post-Distribution Period, and any liability of any current member
of the Acquired Group arising under the provisions of Treasury regulation
section 1.1502-6(a) or comparable provisions of foreign, state or local law for
any Post-Distribution Period;
(b) any liability for Taxes relating to the Distribution, to the
extent set forth in Section 4.3(a) hereof;
(c) any liability for Taxes relating to GEC or any of its Subsidiaries
or the Restructuring to the extent that New Xxxxxxx has made a payment to Parent
or GEC with respect thereto pursuant to Section 3.1 hereof; and
(d) 33 percent of any liability for Taxes attributable to O&W, NV or
any of their Subsidiaries for any Pre-Distribution Period other than Taxes
incurred in the Restructuring, including any liability of any member of an
"affiliated group" (within the meaning of Section 1504(a) of the Code) of which
O&W or NV is the common parent arising under the provisions of Treasury
regulation section 1.1502-6(a) or comparable provisions of foreign, state or
local law for any Pre-Distribution Period.
4.2 Obligations of New Xxxxxxx. New Xxxxxxx and New Gaylord's
Subsidiaries shall indemnify and hold Parent, GEC and their respective
Subsidiaries harmless from and against the following:
(a) except to the extent otherwise expressly provided in Section 4.1(d)
hereof and subject to the remaining provisions of Section 4.2 hereof, any
liability for Taxes attributable to the Distributed Business, any current or
former member of the GEC Group or any Subsidiary of any such member for any
Pre-Distribution Period, including any liability of any member of the GEC Group
or any of its Subsidiaries arising under the provisions of Treasury regulation
section 1.1502-6(a) or comparable provisions of foreign, state or local law for
any Pre-Distribution Period or any liability under a Pre-Distribution Period Tax
sharing agreement;
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(b) 67 percent of any liability for Taxes attributable to O&W, NV or
any of their Subsidiaries for any Pre-Distribution Period other than Taxes
incurred in the Restructuring, including any liability of any member of an
"affiliated group" (within the meaning of Section 1504(a) of the Code) of which
O&W or NV is the common parent arising under the provisions of Treasury
regulation section 1.1502-6(a) or comparable provisions of foreign, state or
local law for any Pre-Distribution Period or any liability under a
Pre-Distribution Period Tax sharing agreement;
(c) any liability for Taxes relating to the Distribution, to the extent
set forth in Section 4.3(a) hereof;
(d) any liability for Taxes incurred as a result of the Restructuring
for any taxable period, provided, however, that if Parent, GEC or any of their
respective Subsidiaries takes any action after the Closing Date (as defined in
the Merger Agreement) which results in the incurrence of any such Taxes, Parent
and GEC shall pay, and shall fully indemnify and hold harmless New Xxxxxxx and
its Subsidiaries from and against, such Taxes to the extent that they result
from such action unless such action (i) is contemplated by the Transaction
Agreements or (ii) is taken by Parent, GEC or any of GEC's Subsidiaries with the
participation at that time of New Xxxxxxx, any of its Subsidiaries or Xxxxxx X.
Xxxxxxx (in his capacity as a shareholder or a trustee); and
(e) any liability for Taxes incurred solely as a result of a breach of
the representations set forth in Section 4.01(m)(ix) of the Merger Agreement
(determined by taking into account exceptions to such representations set forth
in Section 4.01(m) of the Company Disclosure Schedule to the Merger Agreement),
or in Sections 4.01(m)(x), (xi) or (xiii) of the Merger Agreement (in each case
determined without regard to materiality, knowledge by New Xxxxxxx, and any
exceptions to such representations set forth in Section 4.01(m) of the Company
Disclosure Schedule to the Merger Agreement), calculated as the amount of the
excess of (x) the actual liability for Taxes of Parent and its Subsidiaries for
the relevant taxable period over (y) the liability for Taxes of the Parent and
its Subsidiaries for such period assuming such breach of representation had not
occurred but with all other facts unchanged.
4.3 Taxes Relating to the Distribution. Notwithstanding any other
provision of this Agreement to the contrary,
(a) New Xxxxxxx and New Gaylord's Subsidiaries shall pay or cause to be
paid, and shall fully indemnify and hold harmless Parent, GEC or any of their
respective Subsidiaries from and against, all Taxes attributable to any member
of the GEC Group or any Subsidiary of any such member resulting from the
Distribution, including, without limitation, any Tax imposed pursuant to or as a
result of Section 311 of the Code; provided, however, that if Parent, GEC or any
of their respective Subsidiaries takes any action after the Closing Date (as
defined in the Merger Agreement) which results in the incurrence of any such
Taxes, Parent and GEC shall pay, and shall fully indemnify and hold harmless
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New Xxxxxxx and its Subsidiaries from and against, such Taxes to the extent that
they result from such action unless such action (i) is contemplated by the
Transaction Agreements or (ii) is taken by Parent, GEC or any of GEC's
Subsidiaries with the participation at that time of New Xxxxxxx, any of its
Subsidiaries or Xxxxxx X. Xxxxxxx (in his capacity as a shareholder or a
trustee).
(b) If GEC or any of its Subsidiaries is required to recognize gain
pursuant to Section 311 of the Code with respect to the Restructuring or the
Distribution, then, to the extent permitted by law or regulation, Parent, GEC or
the appropriate member of the Acquired Group or the appropriate Subsidiary of
Parent, if so requested by New Xxxxxxx, shall elect pursuant to Section 336(e)
of the Code to treat the Distribution as a disposition of all the assets of New
Xxxxxxx, provided, however, that Parent, GEC or the appropriate member of the
Acquired Group or the appropriate Subsidiary of Parent, as the case may be,
shall not be required to file such election if such election would result in an
actual increase in Tax liability to Parent and its Subsidiaries and New Xxxxxxx
does not fully indemnify Parent and its Subsidiaries from and against such Tax
liability.
4.4 Straddle Periods.
(a) To the extent permitted by law or administrative practice, the
taxable year of any member of the GEC Group or any of its Subsidiaries which
includes the Distribution Date shall be treated as closing on (and including)
the Distribution Date, provided, however, that if the Effective Time occurs
later than the day immediately following the Distribution Date, the taxable year
of any member of the Acquired Group or any of its Subsidiaries which includes
the Distribution Date shall be treated as closing on (and including) the last
day that GEC is the common parent of the GEC Group.
(b) Where it is necessary pursuant to this Agreement to apportion
between New Xxxxxxx, on the one hand, and GEC and Parent, on the other hand, the
Tax liability of an entity for a Straddle Period which is not treated under
Section 4.4(a) hereof as closing on the Distribution Date (or, if applicable
pursuant to the principles set forth in Section 4.4(a) hereof, the last day that
GEC is the common parent of the GEC Group), such liability shall be apportioned
between the Pre-Distribution Period and the Post-Distribution Period on the
basis of an interim closing of the books, except that Taxes (such as real
property Taxes) imposed on a periodic basis shall be allocated on a daily basis.
4.5 Tax Obligations Arising Under a Pre-Distribution Period Tax Sharing
Agreement. Except as set forth in this Agreement, any and all existing Tax
sharing agreements and practices regarding Taxes and their payment, allocation,
or sharing between any member of the Acquired Group and any member of the New
Xxxxxxx Group or its Subsidiaries shall be terminated with respect to the New
Xxxxxxx Group as of the Distribution Date and no remaining liabilities
thereunder shall exist thereafter.
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4.6 Refunds and Tax Attributes. (a) New Xxxxxxx shall be entitled to
any refund of Taxes or the benefit of the utilization of any Tax Attribute of
any member of the GEC Group attributable to any Pre-Distribution Period or the
Distributed Business, and GEC shall be entitled to a refund for Taxes or the
benefit of the utilization of any Tax Attribute attributable to the Acquired
Business for any Post-Distribution Period. If the Acquired Group receives any
refund of Tax to which New Xxxxxxx is entitled pursuant to this Section 4.6 or
utilizes any Tax Attribute of the GEC Group attributable to any Pre-Distribution
Period, GEC shall promptly notify New Xxxxxxx and shall pay the amount of any
such refund or the benefit realized from such utilization within 5 days of the
receipt of such refund or the realization of such benefit.
(b) If Parent, any of its Subsidiaries or any member of the Acquired
Group actually realizes a reduction of Taxes for any taxable period because it
utilizes or claims a Tax Attribute as a result of an adjustment to the taxable
income of a member of the GEC Group for a Pre-Distribution Period (including a
Tax Attribute attributable to a Section 336(e) election pursuant to Section
4.3(c) hereof), Parent or GEC shall pay New Xxxxxxx the amount of such reduction
of Taxes within 5 days of the filing of the Tax Return in which such reduction
of Taxes is actually realized. If, after Parent or GEC pays New Xxxxxxx the
amount of any reduction of Taxes pursuant to the immediately preceding sentence,
there is (i) a Final Determination that results in the reduction or elimination
in whole or in part of the reduction of Taxes that gave rise to such payment on
the grounds that under applicable law the Tax Attribute that produced such
reduction of Taxes did not in fact occur or arise (in whole or in part) or (ii)
a subsequent event results in the reduction or elimination in whole or in part
of the reduction of Taxes that gave rise to such payment, New Xxxxxxx shall
repay to GEC within 5 days of the payment of Tax in connection with the Final
Determination or subsequent event that so reduced or eliminated the reduction of
Taxes the amount of such Tax (excluding interest and penalties thereon) incurred
by a member of the Acquired Group as a result of such Final Determination or
subsequent event; provided, however, that the amount of any such repayment shall
not exceed the amount of the reduction of Taxes relating to the same Tax
Attribute which Parent or GEC first paid to New Xxxxxxx pursuant to this Section
4.6(b) and provided, further that the provisions set forth above in this Section
4.6(b) shall continue to apply thereafter to the extent of any subsequent
reduction or elimination of such Taxes or such payments.
(c) If GEC or any of its Subsidiaries actually realizes a reduction of
Taxes for a Pre-Distribution Period because it utilizes or claims a Tax
Attribute as a result of an adjustment to the taxable income of a member of the
Acquired Group for a Post-Distribution Period, New Xxxxxxx shall pay GEC the
amount of such reduction of Taxes within 5 days of the filing of the Tax Return
in which such reduction of Taxes is actually realized. If, after New Xxxxxxx
pays GEC the amount of any reduction of Taxes pursuant to the immediately
preceding sentence, there is (i) a Final Determination that results in the
reduction or elimination in whole or in part of the reduction of Taxes that gave
rise to such payment on the grounds that under applicable law the Tax Attribute
that produced such reduction of Taxes did not in fact occur or arise (in whole
or in part) or (ii) a subsequent event that
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results in the reduction or elimination in whole or in part of the reduction of
Taxes that gave rise to such payment, Parent or GEC shall repay to New Xxxxxxx
within 5 days of the payment of Tax in connection with the Final Determination
or subsequent event that so reduced or eliminated the reduction of Taxes the
amount of such Tax (excluding interest and penalties thereon) incurred by a
member of the GEC Group as a result of such Final Determination or subsequent
event; provided, however, that the amount of any such repayment shall not exceed
the amount of the reduction of Taxes relating to the same Tax Attribute which
New Xxxxxxx first paid to GEC pursuant to this Section 4.6(c) and provided,
further that the provisions set forth above in this Section 4.6(c) shall
continue to apply thereafter to the extent of any subsequent reduction or
elimination of such Taxes or such payments.
(d) For purposes of this Agreement, when as a result of an action or
event, a Tax benefit, a reduction of Taxes, or a Tax refund arises, the amount
of such benefit, reduction or refund shall equal the amount of the excess of (x)
the actual liability for Taxes of the person for the relevant taxable period
over (y) the liability for Taxes of such person for such period assuming the
action or event from which such benefit, reduction or refund arose had not
occurred but with all other facts unchanged.
4.7 Indemnification Payments. To the extent that a party (the "Payor")
is required to make an indemnification payment to another party (the "Payee")
pursuant to Section 4.1, 4.2 or 4.3 hereof, the Payor shall pay the Payee no
later than 5 business days prior to the Due Date of the relevant Tax Return or 5
business days after the Payor receives the Payee's calculations of Payor's
indemnification obligation hereunder, whichever occurs last, the amount of such
indemnification obligation.
ARTICLE V
CARRYBACKS
No member of the Acquired Group shall carry back any Tax Attribute
arising in any Post-Distribution Period to any Pre-Distribution Period without
the prior written consent of New Xxxxxxx, which shall not be unreasonably
withheld or delayed. GEC shall be entitled to retain any Tax benefits with
respect to any permitted carryback of a Tax Attribute relating to the Acquired
Business from a Post-Distribution Period to a Pre-Distribution Period. No member
of the New Xxxxxxx Group shall carry back any Tax Attribute arising in any
Post-Distribution Period to any Pre-Distribution Period without the prior
written consent of GEC, which shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed. GEC
shall forward to New Xxxxxxx with respect to any permitted carryback of a Tax
Attribute relating to the Distributed Business from a Post-Distribution Period
to a Pre-Distribution Period (a) any refunds of Taxes received from a Tax
Authority within 5 days of the receipt thereof or (b) the amount of any
reduction in Taxes of the Acquired Group attributable to any Tax Attribute
within 5 days of the utilization of such Tax Attribute.
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To the extent that this Article V conflicts with Section 4.6
hereof, this Article V shall apply.
ARTICLE VI
TAX CLAIMS
6.1 General. New Xxxxxxx shall have sole control over all Tax Claims
with respect to any Tax Return which New Xxxxxxx is responsible for preparing
(or causing to be prepared) pursuant to this Agreement, and GEC shall have sole
control over all Tax Claims with respect to any Tax Return which GEC is
responsible for preparing (or causing to be prepared) pursuant to this
Agreement. The party controlling a Tax Claim pursuant to this Section 6.1 shall
have the sole right to contest, litigate and Dispose of such Tax Claim and to
employ counsel of its choice at its sole expense; provided, however, that the
other party may participate in (but not control) the defense of any such Tax
Claim at its own expense. If, pursuant to this Section 6.1, a Tax Claim presents
issues for which both parties may be liable pursuant to this Agreement or an
issue which affects both the Distributed Business and the Acquired Business, the
party controlling such Tax Claim shall not litigate or Dispose of such Tax Claim
without the prior written consent of the other party, which shall not be
unreasonably withheld or delayed.
6.2 Tax Claim Management. (a) GEC or New Xxxxxxx, as the case may be,
shall promptly notify the other party in writing of any Tax Claim that may
reasonably be likely to result in liability of the other party under this
Agreement. With respect to any such Tax Claim, the party not controlling such
Tax Claim shall (i) not make any submission to any Tax Authority without
offering the other party the opportunity to review it, (ii) not take any action
or make (or purport to make) any representations in connection with such Tax
Claim with respect to issues affecting the other party's indemnity hereunder,
(iii) keep the other party informed as to any information that it receives
regarding the progress of such Tax Claim, (iv) provide the other party with any
information that it receives regarding the nature and amounts of any proposed
Disposition of the Tax Claim, (v) permit the other party to participate in all
conferences, meetings or proceedings with any Tax Authority in which the
indemnified Tax Claim is or may be a subject, and (vi) permit the other party to
participate in all court appearances in which the indemnified Tax Claim is or
may be a subject. With respect to any Tax Claim relating to a Pre-Distribution
Period for which New Xxxxxxx is or may be liable pursuant to this Agreement, GEC
shall either file (or cause to be filed) submissions at New Gaylord's direction
which appoint (or cause to be appointed) New Xxxxxxx or its authorized
representatives as additional authorized representatives entitled to communicate
fully with the Internal Revenue Service with respect to such Tax Claim.
(b) Unless New Xxxxxxx and GEC agree otherwise in writing, GEC shall
use its best efforts to keep all Tax Claims arising under federal Tax Returns
which GEC is responsible for filing pursuant to Section 2.2 hereof under the
jurisdiction of the Nashville, Tennessee district of the Internal Revenue
Service. GEC shall promptly notify New
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Xxxxxxx if any Tax Authority proposes to transfer or contest such a Tax Claim in
a district other than the district that includes Nashville, Tennessee and shall
cooperate with New Xxxxxxx in taking all reasonable actions to prevent such
transfer or contest.
ARTICLE VII
COOPERATION
Parent, GEC and New Xxxxxxx shall (and shall cause Parent's
Subsidiaries, the members of the GEC Group and the New Xxxxxxx Group,
respectively, to) cooperate with each other in the preparation and filing of any
Tax Returns and the conduct of any audit or other proceeding and each shall
execute and deliver such powers of attorney and make available such other
documents as are necessary to carry out the intent of this Agreement. Such
cooperation shall include, without limitation, (a) making employees available on
a mutually convenient basis to provide such assistance as might reasonably be
required and (b) providing such information as might reasonably be required in
connection with any such Tax Return or proceeding, including, without
limitation, records, returns, schedules, documents, work papers or other
relevant materials.
The parties hereto shall use reasonable best efforts to reduce any
transfer, sales or other similar Taxes that may be incurred with respect to the
transactions contemplated by the Distribution Agreement, the Merger Agreement
and the Ancillary Agreements.
ARTICLE VIII
RETENTION OF RECORDS; ACCESS
Parent, each Subsidiary of Parent, the Acquired Group and the New
Xxxxxxx Group shall (a) until the expiration of the relevant statutes of
limitations (giving effect to any applicable extensions or waivers), retain
records, documents, accounting data and other information (including computer
data) necessary for the preparation and filing of all Tax Returns in respect of
Taxes of the Acquired Group or the New Xxxxxxx Group or for a Tax Claim by a Tax
Authority relating to such Tax Returns; and (b) give to the other group
reasonable access to such records, documents, accounting data and other
information (including computer data) and to its personnel (ensuring their
cooperation) and premises, with reimbursement by the requesting group of
reasonable out-of-pocket costs incurred therewith, for the purpose of the review
or audit of such Tax Returns to the extent relevant to an obligation or
liability of any party under this Agreement. Prior to destroying any records,
documents, data or other information described in this Article VIII, the group
wishing to destroy such items shall give the other group a reasonable
opportunity to obtain such items (at such other group's expense).
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ARTICLE IX
DISPUTES
If the parties disagree as to the calculation of any Tax or the amount
of (but not liability for) any payment to be made under this Agreement, the
parties shall cooperate in good faith to resolve any such dispute, and any
agreed-upon amount shall be paid to the appropriate party. If the parties are
unable to resolve any such dispute within 15 days thereafter, such dispute shall
be resolved by a "Big Six" accounting firm acceptable to both GEC and New
Xxxxxxx. The decision of such firm shall be final and binding. The fees and
expenses incurred in connection with such decision shall be shared by GEC and
New Xxxxxxx in accordance with the final allocation of the Tax liability in
dispute. Following the decision of such accounting firm, the parties shall each
take (or cause to be taken) any action that is necessary or appropriate to
implement such decision, including, without limitation, the filing of amended
Tax Returns and the prompt payment of underpayments or overpayment, with
interest calculated on such underpayments or overpayment at the Underpayment
Rate from the date such payment was due.
ARTICLE X
SURVIVAL
Notwithstanding any other provision in this Agreement to the contrary,
the rights and obligations provided for in this Agreement shall not terminate
any earlier than the expiration of the applicable statute of limitation for the
relevant taxable periods in question (giving effect to any applicable waivers or
extensions). All other covenants under this Agreement shall survive
indefinitely.
ARTICLE XI
MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
11.1 Transfer Taxes. New Xxxxxxx shall prepare (or cause to be
prepared) and timely file (or cause to be timely filed) with the appropriate Tax
Authority all Tax Returns with respect to Transfer Taxes imposed with respect to
the Restructuring, the Distribution and the Merger. New Xxxxxxx shall pay (or
cause to be paid) all Transfer Taxes attributable to the Restructuring and the
Distribution. New Xxxxxxx, on the one hand, and GEC and Parent, on the other
hand, shall share equally the liability for all Transfer Taxes attributable to
the Merger. Notwithstanding anything in this Section 11.1 to the contrary, if
any member of the Acquired Group is required to file a Tax Return in respect of
Transfer Taxes, then New Xxxxxxx shall deliver to GEC the prepared Tax Return
together with the amount of Taxes shown to be due on such Tax Return and for
which New Xxxxxxx is liable at least 5 days prior to the Due Date thereof and
Parent or GEC shall timely file (or cause to be timely filed) with the
appropriate Tax Authority such Tax Return as prepared by New
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Xxxxxxx and remit to such Tax Authority the amount of Transfer Taxes shown to be
due on such Tax Return.
11.2 Interest on Late Payments. Any payment required by this Agreement
which is not made on or before the date required to be made hereunder shall bear
interest after such date at the Underpayment Rate.
11.3 Determination and Characterization of Payments. (a) All
indemnification payments under this Agreement shall be determined on a pre-Tax
basis, i.e., without regard to the Tax consequences to the indemnified party of
making a payment that is indemnified by another party under this Agreement or of
receiving a payment under this Agreement as indemnification therefor.
(b) The payments made pursuant to this Agreement shall be treated as
occurring immediately before the Distribution, and no member of the New Xxxxxxx
Group and the Acquired Group and none of the Subsidiaries of any such member and
none of Parent and its Subsidiaries shall take any position inconsistent with
such treatment before any Tax Authority, except to the extent that a Final
Determination with respect to the recipient party causes any such payment to not
be so treated.
11.4 Notices and Governing Law. All notices required or permitted to be
given pursuant to this Agreement shall be given, and the applicable law
governing the interpretation of this Agreement shall be determined, in
accordance with the applicable provisions of the Distribution Agreement.
11.5 Amendments. This Agreement may not be amended except by an
agreement in writing, signed by the parties.
11.6 Binding Effect; No Assignment; Third Party Beneficiaries. This
Agreement shall be binding on, and shall inure to the benefit of, the parties
and the respective successors, assigns, and persons controlling any of the
corporations bound hereby. Parent and GEC, on the one hand, and New Xxxxxxx, on
the other hand, hereby guarantee the performance of all actions, agreements and
obligations provided for under this Agreement of GEC's Subsidiaries and New
Gaylord's Subsidiaries, respectively. Parent and GEC, on the one hand, and New
Xxxxxxx, on the other hand, shall, upon the written request of any other party,
cause any of their respective Subsidiaries (but in the case of Parent, only GEC
and its Subsidiaries and their respective successors) to execute this Agreement.
No party to this Agreement shall assign any of its rights or delegate any of its
duties under this Agreement without the prior written consent of New Xxxxxxx, in
the case of Parent or GEC, and GEC, in the case of New Xxxxxxx. No person
(including, without limitation, any employee of a party or any stockholder of a
party) shall be, or shall be deemed to be, a third party beneficiary of this
Agreement.
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11.7 Entire Agreement. This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement
of the parties concerning the subject matter hereof and supersedes all prior
agreements, whether or not written, concerning such subject matter. To the
extent that the provisions of this Agreement are inconsistent with the
provisions of the Distribution Agreement, the provisions of this Agreement shall
prevail.
11.8 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in one or more
counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original and all of which shall
constitute together the same document.
[SIGNATURE PAGE TO FOLLOW]
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have duly executed this
Agreement as of the day and year first above written.
XXXXXXX ENTERTAINMENT COMPANY
By /s/ Xxxxx X. London
----------------------------------
Xxxxx X. London
President and Chief Executive Officer
NEW XXXXXXX ENTERTAINMENT COMPANY
By /s/ Xxxx Xxxxxxxxx
----------------------------------
Xxxx Xxxxxxxxx
Vice President and President-
Communications
WESTINGHOUSE ELECTRIC CORPORATION
By /s/ Xxxxxxxx X. Xxxxxxxx
----------------------------------
Xxxxxxxx X. Xxxxxxxx
Executive Vice President, Chief
Financial Officer
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