AMENDED AND RESTATED SHAREHOLDERS’ AGREEMENT
Exhibit 10.6
AMENDED AND RESTATED SHAREHOLDERS’ AGREEMENT
This Amended and Restated Shareholders’ Agreement (this “Agreement”), among The
Xxxxxxx Xxxxx Group, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“GS Inc.”), and the Covered Persons
(hereinafter defined) listed on Appendix A hereto, as such Appendix A may be amended from time to
time pursuant to the provisions hereof.
WITNESSETH:
WHEREAS, the Covered Persons are beneficial owners of shares of Common Stock, par value $0.01
per share, of GS Inc. (the “Common Stock”).
WHEREAS, GS Inc. entered into the Original Shareholders’ Agreement (hereinafter defined) in
connection with the initial public offering of GS Inc. to address certain relationships among the
parties thereto with respect to the voting and disposition of shares of Common Stock and various
other matters, and to give to the Shareholders’ Committee (hereinafter defined) the power to
enforce their agreements with respect thereto.
WHEREAS, the Shareholders’ Committee, GS Inc. and a majority of the outstanding Voting
Interests (as defined in the Original Shareholders’ Agreement) desire to amend certain provisions
of the Original Shareholders’ Agreement.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and of the mutual agreements, covenants and
provisions herein contained, the parties hereto agree to amend and restate the Original
Shareholders’ Agreement in its entirety as follows:
ARTICLE I
DEFINITIONS AND OTHER MATTERS
DEFINITIONS AND OTHER MATTERS
Section 1.1 Definitions. The following words and phrases as used herein shall have
the following meanings, except as otherwise expressly provided or unless the context otherwise
requires:
(a) This “Agreement” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in the
Recitals.
(b) A “beneficial owner” of a security includes any person who, directly or
indirectly, through any contract, arrangement, understanding, relationship or otherwise
has or shares: (i) voting power, which includes the power to vote, or to direct the
voting of, such security and/or (ii) investment power, which includes the power to
dispose, or to direct the disposition of, such security, but for purposes of this
Agreement a person shall not be deemed a beneficial owner of (A) Common Stock solely by
virtue of the application of Exchange Act Rule 13d-3(d) or Exchange Act Rule 13d-5, (B)
Common Stock
solely by virtue of the possession of the legal right to vote securities under
applicable state or other law (such as by proxy or power of attorney) or (C) Common
Stock held of record by a “private foundation” subject to the requirements of Section
509 of the Code. “Beneficially own” and “beneficial ownership” shall
have correlative meanings.
(c) “Code” shall mean the United States Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as
amended from time to time, and the applicable rulings and regulations thereunder.
(d) “Common Stock” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in the
Recitals.
(e) “Company” shall mean GS Inc., together with its Subsidiaries.
(f) “Continuing Provisions” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in
Section 7.1(b).
(g) “Covered Persons” shall mean the Participating Managing Directors,
whose names are listed on Appendix A hereto, and all persons who may become
Participating Managing Directors, whose names will be added to Appendix A hereto.
(h) “Covered Shares” shall, with respect to each Covered Person, equal the
sum of the number of shares of Common Stock determined by the following calculation,
which calculation shall be made, and the sum shall be determined, each time, after a
Covered Person’s Participation Date and with respect to an award (other than an award in
connection with GS Inc.’s initial public offering or any acquisition by GS Inc. (unless
otherwise determined by the Shareholders’ Committee)) under a Xxxxxxx Sachs Compensation
Plan, such Covered Person:
(i) receives Common Stock underlying an award of restricted
stock units,
(ii) becomes vested in an award under the Defined
Contribution Plan with respect to fiscal 1999 or 2000 only, or
(iii) exercises a stock option.
As of each such relevant event, the calculation, unless otherwise determined by the
Shareholders’ Committee, shall be:
(A) such Covered Person’s “gross” number of shares of Common Stock underlying
such restricted stock units, Defined Contribution Plan awards or stock options,
as applicable (i.e., the gross number is determined before any deductions,
including any deductions for
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withholding taxes, fees, commissions or the payment of any amount in respect of
exercise),
minus
(B) the sum of :
(1) | with respect to the exercise of any stock option, a number of shares of Common Stock (subject to rounding) having a fair market value equal to the exercise price of such option (determined based on the closing price of the Common Stock on the trading day immediately preceding the date of exercise), but not including any amount in respect of fees, commissions, taxes or other charges, and | ||
(2) | with respect to any relevant event, the product of: |
(a) | the “gross” number of shares of Common Stock underlying the awards as described in Clause (A) above, less the number of shares of Common Stock determined in Clause (B)(1) above, if any, and | ||
(b) | the Specified Tax Rate. |
With respect to any other type of award that may be granted under a Xxxxxxx Xxxxx
Compensation Plan from time to time, the timing and manner of the calculation of Covered
Shares in connection with such awards shall be as determined by the Shareholders’
Committee.
(i) “Defined Contribution Plan” shall mean The Xxxxxxx Sachs Defined
Contribution Plan adopted by the Board of Directors of GS Inc., and approved by the
stockholders of GS Inc., on May 7, 1999, as amended or supplemented from time to time,
and any successors to such Plan.
(j) “Designated Senior Officers” shall mean each Participating Managing
Director who at the time in question has been appointed to a Designated Title.
(k) “Designated Title” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in
Section 7.2(g) hereof.
(l) “Effective Date” shall mean the close of business on January 22, 2010.
(m) “Employees’ Profit Sharing Plan” shall mean The Xxxxxxx Xxxxx
Employees’ Profit Sharing Retirement Income Plan, as amended or supplemented from time
to time, and any successors to such Plan.
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(n) “Exchange Act” shall mean the United States Securities Exchange Act of
1934, as amended from time to time.
(o) A reference to an “Exchange Act Rule” shall mean such rule or
regulation of the SEC under the Exchange Act, as in effect from time to time or as
replaced by a successor rule thereto.
(p) “General Transfer Restrictions” shall have the meaning ascribed to such
term in Section 2.1(a) hereof.
(q) “Xxxxxxx Sachs Compensation Plan” shall mean the Defined Contribution
Plan, the Stock Incentive Plan or any other deferred compensation or employee benefit
plan of GS Inc. adopted by the Board of Directors of GS Inc. and specified by the
Shareholders’ Committee as a Xxxxxxx Xxxxx Compensation Plan (other than the Employees’
Profit Sharing Plan).
(r) “GS Inc.” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in the Recitals.
(s) “Original Shareholders’ Agreement” shall mean the Shareholders’
Agreement adopted by the Board of Directors of GS Inc. on May 7, 1999, as amended or
supplemented from time to time up to but excluding the Effective Date.
(t) “Participation Date” is the date on which a Covered Person became a
Participating Managing Director for purposes of Section 2.1(a) hereof or was appointed
to a Designated Title for purposes of Section 2.1(b) hereof. In the event a
Participating Managing Director ceases to be a Participating Managing Director, or a
Designated Senior Officer ceases to be a Designated Senior Officer, and then such person
again becomes a Participating Managing Director or Designated Senior Officer, as
applicable, such person’s Participation Date shall be determined by the Shareholders’
Committee (or any person authorized thereby).
(u) “Participating Managing Director” shall mean a Managing Director of the
Company who at the time in question participates in the Partner Compensation Plan, the
Restricted Partner Compensation Plan or any other compensation or benefit plan specified
by the Shareholders’ Committee.
(v) “Partner Compensation Plan” shall mean The Xxxxxxx Sachs Partner
Compensation Plan adopted by the Board of Directors of GS Inc., and approved by the
stockholders of GS Inc., on May 7, 1999, as amended or supplemented from time to time,
and any successors to such Plan.
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(w) A “person” shall include, as applicable, any individual, estate, trust,
corporation, partnership, limited liability company, unlimited liability company,
foundation, association or other entity.
(x) “Preliminary Vote” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in
Section 4.1(a) hereof.
(y) “Restricted Partner Compensation Plan” shall mean The Xxxxxxx Xxxxx
Restricted Partner Compensation Plan adopted by the Board of Directors of GS Inc. on
January 16, 2003 and approved by the stockholders of GS Inc. on April 1, 2003, as
amended or supplemented from time to time, and any successors to such Plan.
(z) “Restricted Person” shall mean any person who is not (i) a Covered
Person or (ii) a director, officer or employee of the Company acting in such person’s
capacity as a director, officer or employee.
(aa) “SEC” shall mean the United States Securities and Exchange Commission.
(bb) “Shareholders’ Committee” shall mean the body constituted to
administer the terms and provisions of this Agreement pursuant to Article V hereof.
(cc) “Sole Beneficial Owner” shall mean a person who is the beneficial
owner of shares of Common Stock, who does not share beneficial ownership of such shares
of Common Stock with any other person (other than pursuant to this Agreement or
applicable community property laws) and who is the only person (other than pursuant to
applicable community property laws) with a direct economic interest in such shares of
Common Stock. The interest of a spouse or a domestic partner in a joint account, and an
economic interest of the Company as pledgee, shall be disregarded for this purpose.
(dd) “Special Transfer Restrictions” shall have the meaning ascribed to
such term in Section 2.1(b) hereof.
(ee) “Specified Tax Rate” shall mean the rate determined from time to time
by the Shareholders’ Committee (or any person authorized thereby), in its sole
discretion, to be applicable to the calculation of Covered Shares.
(ff) “Stock Incentive Plan” shall mean The Xxxxxxx Sachs Amended and
Restated Stock Incentive Plan adopted by the Board of Directors of GS Inc. on January
16, 2003 and approved by the stockholders of GS Inc. on April 1, 2003, as amended or
supplemented from time to time, and any predecessors or successors to such Plan.
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(gg) “Subsidiary” shall mean any person in which GS Inc. owns, directly or
indirectly, a majority of the equity economic or voting ownership interest.
(hh) “Transfer Restrictions” shall mean the General Transfer Restrictions
and the Special Transfer Restrictions.
(ii) “vote” shall include actions taken or proposed to be taken by written
consent.
(jj) “Voting Shares” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in
Section 4.1(a).
Section 1.2 Gender. For the purposes of this Agreement, the words “he,” “his” or
“himself” shall be interpreted to include the masculine, feminine and corporate, other entity or
trust form.
ARTICLE II
LIMITATIONS ON TRANSFER OF SHARES
LIMITATIONS ON TRANSFER OF SHARES
Section 2.1 Transfer Restrictions.
(a) Each Covered Person agrees that for so long as he is a Covered Person, he shall at
all times be the Sole Beneficial Owner of at least that number of shares of Common Stock
which equals 25% of his Covered Shares, provided, that with respect to 2009 year-end equity
awards granted in accordance with the equity deferral table approved by the Board of
Directors of GS Inc. or its Compensation Committee, such number shall equal 30% of the
Covered Shares relating thereto (the “General Transfer Restrictions”).
(b) Each Designated Senior Officer agrees that for so long as he is a Designated
Senior Officer, he shall at all times be the Sole Beneficial Owner of at least that number
of shares of Common Stock which equals 75% of his Covered Shares (the “Special Transfer
Restrictions”); provided, however, that the same Covered Shares may be used to satisfy
both the Special Transfer Restrictions and the General Transfer Restrictions.
Section 2.2 Holding of Common Stock in GS Inc. Brokerage Accounts or in Custody and in
Nominee Name; Entry of Stop Transfer Orders.
(a) Each Covered Person understands and agrees that all shares of Common Stock
beneficially owned by him (other than shares of Common Stock held of record by a trustee
in a Xxxxxxx Xxxxx Compensation Plan or the Employees’ Profit Sharing Plan) shall, as
determined by the Shareholders’ Committee from time to time, be held either in a
brokerage account with a Subsidiary in his name or in the custody of a custodian (and
registered in the
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name of a nominee for such Covered Person). If shares of Common Stock are required
to be held in the custody of a custodian as provided in this Section 2.2(a), each
Covered Person agrees (i) to assign, endorse and register for transfer into such nominee
name or deliver to such custodian any such shares of Common Stock which are not so
registered or so held, as the case may be, and (ii) that the form of the custody
agreement and the identity of the custodian and nominee must be satisfactory in form and
substance to the Shareholders’ Committee and GS Inc.
(b) For such time as shares of Common Stock are required to be held in the custody
of a custodian in accordance with Section 2.2(a), whenever the nominee holder shall
receive any dividend or other distribution upon any shares of Common Stock other than in
shares of Common Stock, the Shareholders’ Committee will give or cause to be given
notice or direction to the applicable nominee and/or custodian referred to in paragraph
(a) to permit the prompt distribution of such dividend or distribution to the beneficial
owner of such shares of Common Stock, net of any tax withholding amounts required to be
withheld by the nominee, unless the distribution of such dividend or distribution is
restricted by the terms of another agreement between the Covered Person and the Company
known to the Shareholders’ Committee.
(c) Each Covered Person agrees and consents to the entry of stop transfer orders
against the transfer of shares of Common Stock subject to Transfer Restrictions except
in compliance with this Agreement.
(d) The Shareholders’ Committee (or any person authorized thereby) shall develop
procedures for releasing from the Transfer Restrictions all shares of Common Stock of
each Covered Person who ceases to be a Covered Person.
ARTICLE III
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE PARTIES
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE PARTIES
Each Covered Person severally represents and warrants for himself that:
(a) Such Covered Person has (and, with respect to shares of Common Stock to be
acquired, will have) good, valid and marketable title to the shares of Common Stock subject
to the General Transfer Restrictions set forth in Section 2.1(a) (or, with respect to
Designated Senior Officers, subject to the Special Transfer Restrictions set forth in
Section 2.1(b)), free and clear of any pledge, lien, security interest, charge, claim,
equity or encumbrance of any kind, other than pursuant to this Agreement, an agreement with
the Company by which such Covered Person is bound and to which the shares of Common Stock
are subject or as permitted by the policies of GS Inc. in effect from time to time;
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(b) Such Covered Person has (and, with respect to shares of Common Stock to be
acquired, will have) the right to vote pursuant to Section 4.1 of this Agreement all shares
of Common Stock of which the Covered Person is the Sole Beneficial Owner; and
(c) (if the Covered Person is other than a natural person, with respect to subsections
(i) through (x), and if the Covered Person is a natural person, with respect to subsections
(iv) through (x) only):
(i) | such Covered Person is duly organized and validly existing in good standing under the laws of the jurisdiction of such Covered Person’s formation; | ||
(ii) | such Covered Person has full right, power and authority to enter into and perform this Agreement; | ||
(iii) | the execution and delivery of this Agreement and the performance of the transactions contemplated herein have been duly authorized, and no further proceedings on the part of such Covered Person are necessary to authorize the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement; and this Agreement has been duly executed by such Covered Person; | ||
(iv) | the person signing this Agreement on behalf of such Covered Person has been duly authorized by such Covered Person to do so; | ||
(v) | this Agreement constitutes the legal, valid and binding obligation of such Covered Person, enforceable against such Covered Person in accordance with its terms (subject to bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent transfer, reorganization, moratorium and similar laws of general applicability relating to or affecting creditors’ rights and to general equity principles); | ||
(vi) | neither the execution and delivery of this Agreement by such Covered Person nor the consummation of the transactions contemplated herein conflicts with or results in a breach of any of the terms, conditions or provisions of any agreement or instrument to which such Covered Person is a party or by which the assets of such Covered Person are bound (including without limitation the organizational documents of such Covered Person, if such Covered Person is other than a natural person), or constitutes a default under any of the foregoing, or violates any law or regulation; |
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(vii) | such Covered Person has obtained all authorizations, consents, approvals and clearances of all courts, governmental agencies and authorities, and any other person, if any (including the spouse of such Covered Person with respect to the interest of such spouse in the shares of Common Stock of such Covered Person if the consent of such spouse is required), required to permit such Covered Person to enter into this Agreement and to consummate the transactions contemplated herein; | ||
(viii) | there are no actions, suits or proceedings pending, or, to the knowledge of such Covered Person, threatened against or affecting such Covered Person or such Covered Person’s assets in any court or before or by any federal, state, municipal or other governmental department, commission, board, bureau, agency or instrumentality which, if adversely determined, would impair the ability of such Covered Person to perform this Agreement; | ||
(ix) | the performance of this Agreement will not violate any order, writ, injunction, decree or demand of any court or federal, state, municipal or other governmental department, commission, board, bureau, agency or instrumentality to which such Covered Person is subject; and | ||
(x) | no statement, representation or warranty made by such Covered Person in this Agreement, nor any information provided by such Covered Person for inclusion in a report filed pursuant to Section 6.3 hereof or in a registration statement filed by GS Inc. contains or will contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omits or will omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements, representations or warranties contained herein or information provided therein not misleading. |
Each Covered Person severally agrees for himself that the foregoing provision of this Article
III shall be a continuing representation and covenant by him during the period that he shall be a
Covered Person, and he shall take all actions as shall from time to time be necessary to cure any
breach or violation and to obtain any authorizations, consents, approvals and clearances in order
that such representations shall be true and correct during that period.
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ARTICLE IV
VOTING AGREEMENT
VOTING AGREEMENT
Section 4.1 Preliminary Vote of Covered Persons; Voting Procedures.
(a) Prior to any vote of the stockholders of GS Inc., there shall be a separate,
preliminary vote, on each matter upon which a stockholder vote is proposed to be taken
(each, a “Preliminary Vote”), of all of the shares of Common Stock of which a
Covered Person is the Sole Beneficial Owner (excluding shares of Common Stock held by the
trust underlying the Employees’ Profit Sharing Plan) and the shares of Common Stock held by
the trust underlying a Xxxxxxx Sachs Compensation Plan and allocated to a Covered Person
(collectively, the “Voting Shares”).
(b) Other than in elections of directors, every Voting Share shall be voted in
accordance with the vote of the majority of the votes cast on the matter in question by the
Voting Shares in the Preliminary Vote.
(c) In elections of directors, every Voting Share shall be voted in favor of the
election of those persons, equal in number to the number of such positions to be filled,
receiving the highest numbers of votes cast by the Voting Shares in the Preliminary Vote.
Section 4.2 Irrevocable Proxy and Power of Attorney.
(a) By his signature hereto, each Covered Person hereby gives the Shareholders’
Committee, with full power of substitution and resubstitution, an irrevocable proxy to
vote or otherwise act with respect to all of the Covered Person’s Voting Shares as of
the relevant record date or other date used for purposes of determining holders of
Common Stock entitled to vote or take any action, as fully, to the same extent and with
the same effect as such Covered Person might or could do under any applicable laws or
regulations governing the rights and powers of stockholders of a Delaware corporation,
as follows:
(i) | such proxy shall be voted in connection with such matters as are the subject of a Preliminary Vote as provided in this Agreement in accordance with such Preliminary Vote; | ||
(ii) | the holder of such proxy shall be authorized to vote on such other matters as may come before a meeting of stockholders of GS Inc. or any adjournment thereof and as are related, directly or indirectly, to the matter which was the subject of the Preliminary Vote as the holder of such proxy sees fit in |
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his discretion but in a manner consistent with the Preliminary Vote; and | |||
(iii) | the holder of such proxy shall be authorized to vote on such other matters as may come before a meeting of stockholders of GS Inc. or any adjournment thereof (including matters related to adjournment thereof) as the holder of such proxy sees fit in his discretion but not to cast any vote under this clause (iii) which is inconsistent with the Preliminary Vote or which would achieve an outcome that would frustrate the intent of the Preliminary Vote. Each Covered Person hereby affirms that this proxy is given as a term of this Agreement and as such is coupled with an interest and is irrevocable. |
It is further understood and agreed by each Covered Person that this proxy may be exercised
by the holder of such proxy with respect to all Voting Shares of such Covered Person for
the period beginning on the Effective Date and ending on the earlier of (a) the date this
Agreement shall have been terminated pursuant to Section 7.1(a) hereof or, (b) in the case
of a Covered Person, Section 7.1(b) hereof.
(b) By his signature hereto, each Covered Person appoints the Shareholders’
Committee, with full power of substitution and resubstitution, his true and lawful
attorney-in-fact to direct, in accordance with the provisions of this Article IV, the
voting of any Voting Shares held of record by any other person but beneficially owned by
such Covered Person (including Voting Shares held by the trust underlying any Xxxxxxx
Xxxxx Compensation Plan and allocated to such Covered Person), granting to such
attorneys, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and every
act and thing whatsoever that such attorney or attorneys may deem necessary, advisable
or appropriate to carry out fully the intent of Section 4.1 and Section 4.2(a) as such
Covered Person might or could do personally, hereby ratifying and confirming all acts
and things that such attorney or attorneys may do or cause to be done by virtue of this
power of attorney. It is understood and agreed by each Covered Person that this
appointment, empowerment and authorization may be exercised by the aforementioned
persons with respect to all Voting Shares of such Covered Person, and held of record by
another person, for the period beginning on the Effective Date and ending on (a) the
earlier of the date this Agreement shall have been terminated pursuant to Section 7.1(a)
hereof or, (b) in the case of a Covered Person, Section 7.1(b) hereof.
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ARTICLE V
SHAREHOLDERS’ COMMITTEE
SHAREHOLDERS’ COMMITTEE
Section 5.1 Membership. The Shareholders’ Committee shall at all times consist of all
of those individuals who are both Covered Persons and members of the Board of Directors of GS Inc.
and who agree to serve as members of the Shareholders’ Committee.
Section 5.2 Additional Members. If there are less than three individuals who are both
Covered Persons and members of the Board of Directors of GS Inc. and who agree to serve as members
of the Shareholders’ Committee, the Shareholders’ Committee shall consist of each such individual
plus such additional individuals who are Covered Persons and who are selected pursuant to
procedures established by the Shareholders’ Committee as shall assure a Shareholders’ Committee of
not less than three members who are Covered Persons.
Section 5.3 Determinations of and Actions by the Shareholders’ Committee.
(a) All determinations necessary or advisable under this Agreement (including
determinations of beneficial ownership) shall be made by the Shareholders’ Committee,
whose determinations shall be final and binding. The Shareholders’ Committee’s
determinations under this Agreement and actions (including waivers) hereunder need not
be uniform and may be made selectively among Covered Persons (whether or not such
Covered Persons are similarly situated).
(b) Each Covered Person recognizes and agrees that the members of the Shareholders’
Committee in acting hereunder shall at all times be acting in their capacities as
members of the Shareholders’ Committee and not as directors or officers of the Company
and in so acting or failing to act shall not have any fiduciary duties to the Covered
Persons as a member of the Shareholders’ Committee by virtue of the fact that one or
more of such members may also be serving as a director or officer of the Company or
otherwise.
(c) The Shareholders’ Committee shall act through a majority vote of its members
and such actions may be taken in person at a meeting (in person or telephonically) or by
a written instrument signed by all of the members.
Section 5.4 Certain Obligations of the Shareholders’ Committee. The Shareholders’
Committee shall be obligated (a) to attend as proxy, or cause a person designated by it and acting
as lawful proxy to attend as proxy, each meeting of the stockholders of GS Inc. and to vote or to
cause such designee to vote the Voting Shares over which it has the power to vote in accordance
with the results of the Preliminary Vote
as set forth in Section 4.1, and (b) to develop procedures governing Preliminary Votes and
other votes and actions to be taken pursuant to this Agreement.
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ARTICLE VI
OTHER AGREEMENTS OF THE PARTIES
OTHER AGREEMENTS OF THE PARTIES
Section 6.1 Standstill Provisions. Each Covered Person agrees that such Covered
Person shall not, directly or indirectly, alone or in concert with any other person:
(a) make, or in any way participate in, any “solicitation” of “proxies” (as such terms
are defined in Exchange Act Rule 14a-1) relating to any securities of the Company to or
with any Restricted Person;
(b) deposit any shares of Common Stock in a voting trust or subject any shares of
Common Stock to any voting agreement or arrangement that includes as a party any Restricted
Person;
(c) form, join or in any way participate in a group (as contemplated by Exchange Act
Rule 13d-5(b)) with respect to any securities of the Company (or any securities the
ownership of which would make the owner thereof a beneficial owner of securities of the
Company (for this purpose as determined by Exchange Act Rule 13d-3 and Exchange Act Rule
13d-5)) that includes as a party any Restricted Person;
(d) make any announcement subject to Exchange Act Rule 14a-1(l)(2)(iv) to any
Restricted Person;
(e) initiate or propose any “shareholder proposal” subject to Exchange Act Rule 14a-8;
(f) together with any Restricted Person, make any offer or proposal to acquire any
securities or assets of GS Inc. or any of its Subsidiaries or solicit or propose to effect
or negotiate any form of business combination, restructuring, recapitalization or other
extraordinary transaction involving, or any change in control of, GS Inc., its Subsidiaries
or any of their respective securities or assets;
(g) together with any Restricted Person, seek the removal of any directors or a change
in the composition or size of the board of directors of GS Inc.;
(h) together with any Restricted Person, in any way participate in a call for any
special meeting of the stockholders of GS Inc.; or
(i) assist, advise or encourage any person with respect to, or seek to do, any of the
foregoing.
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Section 6.2 Expenses.
(a) GS Inc. shall be responsible for all expenses of the members of the
Shareholders’ Committee incurred in the operation and administration of this Agreement,
including expenses of proxy solicitation for and tabulation of the Preliminary Vote,
expenses incurred in preparing appropriate filings and correspondence with the SEC,
lawyers’, accountants’, agents’, consultants’, experts’, investment banking and other
professionals’ fees, expenses incurred in enforcing the provisions of this Agreement,
expenses incurred in maintaining any necessary or appropriate books and records relating
to this Agreement and expenses incurred in the preparation of amendments to and waivers
of provisions of this Agreement.
(b) Each Covered Person shall be responsible for all expenses incurred by him in
connection with compliance with his obligations under this Agreement, including expenses
incurred by the Shareholders’ Committee or GS Inc. in enforcing the provisions of this
Agreement relating to such obligations.
Section 6.3 Filing of Schedule 13D or 13G.
(a) In the event that a Covered Person is required to file a report of beneficial
ownership on Schedule 13D or 13G with respect to the shares of Common Stock beneficially
owned by him (for this purpose as determined by Exchange Act Rule 13d-3 and Exchange Act
Rule 13d-5), such Covered Person agrees that, unless otherwise directed by the
Shareholders’ Committee, he will not file a separate such report, but will file a report
together with the other Covered Persons, containing the information required by the
Exchange Act, and he understands and agrees that such report shall be filed on his
behalf by the Shareholders’ Committee, any member thereof or any person authorized
thereby. Such Covered Person shall cooperate fully with the other Covered Persons and
the Shareholders’ Committee to achieve the timely filing of any such report and any
amendments thereto as may be required, and such Covered Person agrees that any
information concerning him which he furnishes in connection with the preparation and
filing of such report will be complete and accurate.
(b) By his signature hereto, each Covered Person appoints the Shareholders’
Committee and each member thereof, with full power of substitution and resubstitution,
his true and lawful attorney-in-fact to execute such reports and any and all amendments
thereto and to file such reports with all exhibits thereto and other documents in
connection therewith with the SEC, granting to such attorneys, and each of them, full
power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing whatsoever that such
attorney or attorneys may deem necessary, advisable or appropriate to carry out fully
the
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intent of this Section 6.3 as such Covered Person might or could do personally,
hereby ratifying and confirming all acts and things that such attorney or attorneys may
do or cause to be done by virtue of this power of attorney. Each Covered Person hereby
further designates such attorneys as such Covered Person’s agents authorized to receive
notices and communications with respect to such reports and any amendments thereto. It
is understood and agreed by each Covered Person that this appointment, empowerment and
authorization may be exercised by the aforementioned persons for the period beginning on
May 7, 1999 and ending on the date such Covered Person is no longer subject to the
provisions of this Agreement (and shall extend thereafter for such time as is required
to reflect, and only to reflect, that such Covered Person is no longer a party to this
Agreement).
Section 6.4 Adjustment upon Changes in Capitalization; Adjustments upon Changes of
Control; Representatives, Successors and Assigns.
(a) In the event of any change in the outstanding Common Stock by reason of stock
dividends, stock splits, reverse stock splits, spin-offs, split-ups, recapitalizations,
combinations, exchanges of shares and the like, the term “Common Stock” shall
refer to and include the securities received or resulting therefrom, but only to the
extent such securities are received in exchange for or in respect of Common Stock. Upon
the occurrence of any event described in the immediately preceding sentence, the
Shareholders’ Committee shall make such adjustments to or interpretations of the
restrictions of Section 2.1 (and, if it so determines, any other provisions hereof) as
it shall deem necessary, advisable or appropriate or desirable to carry out the intent
of such provisions. If the Shareholders’ Committee deems it necessary, advisable or
appropriate, any such adjustments may take effect from the record date, the “when issued
trading date”, the “ex dividend date” or another appropriate date.
(b) In the event of any business combination, restructuring, recapitalization or
other extraordinary transaction involving GS Inc., its Subsidiaries or any of their
respective securities or assets as a result of which the Covered Persons shall hold
voting securities of a person other than GS Inc., the Covered Persons agree that this
Agreement shall also continue in full force and effect with respect to such voting
securities of such other person formerly representing or distributed in respect of
Common Stock, and the terms “Common Stock,” “Covered Shares” and “Voting Shares,” and
“GS Inc.” and “Company,” shall refer to such voting securities formerly representing or
distributed in respect of shares of Common Stock of GS Inc. and such other person,
respectively. Upon the occurrence of any event described in the immediately preceding
sentence, the Shareholders’ Committee shall make such adjustments to or interpretations
of the restrictions of Section 2.1 (and, if it so determines, any other provisions
hereof) as it shall deem necessary, advisable or appropriate to carry out the intent of
such provisions.
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If the Shareholders’ Committee deems it necessary, advisable or appropriate, any
such adjustments may take effect from the record date or another appropriate date.
(c) This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the respective
legal representatives, successors and assigns of the Covered Persons (and GS Inc. in the
event of a transaction described in Section 6.4(b) hereof); provided, however, that a
Covered Person may not assign this Agreement or any of his rights or obligations
hereunder without the prior written consent of GS Inc., and any assignment without such
consent by a Covered Person shall be void; and provided further that no assignment of
this Agreement by GS Inc. or to a successor of GS Inc. (by operation of law or
otherwise) shall be valid unless such assignment is made to a person which succeeds to
the business of GS Inc. substantially as an entirety.
Section 6.5 Further Assurances. Each Covered Person agrees to execute such additional
documents and take such further action as may be reasonably necessary to effect the provisions of
this Agreement.
Section 6.6 Promotions to Designated Senior Officer. Each Participating Managing
Director who is a party to this Agreement agrees to be bound by the Special Transfer Restrictions
in place at such time as he may be promoted to Designated Senior Officer, notwithstanding that such
Special Transfer Restrictions could be materially different than the Special Transfer Restrictions
in place on the later of the Effective Date or such person’s Participation Date.
ARTICLE VII
MISCELLANEOUS
MISCELLANEOUS
Section 7.1 Term of the Agreement; Termination of Certain Provisions.
(a) The term of this Agreement shall continue until the first to occur of January
1, 2050 and such time as this Agreement is terminated by the affirmative vote of not
less than 66 2/3% of the outstanding Covered Shares.
(b) Unless this Agreement is previously terminated pursuant to Section 7.1(a)
hereof, (i) any Covered Person who ceases to be a Covered Person for any reason other
than death shall no longer be bound by the provisions of this Agreement (other than
Sections 5.3, 6.2, 6.3, 6.5, 7.4, 7.5, 7.6, 7.8 and 7.10 (the “Continuing
Provisions”)), and such Covered Person’s name shall be removed from Appendix A to
this Agreement, and (ii) any Designated Senior Officer who ceases to hold a Designated
Title shall no longer be bound by the provisions of Section 2.1(b) hereof.
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(c) Unless this Agreement is theretofore terminated pursuant to Section 7.1(a)
hereof, the estate of any Covered Person who ceases to be a Covered Person by reason of
death shall from and after the date of such death be bound only by the Continuing
Provisions, and such Covered Person’s name shall be removed from Appendix A to this
Agreement.
Section 7.2 Amendments.
(a) Except as provided in this Section 7.2, provisions of this Agreement may be
amended only by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding
Covered Shares.
(b) This Section 7.2(b), Section 7.1(a) and Section 7.3(a)(i) may be amended only
by the affirmative vote of the holders of 66 2/3% of the outstanding Covered Shares.
Any amendment of any other provision of this Agreement that would have the effect, in
connection with a tender or exchange offer by any person other than the Company as to
which the Board of Directors of GS Inc. is recommending rejection, of permitting
transfers which would not be permitted by the terms of this Agreement as then in effect
shall also require the affirmative vote of the holders of 66 2/3% of the outstanding
Covered Shares.
(c) This Section 7.2(c), Article V, Section 7.3(b) and any other provision the
amendment (or addition) of which has the effect of materially changing the rights or
obligations of the Shareholders’ Committee hereunder may be amended (or added) either
(i) with the approval of the Shareholders’ Committee and the affirmative vote of the
holders of a majority of the Covered Shares or (ii) by the affirmative vote of the
holders of 66 2/3% of the outstanding Covered Shares.
(d) In addition to any other vote or approval that may be required under this
Section 7.2, (i) any amendment to the General Transfer Restrictions that would make such
General Transfer Restrictions materially more onerous to a Covered Person will not be
enforceable against that Covered Person unless that Covered Person has consented to such
amendment and (ii) any amendment to the Special Transfer Restrictions that would make
such Special Transfer Restrictions materially more onerous to a current Designated
Senior Officer will not be enforceable against that Designated Senior Officer unless
that Designated Senior Officer has consented to such amendment.
(e) In addition to any other vote or approval that may be required under this
Section 7.2, any amendment of this Agreement that has the effect of changing the
obligations of GS Inc. hereunder to make such obligations materially more onerous to GS
Inc. shall require the approval of GS Inc.
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(f) Each Covered Person understands that it is intended that each Participating
Managing Director of the Company will be a Covered Person under this Agreement or will
become a Covered Person upon his appointment to such position, and each Covered Person
further understands that from time to time certain other persons may become Covered
Persons and certain Covered Persons will cease to be bound by provisions of this
Agreement pursuant to the terms hereof when they cease to be Participating Managing
Directors. Accordingly, this Agreement may be amended by action of the Shareholders’
Committee from time to time and without the approval of any other person, but solely for
the purposes of (i) adding to Appendix A such persons as shall be made party to this
Agreement pursuant to the terms hereof, such addition to be effective as of the time of
such action or appointment, and (ii) removing from Appendix A such persons as shall
cease to be bound by the provisions of this Agreement pursuant to Sections 7.1(b) or (c)
hereof, which additions and removals shall be given effect from time to time by
appropriate changes to Appendix A.
(g) Each Covered Person agrees that the Shareholders’ Committee, without the
approval of any other person, may designate positions that may be held by senior
executives of GS Inc. from time to time (each, a “Designated Title”) that will
subject such senior executives to the Special Transfer Restrictions pursuant to Section
2.1(b) hereof.
(h) Section 2.1 may be amended with the approval of the Shareholders’ Committee and
GS Inc. without requiring the affirmative vote of the outstanding Covered Shares to
decrease either or both of the percentages stated therein, provided, however, that in no
event shall the percentage applicable to the Special Transfer Restrictions in Section
2.1(b) ever be less than the percentage applicable to the General Transfer Restrictions
in Section 2.1(a).
Section 7.3 Waivers. The Transfer Restrictions and the other provisions of this
Agreement may be waived only as provided in this Section 7.3.
(a) The holders of the outstanding Covered Shares may waive the Transfer
Restrictions and the other provisions of this Agreement without the consent of any other
person as follows:
(i) | The Transfer Restrictions may be waived, in connection with any tender or exchange offer by any person other than the Company as to which the Board of Directors of GS Inc. is recommending rejection at the time of such waiver, only by the affirmative vote of the holders of 66 2/3% of the outstanding Covered Shares; | ||
(ii) | The Transfer Restrictions may be waived, in connection with any tender or exchange offer by any person other than the |
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Company as to which the Board of Directors of GS Inc. is recommending acceptance or is not making any recommendation with respect to acceptance at the time of such waiver, only by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding Covered Shares; | |||
(iii) | The Transfer Restrictions may be waived, in connection with any tender or exchange offer by the Company, by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding Covered Shares; and | ||
(iv) | In all circumstances other than those set forth in Sections 7.2 or 7.3(a)(i), (ii) and (iii), the provisions of this Agreement may be waived only by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding Covered Shares; provided, however, that the holders of the outstanding Covered Shares may not waive the provisions of this Agreement in the circumstances set forth in Section 7.3(b). |
(b) The Shareholders’ Committee may waive the Transfer Restrictions and the other
provisions of this Agreement without the consent of any other person to permit:
(i) | Covered Persons to participate as sellers in underwritten public offerings of, and stock repurchase programs and tender or exchange offers by GS Inc. for, Common Stock; | ||
(ii) | transfers of Covered Shares to organizations described in Section 501(c)(3) of the Code, including gifts to “private foundations” subject to the requirements of Section 509 of the Code; | ||
(iii) | transfers of Covered Shares held in employee benefit plans of the Company either generally or in particular situations; and | ||
(iv) | particular Covered Persons or all Covered Persons to transfer Covered Shares in particular situations (such as transfers to family members, partnerships or trusts), but not generally. |
(c) In connection with any waiver granted under this Agreement, the Shareholders’
Committee or the holders of the percentage of Covered Shares required for the waiver, as
the case may be, may impose such conditions as they determine on the granting of such
waivers.
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(d) The failure of the Company or the Shareholders’ Committee at any time or times
to require performance of any provision of this Agreement shall in no manner affect the
rights at a later time to enforce the same. No waiver by the Company or the
Shareholders’ Committee of the breach of any term contained in this Agreement, whether
by conduct or otherwise, in any one or more instances, shall be deemed to be or
construed as a further or continuing waiver of any such breach or the breach of any
other term of this Agreement.
Section 7.4 GOVERNING LAW. THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED IN
ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE, WITHOUT REGARD TO PRINCIPLES OF CONFLICTS OF
LAWS.
Section 7.5 Resolution of Disputes.
(a) The Shareholders’ Committee shall have the sole and exclusive power to enforce
the provisions of this Agreement. The Shareholders’ Committee may in its sole
discretion request GS Inc. to conduct such enforcement, and GS Inc. agrees to conduct
such enforcement as requested and directed by the Shareholders’ Committee.
(b) Without diminishing the finality and conclusive effect of any determination by
the Shareholders’ Committee of any matter under this Agreement (and subject to the
provisions of paragraphs (c) and (d) hereof), any dispute, controversy or claim arising
out of or relating to or concerning the provisions of this Agreement shall be finally
settled by arbitration in New York City before, and in accordance with the rules then
obtaining of, the New York Stock Exchange, Inc. (“NYSE”), or if the NYSE
declines to arbitrate the matter, the American Arbitration Association (“AAA”)
in accordance with the commercial arbitration rules of the AAA.
(c) Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (b), and in addition to its right
to submit any dispute or controversy to arbitration, the Shareholders’ Committee may
bring, or may cause GS Inc. to bring, on behalf of the Shareholders’ Committee or on
behalf of one or more Covered Persons, an action or special proceeding in a state or
federal court of competent jurisdiction sitting in the State of Delaware, whether or not
an arbitration proceeding has theretofore been or is ever initiated, for the purpose of
temporarily, preliminarily or permanently enforcing the provisions of this Agreement
and, for the purposes of this paragraph (c), each Covered Person (i) expressly consents
to the application of paragraph (d) to any such action or proceeding, (ii) agrees that
proof shall not be required that monetary damages for breach of the provisions of this
Agreement would be difficult to calculate and that remedies at law would be inadequate
and (iii) irrevocably appoints each General Counsel of GS Inc., c/o The Corporation
Trust Company,
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Corporation Trust Center, 0000 Xxxxxx Xxxxxx, Xxxxxxxxxx, Xxxxxxxx 00000 as such
Covered Person’s agent for service of process in connection with any such action or
proceeding, who shall promptly advise such Covered Person of any such service of
process.
(d) Each Covered Person hereby irrevocably submits to the exclusive jurisdiction of
any state or federal court located in the State of Delaware over any suit, action or
proceeding arising out of or relating to or concerning this Agreement that is not
otherwise arbitrated according to the provisions of paragraph (b) hereof. This includes
any suit, action or proceeding to compel arbitration or to enforce an arbitration award.
The parties acknowledge that the forum designated by this paragraph (d) has a
reasonable relation to this Agreement, and to the parties’ relationship with one
another. Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing herein shall preclude the Shareholders’
Committee or GS Inc. from bringing any action or proceeding in any other court for the
purpose of enforcing the provisions of this Section 7.5.
The agreement of the parties as to forum is independent of the law that may be applied
in the action, and they each agree to such forum even if the forum may under applicable law
choose to apply non-forum law. The parties hereby waive, to the fullest extent permitted
by applicable law, any objection which they now or hereafter may have to personal
jurisdiction or to the laying of venue of any such suit, action or proceeding brought in
any court referred to in paragraph (d). The parties undertake not to commence any action
arising out of or relating to or concerning this Agreement in any forum other than a forum
described in paragraph (d). The parties agree that, to the fullest extent permitted by
applicable law, a final and non-appealable judgment in any such suit, action or proceeding
in any such court shall be conclusive and binding upon the parties.
Section 7.6 Relationship of Parties. The terms of this Agreement are intended not to
create a separate entity for United States federal income tax purposes, and nothing in this
Agreement shall be read to create any partnership, joint venture or separate entity among the
parties or to create any trust or other fiduciary relationship between them.
Section 7.7 Notices.
(a) Any communication, demand or notice to be given hereunder will be duly given
(and shall be deemed to be received) when delivered in writing by hand or first class
mail or by telecopy to a party at its address as indicated below:
If to a Covered Person,
c/o The Xxxxxxx Xxxxx Group, Inc.
000 Xxxx Xxxxxx
000 Xxxx Xxxxxx
00
00xx Xxxxx
Xxx Xxxx, Xxx Xxxx 00000-0000
Fax: (000) 000-0000
Attention: General Counsel;
Xxx Xxxx, Xxx Xxxx 00000-0000
Fax: (000) 000-0000
Attention: General Counsel;
If to the Shareholders’ Committee, at
Shareholders’ Committee under the Shareholders’ Agreement,
c/o The Xxxxxxx Sachs Group, Inc.
000 Xxxx Xxxxxx
00xx Xxxxx
Xxx Xxxx, Xxx Xxxx 00000-0000
Fax: (000) 000-0000
Attention: General Counsel;
c/o The Xxxxxxx Sachs Group, Inc.
000 Xxxx Xxxxxx
00xx Xxxxx
Xxx Xxxx, Xxx Xxxx 00000-0000
Fax: (000) 000-0000
Attention: General Counsel;
and
If to GS Inc., at
The Xxxxxxx Xxxxx Group, Inc.
000 Xxxx Xxxxxx
00xx Xxxxx
Xxx Xxxx, Xxx Xxxx 00000-0000
Fax: (000) 000-0000
Attention: General Counsel.
000 Xxxx Xxxxxx
00xx Xxxxx
Xxx Xxxx, Xxx Xxxx 00000-0000
Fax: (000) 000-0000
Attention: General Counsel.
GS Inc. shall be responsible for notifying each Covered Person of the receipt of a
communication, demand or notice under this Agreement relevant to such Covered Person at the
address of such Covered Person then in the records of GS Inc. (and each Covered Person
shall notify GS Inc. of any change in such address for communications, demands and
notices).
(b) Unless otherwise provided to the contrary herein, any notice which is required
to be given in writing pursuant to the terms of this Agreement may be given by telecopy.
Section 7.8 Severability. If any provision of this Agreement is finally held to be
invalid, illegal or unenforceable, (a) the remaining terms and provisions hereof shall be
unimpaired and (b) the invalid or unenforceable term or provision shall be deemed replaced by a
term or provision that is valid and enforceable and that comes closest to expressing the intention
of the invalid or unenforceable term or provision.
Section 7.9 Right to Determine Tender Confidentially. In connection with any tender
or exchange offer for all or any portion of the outstanding Common Stock, subject to compliance
with all applicable restrictions on transfer in this Agreement or any other agreement with GS Inc.,
each Covered Person will have the right
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to determine confidentially whether such Covered Person’s Covered Shares will be tendered in
such tender or exchange offer.
Section 7.10 No Third-Party Rights. Nothing expressed or referred to in this
Agreement will be construed to give any person other than the parties to this Agreement any legal
or equitable right, remedy, or claim under or with respect to this Agreement or any provision of
this Agreement. This Agreement and all of its provisions and conditions are for the sole and
exclusive benefit of the parties to this Agreement and their successors and assigns.
Section 7.11 Section Headings. The headings of sections in this Agreement are
provided for convenience only and will not affect its construction or interpretation.
Section 7.12 Execution in Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in any number
of counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all such counterparts shall
together constitute but one and the same instrument.
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have duly executed or caused to be duly executed this
Agreement.
THE XXXXXXX SACHS GROUP, INC. | ||||||
By: | /s/ Esta X. Xxxxxxx | |||||
Title: Executive Vice President and General Counsel |
Dated: February 25, 2010
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