TRANSITION SERVICES AGREEMENT BY AND BETWEEN CABLEVISION SYSTEMS CORPORATION AND AMC NETWORKS INC.
Exhibit 10.1
BY AND BETWEEN
CABLEVISION SYSTEMS CORPORATION
AND
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page | ||
ARTICLE I DEFINITIONS |
||
Section 1.1. General |
1 | |
Section 1.2. Reference; Interpretation |
3 | |
ARTICLE II SERVICES |
||
Section 2.1. Services |
3 | |
Section 2.2. Standard of Service |
4 | |
Section 2.3. Additional Services |
4 | |
Section 2.4. Representative |
4 | |
ARTICLE III LICENSES AND PERMITS |
||
Section 3.1. Licenses and Permits |
4 | |
ARTICLE IV PAYMENT |
||
Section 4.1. General |
5 | |
Section 4.2. Additional Expenses |
5 | |
Section 4.3. Invoices |
6 | |
Section 4.4. Failure to Pay |
7 | |
Section 4.5. Termination of Services |
7 | |
ARTICLE V INSURANCE MATTERS |
||
Section 5.1. Disclaimer |
7 | |
Section 5.2. Insurance Transition |
8 | |
Section 5.3. Claims Made Policies |
8 | |
Section 5.4. Audits and Adjustments |
8 | |
Section 5.5. No Assignment or Waiver |
8 | |
Section 5.6. No Limitation on AMC Insurance |
8 | |
Section 5.7. Scope |
8 |
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Page | ||
ARTICLE VI INDEMNIFICATION |
||
Section 6.1. Indemnification by Party Receiving Services |
9 | |
Section 6.2. Indemnification by Party Providing Services |
9 | |
Section 6.3. Third-Party Claims |
9 | |
Section 6.4. Indemnification Payments |
12 | |
Section 6.5. Survival |
12 | |
ARTICLE VII COOPERATION; CONFIDENTIALITY; TITLE |
||
Section 7.1. Good Faith Cooperation; Consents |
12 | |
Section 7.2. Confidentiality |
12 | |
Section 7.3. Internal Use; Title, Copies, Return |
13 | |
ARTICLE VIII TERM |
||
Section 8.1. Duration |
13 | |
Section 8.2. Early Termination by Cablevision |
14 | |
Section 8.3. Early Termination by AMC |
14 | |
Section 8.4. Suspension Due to Force Majeure |
14 | |
Section 8.5. Consequences of Termination |
15 | |
ARTICLE IX RECORDS |
||
Section 9.1. Maintenance of Records |
15 | |
ARTICLE X DISPUTE RESOLUTION |
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Section 10.1. Negotiation |
15 | |
Section 10.2. Continuity of Service and Performance |
15 | |
Section 10.3. Other Remedies |
16 | |
ARTICLE XI NOTICES |
||
Section 11.1. Notices |
16 | |
Section 11.2. Notices from MSG |
16 | |
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Page | ||
ARTICLE XII MISCELLANEOUS |
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Section 12.1. Taxes |
17 | |
Section 12.2. Relationship of Parties |
17 | |
Section 12.3. Complete Agreement; Construction |
17 | |
Section 12.4. Counterparts |
17 | |
Section 12.5. Waivers |
17 | |
Section 12.6. Amendments |
17 | |
Section 12.7. Assignment |
17 | |
Section 12.8. Successors and Assigns |
18 | |
Section 12.9. Third Party Beneficiaries |
18 | |
Section 12.10. Governing Law |
18 | |
Section 12.11. Waiver of Jury Trial |
18 | |
Section 12.12. Specific Performance |
18 | |
Section 12.13. Severability |
18 | |
Section 12.14. Provisions Unaffected |
18 | |
Section 12.15. No Presumption |
18 | |
Section 12.16. Enforcement of Rights |
19 |
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Transition Services Agreement, dated as of June [•], 2011 (this “Agreement”), between
Cablevision Systems Corporation, a Delaware corporation (“Cablevision”), and AMC Networks
Inc., a Delaware corporation (“AMC” and, together with Cablevision, the “Parties”).
W I T N E S S E T H:
WHEREAS, Cablevision and AMC have entered into a Distribution Agreement, dated as of June [•],
2011 (the “Distribution Agreement”), which sets forth the terms pursuant to which
Cablevision and its subsidiary CSC Holdings, Inc. (“CSC Holdings”), will transfer certain
assets to AMC and Cablevision will distribute the common stock of AMC to shareholders of
Cablevision (the “Distribution”);
WHEREAS, in connection with the Distribution, and in order to ensure an orderly transition
under the Distribution Agreement, it will be necessary for each of the Parties to provide to the
other the Services described herein for a transitional period;
WHEREAS, in connection with the distribution of the common stock of The Madison Square Garden
Company (“MSG”) to shareholders of Cablevision on February 9, 2010, Cablevision and MSG
entered into a Transition Services Agreement, dated January 12, 2010 (“MSG Transition Services
Agreement”), whereby Cablevision and MSG agreed to provide the services described therein for a
transitional period;
WHEREAS, in connection with the MSG Transition Services Agreements, AMC currently provides
certain transition services contemplated therein to MSG on behalf of Cablevision, and, in
connection with the Distribution and in order to enable Cablevision to continue to fulfill its
obligations to MSG under the MSG Transition Services Agreement, it will be necessary for AMC to
continue to provide such services to MSG; and
NOW, THEREFORE, the Parties hereto, in consideration of the premises and the mutual covenants
contained herein, agree as follows:
ARTICLE I
DEFINITIONS
DEFINITIONS
Section 1.1. General. As used in this Agreement, the following terms have the respective
meanings set forth below:
“AMC Services” shall mean, collectively, the AMC Services To Cablevision and the AMC
Services To MSG.
“AMC Services To Cablevision” shall mean those transitional services, set forth on
Schedule B hereto, including any Additional Services, to be provided by AMC to Cablevision to
assist Cablevision in operating Cablevision’s business following the Distribution. Services or
actions of Overlap Individuals shall not be considered to be AMC Services To Cablevision under this
Agreement unless expressly agreed in writing by both Parties to this Agreement.
“AMC Services To MSG” shall mean those transitional services, set forth on Schedule C
hereto, to be provided by AMC to MSG following the Distribution to enable Cablevision to continue
to fulfill its obligations to MSG under the MSG Transition Services Agreement. Services or actions
of Overlap Individuals shall not be considered to be AMC Services To MSG under this Agreement
unless expressly agreed in writing by both Parties to this Agreement.
“Ancillary Agreement” shall have the meaning assigned to that term in the Distribution
Agreement.
“Applicable Rate” shall mean the rate of interest per annum announced from time to
time by Citibank, N.A., as its prime lending rate plus three percent (3%) per annum.
“Bankruptcy Event” with respect to a Party shall mean the filing of an involuntary
petition in bankruptcy or similar proceeding against such Party seeking its reorganization,
liquidation or the appointment of a receiver, trustee or liquidator for it or for all or
substantially all of its assets, whereupon such petition shall not be dismissed within sixty (60)
days after the filing thereof, or if such Party shall (i) apply for or consent in writing to the
appointment of a receiver, trustee or liquidator of all or substantially all of its assets, (ii)
file a voluntary petition or admit in writing its inability to pay its debts as they become due,
(iii) make a general assignment for the benefit of creditors, (iv) file a petition or an answer
seeking reorganization or an arrangement with its creditors or take advantage of any insolvency law
with respect to itself as debtor, or (v) file an answer admitting the material allegations of a
petition filed against it in any bankruptcy, reorganization, insolvency proceedings or any similar
proceedings.
“Business Day” shall mean any day other than a Saturday, a Sunday or a day on which
banks in New York City, New York are authorized or obligated by law or executive order to close.
“Cablevision Services” shall mean those transitional services, set forth on Schedule A
hereto, including any Additional Services, to be provided by Cablevision to AMC to assist AMC in
operating AMC’s business following the Distribution. Services or actions of Overlap Individuals
shall not be considered to be Cablevision Services under this Agreement unless expressly agreed in
writing by both Parties to this Agreement.
“Loss” shall mean any damage, claim, loss, charge, action, suit, proceeding,
deficiency, tax, interest, penalty and reasonable costs and expenses related thereto (including
reasonable attorneys’ fees).
“Person” shall mean any natural person, corporation, business trust, limited liability
company, joint venture, association, company, partnership or government, or any agency or political
subdivision thereof.
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“Overlap Individuals” shall mean Persons who are officers or directors of Cablevision,
AMC and/or MSG, as applicable.
“Services” shall mean, collectively, the Cablevision Services and the AMC Services.
“Third Party” shall mean any Person who is not a Party to this Agreement, other than
MSG.
Section 1.2. Reference; Interpretation. References in this Agreement to any gender include
references to all genders, and references to the singular include references to the plural and vice
versa. The words “include”, “includes” and “including” when used in this Agreement shall be deemed
to be followed by the phrase “without limitation.” Unless the context otherwise requires,
references in this Agreement to Articles, Sections and Schedules shall be deemed references to
Articles and Sections of, and Schedules to, this Agreement. Unless the context otherwise requires,
the words “hereof”, “hereby” and “herein” and words of similar meaning when used in this Agreement
refer to this Agreement in its entirety and not to any particular Article, Section or provision of
this Agreement.
ARTICLE II
SERVICES
SERVICES
Section 2.1. Services. (a) Cablevision shall provide to AMC each Cablevision Service for
the term set forth opposite the description of such Cablevision Service in Schedule A. Additional
Services may be provided to AMC by Cablevision as provided in Section 2.3. At its option and with
the consent of AMC (which consent shall not unreasonably be withheld), Cablevision may cause any
Cablevision Service it is required to provide hereunder to be provided by any other Person or
entity that is providing, or may from time to time provide, the same or similar services for
Cablevision.
(b) AMC shall provide to Cablevision each AMC Service To Cablevision for the term set forth
opposite the description of such AMC Service To Cablevision in Schedule B. Additional Services may
be provided by AMC to Cablevision as provided in Section 2.3. At its option and with the consent
of Cablevision (which consent shall not unreasonably be withheld), AMC may cause any AMC Service To
Cablevision it is required to provide hereunder to be provided by any other Person or entity that
is providing, or may from time to time provide, the same or similar services for AMC.
(c) AMC shall provide to MSG each AMC Service To MSG for the term set forth opposite the
description of such AMC Service To MSG in Schedule C. At its option and with the consent of
Cablevision (which consent shall not unreasonably be withheld), AMC may cause any AMC Service To
MSG it is required to provide hereunder to be provided by any other
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Person or entity that is
providing, or may from time to time provide, the same or similar services for AMC.
Section 2.2. Standard of Service. Cablevision and AMC shall maintain sufficient resources to
perform their respective obligations hereunder. In performing the Services, Cablevision and AMC
shall provide substantially the same level of service and use substantially
the same degree of care as their respective personnel provided and used in providing such
Services prior to completion of the Distribution for itself (but in no event less than a reasonable
degree of care), subject in each case to any provisions set forth on Schedule A, Schedule B or
Schedule C with respect to each such Service. Each Party shall provide reasonable assistance to the
other Party (or to MSG) in migrating the applicable Services to the recipient of such Services.
Section 2.3. Additional Services. From time to time after the date hereof, the Parties may
identify additional services that one Party will provide to the other Party in accordance with the
terms of this Agreement (the “Additional Services”). The Parties shall cooperate and act
in good faith to agree on the terms pursuant to which any such Additional Service shall be provided
and to amend Schedule A or Schedule B, as applicable, in accordance with such terms.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, neither Party shall have any obligation to agree to provide
Additional Services.
Section 2.4. Representative. The Parties shall each appoint a representative (each, a
“Representative”) to facilitate communications and performance under this Agreement. Each
Party may treat an act of a Representative of the other Party as being authorized by such other
Party without inquiring behind such act or ascertaining whether such Representative had authority
to so act. Each Party shall have the right at any time and from time to time to replace its
Representative by giving notice in writing to the other Party. The initial representative of each
Party is as set forth on Schedule D.
ARTICLE III
LICENSES AND PERMITS
LICENSES AND PERMITS
Section 3.1. Licenses and Permits. Each Party warrants and covenants that all duties and
obligations (including with respect to Cablevision, all Cablevision Services and with respect to
AMC, all AMC Services) to be performed hereunder shall be performed in compliance with all material
applicable federal, state and local laws, rules and regulations. Each Party shall obtain and
maintain all material permits, approvals and licenses necessary or appropriate to perform its
duties and obligations (including with respect to Cablevision, the Cablevision Services and with
respect to AMC, the AMC Services) hereunder and shall at all times comply with the terms and
conditions of such permits, approvals and licenses.
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ARTICLE IV
PAYMENT
PAYMENT
Section 4.1. General. (a) In consideration for the provision of each of the Cablevision
Services, AMC shall pay to Cablevision the fee calculated as set forth for such Cablevision Service
on Schedule A.
(b) In consideration for the provision of each of the AMC Services To Cablevision, Cablevision
shall pay to AMC the fee calculated as set forth for such AMC Service on Schedule B.
(c) In consideration for the provision of each of the AMC Services To MSG, Cablevision shall
pay to AMC the fee calculated as set forth for such AMC Service on Schedule C.
Section 4.2. Additional Expenses. (a) In addition to the fees payable in accordance with
Section 4.1(a), AMC shall reimburse Cablevision for all reasonable and necessary out-of-pocket
costs and expenses (including without limitation postage and other delivery costs, telephone,
telecopy and similar expenses) incurred by Cablevision with respect to Third Parties in connection
with the provision of Cablevision Services to AMC pursuant to the terms of this Agreement or paid
by Cablevision on behalf of AMC; provided that if Cablevision expects to incur in respect
of a Third Party in any month costs and expenses in excess of $25,000 and not already contemplated
by Schedule A, Cablevision shall use best reasonable efforts to provide to AMC prior to the first
day of such month a written notice setting forth Cablevision’s reasonable estimate of the expenses
it expects to incur.
(b) In addition to the fees payable for expenses in accordance with Section 4.1(b),
Cablevision shall reimburse AMC for all reasonable and necessary out-of-pocket costs and expenses
(including without limitation postage and other delivery costs, telephone, telecopy and similar
expenses) incurred by AMC with respect to Third Parties in connection with the provision of AMC
Services to Cablevision pursuant to the terms of this Agreement or paid by AMC on behalf of
Cablevision; provided that if AMC expects to incur in respect of a Third Party in any month
costs and expenses in excess of $25,000 and not already contemplated by Schedule B, AMC shall use
best reasonable efforts to provide to Cablevision prior to the first day of such a month written
notice setting forth AMC’s reasonable estimate of the expenses it expects to incur.
(c) In addition to the fees payable for expenses in accordance with Section 4.1(c),
Cablevision shall reimburse AMC for all reasonable and necessary out-of-pocket costs and expenses
(including without limitation postage and other delivery costs, telephone, telecopy and similar
expenses) incurred by AMC with respect to Third Parties in connection with the provision of AMC
Services to MSG pursuant to the terms of this Agreement or paid by AMC on behalf of MSG;
provided that if AMC expects to incur in respect of a Third Party in any month costs and
expenses in excess of $25,000 and not already contemplated by Schedule C,
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AMC shall use best
reasonable efforts to: (i) provide to Cablevision prior to the first day of such a month written
notice setting forth AMC’s reasonable estimate of the expenses it expects to incur, and (ii)
provide to MSG a copy of the notice required under clause (i).
Section 4.3. Invoices. (a) Cablevision will invoice AMC in U.S. dollars: (i) as of the
last day of each calendar month for any fees payable by AMC in accordance with Section 4.1(a) for
Cablevision Services listed on Schedule A provided pursuant to the terms of this Agreement during
such month; (ii) as of the last day of each calendar month for any amounts payable by AMC in
accordance with Section 4.2(a) (and enclosing invoices from the relevant Third Parties); and (iii)
as of the last day of each calendar month for any taxes (excluding income taxes) accrued with
respect to the provision of Cablevision Services to AMC during such month. Cablevision shall
deliver or cause to be delivered to AMC each such invoice within thirty (30)
days following the last day of the calendar month to which such invoice relates. AMC shall
pay each such invoice received by electronic funds transfer as follows: in the case of clauses (i)
and (ii), within twenty (20) Business Days of the date on which such invoice was received, and in
the case of clause (iii), not later than one (1) Business Day prior to the due date for such tax
payments; provided that Cablevision delivers such invoice not less than three (3) Business
Days prior to the due date for such tax payments.
(b) AMC will invoice Cablevision in U.S. dollars: (i) as of the last day of each calendar
month for any fees payable by Cablevision in accordance with Section 4.1(b) for AMC Services To
Cablevision listed on Schedule B provided pursuant to the terms of this Agreement during such
month; (ii) as of the last day of each calendar month for any amounts payable by Cablevision in
accordance with Section 4.2(b) (and enclosing invoices from such Third Parties); and (iii) as of
the last day of each calendar month for any taxes (excluding income taxes) accrued with respect to
the provision of AMC Services to Cablevision during such month. AMC shall deliver or cause to be
delivered to Cablevision each such invoice within thirty (30) days following the last day of the
calendar month to which such invoice relates. Cablevision shall pay each such invoice received by
electronic funds transfer: in the case of clauses (i) and (ii), within twenty (20) Business Days
of the date on which such invoice was received, and in the case of clause (iii), not later than one
(1) Business Day prior to the due date for such tax payments’ provided that AMC delivers
such invoice not less than three (3) Business Days prior to the due date for such tax payments.
(c) AMC will invoice Cablevision in U.S. dollars: (i) as of the last day of each calendar
month for any fees payable by Cablevision in accordance with Section 4.1(c) for AMC Services to MSG
listed on Schedule C provided pursuant to the terms of this Agreement during such month; (ii) as of
the last day of each calendar month for any amounts payable by Cablevision in accordance with
Section 4.2(c) (and enclosing invoices from such Third Parties); and (iii) as of the last day of
each calendar month for any taxes (excluding income taxes) accrued with respect to the provision of
AMC Services to MSG during such month. AMC shall deliver or cause to be delivered: (x) to
Cablevision each such invoice within thirty (30) days following
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the last day of the calendar month
to which such invoice relates, and (y) to MSG a copy of such invoice and relevant enclosed invoices
from Third Parties, if any. Cablevision shall pay each invoice received from AMC under this
Section 4.3(c) by electronic funds transfer within fifteen (15) Business Days of receiving such
payment from MSG. In the event that Cablevision receives any verbal
or written inquiry or notice of dispute from MSG with respect to any
invoice delivered to MSG by AMC under this Section 4.3(c),
Cablevision shall promptly notify AMC thereof. AMC shall cooperate
with Cablevision and provide any information necessary to address any
such inquiry or resolve any such dispute.
Section 4.4. Failure to Pay. Any undisputed amount not paid when due shall be subject to a
late payment fee computed daily at a rate equal to the Applicable Rate from the due date of such
amount to the date such amount is paid. Each Party agrees to pay the other Party’s reasonable
attorneys’ fees and other costs incurred in collection of any amounts owed to such other Party
hereunder and not paid when due. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, in the
event either Party fails to make a payment of any undisputed amount when due hereunder, and such
failure continues for a period of thirty (30) days following delivery of notice to such non-paying
Party of such failure, the other Party shall have the right to cease provision of such Services to
such non-paying Party until such overdue payment (and any applicable late
payment fee accrued with respect thereto) is paid in full. Such right of the Party providing
services shall not in any manner limit or prejudice any of such Party’s other rights or remedies in
the event of the non-paying Party’s failure to make payments when due hereunder, including without
limitation any rights or remedies pursuant to Sections 6, 8 and 10. Cablevision agrees to use its
best reasonable efforts to enforce its rights under the MSG Transition Services Agreement in the
event MSG fails to pay Cablevision for AMC Services To MSG rendered
by AMC on Cablevision’s behalf. Upon written request from AMC,
Cablevision shall use best reasonable efforts to enforce any rights
it may have under the MSG Transition Services Agreement with respect
to such failure to pay by MSG.
Section 4.5. Termination of Services. In the event of a termination of Services pursuant to
Section 8, with respect to the calendar month in which such Services cease to be provided, the
recipient of such Services shall be obligated to pay a fee for such Services calculated as set
forth on Schedules A, B or C, as applicable for the portion of the month prior to the termination.
Where possible, the Parties agree to work together cooperatively to seek to have terminations occur
as of month ends, but this agreement shall not limit a Party’s right to effect a termination in
accordance with this agreement other than as of a month end.
ARTICLE V
INSURANCE MATTERS
INSURANCE MATTERS
Section 5.1. Disclaimer. AMC does hereby, for itself and each of its subsidiaries, agree
that Cablevision and its subsidiaries and their respective directors, officers and employees shall
not have any liability whatsoever as a result of the insurance policies and practices of
Cablevision and its affiliates as in effect at any time prior to the Distribution, including as a
result of the level or scope of any such insurance, the creditworthiness of any insurance carrier,
the selection, identity or performance of any third party administrator, the terms and conditions
of any policy, the adequacy or timeliness of any notice to any insurance carrier with respect to
any claim or potential claim or otherwise.
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Section 5.2. Insurance Transition. Cablevision agrees to use its best reasonable efforts to
cause the interest and rights of AMC and each of its subsidiaries as of the date of the
Distribution as insureds, additional named insureds or beneficiaries or in any other capacity under
occurrence-based insurance policies and programs (and under claims-made policies and programs to
the extent a claim has been submitted prior to the Distribution or later if so permitted by the
terms of the applicable insurance policy and assuming that such policy is then in effect) of
Cablevision in respect of periods prior to the date of the Distribution to survive the Distribution
for the period for which such interests and rights would have survived without regard to the
transactions contemplated hereby to the extent permitted by such policies. In accordance with this
Agreement, Cablevision shall transition the administration of such insurance policies and programs
to AMC and AMC shall pay the costs and fees of Cablevision during such transition as provided in
Article IV and Schedule A. Any proceeds received by Cablevision or any of its subsidiaries or
affiliates after the date of the Distribution under such policies and programs in respect of AMC
shall be for the benefit of AMC.
Section 5.3. Claims Made Policies. Cablevision agrees that if it obtains or maintains any
insurance coverage after the date of the Distribution for matters occurring prior to
that time (e.g., a claims made directors and officers insurance policy) it will also obtain or
maintain such coverage for AMC and its subsidiaries, subject to AMC’s payment of the fees and costs
in connection therewith as provided in this Agreement.
Section 5.4. Audits and Adjustments. AMC agrees that it will reimburse Cablevision under
this Agreement for any additional premiums or other amounts owing to any third party, including but
not limited to workers compensation, commercial general liability or automotive liability
deductibles or self insured retentions, as a result of any audit, claim reimbursement requests
under incurrence based or claims made policies or similar procedure by a third party, to the extent
that such additional premiums or amounts owing relate to AMC or any of its subsidiaries during the
period AMC or such subsidiaries were covered by the relevant insurance policy.
Section 5.5. No Assignment or Waiver. This Agreement is not intended as an attempted
assignment of any policy of insurance or as a contract of insurance and shall not be construed to
waive any right or remedy of Cablevision in respect of any insurance policy or any other contract
or policy of insurance.
Section 5.6. No Limitation on AMC Insurance. Nothing in this Agreement shall be deemed to
restrict AMC from acquiring at its own expense any other insurance policy in respect of any
liabilities or covering any period.
Section 5.7. Scope. The provisions of this Article V shall not apply to insurance practices
or policies relating to health and welfare plans or any other employee benefit arrangement.
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ARTICLE VI
INDEMNIFICATION
INDEMNIFICATION
Section 6.1. Indemnification by Party Receiving Services. (a) AMC agrees to indemnify,
defend and hold Cablevision harmless from and against any Loss to which Cablevision may become
subject arising out of, by reason of or otherwise in connection with the provision hereunder by
Cablevision of Cablevision Services, other than Losses resulting from Cablevision’s gross
negligence, willful misconduct or breach of its obligations pursuant to this Agreement.
Notwithstanding any provision in this Agreement to the contrary, AMC shall not be liable under this
Section 6.1 for any consequential, special or punitive damages (including but not limited to lost
profits), except to the extent that such consequential, special or punitive damages relate to a
Loss resulting from a Third-Party Claim (as defined below).
(b) Cablevision agrees to indemnify, defend and hold AMC harmless from and against any Loss to
which AMC may become subject arising out of, by reason of or otherwise in connection with the
provision hereunder by AMC of AMC Services, other than Losses resulting from AMC’s gross
negligence, willful misconduct or breach of its obligations pursuant to this Agreement.
Notwithstanding any provision in this Agreement to the contrary, Cablevision shall not be liable
under this Section 6.1 for any consequential, special or punitive
damages (including but not limited to lost profits), except to the extent that such
consequential, special or punitive damages relate to a Loss resulting from a Third-Party Claim (as
defined below).
Section 6.2. Indemnification by Party Providing Services. (a) Cablevision agrees to
indemnify, defend and hold AMC harmless from and against any Loss to which AMC may become subject
arising out of, by reason of or otherwise in connection with, the provision hereunder by
Cablevision of Cablevision Services to AMC where such Losses resulted from Cablevision’s gross
negligence, willful misconduct or breach of its obligations pursuant to this Agreement.
(b) AMC agrees to indemnify, defend and hold Cablevision harmless from and against any Loss to
which Cablevision may become subject arising out of, by reason of or otherwise in connection with
the provision hereunder by AMC of AMC Services to Cablevision or MSG where such Losses resulted
from AMC’s gross negligence, willful misconduct or breach of its obligations pursuant to this
Agreement.
Section 6.3. Third-Party Claims. (a) If a claim or demand is made against AMC or
Cablevision (each, an “Indemnitee”) by any Third Party or MSG (a “Third-Party
Claim”) as to which such Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification pursuant to this Agreement,
such Indemnitee shall notify the Party which is or may be required pursuant to Section 6.1 or
Section 6.2 hereof to make such indemnification (the “Indemnifying Party”) in writing, and
in reasonable detail, of the Third-Party Claim promptly and in any event by the date (the
“Outside Notice Date”) that is the 15th Business Day after receipt by such Indemnitee of
written notice of
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the Third-Party Claim; provided, however, that failure to give such notification shall
not affect the indemnification provided hereunder except to the extent the Indemnifying Party shall
have been actually prejudiced as a result of such failure (except that the Indemnifying Party shall
not be liable for any expenses incurred during the period beginning immediately after the Outside
Notice Date and ending on the date that the Indemnitee gives the required notice). Thereafter, the
Indemnitee shall deliver to the Indemnifying Party, promptly (and in any event within ten Business
Days) after the Indemnitee’s receipt thereof, copies of all notices and documents (including court
papers) received by the Indemnitee relating to the Third-Party Claim.
(b) If a Third-Party Claim is made against an Indemnitee, the Indemnifying Party shall be
entitled to participate in the defense thereof and, if it so chooses and acknowledges in writing
its obligation to indemnify the Indemnitee therefor, to assume the defense thereof with counsel
selected by the Indemnifying Party, provided, however, that such counsel is not reasonably
objected to by the Indemnitee. Should the Indemnifying Party so elect to assume the defense of a
Third-Party Claim, the Indemnifying Party shall, within 30 days (or sooner if the nature of the
Third-Party Claim so requires), notify the Indemnitee of its intent to do so, and the Indemnifying
Party shall thereafter not be liable to the Indemnitee for legal or other expenses subsequently
incurred by the Indemnitee in connection with the defense thereof; provided,
however, that such Indemnitee shall have the right to employ counsel to represent such
Indemnitee if, in such Indemnitee’s reasonable judgment, a conflict of interest between such
Indemnitee and such Indemnifying Party exists in respect of such claim which would make
representation of both such Parties by one counsel inappropriate, and in such event the fees and
expenses of such separate counsel shall be paid by such Indemnifying Party. If the Indemnifying
Party assumes such defense, the Indemnitee shall have the right to participate in the defense
thereof and to employ counsel, subject to the proviso of the preceding sentence, at its own
expense, separate from the counsel employed by the Indemnifying Party, it being understood that the
Indemnifying Party shall control such defense. The Indemnifying Party shall be liable for the fees
and expenses of counsel employed by the Indemnitee for any period during which the Indemnifying
Party has failed to assume the defense thereof (other than during the period prior to the time the
Indemnitee shall have given notice of the Third-Party Claim as provided above). If the
Indemnifying Party so elects to assume the defense of any Third-Party Claim, all of the Indemnitees
shall cooperate with the Indemnifying Party in the defense or prosecution thereof, including by
providing or causing to be provided agreements, documents, books, records, files and witnesses as
soon as reasonably practicable after receiving any request therefor from or on behalf of the
Indemnifying Party, except to the extent that providing or causing the foregoing to be provided
would constitute a waiver of any Indemnitee’s attorney-client privilege.
(c) If the Indemnifying Party acknowledges in writing responsibility under this Article VI for
a Third-Party Claim, then in no event will the Indemnitee admit any liability with respect to, or
settle, compromise or discharge, any Third-Party Claim without the Indemnifying Party’s prior
written consent; provided, however, that the Indemnitee shall have the right to
settle, compromise or discharge such Third-Party Claim without the consent of the
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Indemnifying Party if the Indemnitee releases the Indemnifying Party from its indemnification
obligation hereunder with respect to such Third-Party Claim and such settlement, compromise or
discharge would not otherwise adversely affect the Indemnifying Party. If the Indemnifying Party
acknowledges in writing liability for a Third-Party Claim, the Indemnitee will agree to any
settlement, compromise or discharge of a Third-Party Claim that the Indemnifying Party may
recommend and that by its terms obligates the Indemnifying Party to pay the full amount of the
liability in connection with such Third-Party Claim and releases the Indemnitee completely in
connection with such Third-Party Claim and that would not otherwise adversely affect the
Indemnitee. If an Indemnifying Party elects not to assume the defense of a Third-Party Claim, or
fails to notify an Indemnitee of its election to do so as provided herein, such Indemnitee may
compromise, settle or defend such Third-Party Claim.
(d) Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Indemnifying Party shall not be entitled to assume the
defense of any Third-Party Claim (and shall be liable for the fees and expenses of counsel incurred
by the Indemnitee in defending such Third-Party Claim) if the Third-Party Claim seeks an order,
injunction or other equitable relief or relief for other than money damages against the Indemnitee
which the Indemnitee reasonably determines, after conferring with its counsel, cannot be separated
from any related claim for money damages. If such equitable relief or other relief portion of the
Third-Party Claim can be so separated from that for money damages, the Indemnifying Party shall be
entitled to assume the defense of the portion relating to money damages.
(e) In the event and to the extent of payment by an Indemnifying Party to any Indemnitee in
connection with any Third-Party Claim, such Indemnifying Party shall be subrogated to and shall
stand in the place of such Indemnitee as to any events or circumstances in respect of which such
Indemnitee may have any right or claim relating to such Third-Party Claim against any claimant or
plaintiff asserting such Third-Party Claim. Such Indemnitee shall cooperate with such Indemnifying
Party in a reasonable manner, and at the cost and expense of such Indemnifying Party, in
prosecuting any subrogated right or claim.
(f) AMC and Cablevision shall cooperate as may reasonably be required in connection with the
investigation, defense and settlement of any Third-Party Claim. In furtherance of this obligation,
the Parties agree that if an Indemnifying Party chooses to defend or to compromise or settle any
Third-Party Claim, Cablevision or AMC, as the case may be, shall use its best reasonable efforts to
make available to the other Party, upon written request, their former and then current directors,
officers, employees and agents and those of their subsidiaries as witnesses and any records or
other documents within its control or which it otherwise has the ability to make available, to the
extent that (i) any such Person, records or other documents may reasonably be required in
connection with such defense, settlement or compromise and (ii) making such Person, records or
other documents so available would not constitute a waiver of the attorney-client privilege of
Cablevision or AMC, as the case may be.
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At the request of an Indemnifying Party, an Indemnitee shall enter into a reasonably
acceptable joint defense agreement.
(g) The remedies provided in this Article VI shall be cumulative and shall not preclude
assertion by any Indemnitee of any other rights or the seeking of any and all other remedies
against any Indemnifying Party.
Section 6.4. Indemnification Payments. (a) Indemnification required by this Article VI
shall be made by periodic payments of the amount thereof during the course of the investigation or
defense, as and when bills are received or any Loss is incurred. If the Indemnifying Party fails
to make an indemnification payment required by this Article VI within 30 days after receipt of a
xxxx therefore or notice that a Loss has been incurred, the Indemnifying Party shall also be
required to pay interest on the amount of such indemnification payment, from the date of receipt of
the xxxx or notice of the Loss to, but not including the date of payment, at the Applicable Rate.
(b) The amount of any claim by an Indemnitee under this Agreement shall be reduced to reflect
any actual tax savings or insurance proceeds received by any Indemnitee that result from the Losses
that gave rise to such indemnity.
Section 6.5. Survival. The Parties’ obligations under this Article VI shall survive the
termination of this Agreement.
ARTICLE VII
COOPERATION; CONFIDENTIALITY; TITLE
COOPERATION; CONFIDENTIALITY; TITLE
Section 7.1. Good Faith Cooperation; Consents. Each Party shall use best reasonable efforts
to cooperate with the other Party in all matters relating to the provision and receipt of the
Services. Such cooperation shall include, but not be limited to, exchanging information, providing
electronic access to systems used in connection with the Services, performing true-ups and
adjustments and obtaining all consents, licenses, sublicenses or approvals necessary to permit each
Party to perform its obligations hereunder. Cablevision and AMC shall maintain reasonable
documentation related to the Services and cooperate with each other in making such information
available as needed.
Section 7.2. Confidentiality. Each Party shall keep confidential from Third Parties the
Schedules to this Agreement and all information received from the other Party regarding the
Services, including, without limitation, any information received with respect to products and
services of Cablevision, AMC or MSG, and to use such information only for the purposes set forth in
this Agreement unless (i) otherwise agreed to in writing by the Party from which such information
was received or (ii) required by applicable law or any securities exchange (in which case the
Parties shall cooperate in seeking to obtain a protective order or other arrangement pursuant to
which the confidentiality of such information is preserved) . The
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covenants in this Article VII shall survive any termination of this Agreement for a period of three
(3) years from the date such termination becomes effective.
Section 7.3. Internal Use; Title, Copies, Return. Except to the extent inconsistent with the
express terms of the Distribution Agreement and any Ancillary Agreement other than this Agreement,
each Party agrees that:
(a) title to all systems used in performing any Service provided hereunder shall remain in the
Party providing such Service or its third party vendors; and
(b) to the extent the provision of any Service involves intellectual property, including
without limitation software programs or patented or copyrighted material, or material constituting
trade secrets, the recipient of such Service shall not copy, modify, reverse engineer, decompile or
in any way alter any of such material, or otherwise use such material in a manner inconsistent with
the terms and provisions of this Agreement, without the express written consent of the Party
providing such Service; and upon the termination of any Service, the recipient of such Service
shall return to the Party providing such Service, as soon as practicable, any equipment or other
property of the Party providing such Service relating to such Service which is owned or leased by
the Party providing such Service and is or was in its possession or control.
ARTICLE VIII
TERM
TERM
Section 8.1. Duration. (a) Except as provided in Sections 2.1(c), 4.5, 6.5, 7.2, 8.2, 8.3,
8.4 and 8.5, the term of this Agreement shall commence on the date hereof and shall continue in
full force and effect with respect to each Service until the earlier of (i) the expiration of the
term set forth opposite the description of such Service in Schedule A, B or C as applicable, unless
otherwise mutually agreed by the Parties and (ii) the termination of such Service in accordance
with Section 4.4 or 8.1(b). Notwithstanding the foregoing and notwithstanding anything else in
this Agreement or in the Schedules hereto to the contrary, in no event shall AMC’s obligation to
provide AMC Services To MSG continue beyond December 31, 2011.
(b) Each Party acknowledges that the purpose of this Agreement is for Cablevision to provide
the Cablevision Services to AMC on an interim basis until AMC can perform the Cablevision Services
for itself, for AMC to provide the AMC Services to Cablevision on an interim basis until
Cablevision can perform the AMC Services for themselves, and for AMC to provide the AMC Services To
MSG to enable Cablevision to fulfill its obligations to MSG under the MSG Transition Services
Agreement. Accordingly, each of Cablevision and AMC shall use its best reasonable efforts to make
or obtain such approvals, permits and licenses and implement such systems, as shall be necessary
for it to provide the appropriate services for itself as promptly as reasonably practicable. As
AMC becomes self-sufficient or engages other sources to provide any Cablevision Service, AMC shall
be entitled to release Cablevision from providing any or all of the Cablevision Services hereunder
by
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delivering a written notice thereof to Cablevision at least twenty (20) Business Days prior to the
effective date of release of such Cablevision Service(s). At the end of such twenty (20) Business
Day period (or such shorter period as may be agreed by the Parties), Cablevision shall discontinue
the provision of the Cablevision Services specified in such notice and any such Cablevision
Services shall be excluded from this Agreement, and Schedule A shall be deemed to be amended
accordingly. Cablevision shall also: (i) be entitled to release AMC from providing any or all of
the AMC Services To Cablevision hereunder, and (ii) upon receipt of notice from MSG to such effect,
be obligated to release AMC from providing any or all of the AMC Services To MSG hereunder, in each
case by delivering a written notice thereof to AMC at least twenty (20) Business Days prior to the
effective date of release of such AMC Service(s). At the end of such twenty (20) Business Day
period (or such shorter period as may be agreed by the Parties), AMC shall discontinue the
provision of the AMC Services specified in such notice and any such AMC Services shall be excluded
from this Agreement, and Schedule B or Schedule C, as applicable, shall be deemed to be amended
accordingly.
Section 8.2. Early Termination by Cablevision. Cablevision may terminate this Agreement by
giving written notice to AMC under the following circumstances:
(a) if AMC shall default in the performance of any of its material obligations under this
Agreement, and such default or breach shall continue and not be remedied for a period of thirty
(30) days after Cablevision has given written notice to AMC specifying such default and requiring
it to be remedied; or
(b) if a Bankruptcy Event has occurred with respect to AMC.
Section 8.3. Early Termination by AMC. AMC may terminate this Agreement by giving written
notice to Cablevision under the following circumstances:
(a) if Cablevision shall default in the performance of any of its material obligations under
this Agreement and such default shall continue and not be remedied for a period of thirty (30) days
after AMC has given written notice to Cablevision specifying such default and requiring it to be
remedied; or
(b) if a Bankruptcy Event has occurred with respect to Cablevision.
Section 8.4. Suspension Due to Force Majeure. In the event the performance by either AMC or
Cablevision of its duties or obligations hereunder is interrupted or interfered with by reason of
any cause beyond its reasonable control including, but not limited to, fire, storm, flood,
earthquake, explosion, war, strike or labor disruption, rebellion, insurrection, quarantine, act of
God, boycott, embargo, shortage or unavailability of supplies, riot, or governmental law,
regulation or edict (collectively, “Force Majeure Events”), the Party affected by such
Force Majeure Event shall not be deemed to be in default of this Agreement by reason of its
non-performance due to such Force Majeure Event, but shall give notice to the other Party of the
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Force Majeure Event and the fee provided for in Section 4.1 shall be equitably adjusted to
reflect the reduced performance. In such event, the Party affected by such Force Majeure Event
shall resume the performance of its duties and obligations hereunder as soon as reasonably
practicable after the end of the Force Majeure Event.
Section 8.5. Consequences of Termination. In the event this Agreement expires or is
terminated in accordance with this Article VIII, then (a) all Services to be provided will promptly
cease, (b) each of Cablevision and AMC shall, upon request of the other Party, promptly return or
destroy all confidential information received from the other Party in connection with this
Agreement (including the return of all information received with respect to the Services or
products of Cablevision or AMC, as the case may be), without retaining a copy thereof (other than
one copy for file purposes), and (c) each of Cablevision and AMC shall honor all credits and make
any accrued and unpaid payment to the other Party as required pursuant to the terms of this
Agreement, and no rights already accrued hereunder shall be affected.
ARTICLE IX
RECORDS
RECORDS
Section 9.1. Maintenance of Records. Each of the Parties shall create and maintain full and
accurate books in connection with the provision of the Services, and all other records relevant to
this Agreement, and upon reasonable notice from the other Party shall make available for inspection
and copy by such other Party’s agents such records during reasonable business hours.
ARTICLE X
DISPUTE RESOLUTION
DISPUTE RESOLUTION
Section 10.1. Negotiation. In the event of a controversy, dispute or claim arising out of,
in connection with, or in relation to the interpretation, performance, nonperformance, validity or
breach of this Agreement or otherwise arising out of, or in any way related to this Agreement or
the transactions contemplated hereby, including, without limitation, any claim based on contract,
tort, statute or constitution (but excluding any controversy, dispute or claim arising out of any
agreement relating to the use or lease of real property if any Third Party is a Party to such
controversy, dispute or claim) (collectively, “Agreement Disputes”), the management of the
Parties shall negotiate in good faith for a reasonable period of time to settle such Agreement
Dispute, provided, however, that such reasonable period shall not, unless otherwise
agreed by the Parties in writing, exceed 30 days from the time the Parties began such negotiations.
Section 10.2. Continuity of Service and Performance. Unless otherwise agreed in writing, the
Parties will continue to provide service and honor all other commitments under this Agreement
during the course of any form of dispute resolution with respect to all matters not subject to such
dispute, controversy or claim.
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Section 10.3. Other Remedies. Nothing in this Article X shall limit the right that any Party
may otherwise have to seek to obtain (a) preliminary injunctive relief in order to preserve the
status quo pending the resolution of a dispute or (b) temporary or permanent injunctive relief from
any breach of any provisions of this Agreement.
ARTICLE XI
NOTICES
NOTICES
Section 11.1. Notices. All notices and other communications hereunder shall be in writing,
shall reference this Agreement and shall be emailed, hand delivered or mailed by registered or
certified mail (return receipt requested) to the Parties at the following addresses (or at such
other address for a Party as shall be specified by like notice) and will be deemed given on the
date on which such notice is received:
To Cablevision:
Cablevision Systems Corporation 0000 Xxxxxxx Xxxxxx Xxxxxxxx, Xxx Xxxx 00000 Attention: Xxxxx Xxxxxxx |
||
With a copy to: General Counsel | ||
To AMC: | ||
AMC Networks Inc. 00 Xxxxxxxxxxxx Xxxxx Xxx Xxxx, XX 00000 Attention: Xxxx Xxxxxxx |
||
With a copy to: General Counsel |
Section 11.2. Notices from MSG. In the event that Cablevision receives a notice or other
communication from MSG pursuant to the MSG Transition Services Agreement that relates to an AMC
Service To MSG hereunder, Cablevision shall forward such notice to AMC as soon as reasonably
practicable in accordance with Section 11.1 hereof.
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ARTICLE XII
MISCELLANEOUS
MISCELLANEOUS
Section 12.1. Taxes. Except as may otherwise be specifically provided herein, each Party
shall bear all taxes, duties and other similar charges (and any related interest and penalties)
imposed as a result of its receipt of Services under this Agreement.
Section 12.2. Relationship of Parties. Nothing in this Agreement shall be deemed or
construed by the Parties or any third party as creating the relationship of principal and agent,
partnership or joint venture between the Parties, it being understood and agreed that no provision
contained herein, and no act of the Parties, shall be deemed to create any relationship between the
Parties other than the relationship of independent contractor nor be deemed to vest any rights,
interest or claims in any third parties.
Section 12.3. Complete Agreement; Construction. This Agreement, including the Schedules
hereto, shall constitute the entire agreement between the Parties with respect to the subject
matter hereof and shall supersede all previous negotiations, commitments and writings with respect
to such subject matter. In the event of any inconsistency between this Agreement and any Schedule,
the Schedule shall prevail. The rights and remedies of the Parties herein provided shall be
cumulative and in addition to any other or further remedies provided by law or equity.
Section 12.4. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, all
of which shall be considered one and the same agreement, and shall become effective when one or
more such counterparts have been signed by each Party and delivered to the other Party.
Section 12.5. Waivers. The failure of any Party to require strict performance by the other
Party of any provision in this Agreement will not waive or diminish that Party’s right to demand
strict performance thereafter of that or any other provision hereof.
Section 12.6. Amendments. This Agreement may not be modified or amended except by an
agreement in writing signed by each of the Parties.
Section 12.7. Assignment. This Agreement shall not be assignable, in whole or in part, by
any Party without the prior written consent of the other Party, and any attempt to assign any
rights or obligations arising under this Agreement without such consent shall be void;
provided that either Party may assign this Agreement to a purchaser of all or substantially
all of the properties and assets of such Party so long as such purchaser expressly assumes, in a
written instrument in form reasonably satisfactory to the non-assigning Party, the due and punctual
performance or observance of every agreement and covenant of this Agreement on the part of the
assigning Party to be performed or observed.
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Section 12.8. Successors and Assigns. The provisions to this Agreement shall be binding
upon, inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by the Parties and their respective successors and
permitted assigns.
Section 12.9. Third Party Beneficiaries. This Agreement is solely for the benefit of the
Parties and shall not be deemed to confer upon any other Person (including, for the avoidance of
doubt, MSG) any remedy, claim, liability, reimbursement, claim of action or other right in excess
of those existing without reference to this Agreement.
Section 12.10. Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in
accordance with the laws of the State of New York applicable to contracts made and to be performed
in the State of New York.
Section 12.11. Waiver of Jury Trial. The Parties hereby irrevocably waive any and all right
to trial by jury in any legal proceeding arising out of or related to this Agreement or the
transactions contemplated hereby.
Section 12.12. Specific Performance. Subject to Article X, in the event of any actual or
threatened default in, or breach of, any of the terms, conditions and provisions of this Agreement,
the Parties agree that the Party who is or is to be thereby aggrieved shall have the right to
specific performance and injunctive or other equitable relief of its rights under this Agreement,
in addition to any and all other rights and remedies at law or in equity, and all such rights and
remedies shall be cumulative. The Parties agree that the remedies at law for any breach or
threatened breach of this Agreement, including monetary damages, are inadequate compensation for
any loss, that any defense in any action for specific performance that a remedy at law would be
adequate is hereby waived, and that any requirements for the securing or posting of any bond with
such remedy are hereby waived.
Section 12.13. Severability. In the event any one or more of the provisions contained in
this Agreement should be held invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect, the validity,
legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions contained herein and therein shall not in
any way be affected or impaired thereby. The Parties shall endeavor in good faith negotiations to
replace the invalid, illegal or unenforceable provisions with valid provisions, the economic effect
of which comes as close as possible to that of the invalid, illegal or unenforceable provisions.
Section 12.14. Provisions Unaffected. Nothing contained in this Agreement shall affect the
rights and obligations of Cablevision and AMC pursuant to the Distribution Agreement.
Section 12.15. No Presumption. Neither Cablevision nor AMC shall be deemed to be the drafter
of this Agreement and no term or provision of this Agreement may be construed against any Party on
that basis.
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Section 12.16. Enforcement of Rights. With respect to Cablevision’s obligations under
Sections 6.3(f), 7.1, 7.2, 7.3(b), 8.1(b) and 8.5(b), to the extent that MSG, under the MSG
Transition Services Agreement, owes corresponding obligations to Cablevision in connection with the
AMC Services to MSG, Cablevision agrees that it will use its best reasonable efforts to enforce its
rights under the MSG Transition Services Agreement so that AMC shall receive the benefits thereof.
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Agreement has been duly executed and delivered on behalf of the
Parties as of the date first herein above written.
CABLEVISION SYSTEMS CORPORATION |
||||
By: | ||||
Name: | ||||
Title: | ||||
AMC NETWORKS INC. |
||||
By: | ||||
Name: | ||||
Title: | ||||