REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT
Exhibit 10.2
THIS REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”), dated as of December 29, 2021 (the “Effective Date”), is made by and among (a) Blue Owl Capital Inc., a Delaware corporation (“PubCo”), (b) Xxxx Xxxx (“MZ”), (c) Augustus, LLC, an Illinois limited liability company wholly owned by MZ (“Augustus”), and each other Person who becomes a Party to this Agreement in accordance with the terms hereof and upon executing a Joinder in the form of Exhibit A hereto. Each of PubCo, MZ and Augustus may be referred to in this Agreement as a “Party” and collectively as the “Parties”. Capitalized terms used but not otherwise defined in this Agreement shall have the respective meanings assigned to such terms in the Merger Agreement (as defined below).
RECITALS
WHEREAS, reference is made to the Merger Agreement, dated as of October 17, 2021, by and among PubCo, Blue Owl Capital GP LLC, Blue Owl Capital Holdings LP (“Blue Owl Holdings”), Blue Owl Capital Carry LP (“Blue Owl Carry”), Flyer Merger Sub I, LLC, Flyer Merger Sub II, LP, Oak Street Real Estate Capital, LLC, OSREC GP Holdings, LP, SASC Feeder, LP, and, solely for the purposes specified therein, Augustus (as amended, the “Merger Agreement”);
WHEREAS, in connection with the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement, MZ, directly or indirectly through Augustus, is receiving Blue Owl Common Units and Corresponding Class C Shares in respect of his indirect equity interests in Management Company and SASC Feeder;
WHEREAS, holders of Blue Owl Holdings Common Units and Blue Owl Carry Common Units have the right to exchange a number of Blue Owl Holdings Common Units and Blue Owl Carry Common Units and cancel an equal number of shares of Parent Class C Common Stock or Parent Class D Common Stock, as applicable, for shares of Parent Class A Common Stock or Parent Class B Common Stock, as applicable, in the manner set forth in, and pursuant to the terms and conditions of, the Exchange Agreement; and
WHEREAS, on the Effective Date, the Parties desire to set forth their agreement with respect to registration rights and certain other matters, in each case in accordance with the terms and conditions of this Agreement.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements contained in this Agreement, and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are acknowledged, and intending to be legally bound, the Parties agree as follows:
ARTICLE I
DEFINITIONS
Section 1.1 Definitions. As used in this Agreement, the following terms shall have the following meanings:
“A&R Blue Owl Carry LP Agreement” means the Amended and Restated Limited Partnership Agreement of Blue Owl Carry, dated as of May 19, 2021, as Amended.
“A&R Blue Owl Holdings LP Agreement” means the Amended and Restated Limited Partnership Agreement of Blue Owl Holdings, dated as of May 19, 2021, as Amended.
“Action” has the meaning given to such term in Section 5.12(a).
“Adverse Disclosure” means any public disclosure of material non-public information, which information PubCo has a bona fide business purpose (including confidentiality obligations) for not making such information public, and which disclosure, in the good faith determination of the Board, after consultation with counsel to PubCo, (a) would be required to be made in any Registration Statement or Prospectus in order for the applicable Registration Statement or Prospectus not to contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements contained therein (in the case of any Prospectus and any preliminary Prospectus, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made) not misleading, and (b) would not be required to be made at such time if the Registration Statement were not being filed, and (c) PubCo has a bona fide business purpose for not making such information public.
“Affiliate” of any particular Person means any other Person controlling, controlled by or under common control with such Person, where “control” means the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct the management and policies of a Person whether through the ownership of voting securities, its capacity as a sole or managing member or otherwise. Notwithstanding the foregoing, (i) no Party shall be deemed an Affiliate of PubCo or any of its Subsidiaries for purposes of this Agreement, and (ii) no private fund (or similar vehicle) or business development company, or any other accounts, funds, vehicles or other client advised or sub-advised by any Party or any such Party’s Affiliates or any portfolio companies thereof shall be deemed to be an Affiliate of such Party (it being agreed that this Agreement shall not apply to, or be binding on, any Persons described in this clause (ii)).
“Agreement” has the meaning set forth in the Preamble.
“Amended” with respect to any agreement, certificate or other instrument means amended, restated, supplemented, amended and restated, waived or otherwise modified from time to time, directly or indirectly (including, in the case of a certificate of incorporation, bylaws, limited liability company agreement or limited partnership agreement, by way of merger), in accordance with the terms of such agreement, certificate or other instrument. “Amend,” “Amending” and “Amendment” shall have correlative meanings.
“Augustus” has the meaning set forth in the Preamble.
“Automatic Shelf Registration Statement” has the meaning set forth in Rule 405 promulgated by the SEC pursuant to the Securities Act.
“Beneficially Own” has the meaning set forth in Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act.
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“Blue Owl Carry” has the meaning set forth in the Recitals.
“Blue Owl Carry Common Units” means Common Units (as defined in the A&R Blue Owl Carry LP Agreement) owned by one or more of the Holders or any of their Permitted Transferees.
“Blue Owl Holdings” has the meaning set forth in the Recitals.
“Blue Owl Holdings Common Units” means Common Units (as defined in the A&R Blue Owl Holdings LP Agreement) owned by one or more of the Holders or any of their Permitted Transferees.
“Board” means the board of directors of PubCo.
“Bylaws” means the Parent Bylaws, as amended.
“Certificate of Incorporation” means the Parent Certificate of Incorporation, as amended.
“Class A Common Stock” means, the Class A common stock, par value $0.0001 per share, of PubCo, including (a) any shares of such Class A common stock issuable upon the exercise of any warrant or other right to acquire shares of such Class A common stock and (b) any Equity Securities of PubCo that are issued or distributed or may be issuable with respect to such Class A common stock by way of conversion, dividend, stock split or other distribution, consolidation, merger, exchange, reclassification, recapitalization or other similar transaction.
“Class A Shares” means shares of the Class A Common Stock.
“Class B Common Stock” means, the Class B common stock, par value $0.0001 per share, of PubCo, including (a) any shares of such Class B common stock issuable upon the exercise of any warrant or other right to acquire shares of such Class B common stock and (b) any Equity Securities of PubCo that are issued or distributed or may be issuable with respect to such Class B common stock by way of conversion, dividend, stock split or other distribution, consolidation, merger, exchange, reclassification, recapitalization or other similar transaction.
“Class B Shares” means shares of the Class B Common Stock.
“Class C Common Stock” means, the Class C common stock, par value $0.0001 per share, of PubCo, including (a) any shares of such Class C common stock issuable upon the exercise of any warrant or other right to acquire shares of such Class C common stock and (b) any Equity Securities of PubCo that are issued or distributed or may be issuable with respect to such Class C common stock by way of conversion, dividend, stock split or other distribution, consolidation, merger, exchange, reclassification, recapitalization or other similar transaction.
“Class C Shares” means shares of the Class C Common Stock.
“Class D Common Stock” means, the Class D common stock, par value $0.0001 per share, of PubCo, including (a) any shares of such Class D common stock issuable upon the exercise of any warrant or other right to acquire shares of such Class D common stock and (b) any Equity Securities of PubCo that are issued or distributed or may be issuable with respect to such Class D common stock by way of conversion, dividend, stock split or other distribution, consolidation, merger, exchange, reclassification, recapitalization or other similar transaction.
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“Class D Shares” means shares of the Class D Common Stock.
“Class E Common Stock” means, the Class E common stock, par value $0.0001 per share, of PubCo, including (a) any shares of such Class E common stock issuable upon the exercise of any warrant or other right to acquire shares of such Class E common stock and (b) any Equity Securities of PubCo that are issued or distributed or may be issuable with respect to such Class E common stock by way of conversion, dividend, stock split or other distribution, consolidation, merger, exchange, reclassification, recapitalization or other similar transaction.
“Class E Shares” means shares of the Class E Common Stock.
“Common Shares” means shares of Common Stock.
“Common Stock” means the Class A Common Stock, the Class B Common Stock, the Class C Common Stock, the Class D Common Stock and the Class E Common Stock.
“Demanding Holders” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.1(d)(i).
“Economic Ownership Percentage” means, as of any time of determination with respect to any Person, the percentage that the aggregate number of Economic Shares Beneficially Owned by such Person as of such time bears to the fully-diluted aggregate number of Economic Shares then issued and outstanding (assuming for this purpose that immediately prior to such determination an Exchange of all then-outstanding Blue Owl Holdings Units and Blue Owl Carry Units was consummated). For the avoidance of doubt, the Economic Ownership Percentage shall be calculated without regard to any outstanding Earnout Units unless and until the applicable Triggering Event with respect thereto has occurred.
“Economic Shares” means the Class A Shares and the Class B Shares.
“Effective Date” has the meaning set forth in the Preamble.
“Equity Securities” means, with respect to any Person, all of the shares of capital stock or equity of (or other ownership or profit interests in) such Person, all of the warrants, options or other rights for the purchase or acquisition from such Person of shares of capital stock or equity of (or other ownership or profit interests in) such Person, all of the securities convertible into or exchangeable for shares of capital stock or equity of (or other ownership or profit interests in) such Person or warrants, rights or options for the purchase or acquisition from such Person of such shares or equity (or such other interests), restricted stock awards, restricted stock units, equity appreciation rights, phantom equity rights, profit participation and all of the other ownership or profit interests of such Person (including partnership or member interests therein), whether voting or nonvoting. When used in this Agreement with respect to PubCo, “Equity Securities” shall include the Common Stock, any Preferred Stock, Blue Owl Holdings Common Units and Blue Owl Carry Common Units.
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“Exchange” has the meaning given to such term in the Exchange Agreement.
“Exchange Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and any successor thereto, as the same shall be in effect from time to time.
“Exchange Agreement” has the meaning set forth in the Recitals.
“Family Member” has the meaning given to such term in the MZ XXX.
“FINRA” means the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc.
“Form S-1 Shelf” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.1(a)(i).
“Form S-3 Shelf” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.1(a)(i).
“Holder” means any holder of Registrable Securities who is a Party to, or who succeeds to rights under, this Agreement pursuant to Section 5.1.
“Holder Indemnitees” has the meaning set forth in Section 5.12(a).
“Holder Information” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.10(b).
“Indemnified Liabilities” has the meaning set forth in Section 5.12(a).
“Investor Rights Agreement” means that certain Investor Rights Agreement, dated as of May 19, 2021, by and among PubCo, the sellers party thereto and the founder holders party thereto, as amended, amended and restated, modified, supplemented or waived.
“Key Individual Lock-Up Restrictions” means any applicable lockup period or similar restriction binding on any Key Individual pursuant to a written agreement between PubCo and such Key Individual (including, without limitation, the Investor Rights Agreement).
“Key Individuals” has the meaning given to such term in the Investor Rights Agreement.
“Lock-Up Period”, when used with respect to (i) MZ and Augustus, has the meaning given to such term in the MZ XXX, or (ii) any Holder other than MZ and Augustus, means the term of any applicable lockup period pursuant to a written agreement between PubCo and such Holder.
“Lock-Up Shares” has the meaning given to such term in the MZ XXX.
“Major Holder” means, as of any time of determination, any Holder that either (a) has an Economic Ownership Percentage of five percent or more or (b) has a Voting Power Percentage of five percent or more.
“Maximum Number of Securities” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.1(e)(i).
“Merger Agreement” has the meaning set forth in the Recitals.
“Minimum Takedown Threshold” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.1(d)(iv).
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“Misstatement” means an untrue statement of a material fact or an omission to state a material fact required to be stated in a Registration Statement or Prospectus, or necessary to make the statements in a Registration Statement or Prospectus, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading.
“MZ XXX” means the Investor Rights Agreement, dated as of the Effective Date, by and among PubCo, Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxxx, Xxxx Xxxxxxxxxx, Xxxxxxx Xxxx, Blue Owl Capital GP LLC, Blue Owl Holdings, Blue Owl Carry and MZ.
“Oak Street Sellers” has the meaning set forth in the Preamble.
“Party” has the meaning set forth in the Preamble.
“Permitted Transfer” means any Transfer that is (a) a transfer of any Common Shares made to a Permitted Transferee of the transferor upon prior written notice to PubCo (b) a transfer of shares of Common Shares to PubCo in accordance with Section 5.1(b) of the Certificate of Incorporation, (c) a transfer of Class E Shares to PubCo in accordance with Section 4.3(i) of the Certificate of Incorporation (d) pursuant to a Registration Statement in accordance with Article III hereof, but only after expiration of the applicable Lock-Up Period or (e) made pursuant to any liquidation, merger, stock exchange or other similar transaction subsequent to the Effective Date which results in all of PubCo’s stockholders exchanging or having the right to exchange their Common Shares for cash, securities or other property.
“Permitted Transferee”, when used with respect to (a) MZ or Augustus, has the meaning given to such term in the MZ XXX and (b) any Person other than MZ and Augustus, means (i) any Family Member of such Person, (ii) any Affiliate of such Person, (iii) any Affiliate of any Family Member of such Person, or (iv) if such Person is a natural person, (A) by virtue of laws of descent and distribution upon death of such individual or (B) in accordance with a qualified domestic relations order.
“Person” means an individual, a sole proprietorship, a corporation, a partnership, limited liability company, a limited partnership, a joint venture, an association, a trust, or any other entity or organization, including a government or a political subdivision, agency or instrumentality thereof.
“Piggyback Registration” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.2(a)(i).
“Preferred Shares” means any shares of Preferred Stock.
“Preferred Stock” means any series of Preferred Stock of PubCo designated in accordance with Section 4.2(a) of the Certificate of Incorporation.
“Prospectus” means the prospectus included in any Registration Statement, all amendments (including post-effective amendments) and supplements to such prospectus, and all exhibits to and materials incorporated by reference in such prospectus.
“PubCo” has the meaning set forth in the Preamble.
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“Registrable Securities” means at any time (a) any Economic Shares (including Economic Shares issuable upon an Exchange in accordance with the Exchange Agreement), (b) any Warrants or any Economic Shares issued or issuable upon the exercise thereof, and (c) any Equity Securities of PubCo or any Subsidiary of PubCo that may be issued or distributed or be issuable with respect to the securities referred to in clauses (a) or (b) by way of conversion, dividend, stock split or other distribution, merger, consolidation, exchange, recapitalization or reclassification or similar transaction, in each case held by a Holder, other than any security received pursuant to an incentive plan adopted by PubCo on or after the Effective Date. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any Equity Securities shall cease to be Registrable Securities to the extent (A) a Registration Statement with respect to the sale of such Registrable Securities has become effective under the Securities Act and such Registrable Securities have been sold, transferred, disposed of or exchanged in accordance with the plan of distribution set forth in such Registration Statement, (B) such Registrable Securities shall have ceased to be outstanding, (C) such Registrable Securities have been sold to, or through, a broker, dealer or underwriter in a public distribution or other public securities transaction, or (D) (i) for purposes of Article III of this Agreement, the Holder thereof, together with its, his or her Permitted Transferees, Beneficially Owns less than one percent of the Economic Shares that are outstanding at such time and (ii) such Economic Shares are eligible for resale without volume or manner-of-sale restrictions and without current public information pursuant to Rule 144 as set forth in a written opinion letter to be provided by counsel to PubCo to such effect, addressed, delivered and acceptable to PubCo’s transfer agent and the affected Holder (which opinion may assume that such Holder (and any predecessor holder of such Economic Shares) is not, and has not been at any time during the 90 days immediately before the date of such opinion, an Affiliate of PubCo except with respect to any control determined to be established under this Agreement), as reasonably determined by PubCo, upon the advice of counsel to PubCo. For purposes hereof, other than with respect to options and other equity compensation awards, a Person shall be deemed a holder of Registrable Securities whenever such Person has the right to acquire such Registrable Securities (upon conversion or exchange or otherwise), whether or not such acquisition has actually been effected and whether or not presently exercisable. For the avoidance of doubt, holders of Blue Owl Holdings Common Units and Blue Owl Carry Common Units shall be deemed holders of Registrable Securities.
“Registration” means a registration, including any related Shelf Takedown, effected by preparing and filing a registration statement, prospectus or similar document in compliance with the requirements of the Securities Act, and such registration statement being declared effective by the SEC.
“Registration Expenses” means the following expenses of a Registration pursuant to the terms of this Agreement (without duplication): (a) all SEC or securities exchange registration and filing fees (including fees with respect to filings required to be made with FINRA); (b) all fees and expenses of compliance with securities or blue sky Laws (including fees and disbursements of counsel for the Underwriters in connection with blue sky qualifications of Registrable Securities); (c) all printing, messenger, telephone and delivery expenses; (d) all fees and disbursements of counsel for PubCo; (e) all fees and disbursements of all independent registered public accountants of PubCo incurred in connection with such Registration or Transfer, including the expenses of any special audits and/or comfort letters required or incident to such performance and compliance; (f) reasonable out-of-pocket fees and expenses of one (1) legal counsel selected by the majority of the aggregate Voting Power Percentages of the Holders (together with “Holders” under the Investor Rights Agreement) participating in such Registration; (g) the costs and expenses of PubCo relating to analyst and investor presentations or any “road show” undertaken in connection with the Registration and/or marketing of the Registrable Securities (including the expenses of the Special Holders); and (h) any other fees and disbursements customarily paid by the issuers of securities.
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“Registration Statement” means any registration statement that covers the Registrable Securities pursuant to the provisions of this Agreement, including the Prospectus included in such registration statement, amendments (including post-effective amendments) and supplements to such registration statement, and all exhibits to and all material incorporated by reference in such registration statement.
“Representatives” means, with respect to any Person, any of such Person’s officers, directors, managers, members, equityholders, employees, agents, attorneys, accountants, actuaries, consultants, or financial advisors or other Person acting on behalf of such Person.
“Requesting Holder” means any Special Holder requesting piggyback rights pursuant to Section 3.2 with respect to an Underwritten Shelf Takedown.
“Restricted Transfer” means any Transfer other than a Permitted Transfer.
“SEC” means the United States Securities and Exchange Commission.
“Securities Act” means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and any successor thereto, as the same shall be in effect from time to time.
“September 2021 Registration Rights Agreements” means, collectively, the (i) Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of September 20, 2021, by and between PubCo and Xxxx Financial Assets III, LLC, (ii) Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of September 20, 2021, by and between PubCo and Xxxx Companies Defined Benefit Master Trust and (iii) Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of September 20, 2021, by and between PubCo and Illiquid Markets 1888 Fund, LLC.
“Shelf” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.1(a)(i).
“Shelf Registration” means a registration of securities pursuant to a Registration Statement filed with the SEC in accordance with and pursuant to Rule 415 promulgated under the Securities Act.
“Shelf Takedown” means an Underwritten Shelf Takedown or any proposed transfer or sale using a Registration Statement, including a Piggyback Registration.
“Special Holder” means each of MZ, Augustus and their respective Permitted Transferees that are controlled Affiliates of MZ or Augustus, as applicable; provided, however, that solely with respect to Sections 3.1(e)(i), 3.2(b)(i), 3.2(b)(ii) and 3.2(b)(iii), the term “Special Holders” shall also include the “Special Holders” as such latter term is defined in the Investors Rights Agreement.
“Subsequent Shelf Registration Statement” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.1(b)(i).
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“Subsidiary” means, with respect to any Person, any corporation, limited liability company, joint venture or partnership of which such Person (a) Beneficially Owns, either directly or indirectly, at least 50% of (i) the total combined economic equity interests of such entity or (ii) the total combined voting power of all classes of voting securities of such entity (including by such Person’s direct or indirect control of the general partner, manager, managing member or similar governing body of such entity, as applicable); or (b) otherwise has the power to vote or to direct the voting of sufficient securities to elect a majority of the board of directors, board of managers or similar governing body of such entity, or otherwise control such entity. Notwithstanding the foregoing, for purposes of this Agreement, “Subsidiary” shall not include any private fund (or similar vehicle) or a business development company, or any other accounts, funds, vehicles or other client advised or sub-advised by such first Person or any portfolio companies thereof. The Parties acknowledge and agree that, as of the Effective Date, Blue Owl Holdings, Blue Owl Carry and their respective Subsidiaries are Subsidiaries of PubCo.
“Transfer” means, when used as a noun, any voluntary or involuntary transfer, sale, pledge or hypothecation or other disposition by the Transferor (whether by operation of law or otherwise) and, when used as a verb, the Transferor voluntarily or involuntarily, transfers, sells, pledges or hypothecates or otherwise disposes of (whether by operation of law or otherwise), including, in each case, (a) the establishment or increase of a put equivalent position or liquidation with respect to, or decrease of a call equivalent position within the meaning of Section 16 of the Exchange Act with respect to, any security or (b) entry into any swap or other arrangement that transfers to another Person, in whole or in part, any of the economic consequences of ownership of any security, whether any such transaction is to be settled by delivery of such securities, in cash or otherwise. The terms “Transferee,” “Transferor,” “Transferred,” and other forms of the word “Transfer” shall have the correlative meanings.
“Underwriter” means any investment banker(s) and manager(s) appointed to administer the offering of any Registrable Securities as principal in an Underwritten Offering.
“Underwritten Offering” means a Registration in which securities of PubCo are sold to an Underwriter for distribution to the public.
“Underwritten Shelf Takedown” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.1(d)(i).
“Voting Power Percentage” means, as of any time of determination with respect to any Person, the percentage that the voting power of the Equity Securities of PubCo Beneficially Owned by such Person bears as of such time to the voting power of all of the fully-diluted issued and outstanding Equity Securities of PubCo as of such time. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the “Voting Power Percentage” of any Person with respect to any specific matter to be approved by the owners of Equity Securities of PubCo shall be determined solely in reference to the Equity Securities entitled to vote on the matter in question.
“Warrants” means the warrants to purchase Class A Common Shares outstanding on the Effective Date.
“Well-Known Seasoned Issuer” has the meaning set forth in Rule 405 promulgated by the SEC pursuant to the Securities Act.
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“Withdrawal Notice” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.1(f).
Section 1.2 Interpretive Provisions. For all purposes of this Agreement, except as otherwise provided in this Agreement or unless the context otherwise requires:
(a) the singular shall include the plural, and the plural shall include the singular, unless the context clearly prohibits that construction;
(b) references in this Agreement to any Law shall be deemed also to refer to such Law as Amended and all rules and regulations promulgated thereunder;
(c) whenever the words “include”, “includes” or “including” are used in this Agreement, they shall be deemed to be immediately followed by the words “without limitation;”
(d) the words “holds”, “holder” and correlative words, in the context of Registrable Securities, shall be construed as referring to Beneficial Ownership of Registrable Securities;
(e) the captions and headings of this Agreement are for convenience of reference only and shall not affect the interpretation of this Agreement;
(f) pronouns of any gender or neuter shall include, as appropriate, the other pronoun forms;
(g) the word “or” shall be construed to mean “and/or” and the words “neither,” “nor,” “any,” “either” and “or” shall not be exclusive, unless the context clearly prohibits that construction; and
(h) the phrase “to the extent” shall be construed to mean “the degree by which.”
ARTICLE II
[RESERVED]
ARTICLE III
REGISTRATION RIGHTS
Section 3.1 Shelf Registration.
(a) Filing.
(i) PubCo shall file, within one year of the Effective Date, a Registration Statement for a Shelf Registration on Form S-3 (the “Form S-3 Shelf”), or if PubCo is ineligible to use a Form S-3 Shelf, a Registration Statement for a Shelf Registration on Form S-1 (the “Form S-1 Shelf,” and together with the Form S-3 Shelf (and any Subsequent Shelf Registration Statement), each, a “Shelf”), in each case, covering the resale of all Registrable Securities (determined as of two Business Days prior to such filing) on a delayed or continuous basis. The Shelf shall provide for the resale of the Registrable Securities included therein pursuant to any method or combination of methods legally available to, and requested by, any Holder.
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(ii) PubCo shall use its reasonable best efforts to cause the Shelf to become effective as soon as practicable after such filing, but no later than the earlier of (A) 60 calendar days after the filing thereof (or, in the event the SEC reviews and has written comments to the Registration Statement, the 90th calendar day following the filing thereof), (B) the tenth 10th Business Day after the date PubCo is notified (orally or in writing, whichever is earlier) by the SEC that the Registration Statement will not be “reviewed” or will not be subject to further review, or (C) if the day determined under clause (A) or clause (B) falls on a Saturday, Sunday or other day that the SEC is closed for business, the next Business Day immediately following the day determined under clause (A) or clause (B) on which the SEC is open for business (the date determined under clause (A), (B) and (C), the “Effectiveness Deadline”). PubCo shall maintain a Shelf in accordance with the terms of this Agreement, and shall prepare and file with the SEC such amendments, including post-effective amendments, and supplements as may be necessary to keep such Shelf continuously effective, available for use and in compliance with the provisions of the Securities Act until such time as there are no longer any Registrable Securities.
(iii) In the event PubCo files a Form S-1 Shelf, PubCo shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to convert the Form S-1 Shelf (and any Subsequent Shelf Registration Statement) to a Form S-3 Shelf as soon as practicable after PubCo is eligible to use Form S-3.
(b) Subsequent Shelf Registration.
(i) If any Shelf ceases to be effective under the Securities Act for any reason at any time while there are any Registrable Securities outstanding, PubCo shall use its reasonable best efforts to as promptly as is reasonably practicable cause such Shelf to again become effective under the Securities Act (including obtaining the prompt withdrawal of any order suspending the effectiveness of such Shelf), and shall use its reasonable best efforts to as promptly as is reasonably practicable, amend such Shelf in a manner reasonably expected to result in the withdrawal of any order suspending the effectiveness of such Shelf or file an additional Registration Statement as a Shelf Registration (a “Subsequent Shelf Registration Statement”) registering the resale of all outstanding Registrable Securities from time to time, and pursuant to any method or combination of methods legally available to, and requested by, any Holder whose Registrable Securities are included therein. Any such Subsequent Shelf Registration Statement shall be on Form S-3 to the extent that PubCo is eligible to use such form. Otherwise, such Subsequent Shelf Registration Statement shall be on another appropriate form.
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(ii) If a Subsequent Shelf Registration Statement is filed, PubCo shall use its reasonable best efforts to (i) cause such Subsequent Shelf Registration Statement to become effective under the Securities Act as promptly as is reasonably practicable after the filing thereof (it being agreed that the Subsequent Shelf Registration Statement shall be an Automatic Shelf Registration Statement if PubCo is a Well-Known Seasoned Issuer) and (ii) keep such Subsequent Shelf Registration Statement continuously effective, available for use to permit all Holders whose Registrable Securities are included therein to sell their Registrable Securities included therein and in compliance with the provisions of the Securities Act until such time as there are no longer any Registrable Securities outstanding.
(c) Additional Registrable Securities. In the event that any Holder holds Registrable Securities that are not registered for resale on a delayed or continuous basis, PubCo, upon request of a Holder, shall promptly use its reasonable best efforts to cause the resale of such Registrable Securities to be covered by either, at PubCo’s option, any then available Shelf (including by means of a post-effective amendment) or by filing a Subsequent Shelf Registration Statement and cause the same to become effective as soon as practicable after such filing and such Shelf or Subsequent Shelf Registration Statement shall be subject to the terms of this Agreement.
(d) Requests for Underwritten Shelf Takedowns.
(i) At any time and from time to time after the Shelf has been declared effective by the SEC, each of the Special Holders (each Special Holder being in such case a “Demanding Holder”) may request to sell all or any portion of its Registrable Securities in an Underwritten Offering that is registered pursuant to the Shelf (each, an “Underwritten Shelf Takedown”).
(ii) All requests for Underwritten Shelf Takedowns shall be made by giving written notice to PubCo, which notice shall specify the approximate number of Registrable Securities proposed to be sold in the Underwritten Shelf Takedown and the expected price range (net of underwriting discounts and commissions) of such Underwritten Shelf Takedown. The Demanding Holders requesting such Underwritten Shelf Takedown shall have the right to select the Underwriters for such offering (which shall consist of one (1) or more reputable nationally or regionally recognized investment banks), such Underwriters to be subject to the prior written consent of PubCo, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed.
(iii) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement, in no event shall any Special Holder or any Transferee thereof be entitled to request an Underwritten Shelf Takedown (and PubCo shall not be obligated to consummate any Underwritten Shelf Takedown with respect to any Special Holder or any Transferee thereof) during the Lock-Up Period applicable to such Person.
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(iv) PubCo shall only be obligated to effect an Underwritten Shelf Takedown if such offering (i) shall include securities with a total offering price (including piggyback securities and before deduction of underwriting discounts) reasonably expected to exceed, in the aggregate, $50 million (the “Minimum Takedown Threshold”) or (ii) shall be made with respect to all of the Registrable Securities of the Demanding Holder. Except as set forth in the preceding sentence (and subject to Section 3.1(d)(iii)), there shall be no limit to the number of Underwritten Shelf Takedowns that may be requested by any Special Holder.
(e) Reduction of Underwritten Shelf Takedowns. If the managing Underwriter or Underwriters in an Underwritten Shelf Takedown, in good faith, advise PubCo, the Demanding Holders and the Requesting Holders (if any) in writing that the dollar amount or number of Registrable Securities that the Demanding Holders and the Requesting Holders (if any) desire to sell, taken together with all other Common Shares or other Equity Securities that PubCo desires to sell and all other Common Shares or other Equity Securities, if any, that have been requested to be sold in such Underwritten Offering pursuant to separate written contractual piggyback registration rights held by any other stockholders, exceeds the maximum dollar amount or maximum number of Equity Securities that can be sold in the Underwritten Offering without adversely affecting the proposed offering price, the timing, the distribution method, or the probability of success of such offering (such maximum dollar amount or maximum number of such securities, as applicable, the “Maximum Number of Securities”), then PubCo shall include in such Underwritten Offering, as follows, at all times:
(i) first, the Registrable Securities of the Demanding Holders and the Requesting Holders (if any) (pro rata based on the respective number of Registrable Securities that each Demanding Holder and Requesting Holder (if any) has requested be included in such Underwritten Shelf Takedown for itself that can be sold without exceeding the Maximum Number of Securities;
(ii) second, to the extent that the Maximum Number of Securities has not been reached under Section 3.1(e)(i), the Common Shares or other Equity Securities that PubCo desires to sell, which can be sold without exceeding the Maximum Number of Securities; and
(iii) third, to the extent that the Maximum Number of Securities has not been reached under Section 3.1(e)(i) and Section 3.1(e)(ii), the Common Shares or other Equity Securities of any other Holder or any other Persons that PubCo is obligated to include in such Underwritten Offering pursuant to separate written contractual arrangements with such Persons and that can be sold without exceeding the Maximum Number of Securities.
(f) Withdrawal. Any of the Demanding Holders initiating an Underwritten Shelf Takedown shall have the right to withdraw from such Underwritten Shelf Takedown for any or no reason whatsoever upon written notification (a “Withdrawal Notice”) to PubCo and the Underwriter or Underwriters (if any) of such Demanding Holder’s intention to withdraw from such Underwritten Shelf Takedown, prior to the pricing of such Underwritten Shelf Takedown by PubCo. Following the receipt of any Withdrawal Notice, PubCo shall promptly forward such Withdrawal Notice to any other Special Holders that had elected to participate in such Underwritten Shelf Takedown. If PubCo receives a
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Withdrawal Notice, a Special Holder not so withdrawing may elect to have PubCo continue an Underwritten Shelf Takedown if the Minimum Takedown Threshold would still be satisfied or if the Underwritten Shelf Takedown would be made with respect to all of the Registrable Securities of such Special Holder. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement, PubCo shall be responsible for the Registration Expenses incurred in connection with an Underwritten Shelf Takedown prior to delivery of a Withdrawal Notice under this Section 3.1(f).
(g) Long-Form Demands. Upon the expiration of the Lock-Up Period applicable to such Person, and during such times as no Shelf is effective, each Special Holder may demand that PubCo file a Registration Statement on Form S-1 for the purpose of conducting an Underwritten Offering of any or all of such Special Holder’s Registrable Securities. PubCo shall file such Registration Statement within 30 days of receipt of such demand and use its reasonable best efforts to cause the same to be declared effective within 60 days of filing. The provisions of Section 3.1(d), Section 3.1(e) and Section 3.1(f) shall apply to this Section 3.1(g) as if a demand under this Section 3.1(g) were an Underwritten Shelf Takedown.
Section 3.2 Piggyback Registration.
(a) Piggyback Rights.
(i) If PubCo or any Special Holder proposes to conduct a registered offering of, or if PubCo proposes to file a Registration Statement under the Securities Act with respect to an offering of, Equity Securities of PubCo or securities or other obligations exercisable or exchangeable for or convertible into Equity Securities of PubCo, for its own account or for the account of stockholders of PubCo (or by PubCo and by the stockholders of PubCo including an Underwritten Shelf Takedown pursuant to Section 3.1), other than a Registration Statement (or any registered offering with respect thereto) (i) filed in connection with any employee stock option or other benefit plan, (ii) for an exchange offer or offering of securities solely to PubCo’s existing stockholders, (iii) for an offering of debt that is convertible into Equity Securities of PubCo, or (iv) for a dividend reinvestment plan, then PubCo shall give written notice of such proposed offering to all Holders as soon as practicable but not less than four calendar days before the anticipated filing date of such Registration Statement or, in the case of an Underwritten Offering pursuant to a Shelf Registration, the applicable “red xxxxxxx” prospectus or prospectus supplement used for marketing such offering, which notice shall (A) describe the amount and type of securities to be included in such offering, the intended method(s) of distribution, and the name of the proposed managing Underwriter or Underwriters, if any and if known, in such offering, and (B) offer to all of the Holders the opportunity to include in such registered offering such number of Registrable Securities as such Holders may request in writing within three calendar days after receipt of such written notice (such registered offering, a “Piggyback Registration”).
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(ii) Subject to Section 3.2(b), PubCo shall cause all Registrable Securities requested by the Holders to be included in such Piggyback Registration and shall use its reasonable best efforts to cause the managing Underwriter or Underwriters of a proposed Underwritten Offering to permit the Registrable Securities requested by the Holders pursuant to this Section 3.2(a) to be included in a Piggyback Registration on the same terms and conditions as any similar securities of PubCo included in such registered offering and to permit the sale or other disposition of such Registrable Securities in accordance with the intended method(s) of distribution thereof. The inclusion of any Holder’s Registrable Securities in a Piggyback Registration shall be subject to such Holder’s agreement to abide by the terms of Section 3.6 below.
(b) Reduction of Piggyback Registration. If the managing Underwriter or Underwriters in an Underwritten Offering that is to be a Piggyback Registration (other than an Underwritten Shelf Takedown), in good faith, advises PubCo and the Holders participating in the Piggyback Registration in writing that the dollar amount or number of Common Shares or other Equity Securities that PubCo desires to sell, taken together with (x) the Common Shares or other Equity Securities, if any, as to which Registration or a registered offering has been demanded pursuant to separate written contractual arrangements with Persons other than the Holders under this Agreement and (y) the Common Shares or other Equity Securities, if any, as to which registration has been requested pursuant to Section 3.2, exceeds the Maximum Number of Securities, then:
(i) If the Registration is initiated and undertaken for PubCo’s account, PubCo shall include in any such Registration:
(A) first, the Common Shares or other Equity Securities that PubCo desires to sell, which can be sold without exceeding the Maximum Number of Securities;
(B) second, to the extent that the Maximum Number of Securities has not been reached under the foregoing clause (A), the Registrable Securities of Special Holders (pro rata based on the respective number of Registrable Securities that each Special Holder has requested be included in such Registration for itself) which can be sold without exceeding the Maximum Number of Securities;
(C) third, to the extent that the Maximum Number of Securities has not been reached under the foregoing clauses (A) and (B), the Registrable Securities of Holders that are not Special Holders (pro rata based on the respective number of Registrable Securities that each such Holder has requested be included in such Registration) which can be sold without exceeding the Maximum Number of Securities; and
(D) fourth, to the extent the Maximum Number of Securities has not been reached under the foregoing clauses (A), (B) and (C), the Common Shares or other Equity Securities, if any, as to which Registration has been requested pursuant to written contractual piggyback registration rights of other stockholders of PubCo, which can be sold without exceeding the Maximum Number of Securities;
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(ii) If the Registration is initiated and undertaken for the account of a Special Holder, PubCo shall include in any such Registration:
(A) first, the Registrable Securities of Special Holders (pro rata based on the respective number of Registrable Securities that each Special Holder has requested be included in such Registration for itself) which can be sold without exceeding the Maximum Number of Securities;
(B) second, the Common Shares or other Equity Securities that PubCo desires to sell, which can be sold without exceeding the Maximum Number of Securities;
(C) third, to the extent that the Maximum Number of Securities has not been reached under the foregoing clauses (A) and (B), the Registrable Securities of Holders that are not Special Holders (pro rata based on the respective number of Registrable Securities that each such Holder has requested be included in such Registration) which can be sold without exceeding the Maximum Number of Securities; and
(D) fourth, to the extent the Maximum Number of Securities has not been reached under the foregoing clauses (A), (B) and (C), the Common Shares or other Equity Securities, if any, as to which Registration has been requested pursuant to written contractual piggyback registration rights of other stockholders of PubCo, which can be sold without exceeding the Maximum Number of Securities; or
(iii) If the Registration is pursuant to a request by Persons other than the Special Holders, then PubCo shall include in any such Registration:
(A) first, the Common Shares or other Equity Securities, if any, of such requesting Persons, other than the Special Holders, which can be sold without exceeding the Maximum Number of Securities;
(B) second, to the extent that the Maximum Number of Securities has not been reached under the foregoing clause (A), the Registrable Securities of Special Holders (pro rata based on the respective number of Registrable Securities that each Special Holder has requested be included in such Registration for itself) which can be sold without exceeding the Maximum Number of Securities;
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(C) third, to the extent that the Maximum Number of Securities has not been reached under the foregoing clauses (A) and (B), the Registrable Securities of Holders that are not Special Holders (pro rata based on the respective number of Registrable Securities that each such Holder has requested be included in such Registration), which can be sold without exceeding the Maximum Number of Securities;
(D) fourth, to the extent that the Maximum Number of Securities has not been reached under the foregoing clauses (A), (B) and (C), the Common Shares or other Equity Securities that PubCo desires to sell, which can be sold without exceeding the Maximum Number of Securities; and
(E) fifth, to the extent that the Maximum Number of Securities has not been reached under the foregoing clauses (A), (B), (C) and (D), the Common Shares or other Equity Securities, if any, for the account of other Persons that PubCo is obligated to register pursuant to separate written contractual piggyback registration rights of such Persons, which can be sold without exceeding the Maximum Number of Securities.
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Section 3.2(b), in the event a Demanding Holder has submitted notice for a bona fide Underwritten Shelf Takedown and all sales pursuant to such Underwritten Shelf Takedown pursuant to Section 3.1 have not been effected in accordance with the applicable plan of distribution or submitted a Withdrawal Notice prior to such time that PubCo has given written notice of a Piggyback Registration to all Holders pursuant to Section 3.2, then any reduction in the number of Registrable Securities to be offered in such offering shall be determined in accordance with Section 3.1(e), instead of this Section 3.2(b).
(c) Piggyback Registration Withdrawal. Any Holder shall have the right to withdraw from a Piggyback Registration for any or no reason whatsoever upon written notification to PubCo and the Underwriter or Underwriters (if any) of such Holder’s intention to withdraw from such Piggyback Registration prior to the pricing of the relevant offering pursuant to such Piggyback Registration or, in the case of a Piggyback Registration pursuant to a Shelf Registration, the pricing of such transaction. PubCo (whether on its own good faith determination or as the result of a request for withdrawal by Persons pursuant to separate written contractual obligations) may withdraw a Registration Statement filed with the SEC in connection with a Piggyback Registration (which, in no circumstance, shall include the Shelf) at any time prior to the effectiveness of such Registration Statement. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth in this Agreement, PubCo shall be responsible for the Registration Expenses incurred in connection with the Piggyback Registration prior to its withdrawal under this Section 3.2(c).
(d) Exceptions to Piggyback Rights. Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, this Section 3.2 shall not apply for any Holder, prior to the expiration of the Lock-Up Period in respect of such Holder.
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Section 3.3 Restriction on Xxxxxxxx.Xx connection with any Underwritten Offering of Equity Securities of PubCo, each Major Holder agrees that it shall not Transfer any Common Shares (other than those included in such offering pursuant to this Agreement) without the prior written consent of PubCo, during the seven calendar days prior (to the extent notice of such Underwritten Offering has been provided) to and the 90-day period beginning on the date of pricing of such offering, except in the event the Underwriter managing the offering otherwise agrees by written consent, and further agrees to execute a customary lock-up agreement in favor of the Underwriters to such effect (in each case on substantially the same terms and conditions as all such Holders). Notwithstanding the foregoing, a Holder shall not be subject to this Section 3.3 with respect to an Underwritten Offering unless each Major Holder and each of PubCo’s directors and executive officers have executed a lock-up agreement on terms at least as restrictive with respect to such Underwritten Offering as requested of the Holders.
Section 3.4 General Procedures. In connection with effecting any Registration and/or Shelf Takedown, subject to applicable Law and any regulations promulgated by any securities exchange on which PubCo’s Equity Securities are then listed, each as interpreted by PubCo with the advice of its counsel, PubCo shall use its reasonable best efforts (except as set forth in Section 3.4(d)) to effect such Registration to permit the sale of the Registrable Securities included in such Registration in accordance with the intended plan of distribution thereof, and pursuant thereto PubCo shall, as expeditiously as possible:
(a) prepare and file with the SEC as soon as practicable a Registration Statement with respect to such Registrable Securities and use its reasonable best efforts to cause such Registration Statement to become effective and remain effective until all Registrable Securities covered by such Registration Statement have been sold or have ceased to be Registrable Securities;
(b) prepare and file with the SEC such amendments and post-effective amendments to the Registration Statement, and such supplements to the Prospectus, as may be reasonably requested by any Holder or as may be required by the rules, regulations or instructions applicable to the registration form used by PubCo or by the Securities Act or rules and regulations thereunder to keep the Registration Statement effective until all Registrable Securities covered by such Registration Statement are sold in accordance with the intended plan of distribution set forth in such Registration Statement or supplement to the Prospectus;
(c) prior to filing a Registration Statement or Prospectus, or any amendment or supplement thereto, furnish without charge to the Underwriters, if any, and the Special Holders of Registrable Securities included in such Registration, and such Special Holders’ legal counsel, if any, copies of such Registration Statement as proposed to be filed, each amendment and supplement to such Registration Statement (in each case including all exhibits thereto and documents incorporated by reference therein), the Prospectus included in such Registration Statement (including each preliminary Prospectus), and such other documents as the Underwriters or the Special Holders of Registrable Securities included in such Registration or the legal counsel for any such Special Holders, if any, may reasonably request in order to facilitate the disposition of the Registrable Securities owned by such Special Holders;
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(d) prior to any public offering of Registrable Securities, use its best efforts to (i) register or qualify the Registrable Securities covered by the Registration Statement under such securities or “blue sky” Laws of such jurisdictions in the United States as the Holders of Registrable Securities included in such Registration Statement (in light of their intended plan of distribution) may request (or provide evidence satisfactory to such Holders that the Registrable Securities are exempt from such registration or qualification), (ii) take such action necessary to cause such Registrable Securities covered by the Registration Statement to be registered with or approved by such other Governmental Entities as may be necessary by virtue of the business and operations of PubCo and (iii) do any and all other acts and things that may be necessary or advisable to enable the Holders of Registrable Securities included in such Registration Statement to consummate the disposition of such Registrable Securities in such jurisdictions (notwithstanding the foregoing, PubCo shall not be required to qualify generally to do business in any jurisdiction where it would not otherwise be required to qualify or take any action to which it would be subject to general service of process or taxation in any such jurisdiction where it is not then otherwise so subject);
(e) notify each participating Holder of Registrable Securities included in such Registration Statement, as soon as practicable after PubCo receives notice thereof, but in any event within one business day of such date, of the time when the Registration Statement has been declared effective and when any post-effective amendments and supplements thereto become effective;
(f) furnish counsel for the Underwriter(s), if any, and, upon written request, for the Special Holders of Registrable Securities included in such Registration Statement with copies of any written comments from the SEC or any written request by the SEC for amendments or supplements to a Registration Statement or Prospectus;
(g) cause all such Registrable Securities to be listed on each national securities exchange or automated quotation system on which similar securities issued by PubCo are then listed;
(h) provide a transfer agent or warrant agent, as applicable, and registrar for all such Registrable Securities no later than the effective date of such Registration Statement;
(i) advise each Holder of Registrable Securities covered by a Registration Statement, promptly after it shall receive notice or obtain knowledge thereof, of the issuance of any stop order by the SEC suspending the effectiveness of such Registration Statement or the initiation or threatening of any proceeding for such purpose and promptly use its reasonable best efforts to prevent the issuance of any stop order or to obtain its withdrawal if such stop order should be issued;
(j) at least three calendar days prior to the filing of any Registration Statement or Prospectus or any amendment or supplement to such Registration Statement or Prospectus or any document that is to be incorporated by reference into such Registration Statement or Prospectus furnish a draft thereof to each Special Holder of Registrable Securities included in such Registration Statement, or its counsel, if any (excluding any exhibits thereto and any filing made under the Exchange Act that is to be incorporated by reference therein);
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(k) notify the Holders at any time when a Prospectus relating to such Registration Statement is required to be delivered under the Securities Act, of the happening of any event as a result of which the Prospectus included in such Registration Statement, as then in effect, includes a Misstatement, and then to correct such Misstatement as set forth in Section 3.7;
(l) in the event of an Underwritten Offering or a sale of Registrable Securities facilitated by a financial institution pursuant to such Registration, permit Representatives of the Special Holders, the Underwriters or such other financial institutions facilitating such Underwritten Offering or sale, if any, and any attorney, consultant or accountant retained by such Special Holders, or Underwriter or financial institution to participate, at each such Person’s own expense except to the extent such expenses constitute Registration Expenses, in the preparation of the Registration Statement, and cause PubCo’s officers, directors and employees to supply all information reasonably requested by any such Representative, Underwriter, financial institution, attorney, consultant or accountant in connection with the Registration, in each case subject to the agreement by any such Person of confidentiality arrangements reasonably satisfactory to PubCo, prior to the release or disclosure of any such information;
(m) obtain a “cold comfort” letter, and a bring-down thereof, from PubCo’s independent registered public accountants in the event of an Underwritten Offering or, if requested in writing in the event of a sale of Registrable Securities by a financial institution pursuant to such Registration, which the participating Special Holders may rely on, in customary form and covering such matters of the type customarily covered by “cold comfort” letters as the managing Underwriter or financial institution, as the case may be, may reasonably request, and reasonably satisfactory to a majority-in-interest of the participating Special Holders and any Underwriters or financial institution;
(n) on the date the Registrable Securities are delivered for sale pursuant to such Registration, obtain an opinion and negative assurances letter, dated such date, of counsel representing PubCo for the purposes of such Registration, addressed to the participating Special Holders, the placement agent or sales agent, if any, and the Underwriters, if any, and any financial institution facilitating a sale of Registrable Securities facilitated pursuant to such Registration, if any, covering such legal matters with respect to the Registration in respect of which such opinion is being given as the participating Special Holders, any Underwriters, placement agent, sales agent, or financial institution may reasonably request and as are customarily included in such opinions and negative assurance letters, and reasonably satisfactory to the participating Special Holders and any Underwriters, placement agent, sales agent and financial institution;
(o) in the event of any Underwritten Offering or a sale of Registrable Securities facilitated by a financial institution pursuant to such Registration, enter into and perform its obligations under an underwriting agreement or other purchase or sales agreement, in usual and customary form, with the managing Underwriter, placement agent, sales agent or financial institution of such offering or sale;
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(p) make available to its security holders, as soon as reasonably practicable, an earnings statement covering the period of at least 12 months beginning within three months after the effective date of the Registration Statement which satisfies the provisions of Section 11(a) of the Securities Act and Rule 158 thereunder (or any successor rule promulgated thereafter by the SEC);
(q) if an Underwritten Offering involves Registrable Securities with a total offering price (including piggyback securities and before deduction of underwriting discounts) reasonably expected to exceed, in the aggregate, $50 million, use its reasonable best efforts to make available senior executives of PubCo to participate in customary “road show” presentations that may be reasonably requested by the Underwriter in such Underwritten Offering; and
(r) otherwise, in good faith, cooperate reasonably with, and take such customary actions as may reasonably be requested, by the participating Holders, in connection with such Registration.
Section 3.5 Registration Expenses. The Registration Expenses of all Registrations shall be borne by PubCo. It is acknowledged by the Holders that the Holders selling any Registrable Securities in an offering shall bear all incremental selling expenses relating to the sale of Registrable Securities, such as Underwriters’ commissions and discounts, brokerage fees and Underwriter marketing costs, in each case pro rata based on the number of Registrable Securities that such Holders have sold in such Registration.
Section 3.6 Requirements for Participating in Underwritten Offerings. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement, if any Holder does not provide PubCo with its requested Holder Information, PubCo may exclude such Holder’s Registrable Securities from the applicable Registration Statement or Prospectus if PubCo determines, based on the advice of counsel, that such information is necessary to effect the registration and such Holder continues thereafter to withhold such information. No Person may participate in any Underwritten Offering of Equity Securities of PubCo pursuant to a Registration under this Agreement unless such Person (a) agrees to sell such Person’s Registrable Securities on the basis provided in any underwriting and other arrangements approved by PubCo in the case of an Underwritten Offering initiated by PubCo, and approved by the Demanding Holders in the case of an Underwritten Offering initiated by the Demanding Holders and (b) completes and executes all customary questionnaires, powers of attorney, custody agreements, indemnities, lock-up agreements, underwriting or other agreements and other customary documents as may be reasonably required under the terms of such underwriting, sales, distribution or placement arrangements. Subject to the minimum thresholds set forth in Section 3.1(d) and Section 3.4(q), the exclusion of a Holder’s Registrable Securities as a result of this Section 3.6 shall not affect the registration of the other Registrable Securities to be included in such Registration.
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Section 3.7 Suspension of Sales; Adverse Disclosure. Upon receipt of written notice from PubCo that a Registration Statement or Prospectus contains a Misstatement, each of the Holders shall forthwith discontinue disposition of Registrable Securities until it has received copies of a supplemented or amended Prospectus correcting the Misstatement (and PubCo covenants to prepare and file such supplement or amendment as soon as practicable after giving such notice), or until it is advised in writing by PubCo that the use of the Prospectus may be resumed. If the filing, initial effectiveness or continued use of a Registration Statement in respect of any Registration at any time would require PubCo to make an Adverse Disclosure or would require the inclusion in such Registration Statement of financial statements that are unavailable to PubCo for reasons beyond PubCo’s control, PubCo may, upon giving prompt written notice of such action to the Holders, delay the filing or initial effectiveness of, or suspend use of, such Registration Statement for the shortest period of time, but in no event more than twice or an aggregate of 90 days in any 12-month period, determined in good faith by PubCo to be necessary for such purpose. In the event PubCo exercises its rights under the preceding sentence, the Holders agree to suspend, immediately upon their receipt of the notice referred to above, their use of the Prospectus relating to such Registration in connection with any sale or offer to sell Registrable Securities. PubCo shall immediately notify the Holders of the expiration of any period during which it exercised its rights under this Section 3.7.
Section 3.8 Reporting Obligations. As long as any Holder shall own Registrable Securities, PubCo, at all times while it shall be a reporting company under the Exchange Act, covenants to file timely (or obtain extensions in respect thereof and file within the applicable grace period) all reports required to be filed by PubCo after the Effective Date pursuant to Sections 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act and to promptly furnish the Holders with true and complete copies of all such filings. Any documents publicly filed or furnished with the SEC pursuant to the Electronic Data Gathering, Analysis and Retrieval System shall be deemed to have been furnished to the Holders pursuant to this Section 3.8.
Section 3.9 Other Obligations. In connection with a Transfer of Registrable Securities exempt from Section 5 of the Securities Act or through any broker-dealer transactions described in the plan of distribution set forth within the Prospectus and pursuant to the Registration Statement of which such Prospectus forms a part, PubCo shall, subject to applicable Law, as interpreted by PubCo with the advice of counsel, and the receipt of any customary documentation required from the applicable Holders in connection therewith, (a) promptly instruct its transfer agent to remove any restrictive legends applicable to the Registrable Securities being Transferred and (b) cause its legal counsel to deliver the necessary legal opinions, if any, to the transfer agent in connection with the instruction under clause (a). In addition, PubCo shall cooperate reasonably with, and take such customary actions as may reasonably be requested by the Holders, in connection with the aforementioned Transfers. Notwithstanding the foregoing, that PubCo shall have no obligation to participate in any “road shows” or assist with the preparation of any offering memoranda or related documentation with respect to any Transfer of Registrable Securities in any transaction that does not constitute an Underwritten Offering.
Section 3.10 Indemnification and Contribution.
(a) PubCo agrees to indemnify and hold harmless each Holder, its officers, managers, directors, trustees, equityholders, beneficiaries, affiliates, agents and Representatives and each Person who controls such Holder (within the meaning of the Securities Act) against all losses, claims, damages, losses, liabilities and expenses
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(including attorneys’ fees) (or actions in respect thereto) caused by, resulting from, arising out of or based upon (i) any untrue or alleged untrue statement of material fact contained in any Registration Statement, Prospectus or preliminary Prospectus or similar document incident to any Registration, qualification, compliance or sale effected pursuant to this Article III or any amendment thereof or supplement thereto, or any omission or alleged omission of a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, or (ii) any violation or alleged violation by PubCo of the Securities Act or any other similar federal or state securities Laws, and will reimburse, as incurred, each such Holder, its officers, managers, directors, trustees, equityholders, beneficiaries, affiliates, agents and Representatives and each Person who controls such Holder (within the meaning of the Securities Act) for any legal and any other expenses reasonably incurred in connection with investigating or defending any such claim, loss, damage, liability or action. Notwithstanding the foregoing, PubCo will not be liable in any such case to the extent that any such claim, damage, loss, liability or expense are caused by or arises out of or is based on any untrue statement or omission made in reliance and in conformity with written information furnished to PubCo by or on behalf of such Holder expressly for use therein. PubCo shall indemnify the Underwriters, their officers and directors and each Person who controls such Underwriters (within the meaning of the Securities Act) to the same extent as provided in the foregoing sentence with respect to the indemnification of each Holder.
(b) In connection with any Registration Statement in which a Holder of Registrable Securities is participating, such Holder shall furnish to PubCo in writing such information and affidavits as PubCo reasonably requests for use in connection with any such Registration Statement or Prospectus (the “Holder Information”) and, to the extent permitted by Law, such Holder shall severally (and not jointly), in proportion to their respective net proceeds received from the sale of Registrable Securities pursuant to such Registration Statement, indemnify and hold harmless PubCo, its directors, officers, employees, equityholders, affiliates and agents and each Person who controls PubCo (within the meaning of the Securities Act) against any losses, claims, damages, liabilities and expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees) (or actions in respect thereof) arising out of, resulting from or based on any untrue statement of material fact contained in the Registration Statement, Prospectus or preliminary Prospectus or similar document or any amendment thereof or supplement thereto, or any omission of a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, but only to the extent that such untrue statement or omission is contained in any information or affidavit so furnished in writing by or on behalf of such Holder expressly for use therein. The Holders of Registrable Securities shall indemnify the Underwriters, their officers, directors and each Person who controls such Underwriters (within the meaning of the Securities Act) to the same extent as provided in the foregoing sentence with respect to indemnification of PubCo.
(c) Any Person entitled to indemnification under this Section 3.10 shall (i) give prompt written notice, after such Person has actual knowledge thereof, to the indemnifying party of any claim with respect to which such Person seeks indemnification and (ii) permit such indemnifying party to assume the defense of such claim with counsel reasonably satisfactory to the indemnified party (not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or
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delayed) and the indemnified party may participate in such defense at the indemnifying party’s expense if representation of such indemnified party would be inappropriate due to actual or potential differing interests between such indemnified party and any other party represented by such counsel in such proceeding. The failure to give prompt notice shall not impair any Person’s right to indemnification under this Agreement to the extent such failure has not materially prejudiced the indemnifying party in the defense of any such claim or any such litigation. An indemnifying party, in the defense of any such claim or litigation, without the consent of each indemnified party, may only consent to the entry of any judgment or enter into any settlement only if any sums payable in connection with such settlement are paid in full by the indemnifying party and such settlement (i) includes as a term thereof the giving by the claimant or plaintiff therein to such indemnified party of an unconditional release from all liability with respect to such claim or litigation and (ii) does not include any recovery (including any statement as to or an admission of fault, culpability or a failure to act by or on behalf of such indemnified party) other than monetary damages.
(d) The indemnification provided under this Agreement shall remain in full force and effect regardless of any investigation made by or on behalf of the indemnified party or any officer, manager, director, Representative or controlling Person of such indemnified party and shall survive the Transfer of securities.
(e) If the indemnification provided in this Section 3.10 from the indemnifying party is unavailable or insufficient to hold harmless an indemnified party in respect of any losses, claims, damages, liabilities and expenses referred to in this Agreement, then the indemnifying party, in lieu of indemnifying the indemnified party, shall contribute to the amount paid or payable by the indemnified party as a result of such losses, claims, damages, liabilities and expenses in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect the relative fault of the indemnifying party and the indemnified party, as well as any other relevant equitable considerations. The relative fault of the indemnifying party and indemnified party shall be determined by reference to, among other things, whether any action in question, including any untrue or alleged untrue statement of a material fact or omission or alleged omission to state a material fact, was made by, or relates to information supplied by, such indemnifying party or indemnified party, and the indemnifying party’s and indemnified party’s relative intent, knowledge, access to information and opportunity to correct or prevent such action. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the liability of any Holder under this Section 3.10(e) shall be limited to the amount of the net proceeds received by such Holder in such offering giving rise to such liability. The amount paid or payable by a Party as a result of the losses or other liabilities referred to above shall be deemed to include, subject to the limitations set forth in Sections 3.10(a), 3.10(b) and 3.10(c), any legal or other fees, charges or expenses reasonably incurred by such Party in connection with any investigation or proceeding. The Parties agree that it would not be just and equitable if contribution pursuant to this Section 3.10(e) were determined by pro rata allocation or by any other method of allocation, which does not take account of the equitable considerations referred to in this Section 3.10(e). No Person guilty of fraudulent misrepresentation (within the meaning of Section 11(f) of the Securities Act) shall be entitled to contribution pursuant to this Section 3.10(e) from any Person who was not guilty of such fraudulent misrepresentation.
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Section 3.11 Other Registration Rights. Other than the registration rights set forth in the Investor Rights Agreement and in the September 2021 Registration Rights Agreements, PubCo represents and warrants that no Person, other than a Holder of Registrable Securities pursuant to this Agreement, has any right to require PubCo to register any securities of PubCo for sale or to include such securities of PubCo in any Registration Statement filed by PubCo for the sale of securities for its own account or for the account of any other Person. Futher, PubCo covenants to the Holders that neither PubCo nor any Subsidiary of PubCo shall hereafter enter into any agreement, contract or arrangement with respect to its securities that conflicts with the rights granted to the Holders (including the rights granted to the Special Holders in their capacity as such) by this Agreement.
Section 3.12 Rule 144. With a view to making available to the Holders the benefits of Rule 144 promulgated under the Securities Act, PubCo covenants that it will (a) make available at all times information necessary to comply with Rule 144, if such Rule is available with respect to resales of the Registrable Securities under the Securities Act, and (b) take such further action as the Holders may reasonably request, all to the extent required from time to time to enable them to sell Registrable Securities without registration under the Securities Act within the limitation of the exemptions provided by Rule 144 promulgated under the Securities Act (if available with respect to resales of the Registrable Securities), as such rule may be amended from time to time. Upon the request of any Holder, PubCo will deliver to such Holder a written statement as to whether PubCo has complied with such information requirements, and, if not, the specific reasons for non-compliance.
Section 3.13 Term. Article III shall terminate with respect to any Holder on the date that such Holder no longer holds any Registrable Securities. The provisions of Section 3.10 shall survive any such termination with respect to such Holder.
Section 3.14 Holder Information. Each Holder agrees, if requested in writing by PubCo, to represent to PubCo the total number of Registrable Securities held by such Holder in order for PubCo to make determinations under this Agreement, including for purposes of Section 3.12. Other than the Oak Street Sellers, a Party who does not hold Registrable Securities as of the Effective Date and who acquires Registrable Securities after the Effective Date will not be a “Holder” until such Party gives PubCo a representation in writing of the number of Registrable Securities it holds.
Section 3.15 Intentionally Omitted.
Section 3.16 Intentionally Omitted.
Section 3.17 Adjustments. If there are any changes in the Equity Securities as a result of stock split, stock dividend, combination or reclassification, or through merger, consolidation, recapitalization or other similar event, appropriate adjustment shall be made in the provisions of this Agreement, as may be required, so that the rights, privileges, duties and obligations under this Agreement shall continue with respect to the Equity Securities as so changed.
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ARTICLE IV
[INTENTIONALLY OMITTED]
ARTICLE V
GENERAL PROVISIONS
Section 5.1 Assignment; Successors and Assigns; No Third Party Beneficiaries.
(a) Except as otherwise permitted pursuant to this Agreement, no Party may assign such Party’s rights or obligations under this Agreement, in whole or in part, other than in compliance with this Section 5.1. Any such assignee may not again assign those rights, other than in accordance with this Section 5.1. Any attempted assignment of rights or obligations in violation of this Section 5.1 shall be null and void.
(b) Subject to Section 5.1(i), a Holder may not assign any of its rights or obligations under this Agreement without the prior written consent of PubCo.
(c) [Reserved].
(d) [Reserved].
(e) [Reserved].
(f) [Reserved].
(g) [Reserved].
(h) [Reserved].
(i) A Holder, in its capacity as such, may Transfer any of such Holder’s rights or obligations under this Agreement in connection with a Transfer of such Holder’s Registrable Securities, in whole or in part, to any such Holder’s Permitted Transferees. A Special Holder, in its capacity as such, may Transfer any of such Special Holder’s rights or obligations under this Agreement in connection with a Transfer of such Special Holder’s Registrable Securities, in whole or in part, to any such Special Holder’s Permitted Transferees that are controlled Affiliates of such Special Holder.
(j) Subject to Section 5.1(b), any Transferee of Registrable Securities (other than pursuant to an effective Registration Statement or a Rule 144 transaction or in a transaction whereby such Registrable Securities cease to be Registrable Securities) shall be required, at the time of and as a condition to such Transfer, to become a party to this Agreement by executing and delivering a joinder in the form attached to this Agreement as Exhibit A, whereupon such Transferee will be treated as a Party (with the same rights and obligations as the Transferor) for all purposes of this Agreement. No Transfer of Registrable Securities by a Holder shall be registered on PubCo’s books and records, and such Transfer of Registrable Securities shall be null and void and not otherwise effective, unless any such Transfer is made in accordance with the terms and conditions of this Agreement, and PubCo is authorized by all of the Holders to enter appropriate stop transfer notations on its transfer records to give effect to this Agreement.
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(k) All of the terms and provisions of this Agreement shall be binding upon the Parties and their respective successors, assigns, heirs and representatives, but shall inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by the successors, assigns, heirs and representatives of any Party only to the extent that they are permitted successors, assigns, heirs and representatives pursuant to the terms of this Agreement.
(l) Nothing in this Agreement, express or implied, is intended to confer upon any Party, other than the Parties and their respective permitted successors, assigns, heirs and representatives, any rights or remedies under this Agreement or otherwise create any third party beneficiary to this Agreement.
(m) Any Person, other than MZ or Augustus, who makes a Valid Company Group Rollover Election in connection with the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement and becomes a party to this Agreement by executing and delivering a joinder in the form attached to this Agreement as Exhibit A, shall have the rights and obligations of a Holder (but not, for the avoidance of doubt, the rights and obligations of a Special Holder) under this Agreement.
Section 5.2 Termination. Article III of this Agreement shall terminate as set forth in Section 3.13. The remainder of this Agreement shall terminate automatically (without any action by any Party) as to each Holder when such Holder ceases to Beneficially Own any Registrable Securities. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the provisions of Section 3.10 and Section 5.12 shall survive any termination of this Agreement with respect to any Holder.
Section 5.3 Severability. If any provision of this Agreement is determined to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable by any Governmental Entity, the remaining provisions of this Agreement, to the extent permitted by Law, shall remain in full force and effect.
Section 5.4 Entire Agreement; Amendments; No Waiver.
(a) This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement among the Parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes all prior and contemporaneous agreements, understandings and discussions, whether oral or written, relating to such subject matter in any way and there are no warranties, representations or other agreements among the Parties in connection with such subject matter except as set forth in this Agreement.
(b) Subject to Section 5.4(c) and Section 5.4(d), no provision of this Agreement may be Amended in whole or in part at any time without the express written consent of (i) PubCo, (ii) each Special Holder, (iii) Holders with aggregate Voting Power Percentages constituting a majority of the aggregate Voting Power Percentages of all Holders and (iv) Holders with aggregate Economic Ownership Percentages constituting a majority of the aggregate Economic Ownership Percentages of all Holders. In addition, subject to Section 5.4(c) and Section 5.4(d), the following provisions of this Agreement may not be Amended in whole or in part at any time (in addition to obtaining the consents required pursuant to
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the immediately preceding sentence) without the express written consent of (A) each of the “OWL Principals” under the MZ XXX and (B) MZ: (w) the definition of “Special Holders” contained in Section 1.1 of this Agreement; (x) Sections 3.1(e)(i), 3.2(b)(i), 3.2(b)(ii) and 3.2(b)(iii); (y) the second sentence of this Section 5.4(b) and (z) Sections 5.4(c) and 5.4(d).
(c) Notwithstanding Section 5.4(b) but subject to Section 5.4(d), any Amendment of (i) any rights or obligations of any Party that are personal to such Party or specifically refer to such Party by name that would be materially adverse in any respect to such Party, or (ii) any rights or obligations of any Party that would be materially adverse in any respect to such Party in a manner disproportionate to the other Parties, shall require the prior written consent of such Party.
(d) The Amendment of any provision of this Agreement that has terminated (as determined in accordance with this Agreement) with respect to a Party shall not require the consent of such Party (and any Equity Securities owned by such Party shall be disregarded for purposes of calculating any percentages required in respect of such Amendment).
(e) No waiver of any provision or default under, nor consent to any exception to, the terms of this Agreement shall be effective unless in writing and signed by the Party to be bound and then only to the specific purpose, extent and instance so provided.
Section 5.5 Counterparts; Electronic Delivery. This Agreement and any other agreements, certificates, instruments and documents delivered pursuant to this Agreement may be executed and delivered in one or more counterparts and by fax, email or other electronic transmission, each of which shall be deemed an original and all of which shall be considered one and the same agreement. No Party shall raise the use of a fax machine or email to deliver a signature or the fact that any signature or agreement or instrument was transmitted or communicated through the use of a fax machine or email as a defense to the formation or enforceability of a contract and each Party forever waives any such defense.
Section 5.6 Notices. All notices, demands and other communications to be given or delivered under this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been given (a) when personally delivered (or, if delivery is refused, upon presentment) or received by email (with confirmation of transmission) prior to 5:00 p.m. Eastern time on a Business Day and, if otherwise, on the next Business Day, (b) one Business Day following sending by reputable overnight express courier (charges prepaid) or (c) three (3) calendar days following mailing by certified or registered mail, postage prepaid and return receipt requested. Unless another address is specified in writing pursuant to the provisions of this Section 5.6, notices, demands and other communications shall be sent to the addresses indicated on the signature pages hereto (in the case of PubCo or any other Party executing this Agreement as of the Effective Date) or, with respect to any Transferee executing a joinder following the Effective Date, on such joinder.
Section 5.7 Governing Law; Waiver of Jury Trial; Jurisdiction. The Law of the State of Delaware shall govern (a) all Proceedings, claims or matters related to or arising from this Agreement (including any tort or non-contractual claims) and (b) any questions concerning the construction, interpretation, validity and enforceability of this Agreement, and the performance of the obligations imposed by this Agreement, in each case without giving effect to any choice of
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Law or conflict of Law rules or provisions (whether of the State of Delaware or any other jurisdiction) that would cause the application of the Law of any jurisdiction other than the State of Delaware. EACH PARTY TO THIS AGREEMENT IRREVOCABLY WAIVES ALL RIGHTS TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY PROCEEDING BROUGHT TO RESOLVE ANY DISPUTE BETWEEN OR AMONG ANY OF THE PARTIES (WHETHER ARISING IN CONTRACT, TORT OR OTHERWISE) ARISING OUT OF, CONNECTED WITH, RELATED OR INCIDENTAL TO THIS AGREEMENT, THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED BY THIS AGREEMENT AND/OR THE RELATIONSHIPS ESTABLISHED AMONG THE PARTIES UNDER THIS AGREEMENT. THE PARTIES FURTHER WARRANT AND REPRESENT THAT EACH HAS REVIEWED THIS WAIVER WITH SUCH PARTY’S LEGAL COUNSEL, AND THAT EACH KNOWINGLY AND VOLUNTARILY WAIVES SUCH PARTY’S JURY TRIAL RIGHTS FOLLOWING CONSULTATION WITH LEGAL COUNSEL. Each of the Parties submits to the exclusive jurisdiction of first, the Chancery Court of the State of Delaware or if such court declines jurisdiction, then to the Federal District Court for the District of Delaware, in any Proceeding arising out of or relating to this Agreement, agrees that all claims in respect of the Proceeding shall be heard and determined in any such court and agrees not to bring any Proceeding arising out of or relating to this Agreement in any other courts. Nothing in this Section 5.7, however, shall affect the right of any Party to serve legal process in any other manner permitted by Law or at equity. Each Party agrees that a final judgment in any Proceeding so brought shall be conclusive and may be enforced by suit on the judgment or in any other manner provided by Law or at equity.
Section 5.8 Specific Performance. Each Party agrees and acknowledges that it will be impossible to measure in money the damages that would be suffered if the Parties fail to comply with any of the obligations imposed on them by this Agreement and that, in the event of any such failure, an aggrieved Party will be irreparably damaged and will not have an adequate remedy at Law. Any such Party shall, therefore, be entitled (in addition to any other remedy to which such Party may be entitled at Law or in equity) to seek injunctive relief, including specific performance, to enforce such obligations, without the posting of any bond, and if any Proceeding should be brought in equity to enforce any of the provisions of this Agreement, none of the Parties shall raise the defense that there is an adequate remedy at Law.
Section 5.9 Subsequent Acquisition of Shares. Any Equity Securities of PubCo, Blue Owl Holdings or Blue Owl Carry acquired subsequent to the Effective Date by a Holder shall be subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement and such shares shall be considered to be “Registrable Securities” as such term is used in this Agreement.
Section 5.10 Legends. Each of the Holders acknowledges that (i) no Transfer, hypothecation or assignment of any Registrable Securities Beneficially Owned by such Holder may be made except in compliance with applicable federal and state securities laws and (ii) PubCo shall (x) place customary restrictive legends on the certificates or book entries representing the Registrable Securities subject to this Agreement and (y) remove such restrictive legends at the time the applicable Transfer and other restrictions contemplated thereby are no longer applicable to the Registrable Securities represented by such certificates or book entries.
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Section 5.11 No Third Party Liabilities. This Agreement may only be enforced against the named parties to this Agreement, and only with respect to obligations of such named parties under this Agreement. All claims or causes of action (whether in contract or tort) that may be based upon, arise out of or relate to any of this Agreement, or the negotiation, execution or performance of this Agreement (including any representation or warranty made in or in connection with this Agreement or as an inducement to enter into this Agreement), may be made only against the Persons that are expressly identified as parties to this Agreement, as applicable, and only with respect to obligations of such named parties under this Agreement; and no past, present or future direct or indirect director, officer, employee, incorporator, member, partner, stockholder, Affiliate, portfolio company in which any such Party or any of its investment fund Affiliates have made a debt or equity investment (and vice versa), agent, attorney or representative of any Party to this Agreement (including any Person negotiating or executing this Agreement on behalf of a Party to this Agreement), unless a Party to this Agreement, shall have any liability or obligation with respect to this Agreement or with respect any claim or cause of action (whether in contract or tort) that may arise out of or relate to this Agreement, or the negotiation, execution or performance of this Agreement (including a representation or warranty made in or in connection with this Agreement or as an inducement to enter into this Agreement).
Section 5.12 Indemnification; Exculpation.
(a) PubCo will, and PubCo will cause each of its subsidiaries to, jointly and severally indemnify and hold the Holders and each of their respective direct and indirect partners, equityholders, members, managers, Affiliates, directors, officers, shareholders, fiduciaries, controlling Persons, employees, representatives and agents and each of the partners, equityholders, members, Affiliates, directors, officers, fiduciaries, managers, controlling Persons, employees and agents of each of the foregoing (collectively, the “Holder Indemnitees”) free and harmless from and against any and all actions, causes of action, suits, claims, liabilities, losses, damages and costs and out-of-pocket expenses in connection therewith (including reasonable attorneys’ fees and expenses) incurred by the Holder Indemnitees or any of them on or after the date of this Agreement (collectively, the “Indemnified Liabilities”), to the extent arising out of any third party action, cause of action, suit, litigation, investigation, inquiry, arbitration or claim (each, an “Action”) arising directly or indirectly out of, or in any way relating to, any Holder’s or its Affiliates’ ownership of Equity Securities of PubCo or control or ability to influence PubCo or any of its subsidiaries (other than any such Indemnified Liabilities (w) to the extent such Indemnified Liabilities are liabilities of any Holder Indemnitee or its Affiliates pursuant to any indemnification obligation of such Holder Indemnitee or its Affiliates to PubCo or its Affiliates (other than such Holder Indemnitee or its Affiliates), under the Merger Agreement and the Ancillary Agreements, (x) to the extent such Indemnified Liabilities arise out of any breach by such Holder Indemnitee or its Affiliates of this Agreement, the Merger Agreement (to the extent such Holder Indemnitee or such Affiliate is a party thereto), any agreement referenced or contemplated thereby to which such Holder Indemnitee or any of its Affiliates is a party, or any other agreement between such Holder Indemnitee or any of its Affiliates, on the one hand, and PubCo or any of its subsidiaries, on the other hand, in each case by such Holder Indemnitee or its Affiliates or other related Persons, or the breach of any fiduciary or other duty or obligation (whether arising by Law or contract) of such Holder Indemnitee or its Affiliates to (A) its direct or indirect equity holders, creditors or Affiliates or (B) PubCo, any of its subsidiaries or their respective equity holders, (y) to the extent such control or the ability to control PubCo or any of its
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subsidiaries derives from such Holder’s or its Affiliates’ capacity as an officer or director of PubCo or any of its subsidiaries, or (z) to the extent such Indemnified Liabilities are directly caused by such Person’s fraud, gross negligence or willful misconduct). Notwithstanding the foregoing, if and to the extent that the foregoing undertaking may be unavailable or unenforceable for any reason (other than by virtue of any exclusions herein), PubCo will, and will cause its subsidiaries to, make the maximum contribution to the payment and satisfaction of each of the Indemnified Liabilities that is permissible under applicable law. For the purposes of this Section 5.12, none of the circumstances described in the limitations contained in the proviso in the immediately preceding sentence shall be deemed to apply absent a final non-appealable judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction to such effect, in which case to the extent any such limitation is so determined to apply to any Holder Indemnitee as to any previously advanced indemnity payments made by PubCo or any of its subsidiaries, then such payments shall be promptly repaid by such Holder Indemnitee to PubCo and its subsidiaries. The rights of any Holder Indemnitee to indemnification under this Agreement will be in addition to any other rights any such Person may have under any other agreement or instrument to which such Holder Indemnitee is or becomes a party or is or otherwise becomes a beneficiary or under law or regulation or under the organizational or governing documents of PubCo or its subsidiaries.
(b) PubCo will, and will cause each of its subsidiaries to, jointly and severally, reimburse any Holder Indemnitee for all reasonable costs and expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees and expenses and any other litigation-related expenses) as they are incurred by such Holder Indemnitee in connection with investigating, preparing, pursuing, defending or assisting in the defense of any Action for which the Holder Indemnitee would be entitled to indemnification under the terms of this Section 5.12, or any action or proceeding arising therefrom. PubCo or its subsidiaries, in the defense of any Action for which a Holder Indemnitee would be entitled to indemnification under the terms of this Section 5.12, may, without the consent of such Holder Indemnitee, consent to entry of any judgment or enter into any settlement if and only if the only penalty imposed in connection with such settlement is a monetary payment that will be paid in full by PubCo or its designated subsidiary and such settlement (i) includes as a term thereof the giving by the claimant or plaintiff therein to such Holder Indemnitee of an unconditional release from all liability with respect to such Action, (ii) does not impose any limitations (equitable or otherwise) on such Holder Indemnitee, and (iii) does not include a statement as to or an admission of fault, culpability or a failure to act by or on behalf of such Holder Indemnitee. No Holder Indemnitee shall settle, compromise or consent to any judgement in connection with any Action for which such Holder Indemnitee seeks indemnification under the terms of this Section 5.12, in each case without the written consent of Pubco.
(c) Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section 5.12, each Holder agrees that, under the A&R Blue Owl Carry LP Agreement and the A&R Blue Owl Holdings LP Agreement, each of Blue Owl Carry and Blue Owl Holdings is an indemnitor of first resort with respect to indemnification of the Indemnified Liabilities for the Persons indemnified thereunder. Accordingly, each Holder acknowledges and agrees that, if such Holder is entitled to indemnification under the A&R Blue Owl Carry LP Agreement and the A&R Blue Owl Holdings LP Agreement, such indemnification obligations of Blue Owl Carry and Blue Owl Holdings are senior and prior to the obligations of PubCo hereunder.
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(d) In no event shall any Holder Indemnitee be liable to PubCo or any of its subsidiaries for any act, alleged act, omission or alleged omission that does not constitute gross negligence, willful misconduct or fraud of such Holder Indemnitee as determined by a final, nonappealable determination of a court of competent jurisdiction.
(e) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement, for purposes of this Section 5.12, the term Holder Indemnitees shall not include any Holder or its any of its partners, equityholders, members, Affiliates, directors, officers, fiduciaries, managers, controlling Persons, employees and agents or any of the partners, equityholders, members, Affiliates, directors, officers, fiduciaries, managers, controlling Persons, employees and agents of any of the foregoing who is an officer, director or employee of PubCo or any of its subsidiaries in such capacity as officer, director or employee. Such officers, directors and employees are or will be subject to separate indemnification in such capacity through this Agreement and/or the certificate of incorporation or organization, bylaws or limited partnership agreements and other instruments of PubCo and its subsidiaries.
(f) The rights of any Holder Indemnitee to indemnification pursuant to this Section 5.12 will be in addition to any other rights any such Person may have under any other section of this Agreement or any other agreement or instrument to which such Holder Indemnitee is or becomes a party or is or otherwise becomes a beneficiary or under law or regulation or under the certificate of limited partnership, limited partnership agreement, certificate of incorporation or bylaws (or equivalent governing documents) of PubCo or any of its subsidiaries.
Section 5.13 Release, Etc. of Other Lock-Ups. PubCo covenants and agrees to the Holders that PubCo shall not, directly or indirectly, release any Key Individual from any Key Individual Lock-Up Restrictions or otherwise relax or waive any Key Individual Lock-Up Restrictions unless, as of the time of such release, relaxation or waiver, the Registration Statement has become effective.
[Signature Pages Follow]
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the Parties has duly executed this Agreement as of the Effective Date.
PUBCO | ||
BLUE OWL CAPITAL INC. | ||
By: | /s/ Xxxxx Xxxxx | |
Name: Xxxxx Xxxxx | ||
Title: General Counsel and Secretary | ||
Notice: | ||
000 Xxxx Xxxxxx, 00xx Xxxxx | ||
Xxx Xxxx, Xxx Xxxx 00000 | ||
Attn: Xxxxx Xxxxx |
[Signature Page to Registration Rights Agreement]
/s/ Xxxx Xxxx | ||
Xxxx Xxxx | ||
Notice: 00 X. XxXxxxx, Xxxxx 0000 Xxxxxxx, Xxxxxxxx 00000 Attn: Xxxx Xxxx | ||
XXXXXXXX, LLC | ||
By: | /s/ Xxxx Xxxx | |
Name: Xxxx Xxxx | ||
Title: Member | ||
Notice: 00 X. XxXxxxx, Xxxxx 0000 Xxxxxxx, Xxxxxxxx 00000 Attn: Xxxx Xxxx |
[Signature Page to Registration Rights Agreement]
Exhibit A
Form of Joinder
This Joinder Agreement (“Joinder Agreement”) is a joinder to the Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of December 29, 2021 (the “Agreement”), by and among Blue Owl Capital Inc., a Delaware corporation (“PubCo”), Xxxx Xxxx, Augustus, LLC, an Illinois limited liability company, and the other parties thereto from time to time, as amended from time to time. Capitalized terms used but not defined in this Joinder Agreement shall have the meanings given to them in the Agreement. This Joinder Agreement shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of Delaware, without regard to its conflict-of-law principles that would cause the application of the laws of another jurisdiction. If there is a conflict between this Joinder Agreement and the Agreement, the terms of this Joinder Agreement shall control.
The undersigned hereby joins and enters into the Agreement having acquired Lock-Up Shares or Registrable Securities (as applicable). By signing and returning this Joinder Agreement to PubCo, the undersigned accepts and agrees to be bound by and subject to the terms and conditions of the Agreement, with all attendant rights, duties and obligations of a [Special Holder][Holder] thereunder. The parties to the Agreement shall treat the execution and delivery hereof by the undersigned as the execution and delivery of the Agreement by the undersigned and, upon receipt of this Joinder Agreement by PubCo, the signature of the undersigned set forth below shall constitute a counterpart signature to the signature page of the Agreement.
[Remainder of Page Intentionally Left Blank.]
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned have caused this Joinder Agreement to be executed and delivered as of the date first set forth above.
[•] |
Name: |
[Title:] |
Address for Notices: |
Attention: |