TAX ALLOCATION AGREEMENT by and between THE E. W. SCRIPPS COMPANY and SCRIPPS NETWORKS INTERACTIVE, INC. Dated as of , 2008
Exhibit 10.2
by and between
THE X. X. XXXXXXX COMPANY
and
Dated as of , 2008
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page | ||||
ARTICLE I |
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DEFINITIONS AND STANDARDS |
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SECTION 1.01. Definitions |
2 | |||
SECTION 1.02. General Interpretive Principles |
11 | |||
SECTION 1.03. Applicable Standards |
11 | |||
ARTICLE II |
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U.S. CONSOLIDATED FEDERAL INCOME TAX LIABILITIES |
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SECTION 2.01. Affiliation Years |
12 | |||
SECTION 2.02. 2008 Taxable Year |
12 | |||
SECTION 2.03. U.S. Federal Alternative Minimum Tax |
14 | |||
ARTICLE III |
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U.S. COMBINED STATE AND LOCAL INCOME TAX LIABILITIES |
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SECTION 3.01. Returns Covered |
14 | |||
SECTION 3.02. Pre-2008 Taxable Year |
14 | |||
SECTION 3.03. Operating Losses |
15 | |||
SECTION 3.04. 2008 Taxable Year |
15 | |||
SECTION 3.05. Short- Year State and Local Returns |
15 | |||
SECTION 3.06. Estimated Taxes, Etc |
15 | |||
SECTION 3.07. Adjustments |
16 | |||
ARTICLE IV |
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SEPARATE TAX RETURN OBLIGATIONS |
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SECTION 4.01. SNI Tax Liability |
16 | |||
SECTION 4.02. EWS Tax Liability |
16 | |||
SECTION 4.03. Separate Return Adjustments |
16 | |||
ARTICLE V |
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TAX-FREE STATUS OF DISTRIBUTION |
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SECTION 5.01. Tax-Free Status Ruling, Etc |
16 | |||
SECTION 5.02. Maintaining Status of Active Business |
17 | |||
SECTION 5.03. Limits on Proposed Acquisition Transactions |
17 | |||
SECTION 5.04. Indemnity |
19 | |||
ARTICLE VI |
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CARRYOVER AND CARRYBACK ITEMS |
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SECTION 6.01. Carryovers to Post-Affiliation Years |
20 | |||
SECTION 6.02. Carrybacks from Post-Affiliation Years |
20 |
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
(continued)
(continued)
Page | ||||
ARTICLE VII |
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U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX ADJUSTMENTS |
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SECTION 7.01. Determination |
21 | |||
SECTION 7.02. Payments |
21 | |||
SECTION 7.03. Procedures |
22 | |||
SECTION 7.04. Intercompany Adjustments |
22 | |||
ARTICLE VIII |
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INCOME TAX PROCEEDINGS |
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SECTION 8.01. Notice |
22 | |||
SECTION 8.02. SNI and EWS Issues |
22 | |||
SECTION 8.03. Procedures |
23 | |||
SECTION 8.04. Forum for Judicial Proceedings |
24 | |||
ARTICLE IX |
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PAYMENTS |
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SECTION 9.01. Reporting of Indemnity Payments. Etc |
24 | |||
SECTION
9.02. Interest on Late Payments |
24 | |||
SECTION 9.03. Dispute |
24 | |||
ARTICLE X |
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TAX RETURNS |
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SECTION 10.01. Cooperation and Furnishing of Tax Return Information |
25 | |||
SECTION
10.02. Preparation of Tax Returns |
26 | |||
ARTICLE XI |
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POST AFFILIATION YEARS AND POST COMBINED YEARS |
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SECTION 11.01. Returns |
26 | |||
SECTION 11.02. Actions or Transactions |
27 | |||
SECTION 11.03. Proposed Adjustments |
27 | |||
ARTICLE XII |
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BOOKS AND RECORDS |
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SECTION 12.01. Retention Period |
27 | |||
SECTION 12.02. Record Retention Policy |
27 | |||
SECTION 12.03. Tax Attributes |
27 | |||
SECTION 12.04. Apportionment of Earnings and Profits and Tax Attributes |
28 |
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
(continued)
(continued)
Page | ||||
ARTICLE XIII |
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COMPENSATION AND EMPLOYEE BENEFITS |
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SECTION 13.01. General |
28 | |||
SECTION 13.02. Stock-Based Awards |
28 | |||
SECTION 13.03. Reporting of Deductions |
28 | |||
SECTION 13.04. Employment Taxes and Tax Reporting |
29 | |||
ARTICLE XIV |
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MISCELLANEOUS |
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SECTION 14.01. Notices |
29 | |||
SECTION 14.02. Complete Agreement; Representations |
30 | |||
SECTION 14.03. Amendment, Modification, or Waiver |
30 | |||
SECTION
14.04. Severability |
31 | |||
SECTION 14.05. No Double Recovery |
31 | |||
SECTION
14.06. Costs and Expenses |
31 | |||
SECTION 14.07. No Assignment; Binding Effect; No Third-Party Beneficiaries |
31 | |||
SECTION
14.08. Headings |
31 | |||
SECTION 14.09. Counterparts |
32 | |||
SECTION 14.10. Governing Law |
32 | |||
SECTION 14.1l. Disputes |
32 |
-iii-
THIS
TAX ALLOCATION AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”) is dated as of
the
day of , 2008, by and between The X. X. Xxxxxxx Company, an Ohio corporation
(“EWS”), and Scripps Networks Interactive, Inc. (“SNI”), an Ohio corporation and an indirect
subsidiary of EWS (together with EWS, each a “Party” and collectively, the “Parties”).
Capitalized terms used in this Agreement are defined as set forth in Section 1.01.
WHEREAS, the Board of Directors of EWS has determined that it is in the best interests of EWS to
separate the SNI Business and the EWS Business into two independent public companies, (the
“Separation”), on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the Separation Agreement,
in order to separate businesses with differing strategic directions, eliminate existing
constraints regarding capital allocation, concentrate management focus, allow more tailored
management incentives, and accommodate differing shareholder bases;
WHEREAS, in order to effectuate the foregoing, EWS and SNI have entered into a Separation and
Distribution Agreement, dated as
of
, 2008 (the “Separation Agreement”), pursuant to
which and subject to the terms and conditions set forth therein, the SNI Business shall be
separated from the EWS Business and pursuant to the Distribution, the SNI Class A Common Shares
and SNI Common Voting Shares shall be distributed on a pro rata basis to the holders of EWS
Class A Common Shares and EWS Common Voting Shares;
WHEREAS, for U.S. federal income Tax purposes, through the Distribution Date, income of certain
present and former members of the SNI Group has been or will be included in EWS Consolidated
Returns;
WHEREAS, certain SNI Combined Group members have filed or will file Combined Returns covering
U.S. state and local income Taxes with EWS Combined Groups as part of their respective Total
Combined Groups;
WHEREAS, SNI and other members of the SNI Group will cease to be members of the EWS Group for
U.S. federal income Tax purposes after the Distribution Date, and SNI and other members of SNI
Combined Groups will cease to be members of their respective Total Combined Groups for U.S.
state and local income Tax purposes after the Distribution Date;
WHEREAS, the failure of the Distribution to have a Tax-Free Status or certain actions taken with
respect to SNI Capital Stock and EWS Capital Stock could subject EWS, SNI and their shareholders
to additional Tax costs in connection with the Distribution; and
WHEREAS, EWS and SNI desire in this Agreement to (i) set forth Tax allocation principles for
Affiliation Years for U.S. federal income Tax purposes and Combined Years for U.S. state and
local income Tax purposes, which, except to the extent provided herein, will supersede all prior
policies and procedures governing the allocation of Taxes, (ii) define the effects upon the
settlement and allocation of certain Tax liabilities and Tax benefits of transactions or
developments that occur during taxable years commencing after the Distribution Date, (iii) set
forth the responsibility for their respective stand-alone income and other Tax liabilities, and
(iv) allocate liability for certain Tax costs that may be incurred in connection with the
Distribution.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing, the promises and covenants set forth herein
and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby
acknowledged, EWS and SNI hereby agree as follows:
ARTICLE I
DEFINITIONS AND STANDARDS
DEFINITIONS AND STANDARDS
SECTION 1.01. Definitions. For all purposes of this Agreement, the following terms shall
have the following meanings:
“2007 Excess EWS Group Benefits” shall have the meaning assigned to it in Section 2.01.
“2007 Excess SNI Group Benefits” shall have the meaning assigned to it in Section 2.01.
“2007 Tax Liability” shall have the meaning assigned to it in Section 2.01
“2007 Taxable Year” shall have the meaning assigned to it in Section 2.01.
“2008 Excess EWS Group Benefits” shall have the meaning assigned to it in Section 2.02.
“2008 Excess SNI Group Benefits” shall have the meaning assigned to it in Section 2.02.
“2008 Tax Liability” shall have the meaning assigned to it in Section 2.02.
“2008 Taxable Year” shall have the meaning assigned to it in Section 2.02.
“Adjusted Separate EWS Group Federal Tax Liability” shall mean with respect to any
Affiliation Year(s) the U.S. federal income Tax liability of the EWS Group applying the Highest
Federal Tax Rate, computed as if the EWS Group (with EWS as the common parent) filed an EWS
Consolidated Return separately from the SNI Group, and applying such U.S. Tax laws and
regulations as would have been applicable to the EWS Group if it had so filed separately, but
not taking into account any items that are predicated on base amounts determined on a
consolidated basis such as research Credits, subject to the following:
(i) the EWS Group shall be treated as bound by all accounting methods, elections and other
determinations adopted or made by EWS for the EWS Group for all Affiliation Years, including,
but not limited to, determinations made in respect of carrybacks and carryovers;
(ii) the EWS Group shall be permitted to reduce its Adjusted Separate EWS Group Federal Tax
Liability (but not below zero) to the extent that the EWS Group is able to reduce its U.S.
federal income Tax liability in the EWS Consolidated Return for such Affiliation Year by
utilizing items of deduction, loss, or Credit of the EWS Group which the Parties determine the
EWS Group would have been unable to utilize if it had filed an EWS Consolidated Return
separately from the SNI Group (“Excess Items”); provided, that if there are any
limitations in the ability of the EWS Group to utilize items in the same category as such Excess
Items in their entirety for such year, the EWS Group shall be limited in the reduction of its
Adjusted Separate EWS Group Federal Tax Liability to its share of such Excess Items on a
Proportionate Basis; provided, further, that if, pursuant to the above
provisions, an Excess Item is not usable, in whole or in part, by the SNI Group in one
Affiliation Year, it may, pursuant to Section 7.03 hereof, be carried over or carried back as an
Excess Item to any other Affiliation Year subject to the same limitations as above; and
(iii) the EWS Group shall take into account the items of EWS Group income, gain, loss, deduction
or Credit attributable to intercompany items, excess loss accounts, dual consolidated losses and
other items that are required to be restored, recaptured or otherwise triggered as a result of
the Distribution or related transactions.
- 2 -
“Adjusted Separate SNI Group Federal Tax Liability” shall mean with respect to any
Affiliation Year(s) the U.S. federal income Tax liability of the SNI Group applying the Highest
Federal Tax Rate, computed as if the SNI Group (with SNI as the common parent) filed a
consolidated U.S. federal income Tax Return separately from the EWS Group (“SNI Consolidated
Return”), and applying such U.S. Tax laws and regulations as would have been applicable to
the SNI Group if it had so filed separately, but not taking into account any items that are
predicated on base amounts determined on a consolidated basis such as research Credits, subject
to the following:
(i) the SNI Group shall be treated as bound by all accounting methods, elections and other
determinations adopted or made by EWS for the EWS Group for all Affiliation Years, including,
but not limited to, determinations made in respect of carrybacks and carryovers;
(ii) the SNI Group shall be permitted to reduce its Adjusted Separate SNI Group Federal Tax
Liability (but not below zero) to the extent that the EWS Group is able to reduce its U.S.
federal income Tax liability in the EWS Consolidated Return for such Affiliation Year by
utilizing items of deduction, loss, or Credit of the SNI Group which the Parties determine the
SNI Group would have been unable to utilize if it had filed an SNI Consolidated Return
(“Excess Items”); provided, that if there are any limitations in the ability of
the EWS Group to utilize items in the same category as such Excess Items in their entirety for
such year, the SNI Group shall be limited in the reduction of its Adjusted Separate SNI Group
Federal Tax Liability to its share of such Excess Items on a Proportionate Basis;
provided, further, that if, pursuant to the above provisions, an Excess Item is
not usable, in whole or in part, by the EWS Group in one Affiliation Year, it may, pursuant to
Section 7.03 hereof, be carried over or carried back as an Excess Item to any other Affiliation
Year subject to the same limitations as above; and
(iii) the SNI Group shall take into account the items of SNI Group income, gain, loss, deduction
or Credit attributable to intercompany items, excess loss accounts, dual consolidated losses and
other items that are required to be restored, recaptured or otherwise triggered as a result of
the Distribution or related transactions.
“Adjustment” shall mean, with respect to any Affiliation Year, any change in actual Tax
liability from the Tax liability reported on an EWS Consolidated Return, including changes
attributable to amended Tax Returns, deficiencies asserted by a Taxing authority, overpayments,
and claims for refund, and changes required by application of the Code and Treasury Regulations
and Taxing authority audits, examinations, proceedings or litigation resulting from any of the
foregoing events (collectively, “Adjustment Events”). Adjustment shall mean with respect
of any Combined Year in which an SNI Combined Group files a Combined Return with a EWS Combined
Group as part of a Total Combined Group, any change in the actual Tax liability of the
applicable Total Combined Group, including changes attributable to Adjustment Events.
“Adjustment Events” shall have the definition of “Adjustment.”
“Affiliate” shall mean any entity that is directly or indirectly controlled by the
person in question; provided, however, that for purposes of this Agreement, as
of the Effective Time no member of either Group shall be deemed to be an Affiliate of any member
of the other Group. For this purpose, “control” shall mean the possession, directly or
indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and the policies of
a person, whether through ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise.
- 3 -
“Affiliation Year” shall mean each taxable year, or portion thereof, with respect to
which any member of the SNI Group joined or will join the EWS Group in the filing of an EWS
Consolidated Return.
“AMT” shall have the meaning assigned to it in Section 2.03.
“Article VIII Taxes” shall have the meaning assigned to it in Section 8.03.
“Code” shall mean the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. Any references herein
to sections of the Code or Treasury Regulations promulgated thereunder shall include any
successor provisions thereto.
“Combined Return” shall mean a combined, consolidated, or unitary U.S. state or local
income, franchise, business activities or gross receipts Tax Return.
“Combined State” shall mean a U.S. state or locality requiring or permitting the filing
of a Combined Return.
“Combined State Total Tax Liability” shall have the meaning assigned to it in Section
3.02.
“Combined Year” shall mean a taxable year (or portion thereof) in which an EWS Combined
Group files a Combined Return with an SNI Combined Group.
“CPMCO” shall mean Cable Program Management Co., G.P.
“Credits” shall mean all of the credits against U.S. federal income Tax or, as
applicable, against U.S. state or local Tax. Credits shall include, but not be limited to,
foreign Tax credits, research credits, low-income housing credits, investment Tax credits and
targeted job credits.
“Distribution” shall mean the distribution on a pro rata basis to holders of issued and
outstanding EWS Class A Common Shares and EWS Common Voting Shares, of all of the issued and
outstanding SNI Class A Common Shares and SNI Voting Common Shares (“SNI Common Shares”),
beneficially owned by EWS, by means of a dividend of such SNI Class A Common Shares and SNI
Voting Common Shares to such shareholders.
“Distribution Date” shall mean the date on which the Distribution shall be effected,
such date to be determined by, or under the authority of, the Board of Directors of EWS in its
sole and absolute discretion.
“Distribution Taxes” means (i) any Taxes imposed on, or increase in Taxes incurred by,
EWS or any EWS Affiliate, and any Taxes of an EWS shareholder (or former EWS shareholder) that
are required to be paid or reimbursed by EWS or any EWS Affiliate pursuant to a Final
Determination; (ii) all professional fees and court costs incurred in connection with such
Taxes; and (iii) all costs, expenses and damages associated with stockholder litigation or
controversies, including but not limited to, any amount paid by EWS, any EWS Affiliate, SNI, or
any SNI Affiliate, as the case may be, in respect of the liability of shareholders, whether paid
to shareholders, the IRS, any other Taxing authority, or any other person or entity, in each
case, arising from the Distribution and related transactions failing to have Tax-Free Status in
any manner, provided that EWS shall have vigorously defended itself in any legal proceeding
involving Taxes of an EWS shareholder, without regard to whether such Taxes are offset or
reduced by any Tax Asset, Tax Item, or otherwise resulting from, or arising in connection with,
the failure of the Internal Distribution or the Distribution to qualify as transactions in which
no income, gain or loss is recognized
- 4 -
pursuant to sections 355 and 368(a)(l)(D) of the Code (including any Tax resulting from the
application of section 355(d) or section 355(e) of the Code to the Internal Distribution or the
Distribution) or corresponding provisions of the laws of any other jurisdictions. Any income Tax
referred to in the immediately preceding sentence shall be determined using the highest
applicable statutory corporate income Tax rate (or rates, in the case of an item that affects
more than one Tax) for the relevant taxable period (or portion thereof) taking into account
deductions for interest paid or accrued and other related Taxes, such as state and local Taxes.
“Effective Time” shall mean the time at which the Distribution occurs on the
Distribution Date.
“Employee Matters Agreement” shall mean the Employee Matters Agreement of even date
herewith by and between EWS and SNI.
“Estimated State Taxes” shall have the meaning assigned to it in Section 3.06.
“EWS Additional Excess Items” shall have the meaning assigned to it in the definition of
“Excess EWS Group Benefits.”
“EWS Affiliate” shall mean an Affiliate of EWS other than SNI and SNI Affiliates.
“EWS AMT Liability” shall have the meaning assigned to it in Section 2.03.
“EWS Business” means all businesses and operations of the EWS Group, other than the SNI
Business.
“EWS Capital Stock” shall mean all classes or series of stock of EWS and all options,
warrants, derivatives, rights to acquire stock, and other interests and instruments taken into
account for purposes of determining a Fifty-Percent or Greater Interest in EWS.
“EWS Class A Common Shares” means the Class A Common Shares, par value $0.01 per share,
of EWS.
“EWS Combined Group” shall mean an affiliated group of corporations (as constituted from
time to time) owned directly or indirectly by EWS that EWS determines will join in filing a
Combined Return excluding members of an SNI Combined Group.
“EWS Common Voting Shares” means the Common Voting Shares, par value $0.01 per share, of
EWS.
“EWS Consolidated Return” shall mean a consolidated U.S. federal income Tax Return filed
by EWS on behalf of the EWS Group.
“EWS Director” shall have the meaning assigned to it in the Employee Matters Agreement.
“EWS Group” shall mean the affiliated group of corporations (as constituted from time to
time), of which EWS is the common parent, which EWS determines will join in filing a EWS
Consolidated Return.
“EWS Group State Tax Liability” shall have the meaning assigned to it in Section
3.02.
“EWS Issues” shall have the meaning assigned to it in Section 8.02.
- 5 -
“EWS Participant” shall have the meaning assigned to it in the Employee Matters
Agreement.
“Excess EWS Group Benefits” shall mean the amount by which the Parties agree that EWS
was able to reduce its U.S. federal income Tax liability in the EWS Consolidated Return for an
Affiliation Year by use of Excess Items which would reduce the Adjusted Separate SNI Group
Federal Tax Liability for such year, if zero, below zero
(“EWS Additional Excess Items”). Use of
EWS Additional Excess Items shall otherwise be subject to the same limitations and other
provisions applicable to the use of Excess Items, as determined by the Parties in good faith.
“Excess Items” shall have the meaning assigned to it in the definition of “Adjusted Separate SNI
Group Federal Tax Liability.”
“Excess SNI Group Benefits” shall mean the amount by which the Parties agree that SNI
was able to reduce its U.S. federal income Tax liability in the EWS Consolidated Return for an
Affiliation Year by use of Excess Items which would reduce the Adjusted Separate EWS Group
Federal Tax Liability for such year, if zero, below zero “SNI
Additional Excess Items”). Use of
SNI Additional Excess Items shall otherwise be subject to the same limitations and other
provisions applicable to the use of Excess Items, as determined by the Parties in good faith.
“Fifty-Percent or Greater Interest” shall mean a “50-percent or greater interest” for
purposes of Sections 355(d) and (e) of the Code and the Treasury Regulations promulgated
thereunder.
“Final Determination” shall mean the final resolution of liability for any Tax for any
taxable period, by or as a result of (i) a final and unappealable decision, judgment, decree or
other order by any court of competent jurisdiction; (ii) a final settlement with the IRS, a
closing agreement or accepted offer in compromise under section 7121 or section 7122 of the
Code, or a comparable agreement under the laws of other jurisdictions, which resolves the entire
Tax liability for any taxable period; (iii) any allowance of a refund or credit in respect of an
overpayment of Tax, but only after the expiration of all periods during which such refund may be
recovered by the jurisdiction imposing the Tax; or (iv) any other final disposition, including
by reason of the expiration of the applicable statute of limitations.
“Foreign Attribute” shall mean any item of income, gain, loss or deduction or any asset
or liability relevant to the computation of taxable income from sources without the United
States and any item of Credit described in Section 901 or 902 of the Code (without regard to the
limitation of Section 904 of the Code).
“Fraction” shall have the meaning assigned to it in Section 2.03(a).
“Highest Combined Tax Rate” for the taxable year in question shall mean the sum of (i)
the Highest Federal Tax Rate, and (ii) in the case of a corporation, the average, weighted by
jurisdiction, of the highest U.S. state and local income, franchise, and gross receipts Tax
rates that would be applicable to such a corporation (net of any U.S. federal income Tax
benefit), or in the case of a Person other than a corporation, the highest U.S. state and local
income Tax rates (net of any U.S. federal income Tax benefit) that would be applicable to such
Person or the beneficial owner(s) of such Person.
“Highest Federal Tax Rate” for the taxable year in question shall mean (i) in the case
of a corporation, the highest U.S. federal income Tax rate applicable to a corporation, or (ii)
in the case of a Person other than a corporation, the highest U.S. federal income Tax rate that
would be applicable to such Person or the beneficial owner(s) of such Person.
- 6 -
“Income Tax Benefit” shall mean the amount of the Tax savings realized by the applicable
group, as determined by the Parties. Such amount shall be determined by comparing (i) the actual
U.S. federal income Tax liability and the corresponding U.S. state and local income Tax
liability (net of any federal Tax benefit) of the applicable group for the taxable year in
question without giving effect to the items in question with (ii) the actual U.S. federal income
Tax liability and the corresponding U.S. state and local Tax liability (net of any federal Tax
benefit) of the applicable group for such year after giving full effect to such items. An Income
Tax Benefit shall be deemed to be realized at the time that the applicable group receives a
refund or credit for refund from the relevant Taxing authority.
“Income Tax Detriment” shall mean the amount of additional Tax incurred by the
applicable group, as determined by the Parties. Such amount shall be determined by comparing (i)
the actual U.S. federal income Tax and the corresponding U.S. state and local Tax liability (net
of any U.S. federal income Tax benefit) of the applicable group for the taxable year in question
after giving full effect to the items in question with (ii) the actual U.S. federal income Tax
and the corresponding U.S. state and local Tax liability (net of any U.S. federal income Tax
benefit) of the applicable group without giving effect to such items. Unless otherwise provided
herein, an Income Tax Detriment shall be deemed to be incurred at such time as payment is made
to the relevant Taxing authority upon a Final Determination of items
in questions. In computing
the Tax liability of the EWS Group for purposes of clause (i) of the second sentence of this
definition or clause (ii) of the second sentence of the definition of “Income Tax Benefit”
above, increases or decreases in the U.S. federal, state or local income Tax liability of the
EWS Group attributable to the effect on EWS’ (or any EWS subsidiary’s) basis in the stock of any
member of the SNI Group will not be taken into account.
“Internal Distribution” shall mean the distribution by Scripps Xxxxxx Broadcasting
Company of all of the common stock of SNI to EWS.
“IRS” shall mean the U.S. Internal Revenue Service.
“Joint EWS/SNI Director” shall have the meaning assigned to it in the Employee Matters
Agreement.
“Minimum Tax Credit” shall have the meaning assigned to it in Section 2.03.
“Newspaper Business and EWS Businesses” shall mean the business of EWS so designated, as
described in the Ruling Request.
“NOLs” shall have the meaning assigned to it in Section 3.03.
“Options” shall have the meaning assigned to it in the Employee Matters Agreement.
“Person” shall mean an individual or a partnership, corporation, limited liability
company, association, joint stock company, trust, joint venture, unincorporated organization, or
other entity, without regard to whether such entity is treated as disregarded for U.S. federal
income Tax purposes.
“Post-Affiliation Year” shall mean a taxable period after the Distribution Date during
which SNI and its subsidiaries do not join the EWS Group in the filing of a EWS Consolidated
Return.
“Post-Combined Year” shall mean a taxable period after the Distribution Date during
which SNI and its subsidiaries do not join a Total Combined Group in the filing of a Combined
Return with an EWS Combined Group.
- 7 -
“Proportionate Basis” shall mean, with respect to an item or items attributable to a
particular member or members of the SNI Group, the determination of the portion of such items
based on the total value of such items over the total value of all items in the same category
for the entire EWS Group for the same Affiliation Year of the EWS Group, subject to any
appropriate Adjustments thereto, as determined by the Parties.
“Proposed EWS Group Acquisition Transaction” shall mean a transaction or series of
transactions (or any agreement, understanding or arrangement, within the meaning of Section
355(e) of the Code and the Treasury Regulations promulgated thereunder, to enter into a
transaction or series of transactions), as a result of which EWS would merge or consolidate with
any other Person or as a result of which any Person or any group of Persons would (directly or
indirectly) acquire, or have the right to acquire through the acquisition of an option or
otherwise, from EWS and/or one or more holders of EWS Capital Stock, an amount of EWS Capital
Stock that would, when combined with any other changes in ownership of EWS Capital Stock
pertinent for purposes of Section 355(e) of the Code and the Treasury Regulations promulgated
thereunder including any redemption or repurchase (directly by the Company or through an EWS
Affiliate) of any EWS Capital Stock, or rights to acquire such stock and any transfer, sale, or
disposition of EWS Capital Stock owned by the X.X. Xxxxxxx Trust other than to its beneficiaries
upon termination of the X.X. Xxxxxxx Trust, comprise 40% or more of (A) the value of all
outstanding EWS Capital Stock as of the date of such transaction, or in the case of a series of
transactions, the date of the last transaction of such series, or (B) the total combined voting
power of all outstanding EWS Capital Stock as of the date of such transaction, or in the case of
a series of transactions, the date of the last transaction of such series. For purposes of
determining whether a transaction constitutes an indirect acquisition for purposes of the first
sentence of this definition, any recapitalization resulting in a shift of voting power or any
redemption of shares of stock shall be treated as an indirect acquisition of shares of stock by
the non-exchanging shareholders. This definition and the application thereof are intended to
monitor compliance with Section 355(e) of the Code and the Treasury Regulations promulgated
thereunder.
“Proposed SNI Acquisition Transaction” shall mean a transaction or series of
transactions (or any agreement, understanding or arrangement, within the meaning of Section
355(e) of the Code and the Treasury Regulations promulgated thereunder, to enter into a
transaction or series of transactions), as a result of which SNI would merge or consolidate with
any other Person or as a result of which any Person or any group of Persons would (directly or
indirectly) acquire, or have the right to acquire through the acquisition of an option or
otherwise, from SNI and/or one or more holders of SNI Capital Stock, an amount of SNI Capital
Stock that would, when combined with any other changes in ownership of SNI Capital Stock
pertinent for purposes of Section 355(e) of the Code and the Treasury Regulations promulgated
thereunder including any redemption or repurchase (directly by SNI or through an SNI Affiliate)
of any SNI Capital Stock, or rights to acquire such stock and any transfer, sale or disposition
of SNI Capital Stock owned by the X.X. Xxxxxxx Trust other than to its beneficiaries upon
termination of the X.X. Xxxxxxx Trust, comprise 40% or more of (A) the value of all outstanding
SNI Capital Stock as of the date of such transaction, or in the case of a series of
transactions, the date of the last transaction of such series, or (B) the total combined voting
power of all outstanding SNI Capital Stock as of the date of such transaction, or in the case of
a series of transactions, the date of the last transaction of such series. For purposes of
determining whether a transaction constitutes an indirect acquisition for purposes of the first
sentence of this definition, any recapitalization resulting in a shift of voting power or any
redemption of shares of stock shall be treated as an indirect acquisition of shares of stock by
the non-exchanging shareholders. This definition and the application thereof are intended to
monitor compliance with Section 355(e) of the Code and the Treasury Regulations promulgated
thereunder.
“RAR” shall have the meaning assigned to it in Section 8.03.
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“Representation Letters” shall have the meaning assigned to it in Section 5.01.
“Restricted Shares” shall have the meaning assigned to it in the Employee Matters
Agreement.
“Restricted Share Units” shall have the meaning assigned to it in the Employee Matters
Agreement.
“Ruling” shall mean (a) the private letter ruling (and any supplemental private letter
ruling) issued by the IRS to EWS in connection with the separation and distribution and (b) any
similar ruling (including any supplemental ruling) issued by any Taxing authority other than the
IRS in connection with the Separation and Distribution.
“Ruling Documents” means the Ruling and the Ruling Request.
“Ruling Request” means any letter filed by EWS with the IRS or any other Taxing
authority requesting a ruling regarding certain tax consequences of the Separation and
Distribution (including all attachments, exhibits, and other materials submitted with such
ruling request letter) and any amendment or supplement to such ruling request letter, including
but not limited to the request for rulings to the IRS in respect of the Distribution and related
matters, dated November 28, 2007.
“Section 6.02 Claims” shall mean claims for refund attributable to items described in
and filed pursuant to Section 6.02 of this Agreement.
“Separation” shall have the meaning assigned to it in the recitals to this Agreement.
“SNI Additional Excess Items” shall have the meaning assigned to it in the definition of
“Excess SNI Group Benefits.”
“SNI Affiliate” shall mean an Affiliate of SNI.
“SNI AMT Liability” shall have the meaning assigned to it in Section 2.03.
“SNI Business” means the business and operations conducted by the SNI Group from time to
time, whether prior to, at or after the Effective Time, including the business and operations
conducted by the SNI Group as more fully described in the Ruling Request and in the SNI
Information Statement.
“SNI Capital Stock” shall mean all classes or series of stock of SNI and all options,
warrants, derivatives, rights to acquire stock, and other interests and instruments taken into
account for purposes of determining a Fifty-Percent or Greater Interest in SNI.
“SNI Class A Common Shares” shall mean the Class A Common Shares, par value $0.01 per
share, of SNI.
“SNI Combined Group” shall mean an affiliated group of corporations (as constituted from
time to time), consisting of SNI or its directly or indirectly owned subsidiaries, that EWS
determines will join in filing a Combined Return with an EWS Combined Group.
“SNI Common Voting Shares” shall mean the Common Voting Shares, par value $0.01 per
share, of SNI.
“SNI Consolidated Return” shall have the meaning assigned to it in the definition of
“Adjusted Separate SNI Group Federal Tax Liability.”
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“SNI Director” shall have the meaning assigned to it in the Employee Matters Agreement.
“SNI Group” shall mean the affiliated group of corporations (as constituted from time to time),
consisting of SNI or its directly or indirectly owned subsidiaries, that EWS determines will
join in filing a EWS Consolidated Return.
“SNI Group State Tax Liability” shall have the meaning assigned to it in Section 3.02.
“SNI Information Statement” means the definitive information statement distributed to
holders of EWS Common Shares in connection with the Distribution and filed with the SEC as
Exhibit 99.1 to the Registration Statement or as an exhibit to a
Form 8-K of SNI.
“SNI Issues” shall have the meaning assigned to it in
Section 8.02.
“SNI Participant” shall have the meaning assigned to it in the Employee Matters Agreement.
“SNI Separate AMT” shall have the meaning assigned to it in 2.03.
“SNI
Unsettled Issues” shall have the meaning assigned to it in
Section 8.03.
“Tax” or “Taxes” shall mean any tax, assessment, duty, fee or other charge imposed or collected
by any government or political subdivision thereof or any Taxing authority thereunder, including
but not limited to, any income, gross income, gross receipts, profits, capital stock, franchise,
withholding, payroll, social security, premium, guarantee fund, workers compensation,
unemployment, disability, property, ad valorem, stamp, excise, severance, occupation, service,
sales, use, license, lease, transfer, import, export, value added, minimum, alternative minimum,
estimated or other tax (including any assessment, duty, fee or other charge in the nature of or
in lieu of any such tax), and any interest, penalties, additions to tax, or additional amounts
in respect of the foregoing.
“Tax
Advisor” shall mean a United States law or accounting firm of national standing in the
field of taxation selected by the Parties.
“Tax Contest” shall mean an audit, review, examination, contest or any other
administrative or judicial proceeding with the purpose or effect of redetermining Taxes of any
Party (including any administrative or judicial review of any claim for refund) for any Tax
period.
“Tax-Free Status” shall mean the qualification of the Distribution and related
transactions as a distribution in which no gain or loss is recognized, and no amount is
includible in income, for U.S. federal income Tax purposes (other than intercompany items,
excess loss accounts or other items required to be taken into account pursuant to the Treasury
Regulations promulgated under Section 1502 of the Code).
“Tax-Related Losses” shall mean (i) all U.S. federal, state and local Taxes payable
pursuant to any Final Determination or otherwise; (ii) all professional fees, and court costs
incurred in connection with such Taxes; and (iii) all costs, expenses and damages associated
with stockholder litigation or controversies, including but not limited to, any amount paid by
EWS, any EWS Affiliate, SNI, or any SNI Affiliate, as the case may be, in respect of the
liability of shareholders, whether paid to shareholders, the IRS, any other Taxing authority, or
any other person or entity, in each case, arising from the Distribution and related transactions
failing to have Tax-Free Status in any manner.
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“Tax Return” shall mean any Tax return (including any amended return), report,
information return, election, notice or other document filed or to be filed with a Taxing
authority, including any schedules or related or supporting information.
“Television Network and Interactive Businesses” shall mean the business of SNI so
designated, as described in the Ruling Request.
“Total Combined Group” shall mean, with respect to any U.S. jurisdiction that requires
or permits the filing of a Combined Return, the affiliated group of corporations (as constituted
from time to time), that EWS determines will join in the filing of such Combined Return that
includes a EWS Combined Group and an SNI Combined Group.
“TPIs” shall have the meaning assigned to it in Section 2.03.
“Treasury Regulations shall mean U.S. Treasury regulations issued under the Code.
“Unqualified Tax Opinion” shall mean an unqualified “will” opinion of a law firm of
nationally recognized standing in the field of taxation. Any such opinion shall assume that the
Distribution and related transactions would have qualified for Tax-Free Status had the
transaction in question not occurred.
SECTION
1.02. General Interpretive Principles. (a) Words in the singular shall include
the plural and vice versa, and words of one gender shall include the other gender, in each case,
as the context requires, (b) the term “hereof,” “herein,” “hereunder,” and “herewith” and words
of similar import shall, unless otherwise stated, be construed to refer to this Agreement and
not to any particular provision of this Agreement, and any references to Article, Section,
paragraph, exhibit and schedule are references to the Articles, Sections, paragraphs, exhibits
and schedules to this Agreement unless otherwise specified, (c) the word “including” and words
of similar import when used in this Agreement shall mean “including, without limitation,” unless
otherwise specified and (d) any reference to any federal, state, local or non-U.S. statute or
law shall be deemed to also refer to all rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, unless
the context otherwise requires.
SECTION 1.03. Applicable Standards. Except as otherwise specifically provided herein,
this Agreement shall supersede in all respects any and all policies and procedures governing the
allocation of Tax liability among the members of the EWS Group or the Total Combined Groups.
Except as otherwise specifically provided hereunder, all determinations and actions required
under this Agreement will be taken by EWS and shall be made in good faith taking into account,
among other factors, the goal of reducing the aggregate Taxes of the Parties. It is the
intention of the Parties that this Agreement shall be administered in a manner so that the
allocation of income, deduction, loss or Credit between the Parties will produce Tax
consequences for the Parties, on a current, carryback and carryover basis, that are consistent
with those that are required by the Code and Treasury Regulations.
ARTICLE II
U.S. CONSOLIDATED FEDERAL INCOME TAX LIABILITIES
U.S. CONSOLIDATED FEDERAL INCOME TAX LIABILITIES
SECTION 2.01. Affiliation Years.
(a) SNI and EWS Tax Liabilities. SNI irrevocably designates and agrees to cause each of its
Affiliates to so designate EWS as its agent to take any and all actions necessary or incidental
to the preparation and filing of EWS Consolidated Returns. EWS shall be responsible for, and
shall indemnify and hold SNI and the SNI Affiliates harmless against all U.S. federal income tax
liabilities in respect of members of the EWS Group (other than members of the SNI Group) under
Treasury Regulations Section
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1.1502-6. SNI shall be responsible for, and shall indemnify and hold EWS and the EWS Affiliates
harmless against, the U.S. federal income Tax liability of the SNI Group for all taxable years
ending on or before December 31, 2008, including, without limitation, the 2007 Tax Liability and
the 2008 Tax Liability. SNI shall be liable for and pay EWS the Adjusted Separate SNI Group
Federal Tax Liability for each such Affiliation Year. EWS shall pay SNI, but SNI shall remain
liable for, Excess EWS Group Benefits, if any, for any such year if the Adjusted Separate SNI
Group Federal Tax Liability for such year is zero. SNI shall pay EWS but EWS shall remain liable
for, Excess SNI Group Benefits, if any, for the Taxable year of the EWS Group ending on December
31, 2007, if the Adjusted Separate EWS Group Federal Tax Liability for such Taxable year is
zero.
(b) 2007 Tax Liability. At least three (3) business days before EWS files the EWS Consolidated
Return for the 2007 Taxable Year, the Parties shall determine the amount of the 2007 Tax
Liability or any Excess EWS Group Benefits for such year (“2007 Excess EWS Group
Benefits”) or any Excess SNI Group Benefits for such year (“2007 Excess SNI Group
Benefits”). SNI shall pay to EWS or EWS shall pay to SNI an amount equal to the difference
between (i) the 2007 Tax Liability and (ii) (A) the sum of any payments previously made by SNI
to EWS with respect to the 2007 Tax Liability, reduced (to and below zero) by (B) the sum of any
payments previously made or to be made by EWS to SNI in respect of any 2007 Excess EWS Group
Benefits and increased by the payments made or to be made by SNI to EWS with respect to the 2007
Excess SNI Group Benefits. The “2007 Tax Liability” is the Adjusted Separate SNI Group
Federal Tax Liability for the taxable year ending on December 31, 2007 (“2007 Taxable
Year”). Payment by SNI is due within one (1) business days after notice by EWS. Payment by
EWS is due within thirty (30) business days of filing the EWS Consolidated Return for the
2007 Taxable Year.
SECTION 2.02. 2008 Taxable Year.
(a) 2008 Tax Liability. SNI shall be responsible and pay EWS for, and shall indemnify and
hold EWS and the EWS Affiliates harmless against, the “2008 Tax Liability,” which shall include,
but not be limited to, all liabilities arising from the triggering of intercompany and other
items as described in clause (iii) of the definition above of “Adjusted Separate SNI Group
Federal Tax Liability” and all Taxes attributable to the income of CPMCO for the 2008 Taxable
Year. EWS agrees to indemnify and hold SNI and SNI Affiliates harmless against U.S. federal
income tax liabilities in respect of members of the EWS Group (other than members of the SNI
Group) under Treasury Regulation Section 1.1502-6 other than Tax liability attributable to the
income of CPMCO for the 2008 Taxable Year. The “2008 Tax Liability” is the Adjusted
Separate SNI Group Federal Tax Liability for the taxable year beginning on January 1, 2008 and
ending on and including the Distribution Date (the “2008 Taxable Year”) and all taxes
attributable to the income of CPMCO for the 2008 Taxable Year. EWS shall pay SNI but SNI shall
remain liable for the Excess EWS Group Benefits, if any, for the taxable year of the EWS Group
ending on December 31, 2008 if the Adjusted Separate SNI Group Federal Tax Liability is zero
under the preceding sentence (“2008 Excess EWS Group Benefits”). SNI shall pay EWS but
EWS shall remain liable for, Excess SNI Group Benefits, if any, for the Taxable year of the EWS
Group ending on December 31, 2008, if the Adjusted Separate EWS Group Federal Tax Liability for
such Taxable year is zero (“2008 Excess SNI Group Benefits”).
(b) Estimated Payments, Etc. From and after the date of this Agreement, SNI shall pay to EWS no
later than the day before each due date for the payment of quarterly estimated U.S. federal
income Taxes for the taxable year of the EWS Group ending on December 31, 2008 and the payment
due March 15, 2009 the difference, if any, between (A) 2008 Tax Liability due based on the
method for making estimated payments elected by EWS pursuant to Section 6655 of the Code, and
(B) the sum of any payments previously made by SNI to EWS with respect to the 2008 Tax
Liability.
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(c) Payment Upon Filing Return. At least three (3) business days before the day that EWS files
the EWS Consolidated Return for the 2008 Taxable Year, EWS shall determine the amount of the
2008 Tax Liability, any 2008 Excess EWS Group Benefits, and any 2008 Excess SNI Group Benefits.
SNI shall pay to EWS or EWS shall pay to SNI, as the case may be, the difference between (i) the
2008 Tax Liability and (ii) (A) the sum of the payments previously made by SNI to EWS with
respect to the 2008 Tax Liability reduced (to and below zero) by (B) the sum of any payments
previously made or to be made by EWS to SNI in respect of any 2008 Excess EWS Group Benefits and
increased by any payments made or to be made by SNI to EWS in respect of any 2008 Excess SNI
Group Benefits and all Taxes attributable to the income of all CPMCO for the 2008 Taxable Year.
Payment by SNI is due within at least one (1) business day before the date on which such Tax is
required to be paid. Payment by EWS is due within thirty (30) business days of filing the EWS
Consolidated Return for the 2008 Taxable Year.
(d) Settling Tax Payable Accounts. On or before the Distribution Date, SNI and EWS shall
cooperate to settle all intercompany accounts with respect to Taxes for all Affiliation Years
and all
Combined Years based on the most accurate and complete information then available. SNI and EWS
shall finally settle such accounts as otherwise provided in this Article II.
(e) Assignment of Taxable Items. The Parties shall determine the amounts of income, gain, loss,
deduction, and Credit of the SNI Group for the 2008 Taxable Year that are properly includable in
the EWS Consolidated Return for the taxable year of the EWS Group
ending on December 31, 2008.
For all relevant purposes of this Agreement, the members of the SNI Group and each SNI Combined
Group shall cease to be members of the EWS Group and their respective Total Combined Groups, as
of the end of the Distribution Date, and SNI shall cause the books of account of the members of
the SNI Group and the SNI Combined Groups to be closed for accounting and Tax purposes as of the
end of the Distribution Date in accordance with EWS’s direction. In determining consolidated
taxable income for the taxable period that ends on the Distribution Date, the income and other
items of the SNI Group shall be determined in accordance with Treasury Regulations Section
1.1502-76(b)(l), -76(b)(2)(i) and — 76(b)(2)(iv) and no election shall be made under Treasury
Regulation Section 1.1502-76(b)(2)(ii)(D) to ratably allocate items. However, an allocation
shall be made under Treasury Regulations Section 1.1502- 76(b)(2)(iii) if such allocation is
determined by the Parties to be necessary to appropriately allocate income in the event that the
Distribution Date occurs on any date other than the last or first day of any month. Pursuant to
Treasury Regulations Section 1.1502-76(b)(2)(vi), any item of a pass-through entity that is
owned by a member of the SNI Group shall be allocated as if such member sold its entire interest
in the entity immediately before the Distribution. In the event that a member or members of the
SNI Group would be treated as owning an interest of less than 50% in the aggregate in such
pass-through entity, then pursuant to Treasury Regulations Section 1.706-l(c)(ii), each such
member’s share of any distributive items shall be the amount determined by taking into account
the pro rata part of such items that such member would have included in taxable income had such
member remained a partner or owner of the pass-through entity until the end of the partnership
tax year based on the portion of the partnership taxable year that has elapsed through the
Distribution Date or upon such other reasonable method that the Parties may agree. SNI and SNI
Affiliates shall file their respective Tax Returns for the taxable period beginning on the first
day after the Distribution Date consistently with such determinations.
(f) Determining Foreign Attributes. Without limiting the foregoing, the Parties shall also
determine the portion of any Foreign Attribute for the SNI Group that is allocable to the
taxable year ending December 31, 2008, provided, that such portion to be allocated will not
include any amount described in Section 951 (a) of the Code (relating to inclusions in income of
controlled foreign corporation earnings) or any amount described in Section 1293(a) of the Code
(relating to inclusions in income of qualified electing fund earnings), or any indirect foreign
Tax Credit under Sections 960 and 1293(f) of the Code for foreign income Taxes deemed paid with
respect to either of these items; and provided, further, that, without the prior
written consent of EWS, such consent not being unreasonably
withheld, SNI and its
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subsidiaries shall not elect to recapture an amount of taxable income from
sources without the U.S. of any member of the SNI Group greater than the minimum amount required
by Section 904(f)(l) of the Code for any Affiliation Year. SNI shall provide EWS with all
information it reasonably requests to make any determination under this subsection (f). EWS will
likewise share all information with SNI necessary for SNI to determine its share of the
consolidated foreign Tax Credits for the taxable year ending December 31, 2008 and all prior
taxable years.
SECTION 2.03. U.S. Federal Alternative Minimum Tax.
(a) SNI Tax Liability. Notwithstanding any other provision in this Agreement, if, for any
Affiliation Year, the EWS Group is liable for alternative minimum Tax for U.S. federal income
Tax purposes (or any similar U.S. federal Tax) (“AMT”) and the SNI Group would be liable for AMT
if it filed a Tax Return as a separate consolidated group (“SNI Separate AMT”). SNI
shall pay to EWS an amount (the “SNI AMT Liability”) determined by the Parties equal to
the product of the AMT liability for the EWS Group (the “EWS AMT Liability”) and a fraction (the
“Fraction”) (x) the numerator of which is the sum of the Tax preference items and
adjustments of the SNI Group relevant for purposes of the computation of AMT (the
“TPIs”) for such Affiliation Year and (y) the denominator of which is the sum of the
TPIs of all members of the EWS Group for such Affiliation Year. The SNI AMT Liability for such
Affiliation Year shall not exceed the amount of the SNI Separate AMT for such Affiliation Year.
(b) Minimum Tax Credits. If for any Affiliation Year SNI has paid to EWS the SNI AMT Liability,
EWS shall pay to SNI its proportionate share (determined below) of the minimum Tax credit for
U.S. federal income Tax purposes (the “Minimum Tax Credit”) arising from such
Affiliation Year which is actually utilized by the EWS Group in a subsequent Affiliation Year.
SNI’s proportionate share of such credit for any Affiliation Year shall be equal to the product
of such credit and the Fraction (defined in subsection (a) above). In no event shall SNI be paid
amounts in the aggregate in respect of such credit in excess of the corresponding SNI AMT
Liability.
ARTICLE III
U.S. COMBINED STATE AND LOCAL INCOME TAX LIABILITIES
U.S. COMBINED STATE AND LOCAL INCOME TAX LIABILITIES
SECTION 3.01. Returns Covered. If any member of an EWS Combined Group and any member of
an SNI Combined Group are required to file, or if the Parties elect that any member of an EWS
Combined Group and any member of an SNI Combined Group shall file a Combined Return for any
taxable years, or where any U.S. state or local Taxing authority successfully asserts such a
combined filing requirement, the allocation and settlement of amounts due between the Parties
shall be governed by this Article III.
SECTION 3.02. Pre-2008 Taxable Year. For each taxable year ending on or before December
31, 2007, the Parties shall determine each SNI Combined Group’s respective share, as determined
below, of the total U.S. state and local Tax liability in each such Combined State (each a
“Combined State Total Tax Liability”). The SNI Combined Group’s share of each Combined
State Total Tax Liability (“SNI Group State Tax Liability”) will be based on the
apportionment percentage of all members of the SNI Combined Group, determined with reference
only to those companies that are subject to such state’s taxing jurisdiction, as if such members
of the SNI Combined Group had filed a separate Combined Return. The SNI Group State Tax
Liability will include any minimum or similar Taxes for members of each SNI Combined Group that
may be required by the relevant state or locality. SNI shall be responsible for and pay to EWS,
and shall indemnify EWS and EWS Affiliates from and against the SNI Group State Tax Liability
for each Combined Return for all taxable years ending on or before December 31, 2007. Any
Combined State Total Tax Liability in excess of the SNI Group State Tax Liability (“EWS
Group State Tax Liability”) shall be the responsibility of EWS and EWS shall indemnify SNI
and SNI Affiliates
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from and against the EWS Group State Tax Liability for all taxable years ending on or before
December 31, 2007.
SECTION 3.03. Operating Losses. Consistent with the approach applied for operating units
of Total Combined Groups, the SNI Group State Tax Liability will not be reduced by, nor will SNI
or any other SNI Combined Group member receive any payment, credit or benefit for, U.S. state or
local net operating losses (“NOLs”), including any carryback or carryover NOLs, that any such
member generates for U.S. state or local income Tax purposes on a stand-alone basis, whether or
not they are used in a Combined Return (except insofar as such NOLs may reduce the SNI Combined
Group’s share of the total U.S. state and local Tax liability for a Total Combined Return).
SECTION 3.04. 2008 Taxable Year. For the taxable years beginning on January 1, 2008, the
Parties shall determine the SNI Combined Group’s share of the total U.S state and local Tax
liability in each Combined State in the same manner as set forth in Sections 3.02 and 3.03
above, taking into account the apportionment percentages and other relevant items of each
appropriate SNI Combined Group through and including the Distribution Date. SNI shall be
responsible for and pay to EWS, and shall indemnify EWS and the EWS Affiliates from and against,
the SNI Group State Tax Liability for all Combined Returns and all Taxes attributable to the
income of CPMCO for the taxable years beginning January 1, 2008.
SECTION 3.05. Short-Year State and Local Returns. EWS and SNI agree that Combined
Returns filed for Tax periods beginning January 1, 2008, will reflect a short taxable year for
SNI ending on the Distribution Date in any state or local taxing jurisdiction in which such Tax
year is allowed by administrative practice, whether or not required by law.
SECTION 3.06. Estimated Taxes. Etc. For each Combined State, the Parties will determine
the SNI Combined Group’s estimated Tax payments and extension payments (collectively,
“Estimated State Taxes”), will prescribe the information required to be provided by the
SNI Combined Group to support EWS’s preparation and filing of Combined Returns and payment of
Estimated State Taxes, together with a schedule of due dates for providing of such information
and paying its share of Estimated State Taxes, and SNI will timely and accurately provide and
pay the same to EWS, the Parties will calculate the aggregate SNI Group State Tax Liability for
all Combined States for a Combined Year less a credit for aggregate Estimated State Taxes paid
or determine the refund due to SNI to the extent aggregate Estimated State Taxes paid by SNI
exceed the aggregate SNI Group State Tax Liability. Payment by SNI is due within one (1)
business day before the date such Tax are required to be paid. Payment by EWS to SNI of any SNI
overpayment is due within five (5) business days after the return including the overpayment is
filed.
SECTION 3.07. Adjustments.
(a) If an Adjustment occurs, the SNI Group State Tax Liability for the year in question shall
be recomputed by the Parties, including all changes to apportionment percentages that result
from such Adjustment. SNI shall make payments to EWS for an increase in the SNI Group Tax
Liability or EWS shall make payments to SNI for a decrease in the SNI Group Tax Liability,
including its allocable share of interest, penalties and additions to Tax and external costs.
Payment in respect of such Adjustments by SNI is due at least one (1) business day before the
date payment of such Adjustment is required to be made. Payment in respect of such Adjustments
by EWS is due within five (5) business days after EWS receives a refund or credit for refund in
respect of the items in question.
(b) Subject to Article VIII, the Parties shall jointly control all Tax Contests relating to any
such Adjustments.
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ARTICLE IV
SEPARATE TAX RETURN OBLIGATIONS
SEPARATE TAX RETURN OBLIGATIONS
SECTION 4.01. SNI Tax Liability. SNI shall be responsible for, and shall indemnify and
hold harmless EWS and EWS Affiliates against, any and all U.S. federal, state and local and
non-U.S. Taxes that are required to be reported on any separate Tax Return that does not include
EWS or any EWS Affiliate; provided, however, for the 2008 Taxable Year the SNI Tax
Liability shall include all Taxes attributable to the income of CPMCO.
SECTION 4.02. EWS Tax Liability. EWS shall be responsible for, and shall indemnify and
hold harmless SNI and SNI Affiliates against, any and all U.S. federal, state and local and
non-U.S. Taxes that are required to be reported on any separate Tax Return that does not include
SNI or any SNI Affiliate; provided, however, for the 2008 Taxable Year the EWS Tax
Liability shall not include any Taxes attributable to the income of CPMCO.
SECTION 4.03. Separate Return Adjustments. If there is an adjustment to a separate Tax
Return of EWS and/or EWS Affiliates, or SNI and/or SNI Affiliates, as the case may be, that
results in the inclusion in income in such Tax Return of income attributable to the other group
of companies, and the recipient thereby incurs an Income Tax Detriment, SNI shall pay to EWS or
EWS shall pay to SNI, as the case may be, an amount equal to such Income Tax Detriment
(including any interest, penalties and additions to Tax) within thirty (30) business days after
the Final Determination of such Income Tax Detriment.
ARTICLE V
TAX-FREE STATUS OF DISTRIBUTION
TAX-FREE STATUS OF DISTRIBUTION
SECTION
5.01. Tax-Free Status Ruling, Etc. SNI will not take or fail to take or permit
any SNI Affiliates to take or fail to take any action inconsistent with or that will cause to be
untrue any material information or representation in the Ruling Documents, representation
letters that the Tax Advisor relied upon in rendering an opinion or opinions on the Tax-Free
Status (“Representation Letters”) or formal advice or opinion. EWS will not take or fail to take
or permit any EWS Affiliates to take or fail to take any action inconsistent with or that will
cause to be untrue any material information or representation in the Ruling Documents,
Representation Letters or formal advice or opinion. In the event any material information or
representation in the Ruling Documents or Representation Letters shall be untrue, EWS and SNI
agree to allocate the Distribution Taxes arising therefrom 20% to EWS and 80% to SNI, SNI shall
be responsible for, and shall indemnify and hold EWS and EWS Affiliates, and their direct and
indirect shareholders harmless against, 80% of any Distribution Taxes and EWS shall be
responsible for and shall indemnify and hold SNI and SNI Affiliates, and their direct and
indirect shareholders harmless against 20% of any Distribution Taxes.
SECTION 5.02. Maintaining Status of Active Business. SNI agrees that it intends to
maintain the status of the Television Network and Interactive Businesses as an active trade or
business as defined in Section 355(b)(2) of the Code and the Treasury Regulations promulgated
thereunder, that is part of, or treated as part of, the SNI Group for U.S. federal income Tax
purposes. EWS agrees that it intends to maintain the status of the Newspaper Business and EWS
Businesses as an active trade or business as defined in Section 355(b)(2) of the Code and the
Treasury Regulations promulgated thereunder that is part of, or treated as part of the EWS Group
for U.S. federal income Tax purposes.
SECTION 5.03. Limits on Proposed Acquisition Transactions.
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(a) SNI agrees that, from the date hereof until the first day after the second anniversary of
the Distribution Date, it shall not (i) enter into any Proposed SNI Acquisition Transaction,
approve any Proposed SNI Acquisition Transaction or, to the extent SNI has the right to prohibit
any Proposed SNI Acquisition Transaction, permit any Proposed SNI Acquisition Transaction to
occur (whether by
redeeming rights under a shareholder rights plan, finding a tender offer to be a “permitted
offer” under any such plan or otherwise causing any such plan to be inapplicable or neutralized
with respect to any Proposed SNI Acquisition Transaction), (ii) merge or consolidate with any
other Person or liquidate or partially liquidate, (iii) sell or otherwise transfer in a single
transaction or series of transactions 40% or more of the gross or net assets of the SNI Business
or 40% or more of the consolidated gross or net assets of SNI and the SNI Affiliates (such
percentages to be measured based on fair market value as of the Distribution Date), (iv) redeem
or otherwise repurchase (directly or through an SNI Affiliate) any SNI Capital Stock, or rights
to acquire such stock other than open market repurchases of less than 10 %, in the aggregate, of
SNI Class A Common Shares provided such stock repurchases meet the requirements of Rev. Proc.
96-30, 1996-1 C.B. 696); (v) amend its certificate of incorporation (or other organizational
documents), or take any other action, whether through a stockholder vote or otherwise, affecting
the relative voting rights of the separate classes of SNI Capital Stock (including, without
limitation, through the conversion of one class of SNI Capital Stock into another class of SNI
Capital Stock) or (vi) take any other action or actions (including any action or transaction
that would be reasonably likely to be inconsistent with any representation made in the Ruling
Documents, or Representation Letters, or any rulings, formal advice or opinion described in
Section 5.01 above) which in the aggregate (taking into account any other transactions described
in this Section 5.03) would be reasonably likely to have the effect of causing or permitting one
or more Persons (whether or not acting in concert) to acquire, directly or indirectly, SNI
Capital Stock representing a Fifty-Percent or Greater Interest in SNI or otherwise jeopardize
the Tax-Free Status, unless prior to taking any such action set forth in the foregoing clauses
(i) through (vi), (A) SNI shall have requested that EWS obtain a private letter ruling from the
IRS and EWS shall have received such a ruling in form and substance satisfactory to EWS that
confirms that the Tax- Free Status will be preserved, taking into account such action and other
transactions in the aggregate, or (B) SNI shall provide EWS with an Unqualified Tax Opinion in
form and substance acceptable to EWS (and on which EWS may rely) that confirms that the Tax-Free
Status will be preserved, taking into account such action and other transactions in the
aggregate, or (C) EWS shall have waived the requirement to obtain such ruling or opinion. In
determining whether such a ruling is satisfactory or such opinion is acceptable, EWS may
consider, among other factors, the appropriateness of any underlying assumptions and
representations made in connection with such ruling or opinion. To the extent that any such
ruling or opinion concerns the acquisition of a Fifty-Percent or Greater Interest in SNI, it
shall expressly conclude that such acquisition will satisfy one or more of the safe harbors
described in the Treasury Regulations promulgated under Section 355(e) of the Code. SNI shall
bear all costs and expenses of securing any such ruling or opinion and shall reimburse EWS for
all external costs and expenses that it may incur in good faith in seeking to obtain or evaluate
any such ruling or opinion.
(b) EWS agrees that, from the date hereof until the first day after the second anniversary of
the Distribution Date, it shall not (i) enter into any Proposed EWS Group Acquisition
Transaction, approve any Proposed Acquisition Transaction or, to the extent EWS has the right to
prohibit any Proposed EWS Group Acquisition Transaction, permit any Proposed EWS Group
Acquisition Transaction to occur (whether by redeeming rights under a shareholder rights plan,
finding a tender offer to be a “permitted offer” under any such plan or otherwise causing any
such plan to be inapplicable or neutralized with respect to any Proposed EWS Group Acquisition
Transaction), (ii) merge or consolidate with any other Person or liquidate or partially
liquidate, (iii) sell or otherwise transfer in a single transaction or series of transactions
40% or more of the gross or net assets of the EWS Business or 40% or more of the consolidated
gross or net assets of EWS and the EWS Affiliates (such percentages to be measured based on fair
market value as of the Distribution Date), (iv) redeem or otherwise repurchase (directly or
through an EWS Affiliate) any EWS Capital Stock, or rights to acquire such stock other than
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open market repurchases of less than 10%, in the aggregate, of EWS Class A Common Shares provided
such stock repurchases meet the requirements of Rev, Proc. 96-30, 1996-1 C.B. 696); (v) amend its
certificate of incorporation (or other organizational documents), or take any other action, whether
through a stockholder vote or otherwise, affecting the relative voting rights of the separate
classes of EWS Capital Stock (including, without limitation, through the conversion of one class of
EWS Capital Stock into another class of EWS Capital Stock) or (vi) take any other action or actions
(including any action or transaction that would be reasonably likely to be inconsistent with any
representation made in the Ruling Documents, or Representation Letters, or any rulings, formal
advice or opinion described in Section 5.01 above) which in the aggregate (taking into account any
other transactions described in this Section 5.03) would be reasonably likely to have the effect of
causing or permitting one or more Persons (whether or not acting in concert) to acquire, directly
or indirectly, EWS Capital Stock representing a Fifty-Percent or Greater Interest in EWS or
otherwise jeopardize the Tax-Free Status, unless prior to taking any such action set forth in the
foregoing clauses (i) through (vi), (A) EWS shall have obtained a private letter ruling from the
IRS and EWS shall have received such a ruling in form and substance satisfactory to SNI that
confirms that the Tax-Free Status will be preserved, taking into account such action and other
transactions in the aggregate, or (B) EWS shall provide SNI with an Unqualified Tax Opinion in form
and substance acceptable to SNI (and on which SNI may rely) that confirms that the Tax-Free Status
will be preserved, taking into account such action and other transactions in the aggregate, or (C)
SNI shall have waived the requirement to obtain such ruling or opinion. In determining whether such
a ruling or opinion is satisfactory, SNI may consider, among other factors, the appropriateness of
any underlying assumptions and representations made in connection with such ruling or opinion. To
the extent that any such ruling or opinion concerns the acquisition of a Fifty-Percent or Greater
Interest in EWS, it shall expressly conclude that such acquisition will satisfy one or more of the
safe harbors described in the Treasury Regulations promulgated under Section 355(e) of the Code.
EWS shall bear all costs and expenses of securing any such ruling or opinion and shall reimburse
EWS for all external costs and expenses that it may incur in good faith in seeking to obtain or
evaluate any such ruling or opinion.
SECTION 5.04. Indemnity.
(a) Subject to subsection (c) of this section, SNI shall be responsible for, and shall
indemnify and hold EWS and EWS Affiliates and their direct and indirect shareholders harmless
against any Distribution Taxes, to the extent such Distribution Taxes are attributable to, caused
by, or result from one or more of the following:
(i) any
action or omission by SNI or any SNI Affiliate, at any time, that is inconsistent with any information, covenant or representation in the Ruling Documents,
Representation Letters or any tax opinions concerning the Tax-Free Status of the Distribution;
(ii) any action or omission by SNI or any SNI Affiliate, after the Distribution
(including any act or omission that is in furtherance of, connected to, or part of a plan or series
of related transactions (within the meaning of section 355(e) of the Code) occurring on or prior to
the Distribution), including a cessation, transfer to affiliates, or disposition of the active
trades or businesses, stock buyback or payment of an extraordinary dividend;
(iii) any acquisition of any stock or assets of SNI or any SNI Affiliate, by one or more
other Persons (other than EWS or any EWS Affiliate) prior to or following the Distribution;
(iv) any issuance of stock by SNI or any SNI Affiliate, after the Distribution,
including any issuance pursuant to the exercise of employee stock options or other employment
related arrangements, or the exercise of warrants; or
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(v) any change in ownership of stock in SNI or any SNI Affiliate after the
Distribution.
(b) Subject to subsection (c) of this section, EWS shall be responsible for, and shall
indemnify and hold SNI and SNI Affiliates and their direct and indirect shareholders harmless
against any Distribution Taxes, to the extent such Distribution Taxes are attributable to, caused
by, or result from one or more of the following:
(i) any action or omission by EWS or any EWS Affiliate, at any time, that is
inconsistent with any information, covenant or representation in the Ruling Documents,
Representation Letters or any tax opinions concerning the Tax-Free Status of the Distribution;
(ii) any action or omission by EWS or any EWS Affiliate, after the Distribution
(including any act or omission that is in furtherance of, connected to, or part of a plan or series
of related transactions (within the meaning of section 355(e) of the Code) occurring on or prior to
the Distribution), including a cessation, transfer to affiliates, or disposition of the active
trades or businesses, stock buyback or payment of an extraordinary dividend;
(iii) any acquisition of any stock or assets of EWS or any EWS Affiliate, by one or more
other Persons prior to or following the Distribution;
(iv) any issuance of stock by EWS or any EWS Affiliate, after the Distribution,
including any issuance pursuant to the exercise of employee stock options or other employment
related arrangements, or the exercise of warrants; or
(v) any change in ownership of stock in EWS or any EWS Affiliate after the
Distribution.
(c) For purposes of calculating the amount and timing of any Tax-Related Loss in connection
with any Tax payable by an indemnified party, such loss shall be calculated by assuming that the
indemnified party pays income Tax at the Highest Combined Tax Rate in effect in each relevant
taxable year and that the income arising in connection with the Tax-Related Losses is the only item
of income, deduction, Credit or loss for such year. SNI shall pay EWS or such other applicable
indemnified party the amount of any such Tax-Related Losses for which SNI is responsible under this
Section 5.04 within one (1) business day before payment is due from EWS or such other party. EWS
shall pay SNI or such other applicable indemnified party the amount of any such Tax-Related Losses
for which EWS is responsible under this Section 5.04 within one (1) business day before payment is
due from SNI or such other party.
(d) Until all applicable statutes of limitations with respect to Distribution Taxes expire
(after giving effect to any extensions or waivers thereof), SNI shall not (i) merge or consolidate
with any other Person or liquidate or partially liquidate into any other Person, (ii) sell or
otherwise transfer to any other Person or group of Persons, directly or indirectly, in a single
transaction or series of transactions 25% or more of the gross or net assets of SNI (such
percentage to be determined based on fair market value as of the Distribution Date), (iii) engage
in any other reorganization or restructuring with any other Person, or (iv) agree or permit any
Person or group of Persons, directly or indirectly, in a single transaction or series of
transactions, to acquire a Fifty Percent or Greater Interest in SNI, unless, in each case, each
such Person agrees, to EWS’ satisfaction, to be jointly and severally liable with SNI in its
obligations under this Article V.
(e) Until all applicable statutes of limitations with respect to Distribution Taxes expire
(after giving effect to any extensions or waivers thereof), EWS shall not (i) merge or consolidate
with any other
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Person or liquidate or partially liquidate into any other Person, (ii) sell or otherwise transfer
to any other Person or group of Persons, directly or indirectly, in a single transaction or series
of transactions 25% or more of the gross or net assets of EWS (such percentage to be determined
based on fair market value as of the Distribution Date), (iii) engage in any other reorganization
or restructuring with any other Person, or (iv) agree or permit any Person or group of Persons,
directly or indirectly, in a single transaction or series of transactions, to acquire a Fifty
Percent or Greater Interest in EWS, unless, in each case, each such Person agrees, to SNI’s
satisfaction, to be jointly and severally liable with EWS in its obligations under this Article V.
ARTICLE VI
CARRYOVER AND CARRYBACK ITEMS
CARRYOVER AND CARRYBACK ITEMS
SECTION 6.01. Carryovers to Post-Affiliation Years. The Parties will apportion any
U.S. federal consolidated net operating or capital losses, Credits or other applicable items
between members of the SNI Group (departing from the EWS Group as a consequence of the Distribution
and related transactions) and members of the EWS Group (not taking into account SNI Group members)
pursuant to applicable Treasury Regulations promulgated under Section 1502 of the Code. Such
consolidated items and their apportionment will be adjusted to reflect any Adjustments that take
place in applicable Affiliation Years.
SECTION 6.02. Carrybacks from Post-Affiliation Years.
(a) Carryback
Items. If SNI and/or its subsidiaries sustain U.S. federal capital or net
operating losses or generate U.S. federal Credits in a Post-Affiliation Year which may be carried
back to an Affiliation Year and will generate an Income Tax Benefit, SNI may request EWS to file a
Section 6.02 Claim with the IRS with respect to the U.S. federal income Tax liability of the EWS
Group for such Affiliation Year. EWS shall have sole discretion whether to accept a request to file
carryback claims (except for foreign Tax Credit or domestic source capital loss carryback claims)
and file any amended Tax Returns or claims for refund relating thereto, which discretion may be
exercised without regard to satisfying a standard of good faith or any other standard provided for
in this Agreement or elsewhere. With regard to requests to file foreign Tax Credit or domestic
source capital loss carryback claims to an Affiliation Year, EWS will implement such requests it
determines in good faith to be available on the terms set forth hereinafter.
(b) Procedures. If EWS files a Section 6.02 Claim, EWS shall have full control over the
Section 6.02 Claim and will consult with SNI to determine the nature of all actions to be taken in
connection with such claim. If there is any limitation that applies to the EWS Group in respect of
all or a portion of the items that comprise a Section 6.02 Claim in respect of foreign Tax Credits
or domestic source capital losses, any Income Tax Benefit in respect of such claim shall be
determined by EWS in consultation with SNI. If there any limitations in the ability of the EWS
Group to utilize items in the same category as the items that comprise such claim, any Income Tax
Benefit will be determined by EWS in consultation with SNI based on the assumption that the items
were utilized on a Proportionate Basis, EWS will pay to SNI the amount of the Income Tax Benefit,
if any, derived from such claim within 30 business days after it receives a refund or credit for
refund therefor. SNI will repay to EWS all or a portion of such amount to the extent the Income Tax
Benefit is reduced as a result of an Adjustment for any Affiliation Year or otherwise, together
with applicable interest and penalties. If EWS elects to file a Section 6.02 Claim in respect of
the carryback of any attribute other than foreign Tax Credits or domestic source capital losses,
the terms for payment and other provisions shall be determined based upon the mutual agreement, if
any, of the Parties. If EWS files a Section 6.02 Claim, SNI will indemnify EWS for any additional
Taxes or loss of Tax benefits incurred by a member of the EWS Group (including interest, penalties
and additions to Tax) arising from such claim. EWS shall also be entitled to reimbursement
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from SNI for any reasonable external costs for professional services incurred by EWS in connection
with the Section 6.02 Claim whether or not SNI receives payment or credit therefor.
ARTICLE VII
U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX ADJUSTMENTS
U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX ADJUSTMENTS
SECTION 7.01. Determination. If an Adjustment occurs, the liability of SNI or EWS, as
the case may be, pursuant to Article II hereof, or the amounts allocated pursuant to Article VI,
shall be recomputed by the Parties. As recomputed for purposes of Article II, SNI shall make
payments to EWS for an increase in SNI’s liability or EWS shall make payments to SNI for an
increase in EWS’ liability. For purposes of Sections 2.01 and 2.02, SNI’s liability shall be deemed
to have increased by any Adjustment that results in an increase in the Adjusted Separate SNI Group
Federal Tax Liability or a decrease in the Excess EWS Group Benefits, and EWS’ liability shall be
deemed to have increased by any Adjustment that results in a decrease in the Adjusted Separate SNI
Group Federal Tax Liability or an increase in the Excess EWS Group Benefits.
SECTION 7.02. Payments. Payments due from SNI to EWS shall be made no later than one
(1) business day before the due date for payment by EWS to a Taxing authority upon the Final
Determination of the items in question, or, to the extent no such payment is due, within ten (10)
business days after the date of such Final Determination. Payments due from EWS to SNI shall be
made within ten (10) business days after EWS receives a refund or a credit for a refund with regard
to the items in question after a Final Determination therefor. Such payments shall include any
applicable interest, penalties and additions to Tax and, if applicable, any reasonable external
costs for professional services incurred by EWS thereon. In calculating any interest payable by SNI
to EWS hereunder, interest, if any, due from EWS to the IRS shall first be deemed to arise with
respect to the increase in the liability of SNI, as determined above.
SECTION 7.03. Procedures. Subject to Section 6.02 hereof, for any Affiliation Year or
Combined Year, the Parties will determine whether to give effect, through any Tax Return, claim for
refund or otherwise, to items of loss, deduction or Credit for the SNI Group which are greater than
those reflected on prior Tax Returns and the nature of all actions taken with respect thereto. If
EWS files such a claim, SNI will indemnify EWS for any additional Taxes or loss of Tax benefits
incurred by a member of the EWS Group or the applicable Total Combined Group (including interest,
penalties and additions to Tax) arising from such claim.
SECTION 7.04. Intercompany Adjustments. If any transaction or arrangement between EWS
and/or EWS Affiliates, on the one hand, and SNI and/or SNI Affiliates, on the other hand, is
recharacterized for applicable Tax purposes under Section 482 of the Code or otherwise and such
recharacterization results in an Income Tax Detriment to one applicable group of companies and an
Income Tax Benefit to the other group, the group incurring the Income Tax Detriment shall be paid
by the other group an amount equal to such Income Tax Detriment (including any interest, penalties
and additions to Tax) within thirty (30) business days after the Final Settlement of such Income
Tax Detriment. In addition, each Party hereto shall be responsible for, and shall indemnify and
hold the other Party and its Affiliates harmless against, any Taxes attributable to intercompany
items or otherwise for any stock or other assets (tangible or intangible) transferred to it (or an
EWS Affiliate, in the case of EWS, or an SNI Affiliate, in the case
of SNI) from the other Party
hereto (or an EWS Affiliate, in the case of EWS, or an SNI Affiliate, in the case of SNI) for which
it is determined not to have paid or provided fair market value consideration.
ARTICLE VII
INCOME TAX PROCEEDINGS
INCOME TAX PROCEEDINGS
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SECTION 8.01. Notice. Each Party shall provide prompt notice to the other Party of any
pending or threatened Tax audit, assessment, proceeding or other Tax Contest of which it becomes
aware that could affect any Tax liability for which the other Party may be responsible under this
Agreement; provided, however, that failure to give prompt notice shall not affect the
indemnification obligations hereunder except to the extent the Party providing indemnification is
actually prejudiced thereby. Such notice shall contain factual information (to the extent known)
describing such matters in reasonable detail and shall be accompanied by copies of any notice and
other documents received from any Taxing authority in respect of any such matters.
SECTION
8.02. SNI and EWS Issues. EWS and SNI hereby agree that during the course of
an audit or any Tax Contest relating to any Affiliation Year, they will in good faith endeavor to
discuss and resolve separately with the IRS district agents or any equivalent state or local Taxing
authority any SNI Issues and EWS Issues. “SNI Issues” are issues relating to items of income, gain,
loss, deduction, or Credit that are attributable solely to the SNI Group and that could not
reasonably have material adverse consequences for the U.S. federal, state or local income Tax
liability of a member of the EWS Group (other than a member of the SNI Group) if resolved against
the taxpayer. “EWS Issues” are any other issues, including issues relating to Foreign Attributes of
the SNI Group.
SECTION 8.03. Procedures.
(a) In
the event a Revenue Agent’s Report (“RAR”) or equivalent state or local report is
issued with respect to an Affiliation Year and the RAR or equivalent state or local report contains
Adjustments proposed with respect to SNI Issues, at SNI’s request, EWS shall protest (as provided
for in applicable Treasury Regulations or applicable state or local rules and regulations) the
adjustments made with respect to SNI Issues. SNI will prepare that portion of any protest which it
determines should be filed in connection with any Adjustment proposed with respect to SNI Issues
and shall limit such portion of the protest to the defense of the specific SNI Issues raised in the
RAR or equivalent state or local report.
(b) After the filing of such protest, EWS and SNI shall jointly meet with the IRS, state or
local representatives responsible for disposing of the issues in dispute and request the separate
resolution of the EWS and SNI Issues. They shall further request that the IRS or equivalent state
or local Taxing authority assign separate representatives to conduct any review of or proceedings
on their respective issues.
(c) Regardless of whether the IRS or equivalent state or local Taxing authority agrees to
resolve the issues affecting each Party or assign separate representatives to deal with the issues
of each, EWS and SNI each will attend meetings and will prepare written presentations to be made to
the IRS regarding any Adjustments proposed only with respect to its respective issues. EWS and SNI
shall keep each other promptly informed of any developments and discussions at any such meetings
concerning Adjustments, whether or not formally proposed, affecting the other Party.
(d) For each Affiliation Year, EWS shall have control of all EWS Issues not otherwise
settled at the audit or appeals level of the IRS or equivalent state or local Taxing
authority. For each Affiliation Year, SNI shall have control of all SNI Issues not otherwise
settled by SNI at the audit or appeals level of the IRS or equivalent state or local Taxing
authority (“SNI Unsettled Issues”).
(e) To the extent any EWS Issues could affect any Tax liability for which the SNI Group may be
responsible, SNI shall have joint control over decisions to resolve, settle or otherwise agree to
any deficiency, claim or Adjustment, and EWS shall not settle any such EWS Issue without the
consent of SNI, such consent not to be unreasonably withheld. To the extent that any SNI Issues
could affect any
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Tax liability for which the EWS Group may be responsible, EWS shall have joint control over
decisions to resolve, settle or otherwise agree to any deficiency, claim or Adjustment, and SNI
shall not settle any such SNI Issue without the consent of EWS, such consent not to be
unreasonably withheld.
SECTION 8.04. Forum for Judicial Proceedings.
(a) Prior to instituting legal proceedings with respect to an SNI Unsettled Issue, SNI shall,
at its sole cost and expense, unless EWS agrees to waive the same, obtain an evaluation of the SNI
Unsettled Issues from an independent attorney experienced in the field of U.S. federal corporate
income Taxation, who shall be selected jointly by the Parties and who, in the case of a listed or
reportable transaction for U.S. federal income Tax Purposes, is not a disqualified Tax advisor
within the meaning of Section 6664(d)(3)(B)(ii) of the Code. The evaluation shall state, for the
SNI Unsettled Issues on an issue by issue basis, whether, in the opinion of the attorney (which in
the case of a listed transaction or reportable transaction for U.S. federal income Tax purposes
does not constitute a disqualified Tax opinion as defined in Section 6664(d) of the Code) the
filing position will more likely than not be sustained. Any discussions with respect to the
evaluation shall be held with both Parties jointly, and such attorney shall send a copy of the
evaluation (including any drafts thereof) to both Parties simultaneously.
(b) If the evaluation discloses any SNI Unsettled Issues which do not fully meet the
aforementioned standards as applicable, SNI shall be obligated to settle such issues with the IRS
or equivalent state or local authority at its own cost and expense within a reasonable period of
time after receipt of the evaluation. In any case where judicial proceedings are instituted, with
respect to an Affiliation Year, EWS shall be entitled to select the forum for such judicial
proceedings, unless such proceedings involve SNI Unsettled Issues or issues that could affect any
Tax liability for which the SNI Group may be responsible. If SNI Unsettled Issues or issues that
could affect any Tax liability for which the SNI Group may be responsible are involved, SNI shall
be entitled to participate in the selection of the forum for judicial proceedings. Each Party shall
bear the costs of litigation in respect of its own issues.
(c) Prior to instituting legal proceedings with respect to an EWS Unsettled Issue, EWS shall,
at its sole cost and expense, unless SNI agrees to waive the same, obtain an evaluation of the EWS
Unsettled Issues from an independent attorney experienced in the field of U.S. federal corporate
income Taxation, who shall be selected jointly by the Parties and who, in the case of a listed or
reportable transaction for U.S. federal income Tax Purposes, is not a disqualified Tax advisor
within the meaning of Section 6664(d)(3)(B)(ii) of the Code. The evaluation shall state, for the
EWS Unsettled Issues on an issue by issue basis, whether, in the opinion of the attorney (which in
the case of a listed transaction or reportable transaction for U.S. federal income Tax purposes
does not constitute a disqualified Tax opinion as defined in Section 6664(d) of the Code) the
filing position will more likely than not be sustained. Any discussions with respect to the
evaluation shall be held with both Parties jointly, and such attorney shall send a copy of the
evaluation (including any drafts thereof) to both Parties simultaneously.
(d) If the evaluation discloses any EWS Unsettled Issues which do not fully meet the
aforementioned standards as applicable, EWS shall be obligated to settle such issues with the IRS
or equivalent state or local authority at its own cost and expense within a reasonable period of
time after receipt of the evaluation. EWS shall be entitled to select the forum for such judicial
proceedings, unless such proceedings involve SNI Unsettled Issues or issues that could affect any
Tax liability for which the SNI Group may be responsible. If EWS Unsettled Issues or issues that
could affect any Tax liability for which the SNI Group may be responsible are involved, SNI shall
be entitled to participate in the selection of the forum for judicial proceedings. Each Party shall
bear the costs of litigation in respect of its own issues.
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ARTICLE IX
PAYMENTS
PAYMENTS
SECTION
9.01. Reporting of Indemnity Payments, Etc. Any Tax indemnity payments
hereunder or payments made in respect of Tax-Related Losses hereunder shall, unless otherwise
required by law, be reported for Tax purposes by the payer and the recipient as a cash capital
contribution by EWS or a cash distribution by SNI, as the case may be, immediately before the
Distribution. If, notwithstanding such reporting, such payment results in additional taxable income
to the recipient, such payments shall be increased such that the amount that the recipient receives
(net of Taxes) shall equal the amount of the payment that it would otherwise be entitled to receive
pursuant to this Agreement.
SECTION 9.02. Interest on Late Payments. If any payments hereunder are not made when
due, interest shall accrue on the unpaid amount at the underpayment rate for large corporate
underpayments, in effect from time to time under Section 6621 of the Code, while such amount is
outstanding.
ARTICLE X
TAX RETURNS
TAX RETURNS
SECTION 10.01. Cooperation and Furnishing of Tax Return Information.
(a) Cooperation. EWS and SNI each agree to cooperate fully in connection with the preparation
of any Tax Return relating to any Affiliation Year or Combined Year and the resolution of any
related Tax audits, proceedings or disputes.
(b) Tax Return Information. For purposes of the preparation by EWS of Tax Returns for the
taxable years ending on December 31, 2007 and December 31, 2008, respectively, on or prior to such
date(s) as specified by EWS, SNI shall provide EWS with Tax information for all members of each SNI
Combined Group, including but not limited to, schedule(s) showing the items of income, gain, loss,
deduction and Credit and Foreign Attributes with respect to each such taxable year required to be
included in applicable Tax Returns and complete work papers together with such other information as
EWS may request. The information provided by SNI shall be consistent with any similar information
provided by SNI to EWS for prior taxable years.
(c) SNI Disclosures. SNI represents that it has provided, and agrees to promptly provide, to
EWS complete and accurate information that is required or EWS requests to satisfy all applicable
U.S. federal, state and local, and non-U.S. disclosure and reporting requirements in respect of
listed transactions, reportable transactions and other transactions that may be viewed as
Tax-motivated, including, but not limited to, U.S. state expense disallowance information. SNI also
represents that it has provided, and agrees to promptly provide, to EWS all documents and other
information that is required or EWS requests to satisfy the transfer pricing and other
documentation requirements set forth in Sections 482 and 6662 of the Code and the Treasury
Regulations thereunder or otherwise (including analogous provisions under U.S. state and local or
non-U.S. law), including but not limited to, principal documents as defined in Treasury Regulations
Section 1.6662-6(d)(2)(iii)(B), and to address any transfer pricing audit issue arising under
Section 482 of the Code or otherwise, shall promptly provide to EWS any documents and information
it may request, including background documents as defined in Treasury Regulations Section
1.6662-6(d)(2)(iii)(C). SNI further represents that it has provided, and agrees to promptly
provide, to EWS all internal and external tax opinions memoranda relating to the transactions and
other matters addressed in this subsection (c). If SNI fails to timely satisfy the requirements of
this subsection (c), it will indemnify, and hold EWS and EWS Affiliates harmless against, any
Taxes, interest, penalties or additions to Tax arising therefrom.
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(d) EWS
Disclosures. EWS represents that it has provided, and agrees to promptly
provide, to SNI complete and accurate information that is required or SNI requests to satisfy all
applicable U.S. federal, state and local, and non-U.S. disclosure and reporting requirements in
respect of listed transactions, reportable transactions and other transactions that may be viewed
as Tax-motivated, including, but not limited to, U.S. state expense disallowance information. EWS
also represents that it has provided, and agrees to promptly provide, to SNI all documents and
other information that is required or SNI requests to satisfy the transfer pricing and other
documentation requirements set forth in Sections 482 and 6662 of the Code and the Treasury
Regulations thereunder or otherwise (including analogous provisions under U.S. state and local or
non-U.S. law), including but not limited to, principal documents as defined in Treasury Regulations
Section 1.6662-6(d)(2)(iii)(B), and to address any transfer pricing audit issue arising under
Section 482 of the Code or otherwise, shall promptly provide to SNI any documents and information
it may request, including background documents as defined in Treasury Regulations Section
1.6662-6(d)(2)(iii)(C). EWS further represents that it has provided, and agrees to promptly
provide, to SNI all internal and external tax opinions memoranda relating to the transactions and
other matters addressed in this subsection (d). If EWS fails to timely satisfy the requirements of
this subsection (d), it will indemnify, and hold SNI and SNI Affiliates harmless against, any
Taxes, interest, penalties or additions to Tax arising therefrom.
SECTION 10.02. Preparation of Tax Returns.
(a) Preparation. EWS shall have sole authority for the preparation and filing of any
consolidated U.S. federal income Tax Return or Combined Tax Return, which include the items of
income, gain, loss, deduction and Credit of the SNI Group or any SNI Combined Group for all
relevant taxable periods, including but not limited to, determination of Foreign Attributes. With
respect to the U.S. federal income Tax Returns for the taxable years ending December 31,2007 and
December 31, 2008, respectively, EWS agrees to afford SNI a meaningful opportunity to review and
comment on such returns, and shall consider such comments in good faith. In addition, with respect
to any Combined Tax Return for the taxable years ending December 31,2007 and December 31, 2008,
respectively, in which SNI is projected to have Tax liability in excess of $10,000, EWS agrees to
afford SNI a meaningful opportunity to review and comment on such returns, and shall consider such
comments in good faith. Any decisions with respect to the timing, filing, or content of the above
Tax Returns shall be made jointly by the Parties.
(b) Elections. SNI and the appropriate members of the SNI Group or an SNI Combined Group shall
make or give their consent to such elections or other matters relating to the SNI Group or an SNI
Combined Group as the Parties determine are necessary or advisable in connection with the filing of
any such Tax Returns. In addition, no member of the SNI Group may elect to be considered as not
having been a member of the EWS Group for U.S. federal income Tax purposes and no member of an SNI
Combined Group may elect to be considered as not having been a member of a Total Combined Group for
U.S. state or local Tax purposes for any taxable year or portion thereof without the prior written
consent of EWS.
ARTICLE XI
POST AFFILIATION YEARS AND POST COMBINED YEARS
POST AFFILIATION YEARS AND POST COMBINED YEARS
SECTION 11.01. Returns. SNI shall not and shall not permit any of the SNI Affiliates
to (i) file or amend any Tax Return for the Post Affiliation Year or a Post Combined Year beginning
on the first day following the Distribution Date, in a manner that is inconsistent with the manner
in which EWS filed its Tax Returns in an Affiliation Year or a Combined Year or (ii) make any
election for any Post Affiliation Year or Post Combined Year if such election would have the effect
of binding or requiring
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conformity by any member of the EWS Group or any Total Combined Group for any Affiliation Year or
Combined Year.
SECTION 11.02. Actions or Transactions. SNI shall be obligated to inform and disclose
fully to EWS any actions taken or transactions undertaken in a Post Affiliation Year or a Post
Combined Year which can reasonably be expected to affect in any material way the Tax liability of
the EWS Group for any Affiliation Year or a Total Combined Group for any Combined Year.
SECTION 11.03. Proposed Adjustments. SNI shall promptly notify EWS and keep EWS
apprised of any proposed Adjustments which arise out of an audit or examination of a
Post-Affiliation Year or Post-Combined Year Tax Return which could reasonably be expected to affect
in any material way the Tax liability for any Affiliation Year or Combined Years or which could
reasonably result in treatment of items that is inconsistent with the manner in which EWS filed its
Tax Returns for such years.
ARTICLE XII
BOOKS AND RECORDS
BOOKS AND RECORDS
SECTION 12.01. Retention Period. Without limiting any of the provisions of this
Agreement, each of the Parties agrees that it shall retain, until the expiration of the appropriate
statutes of limitations (including any extensions) plus ninety (90) days, copies of any Tax Returns
for any open periods during the Affiliation Years and Combined Return Years which might be subject
to Adjustment under this Agreement, supporting work schedules and other books, records or
information which may be relevant and that it will not destroy or otherwise dispose of such records
without first providing the other Party with a reasonable opportunity to review and copy the same.
Without limiting the foregoing, SNI shall cooperate with EWS in identifying such books, records or
information and so retain or provide to EWS such books, records or information as may be specified
by EWS in writing within 180 days after the Distribution Date. Any information obtained pursuant to
this Agreement, or any other information obtained by EWS or SNI relating to the Tax position of
either Party shall be kept confidential by the Parties hereto, except if otherwise required by a
Taxing authority.
SECTION 12.02. Record Retention Policy. Without limiting the foregoing, each of the
Parties hereto agrees that it shall retain copies of any books and records in its possession as
required by any record retention agreement in effect from time to time, between EWS and the IRS or
any other Taxing authority.
SECTION 12.03. Tax Attributes. SNI shall maintain and provide to EWS upon request
information which will enable EWS to determine, clarify or verify the adjusted book and Tax bases
of the SNI stock held by EWS, SNI’s assets, both tangible and intangible, including the stock of all
directly and indirectly owned subsidiaries of SNI which were members of the SNI Group or an SNI
Combined Group at any time during Affiliation Years or Combined Years (but not any taxable year
which does not affect an Affiliation Year or a Combined Year), and the adjusted book and Tax bases
of all assets, both tangible and intangible, of such subsidiaries. In addition, SNI shall maintain
and provide to EWS upon request all relevant information for the determination of earnings and
profits of any members of the SNI Group, in accordance with applicable provisions of the Code and
the Treasury Regulations thereunder.
SECTION
12.04. Apportionment of Earnings and Profits and Tax Attributes. The Parties
shall determine the portion, if any, of any earnings and profits, tax attribute, overall foreign
loss, capitalized research and development expenditures or other consolidated, combined or unitary
attribute which shall be allocated or apportioned to the SNI Group under applicable law. SNI and
all members of the SNI Group shall prepare all Tax Returns in accordance with such written notice.
In the event of a subsequent Adjustment to such allocations and apportionments, EWS shall promptly
notify SNI in writing of such
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Adjustment. For the absence of doubt, EWS shall not be liable to SNI or any member of the SNI Group
for any failure of any determination under this Section 12.03 to be accurate.
ARTICLE XII
COMPENSATION AND EMPLOYEE BENEFITS
COMPENSATION AND EMPLOYEE BENEFITS
SECTION 13.01. General. Except as provided in Section 13.02, for U.S. federal,
applicable U.S. state and local income and other Tax purposes, all deductions in respect of
compensation and employee benefits, whether on or before or after the Distribution Date, shall be
allocated to EWS (or its appropriate subsidiary) or SNI (or its appropriate subsidiary) based on
the entity which, directly or indirectly, provides (or is obligated to provide) the cash or other
consideration to its employees, former employees or other service providers or any individual whose
rights are derived from such individual’s relationship with such employee, former employee or
service provider.
SECTION 13.02. Stock-Based Awards. For U.S. federal, applicable U.S. state and local
income and other Tax purposes, all deductions in respect of Options, Restricted Shares and
Restricted Share Units, whether on or before or after the Distribution Date, shall be allocated as
follows:
(a) Deductions in respect of Old EWS Options that are exercised on or before the Distribution
Date and Old EWS Restricted Shares that vest (or with respect to which a timely Section 83 (b)
election has been made) on or before the Distribution Date shall be allocated to EWS (and shall
accordingly not be taken into account in computing Adjusted Separate SNI Group Federal Tax
Liability).
(b) Deductions in respect of New EWS Options, New EWS Restricted Shares, SNI Options and SNI
Restricted Shares that are held by EWS Participants and EWS Directors immediately after the
Distribution Date shall be allocated to EWS.
(c) Deductions in respect of SNI Options, SNI Restricted Shares and SNI Restricted Share Units
that are held by SNI Participants and SNI Directors immediately after the Distribution Date shall
be allocated to SNI.
(d) Deductions in respect of New EWS Options and SNI Options that are held by Joint EWS/SNI
Directors immediately after the Distribution Date as a result of Section 7.02(d)(iii)(A) of the
Employee Matters Agreement shall be allocated to EWS. Deductions in respect of SNI Options that are
held by Joint EWS/NI Directors immediately after the Distribution Date as a result of Section
7.02(d)(iii)(B) of the Employee Matters Agreement shall be allocated to SNI.
SECTION 13.03. Reporting of Deductions. Unless otherwise required by law, EWS and SNI
shall for themselves and their appropriate subsidiaries compute their respective Tax liability and
file all applicable Tax Returns in accordance with the allocations under Sections 13.01 and 13.02
above. In the event that any deduction allocated under such Sections to one entity is subsequently
required by law to be reported by another entity for Tax purposes, EWS or SNI shall pay the entity
to which the deduction was allocated under such Sections such amounts as are necessary to put such
entity in the same position, on an after Tax basis, as it would have been if the allocation under
such Sections had been respected.
SECTION 13.04. Employment Taxes and Tax Reporting.
(a) To the extent that EWS, SNI or any of their subsidiaries is allocated a deduction
for Tax purposes under Sections 13.01 and 13.02 above or otherwise, then subject to any obligations
under the Employee Matters Agreement, the entity to which the deduction is allocated shall be
solely responsible
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for satisfying any withholding and employment Tax liabilities and Tax reporting obligations in
respect of the compensation that corresponds to such deduction.
(b) SNI shall notify EWS of any event after the Distribution date giving rise to income
to any EWS Participant in connection with any SNI Option or SNI Restricted Share by 12:00 PM of the
first business day after such event.
ARTICLE XIV
MISCELLANEOUS
MISCELLANEOUS
SECTION
14.01. Notices. All notices, requests, claims, demands and other
communications hereunder must be in writing and will be deemed to have been duly given only if
delivered personally or by facsimile transmission or mailed (first class postage prepaid) to the
Parties at the following addresses or facsimile numbers:
If to EWS or any member of the EWS Group, to:
with a copy to: | ||||
If to SNI or any member of the SNI Group, to: | ||||
with a copy to: | ||||
All such notices, requests and other communications will (i) if delivered personally to the address
as provided in this section, be deemed given upon delivery, (ii) if delivered by facsimile
transmission to the facsimile number as provided in this section, be deemed given upon receipt and
(iii) if delivered by mail in the manner described above to the address as provided in this
section, be deemed given upon receipt (in each case regardless of whether such notice, request or
other communication is received by any other Person to whom a copy of such notice, request or other
communication is to be delivered pursuant to this section). Any Party from time to time may change
its address, facsimile number or other information for the purpose of notices to that Party by
giving notice specifying such change to the other Party.
SECTION
14.02. Complete Agreement; Representations.
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(a) This Agreement, together with any exhibits and schedules hereto, constitutes the entire
agreement between the Parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and shall supersede all
previous negotiations, commitments and writings with respect to such subject matter.
(b) EWS represents on behalf of itself and each other member of the EWS Group and SNI
represents on behalf of itself and each other member of the SNI 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 this
Agreement to which it is a Party and to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement;
and
(ii) this Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by such Person (if such Person
is a Party) and constitutes a valid and binding agreement of it enforceable in accordance with the
terms hereof (assuming the due execution and delivery thereof by the other Party) except as such
enforceability may be limited by bankruptcy, fraudulent conveyance, insolvency, reorganization,
moratorium and other laws affecting creditors’ rights generally and by general equitable
principles.
SECTION
14.03. Amendment, Modification, or Waiver.
(a) This Agreement may be amended, supplemented, modified or superseded only by a written
instrument signed by duly authorized signatories of the Parties.
(b) Any term or condition of this Agreement may be waived at any time by the Party that is
entitled to the benefit thereof, but no such waiver shall be effective unless set forth in a
written instrument duly executed by or on behalf of the Party waiving such term or condition. No
waiver by any Party of any term or condition of this Agreement, in any one or more instances, shall
be deemed or construed as a waiver of the same or any other term or condition of this Agreement on
any future occasion. All remedies, either under this Agreement or by law or otherwise afforded,
will be cumulative and not alternative.
SECTION
14.04. Severability. If any provision of this Agreement shall, for any reason,
be held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect, such invalidity, illegality or
unenforceability shall not affect any other provision of this Agreement.
SECTION 14.05. No Double Recovery. No provision of this Agreement shall be construed
to provide an indemnity or other recovery for any costs, damages or other amounts for which the
injured Party has been fully compensated under any other provision of this Agreement or under any
other agreement or action at law or equity. Unless expressly required in this Agreement, a Party
shall not be required to exhaust all remedies available under other agreements or at law or equity
before recovering under the remedies provided in this Agreement.
SECTION
14.06. Costs and Expenses.
(a) EWS Services. EWS shall provide services in connection with this Agreement,
including but not limited to, those services relating to the preparation of returns and
determination of the Tax liability of SNI as described in this Agreement. SNI shall pay EWS
compensation or fees for such services with respect to 2007 Taxable Year and 2008 Taxable Year in
accordance with the allocation of corporate overhead for the 2007 Taxable Year and the period for
the 2008 Taxable Year prior to the Distribution, respectively.
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(b) Other Expenses. Except as expressly set forth in this Agreement, each Party shall
bear its own costs and expenses incurred pursuant to this Agreement, including, but not limited to,
reasonable attorneys’ fees, accountant fees and other related professional fees and disbursements.
SECTION
14.07. No Assignment; Binding Effect; No Third-Party Beneficiaries.
(a) Neither this Agreement nor any right, interest or obligation hereunder may be assigned by
either Party hereto without the prior written consent of the other Party hereto and any attempt to
do so will be void. Subject to the preceding sentence, this Agreement is binding upon, inures to
the benefit of and is enforceable by the Parties hereto and their respective successors and
assigns.
(b) Except for provisions relating to Affiliates and the provisions of Article V relating to
Tax-Related Losses, the terms and provisions of this Agreement are intended solely for the benefit
of each Party hereto and their respective Affiliates, successors or permitted assigns, and it is
not the intention of the Parties to confer third-party beneficiary rights upon any other Person.
(c) Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, unless the context indicates otherwise,
if an obligation is imposed on EWS or SNI hereunder it shall cause any Person that directly or
indirectly controls or is controlled by it to comply therewith to the extent reasonably necessary
to carry out such obligation. “Control” for these purposes shall have the same meaning as that set
forth under the definition of “Affiliate”.
SECTION 14.08. Headings. The headings used in this Agreement have been inserted
for convenience of reference only and do not define or limit the provisions hereof.
SECTION
14.09. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in any number of
counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute
one and the same instrument.
SECTION 14.10. Governing Law. This Agreement and any dispute arising out of, in
connection with or relating to this Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance
with the Laws of the State of Ohio, without giving effect to the conflicts of laws principles
thereof.
SECTION
14.11. Disputes.
(a) Except
with respect to injunctive relief described below, any controversy or claim arising
out of or relating to this Agreement, or the breach thereof, shall attempt to be settled first, by
good faith efforts of the Parties to reach mutual agreement, and second, if mutual agreement is not
reached to resolve the dispute, by final, binding arbitration as set out below.
(b) A Party that wishes to initiate the dispute resolution process shall send written notice
to the other Party, in accordance with Section 14.11, with a summary of the controversy and a
request to initiate these dispute resolution procedures. Each Party shall appoint a knowledgeable,
responsible representative who has the authority to settle the dispute, to meet and to negotiate in
good faith to resolve the dispute. The discussions shall be left to the discretion of the
representatives who may utilize other alternative dispute resolution procedures such as mediation
to assist in the negotiations. Discussions and correspondence among the representatives for
purposes of these negotiations (i) shall be treated as Information subject to the provisions of
Section 7.08 of the Separation Agreement developed for purposes of settlement, (ii) shall be exempt
from discovery and production and (iii) shall not be admissible in the arbitration described below
or in any lawsuit pursuant to Rule 408 of the Federal Rules of Evidence. Documents identified in or
provided with such communications that are not prepared for purposes of the
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negotiations are not so exempted and may, if otherwise admissible, be admitted in evidence in the
arbitration or lawsuit. The Parties agree to pursue resolution under this subsection for a minimum
of 30 calendar days before requesting arbitration.
(c) If the dispute is not resolved under the preceding subsection within 30 calendar days of
the initial written notice, either Party may demand arbitration by sending written notice to the
other Party. The Parties shall promptly submit the dispute to the American Arbitration Association
for resolution by a single neutral arbitrator acceptable to both Parties, as selected under the
rules of the American Arbitration Association. The dispute shall then be administered according to
the American Arbitration Association’s Commercial Arbitration Rules, with the following
modifications: (i) the arbitration shall be held in a location mutually acceptable to the Parties,
and, if the Parties do not agree, the location shall be Cincinnati, Ohio; (ii) the arbitrator shall
be licensed to practice law; (iii) the arbitrator shall conduct the arbitration as if it were a
bench trial and shall use, apply and enforce the Federal Rules of Evidence and Federal Rules of
Civil Procedure; (iv) except for breaches related to Information subject to Section 7.08 of the
Separation Agreement, the arbitrator shall have no power or authority to make any award that
provides for consequential, punitive or exemplary damages or extend the term hereof; (v) the
arbitrator shall control the scheduling so that the hearing is completed no later than 30 calendar
days after the date of the demand for arbitration; and (vi) the arbitrator’s decision shall be
given within five calendar days thereafter in summary form that states the award, without written
decision, which decision shall follow the plain meaning of this Agreement, and in the event of any
ambiguity, the intent of the Parties. Judgment on the award rendered by the arbitrator may be
entered in any court having jurisdiction over the Parties. Each Party to the dispute shall bear its
own expenses arising out of the arbitration, except that the Parties shall share the expenses of
the facilities to conduct the arbitration and the fees of the arbitrator equally.
(d) The foregoing notwithstanding, each Party shall have the right to seek injunctive relief
in an applicable court of law or equity to preserve the status quo pending resolution of the
dispute and enforce any decision relating to the resolution of the dispute.
(e) Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, the dispute resolution
provisions set forth in this Section 14.11 shall not be applicable to any disagreement between the
Parties relating to Distribution Taxes and any such dispute shall be settled in a court of law or
as otherwise agreed to by the Parties.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties hereto have entered into this Agreement as of the date first
above written.
THE X. X. XXXXXXX COMPANY | ||||
By: | ||||
Name: | ||||
Title: | ||||
SCRIPPS NETWORKS INTERACTIVE, INC. | ||||
By: | ||||
Name: | ||||
Title: | ||||
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