THIRD AMENDED AND RESTATED SHAREHOLDERS’ AGREEMENT by and among CELANESE CORPORATION, BLACKSTONE CAPITAL PARTNERS (CAYMAN) LTD. 1, BLACKSTONE CAPITAL PARTNERS (CAYMAN) LTD. 2, BLACKSTONE CAPITAL PARTNERS (CAYMAN) LTD. 3, and BA CAPITAL INVESTORS...
THIRD AMENDED AND RESTATED
SHAREHOLDERS’ AGREEMENT
by and among
CELANESE CORPORATION,
BLACKSTONE CAPITAL PARTNERS (CAYMAN) LTD. 1,
BLACKSTONE CAPITAL PARTNERS (CAYMAN) LTD. 2,
BLACKSTONE CAPITAL PARTNERS (CAYMAN) LTD. 3,
and
BA CAPITAL INVESTORS SIDECAR FUND, L.P.
Dated as of October 31, 2005
Table of Contents
Page | ||||||||||
Article I.
|
INTRODUCTORY MATTERS | 1 | ||||||||
1.1 | Defined Terms | 1 | ||||||||
1.2 | Construction | 3 | ||||||||
Article II.
|
TRANSFERS | 3 | ||||||||
2.1 | Limitations on Transfer | 3 | ||||||||
Article III.
|
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE MATTERS | 4 | ||||||||
3.1 | Board of Directors | 4 | ||||||||
3.2 | Proxy | 4 | ||||||||
3.3 | Notice Regarding Changes in Ownership | 5 | ||||||||
Article IV.
|
COVENANTS | 5 | ||||||||
4.1 | Books and Records; Access | 5 | ||||||||
4.2 | Periodic Reporting | 5 | ||||||||
4.3 | Confidentiality | 6 | ||||||||
4.4 | Indemnification | 6 | ||||||||
4.5 | Expenses and Fees | 6 | ||||||||
4.6 | Use of Shareholders’ Names | 7 | ||||||||
Article V.
|
MISCELLANEOUS | 7 | ||||||||
5.1 | Additional Securities Subject to Agreement | 7 | ||||||||
5.2 | Recapitalization, Exchange, Etc | 7 | ||||||||
5.3 | Termination | 7 | ||||||||
5.4 | Notices | 7 | ||||||||
5.5 | Further Assurances | 8 | ||||||||
5.6 | Assignment | 9 | ||||||||
5.7 | Amendment; Waiver | 9 | ||||||||
5.8 | Third Parties | 9 | ||||||||
5.9 | Governing Law | 9 | ||||||||
5.10 | Jurisdiction | 9 | ||||||||
5.11 | MUTUAL WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL | 9 | ||||||||
5.12 | Specific Performance | 9 | ||||||||
5.13 | Entire Agreement | 10 | ||||||||
5.14 | Titles and Headings | 10 | ||||||||
5.15 | Severability | 10 | ||||||||
5.16 | Counterparts | 10 |
i
THIRD AMENDED AND RESTATED SHAREHOLDERS’ AGREEMENT
THIRD AMENDED AND RESTATED SHAREHOLDERS’ AGREEMENT, dated as of October 31, 2005, by and among
Celanese Corporation, a Delaware corporation (formerly known as Xxxxxxxxxx Xxxxxxx Holdings Capital
Partners (Cayman) IV Ltd.) (the “Company”), Blackstone Capital Partners (Cayman) Ltd. 1
(“BCP 1”), Blackstone Capital Partners (Cayman) Ltd. 2 (“BCP 2”), Blackstone
Capital Partners (Cayman) Ltd. 3 (“BCP 3” and, together with BCP 1 and BCP 2 and their
respective successors and Permitted Assigns (as hereinafter defined), the “Blackstone
Entities”), each an exempted company incorporated under the laws of the Cayman Islands, and BA
Capital Investors Sidecar Fund, L.P., a Cayman Islands limited partnership (“BACI”). Each
of the Blackstone Entities and BACI and their respective successors and Permitted Assigns are
sometimes referred to individually as a “Shareholder” and together as the
“Shareholders.”
BACKGROUND:
WHEREAS, in connection with the consummation of the voluntary public takeover offer by a
subsidiary of the Company for all of the outstanding registered ordinary shares of Celanese AG (the
“Offer”), the Blackstone Entities and BACI acquired ordinary shares, par value $0.01 per
share, of the Company (the “Ordinary Shares”);
WHEREAS, the Blackstone Entities and BACI entered into the Shareholders’ Agreement, dated as
of April 6, 2004 (as subsequently amended and restated as of November 1, 2004 and as of January 18,
2005, the “Original Agreement”) to provide for certain matters relating to their respective
holdings of Ordinary Shares and the governance of the Company;
WHEREAS, on November 3, 2004, the Company migrated from the Cayman Islands to the State of
Delaware, redomiciled itself as a Delaware corporation and changed its name from “Xxxxxxxxxx
Xxxxxxx Holdings Capital Partners (Cayman) IV Ltd.” to “Celanese Corporation”; and
WHEREAS, in connection with, and effective upon, the consummation of the Secondary Offering
(as defined in Section 1.1) of the Company, the parties to the Original Agreement wish to amend and
restate the Original Agreement in its entirety in order to set forth certain understandings
regarding the governance of the Company and the relationship among the Company and the
Shareholders.
NOW, THEREFORE, the parties agree as follows:
ARTICLE I. INTRODUCTORY MATTERS
1.1 Defined Terms. In addition to the terms defined elsewhere herein, the following
terms have the following meanings when used herein with initial capital letters:
“Affiliate” means, with respect to any Person, (i) any Person that directly or
indirectly controls, is controlled by or is under common control with, such Person or (ii)
any director, officer, member, partner (including limited partners) or employee of such
Person or any Person specified in clause (i) above; provided that officers,
directors or employees of the Company will be deemed not to be Affiliates of the
Shareholders for purposes hereof solely by reason of being officers, directors or employees
of the Company.
“Agreement” means this Third Amended and Restated Shareholders’ Agreement, as
the same may be amended, supplemented, restated or otherwise modified from time to time in
accordance with the terms hereof.
2
“BACI” has the meaning set forth in the preamble.
“BCP 1” has the meaning set forth in the preamble.
“BCP 2” has the meaning set forth in the preamble.
“BCP 3” has the meaning set forth in the preamble.
“Blackstone Entities” has the meaning set forth in the preamble.
“Blackstone Representative” means the Blackstone Entity designated from time to
time by all of the Blackstone Entities to serve as the representative of the Blackstone
Entities for certain purposes hereunder.
“Board” means the board of directors of the Company.
“Business Day” means a day other than a Saturday, Sunday, federal or New York
State holiday or other day on which commercial banks in New York City are authorized or
required by law to close.
“Certificate of Incorporation” means the second amended and restated
certificate of incorporation of the Company, as the same may be amended, supplemented,
restated or otherwise modified from time to time in accordance with the terms hereof.
“Company” has the meaning set forth in the preamble.
“Common Stock” means the shares of Series A common stock par value $0.0001 per
share, of the Company, and any other capital stock of the Company into which such stock is
reclassified or reconstituted and any other common stock of the Company.
“Common Stock Equivalents” means any security or obligation which is by its
terms convertible, exchangeable or exercisable into or for shares of Common Stock, whether
at the time of issuance or upon the passage of time or the occurrence of some future event.
“Director” means any member of the Board.
“Exchange Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the
rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, as the same may be amended from time to time.
“Offer” has the meaning set forth in the preamble.
“Ordinary Shares” has the meaning set forth in the preamble.
“Original Agreement” has the meaning set forth in the preamble.
“Permitted Assigns” means with respect to any Shareholder, a Transferee of
shares of Common Stock of such Shareholder that agrees to become party to, and to be bound
to the same extent as its transferor by the terms of, this Agreement.
“Person” means any individual, corporation, limited liability company,
partnership, trust, joint stock company, business trust, unincorporated association, joint
venture, governmental authority or other legal entity of any nature whatsoever.
3
“Preferred Stock” means the shares of preferred stock, par value $0.01 per
share, of the Company and any other capital stock of the Company into which such stock is
designated, reclassified or reconstituted, and any other preferred stock of the Company.
“Public Offering” means a sale of common equity or equivalent securities of the
Company to the public pursuant to an effective registration statement (other than a
registration statement on Form S-4 or S-8 or any similar or successor form) filed under the
Securities Act.
“Registration Rights Agreement” means the Amended and Restated Registration
Rights Agreement dated as of January 26, 2005, among the Company and the Shareholders, as
such agreement may be amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time.
“Related Persons” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.4.
“Secondary Offering” means the sale of up to 23,000,000 shares of Common Stock
by certain stockholders of the Company pursuant to the Registration Statement on Form S-1
(Registration No. 333-127902).
“Securities Act” means the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the
rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, as the same may be amended from time to time.
“Shareholder” or “Shareholders” has the meaning set forth in the
preamble.
“Transfer” means a transfer, sale, assignment, pledge, hypothecation or other
disposition, whether directly or indirectly pursuant to the creation of a derivative
security, the grant of an option or other right, the imposition of a restriction on
disposition or voting or transfer by operation of law. When used as a verb, “Transfer”
shall have the correlative meaning. In addition, “Transferred” and “Transferee” shall have
the correlative meanings.
1.2 Construction. The language used in this Agreement will be deemed to be the
language chosen by the parties to express their mutual intent, and no rule of strict construction
will be applied against any party. Unless the context otherwise requires: (a) “or” is
disjunctive but not exclusive, (b) words in the singular include the plural, and in the plural
include the singular, and (c) the words “hereof”, “herein”, and “hereunder”
and words of similar import when used in this Agreement refer to this Agreement as a whole and not
to any particular provision of this Agreement, and Section references are to this Agreement unless
otherwise specified.
ARTICLE II. TRANSFERS
2.1 Limitations on Transfer. (a) There shall be no limitations or restrictions on
the Transfer of shares of Common Stock by any Shareholder other than as provided in this Agreement
and applicable law.
(b) Each certificate representing shares of Common Stock held by any Shareholder will bear a
legend substantially to the following effect:
“THE SHARES REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES
ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED, AND MAY NOT BE TRANSFERRED OR OTHERWISE DISPOSED OF UNLESS THEY
HAVE BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THAT ACT OR AN EXEMPTION FROM REGISTRATION IS AVAILABLE.”
4
The foregoing legend shall only be removed if at such time it is no longer required for purposes of
applicable securities laws.
(c) Any Transfer by a Shareholder shall be effective only upon receipt by the Company of
information reasonably satisfactory to it, demonstrating that such Transfer is exempt from or not
subject to the provisions of Section 5 of the Securities Act and any other applicable securities
laws (for such purpose, an opinion of Xxxxxxxx & Xxxxx LLP, or other counsel reasonably acceptable
to the Company, to that effect shall constitute such reasonably satisfactory information).
ARTICLE III. CORPORATE GOVERNANCE MATTERS
3.1 Board of Directors. (a) For so long as the Blackstone Entities (or their
respective designated Affiliates) hold at least twenty-five percent (25%) in voting power of all
shares of the Company’s capital stock entitled to vote generally in the election of Directors, the
Blackstone Entities shall be entitled, but not required, to nominate all nominees for election to
the Board, other than any Directors entitled to be designated by the holders of the Preferred Stock
pursuant to the Certificate of Incorporation. Each of the Blackstone Entities shall take all
action necessary to effect such nominations to the Board. Any Director not so nominated by the
Blackstone Entities pursuant to this Section 3.1 shall be nominated in accordance with the
Certificate of Incorporation. The termination of the rights of the Blackstone Entities under this
Section 3.1(a) shall in no way affect the rights of the Blackstone Entities as holders of shares of
Common Stock. BACI shall have no obligation under this Section 3.1(a) to take any actions to
effect any nominations to the Board under this Section 3.1(a).
(b) Each of the Blackstone Entities hereby agrees to take such actions provided for under the
terms of the shares of Common Stock held by them, in each case to elect the nominees referred to in
Section 3.1(a) to the Board. If, following an election to the Board pursuant to this Section 3.1,
any Director nominated by a Blackstone Entity shall resign or be removed or be unable to serve for
any reason prior to the expiration of his or her term as a Director, the Blackstone Entities may
notify the Board in writing of a replacement nominee and each of the Blackstone Entities hereby
agree to take such actions provided for under the terms of the shares of Common Stock held by them,
in each case to elect such nominee to the Board.
(c) The Company will pay all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred by the Directors in
connection with their participation in meetings of the Board (and committees thereof), as well as
such expenses of the members of the boards of directors or comparable governing bodies (and
committees thereof) of the subsidiaries of the Company. Each Director, in his or her capacity as
such, shall be entitled to the same reimbursement, indemnification and insurance as any other
Director receives in his or her capacity as such.
3.2 Proxy. BACI hereby irrevocably appoints as its proxy and attorney-in-fact Xxxxx Xxx, Xxxxxxxx X.
Xxxxxxx and Xxxxx Xxxxxxxxx, in their respective capacities as directors of BCP 1, and any other
Person designated in writing by BCP 1, each of them individually, with full power of substitution,
to vote or execute written consents with respect to all shares of Common Stock held by BACI with
respect to all matters to be acted upon by the stockholders of the Company at any time and from
time to time during the term of this Agreement (except as such proxy shall be earlier revoked as
provided below). This proxy is coupled with an interest and shall be irrevocable prior to the
termination of this Agreement with respect to BACI in accordance with the terms hereof (upon which
termination it shall be automatically revoked); provided that upon the Transfer of shares
of Common Stock held by BACI in accordance with the terms of this Agreement, this proxy shall be
automatically revoked, solely with respect to the shares so Transferred; provided,
further that at such time as the Blackstone Entities and BACI own an aggregate percentage
of shares of Common Stock outstanding less than 50%, this proxy
5
shall be automatically revoked,
with respect to all of the shares of Common Stock held by BACI. BACI shall take such further
action or execute such other instruments as may be necessary to effectuate the intent of this proxy
and hereby revokes any proxy previously granted by BACI with respect to any shares of Common Stock
held by BACI. BCP 1 may terminate this proxy at any time at its sole election by written notice
provided to BACI. Upon BACI’s written request to BCP 1, BCP 1 will notify BACI of the aggregate
ownership percentage of Common Stock outstanding that the Blackstone Entities own as of the date of
such notice.
3.3 Notice Regarding Changes in Ownership. BACI and the Blackstone Entities hereby
agree to notify the other in the event of any Transfer of shares of Common Stock held by it or
them, as applicable, and any other information relating thereto; provided that the
foregoing notification obligation pursuant to this Section 3.3. shall terminate upon the revocation
or termination of the proxy specified in Section 3.2.
ARTICLE IV. COVENANTS
4.1 Books and Records; Access. The Company shall, and shall cause its subsidiaries
to, keep proper books, records and accounts, in which full and correct entries shall be made of all
financial transactions and the assets and business of the Company and each of its subsidiaries in
accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. The Company shall, and shall cause its
subsidiaries to, permit any Blackstone Entity and its designated representatives, at reasonable
times and upon reasonable prior notice to the Company, to review the books and records of the
Company or any of such subsidiaries and to discuss the affairs, finances and condition of the
Company or any of such subsidiaries with the officers of the Company or any such subsidiary.
4.2 Periodic Reporting. (a) The Company shall deliver or cause to be delivered to
each Blackstone Entity:
(i) as soon as available, but not later than ninety (90) days after the end of each
fiscal year of the Company, a copy of the audited consolidated balance sheet of the Company
and its subsidiaries as of the end of such fiscal year and the related statements of
operations and cash flows for such fiscal year, setting forth in each case in comparative
form the figures for the previous year, all in reasonable detail;
(ii) commencing with the fiscal period ending after September 30, 2004, as soon as
available, but in any event not later than forty five (45) days after the end of each of the
first three fiscal quarters of each fiscal year, the unaudited consolidated balance sheet of
the Company and its subsidiaries, and the related statements of operations and cash flows
for such quarter and for the period commencing on the first day of the fiscal year and
ending on the last day of such quarter;
(iii) to the extent otherwise prepared by the Company, operating and capital
expenditure budgets and periodic information packages relating to the operations and cash
flows of the Company and its subsidiaries; and
(iv) such other reports and information as may be reasonably requested by such
Blackstone Entity.
(b) The Company shall deliver or cause to be delivered to each Shareholder all tax information
(including information prepared in accordance with United States federal income tax principles)
regarding the Company, its subsidiaries and its direct and indirect owners as (i) is necessary
6
for
a Shareholder to (A) prepare accurately all tax returns (including, but not limited to, United
States federal income tax returns) required to be filed by such Shareholder with respect to its
investment in the Company and (B) comply with any tax reporting requirements (including, but not
limited to, any tax reporting requirements imposed by United States federal income tax laws)
imposed as a result of such Shareholder’s ownership of an equity interest in the Company or (ii) is
reasonably requested by a Shareholder to engage in such Shareholder’s own tax planning with respect
to its investment in the Company.
4.3 Confidentiality. Except as required by law or other legal proceeding or
regulatory process, each party hereto will, and will cause each of their respective subsidiaries,
Affiliates and representatives to, maintain in confidence, any non-public or confidential
proprietary information furnished to them by or on behalf of any other party or its representatives
in connection with this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby. All information
provided under this Agreement shall be deemed confidential; provided, however, that
information shall not be deemed confidential if (a) at the time of disclosure, such information is
generally available to and known by the public (other than as a result of a disclosure directly by
the recipient or any of its representatives), (b) such information was available to the recipient
on a non-confidential basis from a source that is not and was not prohibited from disclosing such
information to the recipient by a contractual, legal or fiduciary obligation or (c) such
information is known to the recipient prior to or independently of its relationship with the party
providing such information.
4.4 Indemnification. The Company shall indemnify and hold harmless, to the full
extent permitted by law, each of Xxxxxxxxxx XX Associates (Cayman) IV Ltd, Blackstone Management
Associates (Cayman) IV L.P., Blackstone Capital Partners (Cayman) IV L.P., Blackstone Capital
Partners (Cayman) IV-A L.P., Blackstone Family Investment Partnership (Cayman) IV-A L.P.,
Blackstone Chemical Coinvest Partners (Cayman) L.P., Blackstone Participation Partnership IV L.P.,
BCP 1, BCP 2 and BCP 3, BACI and each of their directors, officers, employees, shareholders,
general partners, limited partners, members, advisory directors, managing directors and affiliates
(other than the Company and its subsidiaries) (and directors, officers, employees, shareholders,
general partners, limited partners, members, advisory directors, managing directors and controlling
persons thereof) (collectively, “Related Persons”), against any and all losses, claims,
damages or liabilities, joint or several, and expenses (including without limitation, reasonable attorneys’ fees and any and all reasonable expenses incurred investigating,
preparing or defending against any litigation, commenced or threatened, or any claim, and any and
all amounts paid in any settlement of any such claim or litigation) to which such Related Person
may become subject, insofar as such losses, claims, damages or liabilities (or actions or
proceedings in respect thereof) or expenses arise out of or are based upon the Offer or the other
transactions contemplated thereby. Such indemnification obligation shall be in addition to any
liability that the Company may otherwise have to any other such Related Person. The provisions of
this Section 4.4 are intended to be for the benefit of, and shall be enforceable by, each Related
Person and its respective successors, heirs and representatives.
4.5 Expenses and Fees. The Company shall reimburse the Blackstone Entities and their
respective Affiliates for their respective reasonable out-of-pocket fees and expenses incurred in
connection with the Offer and the Secondary Offering, subject to receipt of documentation thereof
reasonably acceptable to the Company. The Company shall reimburse BACI for its reasonable
out-of-pocket fees and expenses incurred in connection with (x) its subscription for Ordinary
Shares acquired in connection with the consummation of the Offer (including, without limitation,
due diligence investigation, and the negotiation of the commitment letter and agreements, in each
case relating to such subscription) and (y) this Agreement and the Secondary Offering, subject to
receipt of documentation thereof reasonably acceptable to the Company. Any reimbursement by the
Company of any out-of-
7
pocket fees and expenses incurred by the Blackstone Entities or BACI pursuant
to this Section 4.5 shall be subject to the Registration Rights Agreement.
4.6 Use of Shareholders’ Names. Neither any Shareholder nor the Company shall use the
name of any Shareholder in connection with the business or affairs of the Company, including for
purposes of publicity, public relations, marketing or fundraising, without obtaining the prior
written consent of the Shareholder whose name is proposed to be used, except (a) as required by law
or other legal proceeding or regulatory process or (b) for the listing of a Shareholder as a
beneficial owner of registered ordinary shares of Celanese AG and/or any other entity for which
public disclosure of such beneficial ownership is required or advisable, subject, in the case of
these clauses (a) and (b), to prior review and comment by such Shareholder to the extent
practicable under the circumstances.
ARTICLE V. MISCELLANEOUS
5.1 Additional Securities Subject to Agreement. Each Shareholder agrees that any
capital stock of the Company which it hereafter acquires by means of a stock split, stock dividend,
distribution, exercise of options or warrants, additional equity subscription, reorganization,
redomiciliation or otherwise (other than pursuant to a Public Offering) will be subject to the
provisions of this Agreement to the same extent as if held on the date hereof. If any Shareholder
is issued any Common Stock Equivalents, the Shareholders agree to amend this Agreement to the
extent necessary to reflect such issuance in a manner consistent with the terms and conditions
hereof.
5.2 Recapitalization, Exchange, Etc. The provisions of this Agreement shall apply, to
the full extent set forth herein with respect to the Common Stock and Common Stock Equivalents, to
any and all shares, Common Stock Equivalents or other securities of the Company or any successor to
the Company that may be issued in respect of, in exchange for, or in substitution of the Common Stock or Common Stock
Equivalents. If, and as often as, there are any changes in the Common Stock or the Common Stock
Equivalents, by way of any reclassifications or through merger, consolidation, reorganization,
recapitalization, redomiciliation or by any other means occurring after the date of this Agreement,
appropriate adjustment shall be made to the provisions of this Agreement, as may be required, so
that the rights, privileges, duties and obligations hereunder shall continue with respect to the
Common Stock and Common Stock Equivalents as so changed.
5.3 Termination. This Agreement shall terminate with respect to any Shareholder, on
the date of which such Shareholder ceases to hold any shares of Common Stock, except that Sections
4.3 and 4.4 shall survive such termination.
5.4 Notices. Any notice, request, instruction or other document to be given hereunder
by any party hereto to another party hereto shall be in writing, shall be and shall be deemed given
when (a) delivered personally, (b) five (5) Business Days after being sent by certified or
registered mail, postage prepaid, return receipt requested, (c) one (1) Business Day after being
sent by Federal Express or other nationally recognized overnight courier, or (iv) if transmitted by
facsimile if confirmed within 24 hours thereafter a signed original sent in the manner provided in
clause (a), (b) or (c) to the parties at the following addresses (or at such other address for a
party as shall be specified by notice from such party):
if to the Company:
Celanese Corporation
0000 Xxxx XXX Xxxxxxx
Xxxxxx, Xxxxx 00000-0000
0000 Xxxx XXX Xxxxxxx
Xxxxxx, Xxxxx 00000-0000
8
Attention: Xxxxxx X. Xxxx
Fax: (000) 000-0000
Fax: (000) 000-0000
With a copy to:
Celanese Corporation
000 X.X. Xxxxxxx 000/000
Xxxxxxxxxx, Xxx Xxxxxx 00000-0000
Attention: Senior SEC Counsel
Fax: (000) 000-0000
000 X.X. Xxxxxxx 000/000
Xxxxxxxxxx, Xxx Xxxxxx 00000-0000
Attention: Senior SEC Counsel
Fax: (000) 000-0000
if to any Blackstone Entity:
The Blackstone Group L.P.
000 Xxxx Xxxxxx
Xxx Xxxx, Xxx Xxxx 00000
Attention: Xxxxx Xxx
Fax: (000) 000-0000
000 Xxxx Xxxxxx
Xxx Xxxx, Xxx Xxxx 00000
Attention: Xxxxx Xxx
Fax: (000) 000-0000
with a copy to:
Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxx & Xxxxxxxx LLP
000 Xxxxxxxxx Xxxxxx
Xxx Xxxx, Xxx Xxxx 00000
Attention: Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxxxxxx, Esq.
Fax: (000) 000-0000
000 Xxxxxxxxx Xxxxxx
Xxx Xxxx, Xxx Xxxx 00000
Attention: Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxxxxxx, Esq.
Fax: (000) 000-0000
if to BACI:
BA Capital Investors Sidecar Fund, L.P.
c/o Banc of America Capital Investors, L.P.
Banc of America Corporate Center
000 Xxxxx Xxxxx Xxxxxx, 00xx Xxxxx
Xxxxxxxxx, XX 00000
Attention: J. Xxxxxx Xxxx
Fax: (000) 000-0000
c/o Banc of America Capital Investors, L.P.
Banc of America Corporate Center
000 Xxxxx Xxxxx Xxxxxx, 00xx Xxxxx
Xxxxxxxxx, XX 00000
Attention: J. Xxxxxx Xxxx
Fax: (000) 000-0000
with a copy to:
Xxxxxxxx & Xxxxx LLP
000 Xxxx Xxxxxxxx Xxxxx
Xxxxxxx, XX 00000
Attention: Xxxxxxxx X. Xxxxxx, P.C.
Fax: (000) 000-0000
000 Xxxx Xxxxxxxx Xxxxx
Xxxxxxx, XX 00000
Attention: Xxxxxxxx X. Xxxxxx, P.C.
Fax: (000) 000-0000
5.5 Further Assurances. The parties hereto will sign such further documents, cause
such meetings to be held, resolutions passed, exercise their votes and do and perform and cause to
be done such further acts and things as may be necessary in order to give full effect to this
Agreement and every provision hereof.
9
5.6 Assignment. This Agreement will inure to the benefit of and be binding on the
parties hereto and their respective successors and Permitted Assigns. Except as specifically
provided herein, this Agreement may not be assigned by BACI without the express prior written
consent of the Blackstone Representative, and any attempted assignment, without such consents, will
be null and void. The rights of any Blackstone Entity under this Agreement may be assigned by such
Blackstone Entity to any Transferee of Common Stock held by such Blackstone Entity,
provided such Transferee becomes a Permitted Assign. This Section 5.6. shall in no way
restrict any Transfer of shares of Common Stock by any Shareholder that is otherwise permitted by
this Agreement.
5.7 Amendment; Waiver. This Agreement may be amended, supplemented or otherwise
modified only by a written instrument executed by the Company and Shareholders holding a majority
of the shares of Common Stock subject to this Agreement; provided that no such amendment,
supplement or other modification shall adversely affect the interests of any Shareholder hereunder
disproportionately to other Shareholders without the written consent of such Shareholder; and
provided, further, that no such amendment, supplement or modification shall
adversely affect BACI in any material respect without the written consent of the holders of a
majority of the shares of Common Stock held by BACI. No waiver by any party of any of the
provisions hereof will be effective unless explicitly set forth in writing and executed by the party so waiving. Except as provided in the preceding sentence, no action
taken pursuant to this Agreement, including without limitation, any investigation by or on behalf
of any party, will be deemed to constitute a waiver by the party taking such action of compliance
with any covenants or agreements contained herein. The waiver by any party hereto of a breach of
any provision of this Agreement will not operate or be construed as a waiver of any subsequent
breach.
5.8 Third Parties. Except as provided in Section 4.4, this Agreement does not create
any rights, claims or benefits inuring to any person that is not a party hereto nor create or
establish any third party beneficiary hereto.
5.9 Governing Law. This Agreement will be governed by, and construed in accordance
with, the laws of the State of New York.
5.10 Jurisdiction. The courts of the State of New York in New York County and the
United States District Court for the Southern District of New York shall have jurisdiction over the
parties with respect to any dispute or controversy between them arising under or in connection with
this agreement and, by execution and delivery of this agreement, each of the parties to this
Agreement submits to the exclusive jurisdiction of those courts, including but not limited to the
in personam and subject matter jurisdiction of those courts, waives any objections to such
jurisdiction on the grounds of venue or forum non conveniens, the absence of in personam or subject
matter jurisdiction and any similar grounds, consents to service of process by mail (in accordance
with the notice provisions of this Agreement) or any other manner permitted by law, and irrevocably
agrees to be bound by any judgment rendered thereby in connection with this Agreement.
5.11 MUTUAL WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL. THE PARTIES HERETO WAIVE ALL RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY
IN ANY ACTION, SUIT OR PROCEEDING BROUGHT TO ENFORCE OR DEFEND ANY RIGHTS OR REMEDIES UNDER THIS
AGREEMENT.
5.12 Specific Performance. The Company and each Shareholder acknowledge and agree
that in the event of any breach of this Agreement by any of them, the Shareholders and the Company
would be irreparably harmed and could not be made whole by monetary damages. Each party
accordingly agrees to waive the defense in any action for specific performance that a remedy at law
would be adequate and that the parties, in addition to any other remedy to which they may be
entitled at law or in equity, shall be entitled to compel specific performance of this Agreement.
10
5.13 Entire Agreement. This Agreement, together with the Registration Rights
Agreement and sets forth the entire understanding of the parties hereto with respect to the subject
matter hereof. There are no agreements, representations, warranties, covenants or undertakings
with respect to the subject matter hereof and thereof other than those expressly set forth herein
and therein. This Agreement, together with the Registration Rights Agreement, supersedes all other prior agreements and understandings
between the parties, with respect to such subject matter.
5.14 Titles and Headings. The section headings contained in this Agreement are for
reference purposes only and will not affect the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement.
5.15 Severability. If one or more of the provisions, paragraphs, words, clauses,
phrases or sentences contained herein, or the application thereof in any circumstances, is held
invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect for any reason, the validity, legality and
enforceability of any such provision, paragraph, word, clause, phrase or sentence in every other
respect and of the remaining provisions, paragraphs, words, clauses, phrases or sentences hereof
shall not be in any way impaired, it being intended that all rights, powers and privileges of the
parties hereto shall be enforceable to the fullest extent permitted by law.
5.16 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each
of which will be deemed to be an original and all of which together will be deemed to be one and
the same instrument.
5.17 Effectiveness. This Agreement shall become effective upon the consummation of
the Secondary Offering and prior thereto shall be of no force or effect. Until the effectiveness
of this Agreement, the Original Agreement shall remain in full force and effect in accordance with
its terms. If the Secondary Offering is not consummated on or prior to November 15, 2005, this
Agreement shall automatically be of no force or effect and the Original Agreement shall continue in
full force and effect in accordance with its terms.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the undersigned has executed this Agreement or caused this
Agreement to be executed on its behalf as of the date first written above.
CELANESE CORPORATION | ||||||
By: | /s/ Xxxxx X. Xxxxxxx | |||||
Name: Xxxxx X. Xxxxxxx | ||||||
Title: Chief Executive Officer and President | ||||||
BLACKSTONE CAPITAL PARTNERS (CAYMAN) LTD. 1 | ||||||
By: | /s/ Xxxxx Xxxxxxxxx | |||||
Name: Xxxxx Xxxxxxxxx | ||||||
Title: Director | ||||||
BLACKSTONE CAPITAL PARTNERS (CAYMAN) LTD. 2 | ||||||
By: | /s/ Xxxxx Xxxxxxxxx | |||||
Name: Xxxxx Xxxxxxxxx | ||||||
Title: Director | ||||||
BLACKSTONE CAPITAL PARTNERS (CAYMAN) LTD. 3 | ||||||
By: | /s/ Xxxxx Xxxxxxxxx | |||||
Name: Xxxxx Xxxxxxxxx | ||||||
Title: Director | ||||||
BA CAPITAL INVESTORS SIDECAR FUND, L.P. | ||||||
By: | BA Capital Management Sidecar, L.P. | |||||
Its: | General Partner | |||||
By: | BACM I Sidecar GP Limited | |||||
Its: | General Partner | |||||
By: Xxxx Xxxxx | ||||||
Name: Xxxx Xxxxx | ||||||
Title: Authorized Person |