STRUCTURING FEE AGREEMENT
Exhibit (k)(4)
February [21], 2007
Citigroup Global Markets Inc.
000 Xxxxxxxxx Xxxxxx
Xxx Xxxx, Xxx Xxxx 00000
000 Xxxxxxxxx Xxxxxx
Xxx Xxxx, Xxx Xxxx 00000
Ladies and Gentlemen:
Reference is made to the Underwriting Agreement dated the date hereof (the “Underwriting
Agreement”), by and among Highland Distressed Opportunities, Inc. (the “Fund”), Highland Capital
Management, L.P. (the “Adviser”) and each of the Underwriters named therein, with respect to the
issue and sale of the Fund’s Common Shares, as described therein. Capitalized terms used herein
and not otherwise defined shall have the meanings given to them in the Underwriting Agreement.
1. Fee. In consideration of your services in offering advice to the Adviser relating
to the structure and design of the Fund and the organization of the Fund as well as services
related to the sale and distribution of the Fund’s Common Shares, which services may be completed
by your affiliate in your sole discretion, the Adviser shall pay a fee to you in the aggregate
amount of $[ ] (the “Fee”). The Fee shall be paid on March 31, 2007. The payment shall be
made by wire transfer to the order of Citigroup Global Markets Inc.
2. Term. This Agreement shall terminate upon the payment of the entire amount of the
Fee, as specified in Section 1 hereof.
3. Indemnification. The Adviser agrees to the indemnification and other agreements
set forth in the Indemnification Agreement attached hereto, the provisions of which are
incorporated herein by reference and shall survive the termination, expiration or supersession of
this Agreement.
4. Not an Investment Adviser; No Fiduciary Duty. The Adviser acknowledges that you
are not providing any advice hereunder as to the value of securities or regarding the advisability
of purchasing or selling any securities for the Fund’s portfolio. No provision of this Agreement
shall be considered as creating, nor shall any provision create, any obligation on the part of you,
and you are not agreeing hereby, to: (i) furnish any advice or make any recommendations regarding
the purchase or sale of portfolio securities; or (ii) render any opinions, valuations or
recommendations of any kind or to perform any such similar services. The Adviser hereby acknowledges that your engagement under this
Agreement is as an independent contractor and not in any other capacity, including as a fiduciary.
Furthermore, the Adviser agrees that it is solely responsible for making its own judgments in
connection with the
matters covered by this Agreement (irrespective of whether you have advised or
are currently advising the Adviser on related or other matters).
5. Not Exclusive. Nothing herein shall be construed as prohibiting you or your
affiliates from acting as an underwriter or financial advisor or in any other capacity for any
other persons (including other registered investment companies or other investment managers).
6. Assignment. This Agreement may not be assigned by any party without prior written
consent of the other party.
7. Amendment; Waiver. No provision of this Agreement may be amended or waived except
by an instrument in writing signed by the parties hereto.
8. Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by, and construed in accordance
with, the laws of the State of New York.
9. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each
of which shall be an original, and all of which, when taken together, shall constitute one
agreement. Delivery of an executed signature page of this Agreement by facsimile transmission
shall be effective as delivery of a manually executed counterpart hereof.
[END OF TEXT]
2
This Agreement shall be effective as of the date first written above.
HIGHLAND CAPITAL MANAGEMENT, L.P. |
||||
By: | ||||
Name: | ||||
Title: | ||||
Agreed and Accepted: | ||||
CITIGROUP GLOBAL MARKETS INC. | ||||
By: |
||||
Title: |
Indemnification Agreement
February [21], 2007
Citigroup Global Markets Inc.
000 Xxxxxxxxx Xxxxxx
Xxx Xxxx, Xxx Xxxx 00000
000 Xxxxxxxxx Xxxxxx
Xxx Xxxx, Xxx Xxxx 00000
Ladies and Gentlemen:
In connection with the engagement of Citigroup Global Markets Inc. (the “Bank”) to advise and
assist the undersigned (together with its affiliates and subsidiaries, referred to as the
“Company”) with the matters set forth in the Structuring Fee Agreement dated February [21], 2007
between the Company and the Bank (the “Agreement”), in the event that the Bank becomes involved in
any capacity in any claim, suit, action, proceeding, investigation or inquiry (including, without
limitation, any shareholder or derivative action or arbitration proceeding) (collectively, a
“Proceeding”) with respect to the services performed pursuant to and in accordance with the
Agreement, the Company agrees to indemnify, defend and hold the Bank harmless to the fullest extent
permitted by law, from and against any losses, claims, damages, liabilities and expenses with
respect to the services performed pursuant to and in accordance with the Agreement, except to the
extent that it shall be determined by a court of competent jurisdiction in a judgment that has
become final in that it is no longer subject to appeal or other review, that such losses, claims,
damages, liabilities and expenses resulted primarily from the gross negligence or willful
misconduct of the Bank. In addition, in the event that the Bank becomes involved in any capacity
in any Proceeding with respect to the services performed pursuant to and in accordance with the
Agreement, the Company will reimburse the Bank for its legal and other expenses (including the cost
of any investigation and preparation) as such expenses are incurred by the Bank in connection
therewith. Promptly after receipt by the Bank of notice of the commencement of any Proceeding, the
Bank will, if a claim in respect thereof is to be made against the Bank under this paragraph,
notify the Company in writing of the commencement thereof; but the failure so to notify the Company
(i) will not relieve it from liability under this paragraph unless and to the extent it did not
otherwise learn of such Proceeding and such failure results in the forfeiture by the Company of
substantial rights and defenses and (ii) will not, in any event, relieve the Company from any
obligations to the Bank other than the indemnification obligation provided above. The Company
shall be entitled to appoint counsel of the Company’s choice at the Company’s expense to represent
the Bank in any Proceeding for which indemnification is sought (in which case the Company shall not
thereafter be responsible for the fees and expenses of any separate counsel retained by the Bank or
parties except as set forth below); provided, however, that such counsel shall be
reasonably satisfactory to the Bank. Notwithstanding the Company’s election to appoint counsel to
represent the Bank in a Proceeding, the Bank shall have the right to employ one separate counsel
(including local counsel), and the Company shall bear the reasonable fees, costs and expenses of
such separate counsel if (i) the use of counsel chosen by the Company to represent the Bank would
present
4
such counsel with a conflict of interest, (ii) the actual or potential defendants in, or targets
of, any such Proceeding include both the Bank and the Company and the Bank shall have reasonably
concluded that there may be legal defenses available to it and/or other indemnified parties which
are different from or additional to those available to the Company, (iii) the Company shall not
have employed counsel satisfactory to the Bank to represent the Bank within a reasonable time after
notice of the institution of such Proceeding or (iv) the Company shall authorize the Bank to employ
separate counsel at the expense of the Company. In no event shall the Company be liable for the
fees and expenses of more than one counsel (in addition to any local counsel) separate from their
own counsel for the Bank and/or the other Underwriters (as defined in the Underwriting Agreement)
(taken as a group) that have entered into a structuring fee agreement, an additional compensation
agreement or similar agreement pursuant to which the Company pays additional compensation to the
respective Underwriter in connection with the offering contemplated in the Underwriting Agreement,
in connection with any one action or separate but similar or related actions in the same
jurisdiction arising out of the same general allegations or circumstances.
If such indemnification were not to be available for any reason, the Company agrees to
contribute to the losses, claims, damages, liabilities and expenses involved (i) in the proportion
appropriate to reflect the relative benefits received or sought to be received by the Company and
its stockholders and affiliates, on the one hand, and the Bank, on the other hand, in the matters
contemplated by the Agreement or (ii) if (but only if and to the extent) the allocation provided
for in clause (i) is for any reason held unenforceable, in such proportion as is appropriate to
reflect not only the relative benefits referred to in clause (i) but also the relative fault of the
Company and its stockholders and affiliates, on the one hand, and the party entitled to
contribution, on the other hand, as well as any other relevant equitable considerations. The
Company agrees that for the purposes of this paragraph the relative benefits received, or sought to
be received, by the Company and its stockholders and affiliates, on the one hand, and the party
entitled to contribution, on the other hand, of a transaction as contemplated shall be deemed to be
in the same proportion that the total value received or paid or contemplated to be received or paid
by the Company or its stockholders or affiliates, as the case may be, as a result of or in
connection with the transaction (whether or not consummated) for which the Bank has been retained
to perform services bears to the fees paid to the Bank under the Agreement; provided, that
in no event shall the Company contribute less than the amount necessary to assure that the Bank is
not liable for losses, claims, damages, liabilities and expenses in excess of the amount of fees
actually received by the Bank pursuant to the Agreement. Relative fault shall be determined by
reference to, among other things, whether any alleged untrue statement or omission or any other
alleged conduct relates to information provided by the Company or other conduct by the Company (or
its employees or other agents), on the one hand, or by the Bank, on the other hand.
Notwithstanding the provisions of this paragraph, the Bank shall not be entitled to contribution
from the Company if it is determined that the Bank was guilty of fraudulent misrepresentation
(within the meaning of Section 11(f) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended) and the Company was
not guilty of such fraudulent misrepresentation. The Company will not settle any Proceeding in
respect of which indemnity may be sought hereunder, whether or not the Bank is an actual or
potential party to such Proceeding, without the Bank’s prior written consent (which consent shall
not be unreasonably withheld). For purposes of this Indemnification Agreement, the Bank shall
include the Bank, any of its affiliates, each other person, if any, controlling the
5
Bank or any of its affiliates, their respective officers, current and former directors, employees
and agents, and the successors and assigns of all of the foregoing persons. The foregoing
Indemnification Agreement shall be in addition to any rights that any indemnified party may have at
common law or otherwise.
The Company agrees that neither the Bank nor any of its affiliates, directors, agents,
employees or controlling persons shall have any liability to the Company or any person asserting
claims on behalf of or in right of the Company with respect to the services performed pursuant to
and in accordance with the Agreement, except to the extent that it shall be determined by a court
of competent jurisdiction in a judgment that has become final in that it is no longer subject to
appeal or other review that any losses, claims, damages, liabilities or expenses incurred by the
Company resulted primarily from the gross negligence or willful misconduct of the Bank in
performing the services that are the subject of the Agreement.
THIS INDEMNIFICATION AGREEMENT AND ANY CLAIM, COUNTERCLAIM OR DISPUTE OF ANY KIND OR NATURE
WHATSOEVER WITH RESPECT TO THE SERVICES PERFORMED PURSUANT TO AND IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE AGREEMENT
(“CLAIM”), DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK. EXCEPT AS SET FORTH BELOW, NO CLAIM MAY BE COMMENCED, PROSECUTED OR
CONTINUED IN ANY COURT OTHER THAN THE COURTS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK LOCATED IN THE CITY AND
COUNTY OF NEW YORK OR IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF NEW YORK,
WHICH COURTS SHALL HAVE EXCLUSIVE JURISDICTION OVER THE ADJUDICATION OF SUCH MATTERS, AND THE
COMPANY AND THE BANK CONSENT TO THE JURISDICTION OF SUCH COURTS AND PERSONAL SERVICE WITH RESPECT
THERETO. THE COMPANY HEREBY CONSENTS TO PERSONAL JURISDICTION, SERVICE AND VENUE IN ANY COURT IN
WHICH ANY CLAIM ARISING OUT OF OR IN ANY WAY RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT IS BROUGHT BY ANY THIRD
PARTY AGAINST THE BANK OR ANY INDEMNIFIED PARTY. EACH OF THE BANK AND THE COMPANY WAIVES ALL RIGHT
TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY PROCEEDING OR CLAIM (WHETHER BASED UPON CONTRACT, TORT OR OTHERWISE)
ARISING OUT OF OR IN ANY WAY RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT. THE COMPANY AGREES THAT A FINAL JUDGMENT
IN ANY PROCEEDING OR CLAIM ARISING OUT OF OR IN ANY WAY RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT BROUGHT IN ANY
SUCH COURT SHALL BE CONCLUSIVE AND BINDING UPON THE COMPANY AND MAY BE ENFORCED IN ANY OTHER COURTS
TO THE JURISDICTION OF WHICH THE COMPANY IS OR MAY BE SUBJECT, BY SUIT UPON SUCH JUDGMENT.
6
The foregoing Indemnification Agreement shall remain in full force and effect notwithstanding
any termination of the Bank’s engagement. This Indemnification Agreement may be executed in two or
more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which shall constitute one
and the same agreement.
Very truly yours, HIGHLAND CAPITAL MANAGEMENT, L.P. |
||||
By: | ||||
Name: | ||||
Title: | ||||
Accepted and agreed to as of the date first above written: |
||||
CITIGROUP GLOBAL MARKETS INC. | ||||
By: |
||||
Title: |
[Indemnification Agreement]
February [21], 2007 | ||
Xxxxxxx Xxxxx & Co. |
||
Xxxxxxx Lynch, Pierce, Xxxxxx & Xxxxx |
||
Incorporated |
||
0 Xxxxx Xxxxxxxxx Xxxxxx |
||
Xxx Xxxx, XX 00000 |
Ladies and Gentlemen:
Reference is made to the Underwriting Agreement dated the date hereof (the “Underwriting
Agreement”), by and among Highland Distressed Opportunities, Inc. (the “Fund”), Highland Capital
Management, L.P. (the “Adviser”) and each of the Underwriters named therein, with respect to the
issue and sale of the Fund’s Common Shares, as described therein. Capitalized terms used herein
and not otherwise defined shall have the meanings given to them in the Underwriting Agreement.
1. Fee. In consideration of your services in offering advice to the Adviser relating
to the structure and design of the Fund and the organization of the Fund as well as services
related to the sale and distribution of the Fund’s Common Shares, which services may be completed
by your affiliate in your sole discretion, the Adviser shall pay a fee to you in the aggregate
amount of $[ ] (the “Fee”). The Fee shall be paid on March 31, 2007. The payment shall be
made by wire transfer to the order of Xxxxxxx Xxxxx & Co., Xxxxxxx Lynch, Pierce, Xxxxxx & Xxxxx
Incorporated.
2. Term. This Agreement shall terminate upon the payment of the entire amount of the
Fee, as specified in Section 1 hereof.
3. Indemnification. The Adviser agrees to the indemnification and other agreements
set forth in the Indemnification Agreement attached hereto, the provisions of which are
incorporated herein by reference and shall survive the termination, expiration or supersession of
this Agreement.
4. Not an Investment Adviser; No Fiduciary Duty. The Adviser acknowledges that you
are not providing any advice hereunder as to the value of securities or regarding the advisability
of purchasing or selling any securities for the Fund’s portfolio. No provision of this Agreement
shall be considered as creating, nor shall any
provision create, any obligation on the part of you, and you are not agreeing hereby, to: (i)
furnish any advice or make any recommendations regarding the purchase or sale of portfolio
securities; or (ii) render any opinions, valuations or recommendations of any kind or to perform
any such similar services.
The Adviser hereby acknowledges that your engagement under this
Agreement is as an independent contractor and not in any other capacity, including as a fiduciary.
Furthermore, the Adviser agrees that it is solely responsible for making its own judgments in
connection with the matters covered by this Agreement (irrespective of whether you have advised or
are currently advising the Adviser on related or other matters).
5. Not Exclusive. Nothing herein shall be construed as prohibiting you or your
affiliates from acting as an underwriter or financial advisor or in any other capacity for any
other persons (including other registered investment companies or other investment managers).
6. Assignment. This Agreement may not be assigned by any party without prior written
consent of the other party.
7. Amendment; Waiver. No provision of this Agreement may be amended or waived except
by an instrument in writing signed by the parties hereto.
8. Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by, and construed in accordance
with, the laws of the State of New York.
9. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each
of which shall be an original, and all of which, when taken together, shall constitute one
agreement. Delivery of an executed signature page of this Agreement by facsimile transmission
shall be effective as delivery of a manually executed counterpart hereof.
[END OF TEXT]
2
This Agreement shall be effective as of the date first written above.
HIGHLAND CAPITAL MANAGEMENT, L.P. |
||||
By: | ||||
Name: | ||||
Title: | ||||
Agreed and Accepted:
XXXXXXX XXXXX & CO. | ||||
XXXXXXX LYNCH, PIERCE, XXXXXX & XXXXX | ||||
INCORPORATED |
By: |
||||
Title: |
Indemnification Agreement
February [21], 2007
Xxxxxxx Xxxxx & Co. |
Xxxxxxx Lynch, Pierce, Xxxxxx & Xxxxx |
Incorporated |
0 Xxxxx Xxxxxxxxx Xxxxxx |
Xxx Xxxx, XX 00000 |
Ladies and Gentlemen:
In connection with the engagement of Xxxxxxx Xxxxx & Co., Xxxxxxx Lynch, Pierce, Xxxxxx & Xxxxx
Incorporated (the “Bank”) to advise and assist the undersigned (together with its affiliates and
subsidiaries, referred to as the “Company”) with the matters set forth in the Structuring Fee
Agreement dated February [21], 2007 between the Company and the Bank (the “Agreement”), in the
event that the Bank becomes involved in any capacity in any claim, suit, action, proceeding,
investigation or inquiry (including, without limitation, any shareholder or derivative action or
arbitration proceeding) (collectively, a “Proceeding”) with respect to the services performed
pursuant to and in accordance with the Agreement, the Company agrees to indemnify, defend and hold
the Bank harmless to the fullest extent permitted by law, from and against any losses, claims,
damages, liabilities and expenses with respect to the services performed pursuant to and in
accordance with the Agreement, except to the extent that it shall be determined by a court of
competent jurisdiction in a judgment that has become final in that it is no longer subject to
appeal or other review, that such losses, claims, damages, liabilities and expenses resulted
primarily from the gross negligence or willful misconduct of the Bank. In addition, in the event
that the Bank becomes involved in any capacity in any Proceeding with respect to the services
performed pursuant to and in accordance with the Agreement, the Company will reimburse the Bank for
its legal and other expenses (including the cost of any investigation and preparation) as such
expenses are incurred by the Bank in connection therewith. Promptly after receipt by the Bank of
notice of the commencement of any Proceeding, the Bank will, if a claim in respect thereof is to be
made against the Bank under this paragraph, notify the Company in writing of the commencement
thereof; but the failure so to notify the Company (i) will not relieve it from liability under this
paragraph unless and to the extent it did not otherwise learn of such Proceeding and such failure
results in the forfeiture by the Company of substantial rights and defenses and (ii) will not, in
any event, relieve the Company from any obligations to the Bank other than the indemnification
obligation provided above. The Company shall be entitled to appoint counsel of the Company’s
choice at the Company’s expense to represent the Bank in any Proceeding for which indemnification
is sought (in which case the Company shall not thereafter be responsible for the fees and expenses
of any separate counsel retained by the Bank or parties except as set forth below);
provided, however, that such counsel shall be reasonably satisfactory to the Bank.
Notwithstanding the Company’s election to appoint counsel to represent the Bank in a Proceeding,
the Bank shall have the right to employ one separate counsel (including local
4
counsel), and the Company shall bear the reasonable fees, costs and expenses of such separate
counsel if (i) the use of counsel chosen by the Company to represent the Bank would present such
counsel with a conflict of interest, (ii) the actual or potential defendants in, or targets of, any
such Proceeding include both the Bank and the Company and the Bank shall have reasonably concluded
that there may be legal defenses available to it and/or other indemnified parties which are
different from or additional to those available to the Company, (iii) the Company shall not have
employed counsel satisfactory to the Bank to represent the Bank within a reasonable time after
notice of the institution of such Proceeding or (iv) the Company shall authorize the Bank to employ
separate counsel at the expense of the Company. In no event shall the Company be liable for the
fees and expenses of more than one counsel (in addition to any local counsel) separate from their
own counsel for the Bank and/or the other Underwriters (as defined in the Underwriting Agreement)
(taken as a group) that have entered into a structuring fee agreement, an additional compensation
agreement or similar agreement pursuant to which the Company pays additional compensation to the
respective Underwriter in connection with the offering contemplated in the Underwriting Agreement,
in connection with any one action or separate but similar or related actions in the same
jurisdiction arising out of the same general allegations or circumstances.
If such indemnification were not to be available for any reason, the Company agrees to
contribute to the losses, claims, damages, liabilities and expenses involved (i) in the proportion
appropriate to reflect the relative benefits received or sought to be received by the Company and
its stockholders and affiliates, on the one hand, and the Bank, on the other hand, in the matters
contemplated by the Agreement or (ii) if (but only if and to the extent) the allocation provided
for in clause (i) is for any reason held unenforceable, in such proportion as is appropriate to
reflect not only the relative benefits referred to in clause (i) but also the relative fault of the
Company and its stockholders and affiliates, on the one hand, and the party entitled to
contribution, on the other hand, as well as any other relevant equitable considerations. The
Company agrees that for the purposes of this paragraph the relative benefits received, or sought to
be received, by the Company and its stockholders and affiliates, on the one hand, and the party
entitled to contribution, on the other hand, of a transaction as contemplated shall be deemed to be
in the same proportion that the total value received or paid or contemplated to be received or paid
by the Company or its stockholders or affiliates, as the case may be, as a result of or in
connection with the transaction (whether or not consummated) for which the Bank has been retained
to perform services bears to the fees paid to the Bank under the Agreement; provided, that
in no event shall the Company contribute less than the amount necessary to assure that the Bank is
not liable for losses, claims, damages, liabilities and expenses in excess of the amount of fees
actually received by the Bank pursuant to the Agreement. Relative fault shall be determined by
reference to, among other things, whether any alleged untrue statement or omission or any other
alleged conduct relates to information provided by the Company or other conduct by the Company (or
its employees or other agents), on the one hand, or by the Bank, on the other hand.
Notwithstanding the provisions of this paragraph, the Bank shall not be entitled to contribution
from the Company if it is determined that the Bank was guilty of fraudulent misrepresentation
(within the meaning of Section 11(f) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended) and the Company was
not guilty of such fraudulent misrepresentation. The Company will not settle any Proceeding in
respect of which indemnity may be sought hereunder, whether or not the Bank is an actual or
potential party to such Proceeding, without the Bank’s prior written consent (which
5
consent shall not be unreasonably withheld). For purposes of this Indemnification Agreement, the
Bank shall include the Bank, any of its affiliates, each other person, if any, controlling the Bank
or any of its affiliates, their respective officers, current and former directors, employees and
agents, and the successors and assigns of all of the foregoing persons. The foregoing
Indemnification Agreement shall be in addition to any rights that any indemnified party may have at
common law or otherwise.
The Company agrees that neither the Bank nor any of its affiliates, directors, agents,
employees or controlling persons shall have any liability to the Company or any person asserting
claims on behalf of or in right of the Company with respect to the services performed pursuant to
and in accordance with the Agreement, except to the extent that it shall be determined by a court
of competent jurisdiction in a judgment that has become final in that it is no longer subject to
appeal or other review that any losses, claims, damages, liabilities or expenses incurred by the
Company resulted primarily from the gross negligence or willful misconduct of the Bank in
performing the services that are the subject of the Agreement.
THIS INDEMNIFICATION AGREEMENT AND ANY CLAIM, COUNTERCLAIM OR DISPUTE OF ANY KIND OR NATURE
WHATSOEVER WITH RESPECT TO THE SERVICES PERFORMED PURSUANT TO AND IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE AGREEMENT
(“CLAIM”), DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK. EXCEPT AS SET FORTH BELOW, NO CLAIM MAY BE COMMENCED, PROSECUTED OR
CONTINUED IN ANY COURT OTHER THAN THE COURTS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK LOCATED IN THE CITY AND
COUNTY OF NEW YORK OR IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF NEW YORK,
WHICH COURTS SHALL HAVE EXCLUSIVE JURISDICTION OVER THE ADJUDICATION OF SUCH MATTERS, AND THE
COMPANY AND THE BANK CONSENT TO THE JURISDICTION OF SUCH COURTS AND PERSONAL SERVICE WITH RESPECT
THERETO. THE COMPANY HEREBY CONSENTS TO PERSONAL JURISDICTION, SERVICE AND VENUE IN ANY COURT IN
WHICH ANY CLAIM ARISING OUT OF OR IN ANY WAY RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT IS BROUGHT BY ANY THIRD
PARTY AGAINST THE BANK OR ANY INDEMNIFIED PARTY. EACH OF THE BANK AND THE COMPANY WAIVES ALL RIGHT
TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY PROCEEDING OR CLAIM (WHETHER BASED UPON CONTRACT, TORT OR OTHERWISE)
ARISING OUT OF OR IN ANY WAY RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT. THE COMPANY AGREES THAT A FINAL JUDGMENT
IN ANY PROCEEDING OR CLAIM ARISING OUT OF OR IN ANY WAY RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT BROUGHT IN ANY
SUCH COURT SHALL BE CONCLUSIVE AND BINDING UPON THE COMPANY AND MAY BE ENFORCED IN ANY OTHER COURTS
TO THE JURISDICTION OF WHICH THE COMPANY IS OR MAY BE SUBJECT, BY SUIT UPON SUCH JUDGMENT.
6
The foregoing Indemnification Agreement shall remain in full force and effect notwithstanding
any termination of the Bank’s engagement. This Indemnification Agreement may be executed in two or
more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which shall constitute one
and the same agreement.
Very truly yours, HIGHLAND CAPITAL MANAGEMENT, L.P. |
||||
By: | ||||
Name: | ||||
Title: | ||||
Accepted and agreed to as of
the date first above written:
the date first above written:
XXXXXXX XXXXX & CO. | ||
XXXXXXX LYNCH, PIERCE, XXXXXX & XXXXX | ||
INCORPORATED |
By: |
||||
Title: |
[Indemnification Agreement]
February [21], 2007 | ||
Wachovia Capital Markets, LLC |
||
000 Xxxx Xxxxxx |
||
Xxx Xxxx, XX 00000 |
Ladies and Gentlemen:
Reference is made to the Underwriting Agreement dated the date hereof (the “Underwriting
Agreement”), by and among Highland Distressed Opportunities, Inc. (the “Fund”), Highland Capital
Management, L.P. (the “Adviser”) and each of the Underwriters named therein, with respect to the
issue and sale of the Fund’s Common Shares, as described therein. Capitalized terms used herein
and not otherwise defined shall have the meanings given to them in the Underwriting Agreement.
1. Fee. In consideration of your services in offering advice to the Adviser relating
to the structure and design of the Fund and the organization of the Fund as well as services
related to the sale and distribution of the Fund’s Common Shares, the Adviser shall pay a fee to
you in the aggregate amount of $ (the “Fee”). The Fee shall be paid on March 31, 2007.
The Fee shall be paid by wire transfer to the order of Wachovia Capital Markets, LLC.
2. Term. This Agreement shall terminate upon the payment of the entire amount of the
Fee, as specified in Section 1 hereof.
3. Indemnification. The Adviser agrees to the indemnification and other agreements
set forth in the Indemnification Agreement attached hereto, the provisions of which are
incorporated herein by reference and shall survive the termination, expiration or supersession of
this Agreement.
4. Not an Investment Adviser; No Fiduciary Duty. The Adviser acknowledges that you
are not providing any advice hereunder as to the value of securities or regarding the advisability
of purchasing or selling any securities for the Fund’s portfolio. No provision of this Agreement
shall be considered as creating, nor shall any provision create, any obligation on the part of you,
and you are not agreeing hereby, to: (i) furnish any advice or make any recommendations regarding
the purchase or sale of portfolio securities; or (ii) render any opinions, valuations or
recommendations of any kind or to perform any such similar services. The Adviser hereby
acknowledges that your engagement under this Agreement is as an independent contractor and not in
any other capacity, including as a fiduciary. Furthermore, the Adviser agrees that it is solely
responsible for making its own judgments in connection with the
matters covered by this Agreement
(irrespective of whether you have advised or are currently advising the Adviser on related or other
matters).
5. Not Exclusive. Nothing herein shall be construed as prohibiting you or your
affiliates from acting as an underwriter or financial advisor or in any other capacity for any
other persons (including other registered investment companies or other investment managers).
6. Assignment. This Agreement may not be assigned by any party without prior written
consent of the other party.
7. Amendment; Waiver. No provision of this Agreement may be amended or waived except
by an instrument in writing signed by the parties hereto.
8. Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by, and construed in accordance
with, the laws of the State of New York.
9. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each
of which shall be an original, and all of which, when taken together, shall constitute one
agreement. Delivery of an executed signature page of this Agreement by facsimile transmission
shall be effective as delivery of a manually executed counterpart hereof.
[END OF TEXT]
2
This Agreement shall be effective as of the date first written above.
HIGHLAND CAPITAL MANAGEMENT, L.P. |
||||
By: | ||||
Name: | ||||
Title: | ||||
Agreed and Accepted:
WACHOVIA CAPITAL MARKETS, LLC
By: |
||||
Title: |
Indemnification Agreement
February [21], 2007
Wachovia Capital Markets, LLC
000 Xxxx Xxxxxx
Xxx Xxxx, XX 00000
000 Xxxx Xxxxxx
Xxx Xxxx, XX 00000
Ladies and Gentlemen:
In connection with the engagement of Wachovia Capital Markets, LLC (the “Bank”) to advise and
assist the undersigned (together with its affiliates and subsidiaries, referred to as the
“Company”) with the matters set forth in the Structuring Fee Agreement dated February [21], 2007
between the Company and the Bank (the “Agreement”), in the event that the Bank becomes involved in
any capacity in any claim, suit, action, proceeding, investigation or inquiry (including, without
limitation, any shareholder or derivative action or arbitration proceeding) (collectively, a
“Proceeding”) with respect to the services performed pursuant to and in accordance with the
Agreement, the Company agrees to indemnify, defend and hold the Bank harmless to the fullest extent
permitted by law, from and against any losses, claims, damages, liabilities and expenses with
respect to the services performed pursuant to and in accordance with the Agreement, except to the
extent that it shall be determined by a court of competent jurisdiction in a judgment that has
become final in that it is no longer subject to appeal or other review, that such losses, claims,
damages, liabilities and expenses resulted primarily from the gross negligence or willful
misconduct of the Bank. In addition, in the event that the Bank becomes involved in any capacity
in any Proceeding with respect to the services performed pursuant to and in accordance with the
Agreement, the Company will reimburse the Bank for its legal and other expenses (including the cost
of any investigation and preparation) as such expenses are incurred by the Bank in connection
therewith. Promptly after receipt by the Bank of notice of the commencement of any Proceeding, the
Bank will, if a claim in respect thereof is to be made against the Bank under this paragraph,
notify the Company in writing of the commencement thereof; but the failure so to notify the Company
(i) will not relieve the Company from liability under this paragraph unless and to the extent the
Company did not otherwise learn of such Proceeding and such failure results in the forfeiture by
the Company of substantial rights and defenses and (ii) will not, in any event, relieve the Company
from any obligations to the Bank other than the indemnification obligation provided above. The
Company shall be entitled to appoint counsel of the Company’s choice at the Company’s expense to
represent the Bank in any Proceeding for which indemnification is sought (in which case the Company
shall not thereafter be responsible for the fees and expenses of any separate counsel retained by
the Bank or parties except as set forth below); provided, however, that such
counsel shall be reasonably satisfactory to the Bank. Notwithstanding the Company’s election to
appoint counsel to represent the Bank in a Proceeding, the Bank shall have the right to employ one
separate counsel (in addition to any local counsel), and the Company shall bear the reasonable
fees, costs and expenses of such separate counsel if (i) the use of counsel chosen by the Company
to represent the Bank would present such counsel with a conflict of interest, (ii) the
actual or potential defendants in, or targets of, any such Proceeding include both the Bank and the
Company and the Bank shall have reasonably concluded that there may be legal defenses available to
it and/or other indemnified parties which are different from or additional to those available to
the Company, (iii) the Company shall not have employed counsel satisfactory to the Bank to
represent the Bank within a reasonable time after notice of the institution of such Proceeding or
(iv) the Company shall authorize the Bank to employ separate counsel at the expense of the Company.
In no event shall the Company be liable for the fees and expenses of more than one counsel (in
addition to any local counsel) separate from their own counsel for the Bank and/or the other
Underwriters (as defined in the Underwriting Agreement) (taken as a group) that have entered into a
structuring fee agreement, an additional compensation agreement or similar agreement pursuant to
which the Company pays additional compensation to the respective Underwriter in connection with the
offering contemplated in the Underwriting Agreement, in connection with any one action or separate
but similar or related actions in the same jurisdiction arising out of the same general allegations
or circumstances.
If such indemnification were not to be available for any reason, the Company agrees to
contribute to the losses, claims, damages, liabilities and expenses involved (i) in the proportion
appropriate to reflect the relative benefits received or sought to be received by the Company and
its stockholders and affiliates, on the one hand, and the Bank, on the other hand, in the matters
contemplated by the Agreement or (ii) if (but only if and to the extent) the allocation provided
for in clause (i) is for any reason held unenforceable, in such proportion as is appropriate to
reflect not only the relative benefits referred to in clause (i) but also the relative fault of the
Company and its stockholders and affiliates, on the one hand, and the party entitled to
contribution, on the other hand, as well as any other relevant equitable considerations. The
Company agrees that for the purposes of this paragraph the relative benefits received, or sought to
be received, by the Company and its stockholders and affiliates, on the one hand, and the party
entitled to contribution, on the other hand, of a transaction as contemplated shall be deemed to be
in the same proportion that the total value received or paid or contemplated to be received or paid
by the Company or its stockholders or affiliates, as the case may be, as a result of or in
connection with the transaction (whether or not consummated) for which the Bank has been retained
to perform services bears to the fees paid to the Bank under the Agreement; provided, that
in no event shall the Company contribute less than the amount necessary to assure that the Bank is
not liable for losses, claims, damages, liabilities and expenses in excess of the amount of fees
actually received by the Bank pursuant to the Agreement. Relative fault shall be determined by
reference to, among other things, whether any alleged untrue statement or omission or any other
alleged conduct relates to information provided by the Company or other conduct by the Company (or
its employees or other agents), on the one hand, or by the Bank, on the other hand.
Notwithstanding the provisions of this paragraph, the Bank shall not be entitled to contribution
from the Company if it is determined that the Bank was guilty of fraudulent misrepresentation
(within the meaning of Section 11(f) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended) and the Company was
not guilty of such fraudulent misrepresentation. The Company will not settle any Proceeding in
respect of which indemnity may be sought hereunder, whether or not the Bank is an actual or
potential party to such Proceeding, without the Bank’s prior written consent (which consent shall
not be unreasonably withheld). For purposes of this Indemnification Agreement, the Bank shall
include the Bank, any of its affiliates, each other person, if any, controlling the Bank or any of
its affiliates, their respective officers, current and former directors, employees
5
and agents, and the successors and assigns of all of the foregoing persons. The foregoing
Indemnification Agreement shall be in addition to any rights that any indemnified party may have at
common law or otherwise.
The Company will not be liable to the Bank for any such losses, claims, damages, liabilities
or expenses arising from the sale of securities by Highland Distressed Opportunities Fund, Inc. to
any person if a copy of a prospectus required to be delivered in connection with such sale which
has been furnished to the underwriters of the offering of the securities (within a reasonable
amount of time prior to such sale) shall not have been sent, mailed or given to such person, at or
prior to the written confirmation of the sale of such securities to such person, but only if and to
the extent that such prospectus, if so sent or delivered, would have cured the defect giving rise
to, and been a complete defense against the person asserting, such loss, claim, damage or
liability.
The Company agrees that neither the Bank nor any of its affiliates, directors, agents,
employees or controlling persons shall have any liability to the Company or any person asserting
claims on behalf of or in right of the Company with respect to the services performed pursuant to
and in accordance with the Agreement, except to the extent that it shall be determined by a court
of competent jurisdiction in a judgment that has become final in that it is no longer subject to
appeal or other review that any losses, claims, damages, liabilities or expenses incurred by the
Company resulted primarily from the gross negligence or willful misconduct of the Bank in
performing the services that are the subject of the Agreement.
THIS INDEMNIFICATION AGREEMENT AND ANY CLAIM, COUNTERCLAIM OR DISPUTE OF ANY KIND OR NATURE
WHATSOEVER WITH RESPECT TO THE SERVICES PERFORMED PURSUANT TO AND IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE AGREEMENT
(“CLAIM”), DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK. EXCEPT AS SET FORTH BELOW, NO CLAIM MAY BE COMMENCED, PROSECUTED OR
CONTINUED IN ANY COURT OTHER THAN THE COURTS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK LOCATED IN THE CITY AND
COUNTY OF NEW YORK OR IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF NEW YORK,
WHICH COURTS SHALL HAVE EXCLUSIVE JURISDICTION OVER THE ADJUDICATION OF SUCH MATTERS, AND THE
COMPANY AND THE BANK CONSENT TO THE JURISDICTION OF SUCH COURTS AND PERSONAL SERVICE WITH RESPECT
THERETO. THE COMPANY HEREBY CONSENTS TO PERSONAL JURISDICTION, SERVICE AND VENUE IN ANY COURT IN
WHICH ANY CLAIM ARISING OUT OF OR IN ANY WAY RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT IS BROUGHT BY ANY THIRD
PARTY AGAINST THE BANK OR ANY INDEMNIFIED PARTY. EACH OF THE BANK AND THE COMPANY WAIVES ALL RIGHT
TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY PROCEEDING OR CLAIM (WHETHER BASED UPON CONTRACT, TORT OR OTHERWISE)
ARISING OUT OF OR IN ANY WAY RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT. THE COMPANY AGREES THAT A FINAL JUDGMENT
IN ANY PROCEEDING OR CLAIM ARISING OUT OF OR IN ANY WAY RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT BROUGHT IN ANY
SUCH COURT SHALL BE CONCLUSIVE AND BINDING UPON THE COMPANY AND MAY BE ENFORCED IN ANY OTHER COURTS
TO THE
JURISDICTION OF WHICH THE COMPANY IS OR MAY BE SUBJECT, BY SUIT UPON SUCH JUDGMENT.
6
The foregoing Indemnification Agreement shall remain in full force and effect notwithstanding
any termination of the Bank’s engagement. This Indemnification Agreement may be executed in two or
more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which shall constitute one
and the same agreement.
Very truly yours, HIGHLAND CAPITAL MANAGEMENT, L.P. |
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By: | ||||
Name: | ||||
Title: | ||||
Accepted and agreed to as of
the date first above written:
the date first above written:
WACHOVIA CAPITAL MARKETS, LLC
By: |
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Title: |
[Structuring Fee Agreement]