EXHIBIT 99.4
PURCHASE AGREEMENT
Dated as of January 21, 2005
by and among
American Real Estate Partners, L.P., as Purchaser,
and
Cyprus, LLC, as Seller
Table of Contents
Page | ||||||
ARTICLE I | ||||||
SALE OF SECURITIES AND CLOSING | ||||||
1.1 | Purchase and Sale | 1 | ||||
1.2 | Purchase Price | 1 | ||||
1.3 | Closing | 1 | ||||
1.4 | Actions at the Closing | 1 | ||||
1.5 | Contingent Consideration | 2 | ||||
1.6 | Tax Treatment | 2 | ||||
ARTICLE II | ||||||
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF SELLER | ||||||
2.1 | Organization of Seller | 2 | ||||
2.2 | Authority | 2 | ||||
2.3 | Title | 2 | ||||
2.4 | No Conflicts | 2 | ||||
2.5 | Consents and Approvals | 3 | ||||
2.6 | Brokers | 3 | ||||
2.7 | Accuracy of Statements | 3 | ||||
ARTICLE III | ||||||
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF SELLER RELATING TO THE COMPANY AND THE SUBSIDIAIRIES | ||||||
3.1 | Due Organization of Company and the Subsidiaries | 4 | ||||
3.2 | Capitalization | 4 | ||||
3.3 | Subsidiaries | 4 | ||||
3.4 | Financial Statements | 4 | ||||
3.5 | No Adverse Effects or Changes | 5 | ||||
3.6 | Title to Properties | 5 | ||||
3.7 | Litigation | 5 | ||||
3.8 | Claims Against Officers and Directors | 5 | ||||
3.9 | Insurance | 5 | ||||
3.10 | Compliance with Law | 6 | ||||
3.11 | Undisclosed Liabilities | 6 | ||||
3.12 | Related Parties | 6 | ||||
3.13 | Intellectual Property | 6 | ||||
3.14 | Environmental Matters | 7 | ||||
3.15 | Employees, Labor Matters, etc. | 8 | ||||
3.16 | Employee Benefit Plans | 8 |
3.17 | Real Property | 10 | ||||
3.18 | Tangible Personal Property | 10 | ||||
3.19 | Contracts | 10 | ||||
3.20 | Tax | 11 | ||||
3.21 | Accuracy of Statements | 12 | ||||
ARTICLE IV | ||||||
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF PURCHASER | ||||||
4.1 | Organization of Purchaser | 12 | ||||
4.2 | Authority | 12 | ||||
4.3 | No Conflicts | 12 | ||||
4.4 | Capitalization | 13 | ||||
ARTICLE V | ||||||
COVENANTS | ||||||
5.1 | Maintenance of Business Prior to Closing | 13 | ||||
5.2 | Efforts to Consummate Transaction | 14 | ||||
ARTICLE VI | ||||||
ASSIGNMENT OF RIGHTS RELATING TO THE SECURITIES | ||||||
6.1 | Assignment of Rights, etc. | 15 | ||||
ARTICLE VII | ||||||
CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO OBLIGATIONS OF PURCHASER | ||||||
7.1 | Warranties True as of Both Present Date and Closing Date | 16 | ||||
7.2 | Compliance by Seller | 16 | ||||
7.3 | Seller’s Certificates | 16 | ||||
7.4 | No Material Adverse Change | 16 | ||||
7.5 | Actions or Proceedings | 16 | ||||
7.6 | Registration Rights Agreement | 16 | ||||
ARTICLE VIII | ||||||
CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO OBLIGATIONS OF SELLER | ||||||
8.1 | Warranties True as of Both Present Date and Closing Date | 17 | ||||
8.2 | Compliance by Purchaser | 17 | ||||
8.3 | Purchaser’s Certificate | 17 | ||||
8.4 | Actions or Proceedings | 17 | ||||
8.5 | Approval | 17 |
8.6 | Registration Rights Agreement | 17 | ||||
8.7 | Amendment to Limited Partnership Agreement | 17 | ||||
ARTICLE IX | ||||||
TERMINATION | ||||||
9.1 | Termination | 18 | ||||
9.2 | Effect of Termination | 18 | ||||
ARTICLE X | ||||||
INDEMNIFICATION | ||||||
10.1 | Indemnification by Seller | 18 | ||||
10.2 | Claims | 19 | ||||
10.3 | Notice of Third Party Claims; Assumption of Defense | 19 | ||||
10.4 | Settlement or Compromise | 20 | ||||
10.5 | Failure of Indemnifying Person to Act | 20 | ||||
10.6 | Tax Character | 20 | ||||
ARTICLE XI | ||||||
DEFINITIONS | ||||||
11.1 | Definitions | 20 | ||||
ARTICLE XII | ||||||
MISCELLANEOUS | ||||||
12.1 | Investigation | 27 | ||||
12.2 | Survival of Representations and Warranties | 27 | ||||
12.3 | Entire Agreement | 27 | ||||
12.4 | Waiver | 27 | ||||
12.5 | Amendment | 27 | ||||
12.6 | No Third Party Beneficiary | 28 | ||||
12.7 | Assignment; Binding Effect | 28 | ||||
12.8 | Headings | 28 | ||||
12.9 | Invalid Provisions | 28 | ||||
12.10 | Governing Law | 28 | ||||
12.11 | Counterparts | 28 | ||||
12.12 | Waiver of Jury Trial | 28 | ||||
12.13 | Consent to Jurisdiction | 28 | ||||
12.14 | Expenses | 29 | ||||
12.15 | Notices | 29 | ||||
12.16 | Further Assurances | 30 |
This PURCHASE AGREEMENT (the or this “Agreement”) dated as of January 21, 2005 is made and entered into by and among Cyprus, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“Seller”), and American Real Estate Partners, L.P. (“Purchaser”). Capitalized terms not otherwise defined herein have the meanings set forth in Article XI.
WHEREAS, Seller owns the securities listed onAnnex A hereto (collectively, the “Securities”) and Purchaser desires to purchase the Securities from Seller on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Agreement; and
WHEREAS, Seller desires to sell the Securities to Purchaser on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Agreement.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements set forth in this Agreement, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto agree as follows:
ARTICLE I
SALE OF SECURITIES AND CLOSING
1.1Purchase and Sale. Seller hereby agrees to sell to Purchaser the Securities and Purchaser hereby agrees to purchase from Seller the Securities at the Closing on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Agreement.
1.2Purchase Price. The amount payable to Seller at the Closing is 413,793 depositary units representing limited partnership interests (“AREP Units”) of Purchaser (the “Closing Consideration” and together with the Contingent Consideration, if any, determined in accordance with Section 1.6, the “Purchase Price”).
1.3Closing. Upon the terms and subject to the conditions of this Agreement, the closing of the transactions contemplated hereby (the “Closing”) shall take place (a) at the offices of Purchaser, located at 100 South Bedford Road, Mt. Kisco, NY at 10:00 a. m., local time, on the second business day immediately following the day on which the last to be satisfied or waived of the conditions set forth in Articles VII and VIII (other than those conditions that by their nature are to be satisfied at the Closing, but subject to the satisfaction or waiver of those conditions) shall be satisfied or waived in accordance herewith or (b) at such other time, date or place as Purchaser and Seller may agree. The date on which the Closing occurs is herein referred to as the “Closing Date.”
1.4Actions at the Closing. At the Closing: (i) Purchaser shall deliver to the Seller one or more certificates representing the AREP Units constituting the Closing Consideration, (ii) Seller shall deliver to Purchaser Designee (as defined below) the Securities, together with instruments of transfer satisfactory to Purchaser, or, in the case of Securities that are held in book-entry form at the Depository Trust Company (“DTC”), Seller shall cause such Securities to be delivered to the DTC account designated in writing by Purchaser Designee, (iii) Seller shall deliver or cause to be delivered to Purchaser the certificate described in Section 7.3 and (iv) Purchaser shall deliver or cause to be delivered to Seller the items required by Sections 8.3 and 8.5.
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1.5Contingent Consideration.
(a) As soon as is practicable after the end of each of the fiscal years 2005 and 2006, the Purchaser shall cause Atlantic Holdings to deliver to the chairman of the audit committee of the Purchaser and to Seller, a statement of EBITDA for such fiscal year, certified by Atlantic Holdings’ independent auditors and Chief Financial Officer (the “EBITDA Statements”).
(b) If the EBITDA as set forth on the EBITDA Statements is equal to or greater than $24 million for each of the fiscal years 2005 and 2006, Purchaser shall pay to the Seller 206,897 (subject to equitable adjustment in the event of any stock split, reverse stock split, stock dividend or other similar event) AREP Units (the “Contingent Consideration”) as soon as is practicable, but in no event later than 10 days, following delivery of the EBITDA Statement for the fiscal year 2006.
1.6Tax Treatment. The Sellers and AREP agree and acknowledge that the sale of the Securities to Purchaser shall qualify as a nonrecognition transaction pursuant to Section 721(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
ARTICLE II
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF SELLER
As an inducement to Purchaser to enter into this Agreement, Seller hereby makes the following representations and warranties to Purchaser:
2.1Organization of Seller. Seller is a limited liability company duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the Laws of the State of Delaware. Seller has full organizational power and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement and to perform its obligations hereunder and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby, including without limitation, to sell and transfer (pursuant to this Agreement) the Securities.
2.2Authority. The execution and delivery by Seller of this Agreement, and the performance by Seller of its obligations hereunder, have been duly and validly authorized by Seller’s Managing Member and no other action on the part of Seller or its Managing Member is necessary for such execution, delivery or performance. This Agreement has been duly and validly executed and delivered by Seller and constitutes a legal, valid and binding obligation of Seller, enforceable against Seller in accordance with its terms.
2.3Title. The delivery of the Securities and other instruments of transfer delivered by Seller to Purchaser at the Closing will transfer to Purchaser good and valid title to the Securities, free and clear of all Liens.
2.4No Conflicts. The execution and delivery by Seller of this Agreement do not, and the performance by Seller of its obligations under this Agreement and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby will not:
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(a) conflict with or result in a violation or breach of any of the terms, conditions or provisions of the organizational documents of Seller;
(b) conflict with or result in a violation or breach of any term or provision of any Law or Order applicable to Seller or any of its Assets and Properties; or
(c) (i) conflict with or result in a violation or breach of, (ii) constitute (with or without notice or lapse of time or both) a default under, (iii) require Seller to obtain any consent, approval or action of, make any filing with or give any notice to any Person as a result or under the terms of, (iv) result in or give to any Person any right of termination, cancellation, acceleration or modification in or with respect to, or (v) result in the creation or imposition of any Lien upon Seller or any of its Assets and Properties under, any Contract or License to which Seller is a party or by which any of its Assets and Properties is bound.
2.5Consents and Approvals. Except for (i) the requirement that timely notice of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement be furnished to the New Jersey Casino Control Commission, (ii) the approval of depositary unit holders of the Purchaser required by the New York Stock Exchange, and (iii) approvals to amend the Purchaser’s amended and restated agreement of limited partnership, dated as of May 12, 1987, as amended, as contemplated by Section 8.7 hereof, no consent, authorization or approval of, filing or registration with, or cooperation from, any Governmental Authority or any other Person not a party to this Agreement is necessary in connection with the execution, delivery and performance by Seller of this Agreement or the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby.
2.6Brokers. Neither Seller nor the Company nor any Subsidiary has used any broker or finder in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby, and neither Purchaser nor any Affiliate of Purchaser has or shall have any liability or otherwise suffer or incur any Loss as a result of or in connection with any brokerage or finder’s fee or other commission of any Person retained or purporting to be retained by Seller or by the Company or any Subsidiary in connection with any of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
2.7Accuracy of Statements. Neither this Agreement nor any schedule, exhibit, statement, list, document, certificate or other information furnished or to be furnished by or on behalf of the Company, any Subsidiary or Seller to Purchaser or any representative or Affiliate of Purchaser in connection with this Agreement or any of the transactions contemplated hereby contains or will contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omits or will omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements contained herein or therein, in light of the circumstances in which they are made, not misleading.
ARTICLE III
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES
OF SELLER RELATING TO THE COMPANY AND THE SUBSIDIAIRIES
As an inducement to Purchaser to enter into this Agreement, Seller hereby makes the following representations to Purchaser, except as set forth in the Disclosure Schedule attached to this Agreement (it being agreed that any exceptions to such representations and warranties shall clearly identify the sections of this Agreement to which they apply).
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3.1Due Organization of Company and the Subsidiaries.
(a) The Company and each of the Subsidiaries is duly organized and validly existing under the laws of the state in which it is incorporated or organized, as the case may be, with all requisite power and authority to own, lease and operate its properties and to carry on its business as they are now being owned, leased, operated and conducted. The Company and each of the Subsidiaries is licensed or qualified to do business and is in good standing (where the concept of “good standing” is applicable) as a foreign corporation in each jurisdiction where the nature of the properties owned, leased or operated by it and the business transacted by it require such licensing or qualification (except, with respect to the Subsidiaries, where the failure to be so licensed or qualified or be in good standing will not in the aggregate adversely affect the validity or enforceability of this Agreement or have a Material Adverse Effect on any of the Subsidiaries).
(b) The Seller has delivered to Purchaser true, correct and complete copies of the organizational documents of the Company and the Subsidiaries, which organizational documents are in full force and effect.
3.2Capitalization. Immediately prior to the Closing, the Seller will own the Securities, free and clear of all Liens. The Company owns 100% of the outstanding capital stock of Atlantic Coast Entertainment Holdings, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“Atlantic Holdings”), and Atlantic Holdings owns 100% of the membership interests in ACE Gaming, LLC, a New Jersey limited liability company (“Ace”). Except as set forth on Schedule 3.2, no Person holds any option, warrant, convertible security or other right to acquire any interest in the Company or any of the Subsidiaries. There are no obligations, contingent or otherwise, of the Company or the Subsidiaries to repurchase, redeem or otherwise acquire any ownership interests of the Company or any Subsidiary or to provide funds to or make any material investment (in the form of a loan, capital contribution or otherwise) in any Subsidiary or any other Person.
3.3Subsidiaries. The Company has no subsidiaries other than Atlantic Holdings and Ace. Atlantic Holdings has no subsidiaries other than Ace. Ace has no subsidiaries. Except for its interests in the Subsidiaries, neither the Company nor any of the Subsidiaries owns directly or indirectly any ownership or other investment interest, either of record, beneficially or equitably, in any Person.
3.4Financial Statements. (a) The Seller has delivered to Purchaser true, correct and complete copies of the Audited Financial Statements. The Audited Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with GAAP consistently applied and present fairly the financial position, assets, liabilities and retained earnings of the respective companies as of the dates thereof and the revenues, expenses, results of operations, and cash flows of the respective companies for the periods covered thereby. The Audited Financial Statements are in accordance with the books and records of the respective companies, do not reflect any transactions which are not bona fide transactions and do not contain any untrue statement of a material fact (whether or not required to be disclosed under GAAP) or omit to state any material fact necessary to make the statements contained therein, in light of the circumstances in which they were made, not misleading.
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(b) The Seller has delivered to Purchaser true and complete copies of the Interim 2004 Financial Statements. The Interim 2004 Financial Statements present fairly the financial position, assets, liabilities and retained earnings of the respective companies as of the dates thereof and the revenues, expenses, results of operations, and cash flows of the respective companies for the periods covered thereby. The Interim 2004 Financial Statements are in accordance with the books and records of the respective companies, do not reflect any transactions which are not bona fide transactions and do not contain any untrue statement of a material fact (whether or not required to be disclosed under GAAP) or omit to state any material fact necessary to make the statements contained therein, in light of the circumstances in which they were made, not misleading.
3.5No Adverse Effects or Changes. Since December 31, 2003, (i) neither the Company nor any of the Subsidiaries has suffered any Material Adverse Effect; (ii) there has been no change, event, development, damage or circumstance affecting the Company or the Subsidiaries that, individually or in the aggregate,e could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on the Company or any of the Subsidiaries; (iii) there has not been any change by the Company or any of the Subsidiaries in its accounting methods, principles or practices, or any revaluation by the Company or any of the Subsidiaries of any of its assets, including writing down the value of inventory or writing off notes or accounts receivable; and (iv) the Company and each of the Subsidiaries has conducted its business only in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice.
3.6Title to Properties. Each of the Company and the Subsidiaries has good and marketable title to, and each Subsidiary is the lawful owner of, all of the tangible and intangible assets, properties and rights used in connection with its respective businesses and all of the tangible and intangible assets, properties and rights reflected in the Financial Statements, except for changes accruing in the ordinary course of business that would not, individually or in the aggregate, adversely affect the ability of the Company or any of the Subsidiaries to conduct its business in the ordinary course, consistent with past practice.
3.7Litigation. Except as disclosed in the Financial Statements, there are no actions, suits, arbitrations, regulatory proceedings or other litigation, proceedings or governmental investigations, with such exceptions as are individually, or in the aggregate, not material in nature or amount, pending or, to the Knowledge of Seller, threatened against or affecting the Company, the Subsidiaries or any of their respective officers, directors, employees or agents in their capacity as such, or any of the Company’s Assets and Properties or businesses of the Company or any of the Subsidiaries, and to Seller’s Knowledge, any facts or circumstances which may give rise to any of the foregoing. Except as disclosed in the Financial Statements, neither the Company nor any of the Subsidiaries is subject to any order, judgment, decree, injunction, stipulation or consent order of or with any court or other Governmental Authority.
3.8Claims Against Officers and Directors. There are no pending or, to the Seller’s Knowledge, threatened claims against any director, officer, employee or agent of the Company, the Subsidiaries or any other Person, which could give rise to any claim for indemnification against the Company or the Subsidiaries or cause the Company or the Subsidiaries to incur any material liability or otherwise suffer or incur any material Loss.
3.9Insurance.
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(a) The Company and the Subsidiaries maintain insurance policies that provide adequate and suitable insurance coverage for the business of the Company and the Subsidiaries and are on such terms, cover such risks and are in such amounts as the insurance customarily carried by comparable companies of established reputation similarly situated and carrying on the same or similar business.
(b) Prior to the date hereof, Seller has delivered to Purchaser all insurance policies (including policies providing property, casualty, liability, workers’ compensation, and bond and surety arrangements) under which the Company or any of the Subsidiaries are an insured, a named insured or otherwise the principal beneficiary of coverage. All insurance policies of the Company and each of the Subsidiaries are in full force and effect. The Company and the Subsidiaries have not received notice of any refusal of coverage with respect to an existing policy. The Company and the Subsidiaries have paid all premiums due under all such policies. The amount of the reserve for self-insured risks as of November 30, 2004 are set forth onSchedule 3.9(b), and such reserves shall be maintained in accordance with past practice.
3.10Compliance with Law. Except as set forth in the Financial Statements, the Company and the Subsidiaries are in compliance and, at all times, have been in compliance in all respects with all applicable Laws relating to the Company or the Subsidiaries or their respective Assets and Properties or businesses. Except as disclosed in the Financial Statements, no investigation or review by any governmental authority or self-regulatory authority is pending or, to Seller’s Knowledge, threatened, nor has any such authority indicated orally or in writing to the Seller, the Company or any of the Subsidiaries an intention to conduct an investigation or review of the Company or any of the Subsidiaries or, with respect to the Company or any of the Subsidiaries, or Seller.
3.11Undisclosed Liabilities. Except as disclosed in the Financial Statements and the Interim 2004 Financial Statements, neither the Company nor any of the Subsidiaries has any material liabilities or obligations of any nature, whether known or unknown, absolute, accrued, contingent or otherwise and whether due or to become due, other than liabilities and obligations incurred after September 30, 2004 in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice (including as to amount and nature).
3.12Related Parties. Except as disclosed in the Financial Statements or in public filings of the Company or Atlantic Holdings, and except for transactions solely between the Company and the Subsidiaries or solely between the Company’s Subsidiaries, (i) no Affiliate of the Company is a party to any Contract with the Company or any of the Subsidiaries; (ii) no Affiliate of the Company owes any material amount of money to, nor is such Affiliate owed any material amount of money by, the Company or any of the Subsidiaries, (iii) neither the Company nor any of the Subsidiaries has, directly or indirectly, guaranteed or assumed any indebtedness for borrowed money or otherwise for the benefit of an Affiliate of the Company or any of the Subsidiaries; and (iv) neither the Company nor any of the Subsidiaries has made any material payment to, or engaged in any material transaction with, an Affiliate of the Company.
3.13Intellectual Property.
(a) The Company and the Subsidiaries own, or possess adequate rights to use, all material patents, trade names, trademarks, copyrights, inventions, processes, designs,
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formulae, trade secrets, know-how and other intellectual property rights necessary for, used or held for use in the conduct of their businesses. All material intellectual property necessary for used or held for use in the conduct of the businesses of the Company and any of the Subsidiaries has been duly registered with, filed in or issued by the relevant filing offices, domestic or foreign, to the extent necessary or desirable to ensure full protection under any applicable Law, and such registrations, filings or issuances remain in full force and effect.
(b) The conduct of the business of the Company and the Subsidiaries does not infringe or otherwise conflict with any rights of any Person in respect of intellectual property rights. None of the intellectual property rights owned by the Company or the Subsidiaries is being infringed or otherwise, in any way, used or available for use by any Person without a license or permission from the Company and the Subsidiaries and neither the Company nor any of the Subsidiaries has taken or omitted to take any action which would have the effect of waiving any of its rights thereunder. Neither the Company nor any of the Subsidiaries has received a claim of infringement or conflict by any third party in respect of any intellectual property used by the Company or the Subsidiaries.
3.14Environmental Matters. Except as set forth in the disclosure documents of the Company or Atlantic Holdings filed publicly with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) prior to the date hereof, or as set forth in the Financial Statements:
(a) The Company and each of the Subsidiaries have obtained all material Environmental Permits that are required with respect to their respective Assets and Properties and businesses, either owned or leased;
(b) The Company, each of the Subsidiaries, and their respective Assets and Properties and businesses, are and have been in compliance in all material respects with all terms and conditions of all applicable Environmental Laws and Environmental Permits;
(c) There are no Environmental Claims pending or, to the Knowledge of Seller, threatened against the Company or any of the Subsidiaries. Neither the Company nor any of the Subsidiaries has received any notice from any Governmental or Regulatory Authority or any person of any violation or liability arising under any Environmental Law or Environmental Permit in connection with its Assets and Properties, businesses or operations;
(d) Neither the Company, nor any of its Subsidiaries, nor any other Person has caused or taken any action that will result in any material liability, obligation or cost on the part of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries relating to (x) environmental conditions on, above, under or from any properties or assets currently or formerly owned, leased, operated or used by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, or (y) the past or present use, management, transport, treatment, generation, storage, disposal, release or threatened release of Hazardous Materials.
(e) Neither the Company nor any of the Subsidiaries owns, leases or operates or has owned, leased or operated, any property listed on the National Priorities List pursuant to CERCLA or on the CERCLIS or on any other federal or state list as sites requiring investigation or cleanup;
(f) Neither the Company nor any of the Subsidiaries is transporting, has transported, or is arranging for the transportation of, any Hazardous Material to any location
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which is listed on the National Priorities List pursuant to CERCLA, on the CERCLIS, or on any similar federal or state list or which is the subject of federal, state or local enforcement actions or other investigations that may lead to material claims against the Company or the Subsidiaries for investigative or remedial work, damage to natural resources, property damage or personal injury including claims under CERCLA;
(g) There are no sites, locations or operations at which the Company or any of the Subsidiaries is currently undertaking, or has completed, any investigative, remedial, response or corrective action as required by Environmental Laws;
(h) There are no physical or environmental conditions existing on any property owned or leased by the Company or the Subsidiaries resulting from their respective operations or activities, past or present, at any location, that would give rise to any material on-site or off-site investigative or remedial obligations or any corrective action under any applicable Environmental Laws; and
(i) The Seller has provided to Purchaser all material environmental site assessments, audits, investigations and studies in its possession, custody or control.
3.15Employees, Labor Matters, etc. Except as set forth in the Financial Statements, neither the Company nor any of the Subsidiaries is a party to or bound by, and none of their employees is subject to, any collective bargaining agreement, and there are no labor unions or other organizations representing, purporting to represent or attempting to represent any employees employed by the Company or any of the Subsidiaries. There has not occurred or been threatened any material strike, slow down, picketing, work stoppage, concerted refusal to work overtime or other similar labor activity with respect to any employees of the Company or any of the Subsidiaries. There are no labor disputes currently subject to any grievance procedure, arbitration or litigation and there is no representation petition pending or threatened with respect to any employee of the Company or any of the Subsidiaries. The Company and the Subsidiaries have complied with all applicable Laws pertaining to the employment or termination of employment of their respective employees, including, without limitation, all such Laws relating to labor relations, equal employment opportunities, fair employment practices, prohibited discrimination or distinction and other similar employment activities; except for any failure to comply that, individually and in the aggregate, is not reasonably likely to result in any Company Material Adverse Effect.
3.16Employee Benefit Plans.
(a) Except as set forth in the Financial Statements or accrued thereafter in accordance with the terms of the Plans as of the date hereof, neither the Company nor any of the Subsidiaries has incurred any material liability, and no event, transaction or condition has occurred or exists that could result in any material liability, on account of any Plans, including but not limited to liability for (i) additional contributions required to be made under the terms of any Plan or its related trust, insurance contract or other funding arrangement with respect to periods ending on or prior to the date hereof which are not reflected, reserved against or accrued in the Financial Statements; (ii) breaches by the Company or any of the Subsidiaries, or any of their employees, officers, directors, stockholders, or, to the Knowledge of Seller, the trustees under the trusts created under the Plans, or any other Persons under ERISA or any other
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applicable Law; or (iii) income taxes by reason of non-qualification of the Plans. Each of the Plans has been operated and administered in all material respects in compliance with its terms, all applicable Laws and all applicable collective bargaining agreements. Since September 30, 2004, neither the Company nor any of the Subsidiaries has communicated to any current or former director, officer, employee or consultant thereof any intention or commitment to amend or modify any Plan, or to establish or implement any other employee or retiree benefit or compensation plan or arrangement, which would materially increase the cost to the Company or any Subsidiary.
(b) Each Plan which is intended to be “qualified” within the meaning of section 401(a) of the Code, and the trust (if any) forming a part thereof has received a favorable determination letter or is covered by an opinion letter from the Internal Revenue Service and no event has occurred and no condition exists which could reasonably be expected to result in the revocation of any such determination. All amendments and actions required to bring each Plan into conformity with the applicable provisions of ERISA, the Code, and any other applicable Laws have been made or taken.
(c) There are no pending or threatened claims (and no facts or circumstances exist that could give rise to any such claims) by or on behalf of any participant in any of the Plans, or otherwise involving any such Plan or the assets of any Plan, other than routine claims for benefits in the ordinary course. The Plans are not presently under audit or examination (nor has notice been received of a potential audit or examination) by the IRS, the Department of Labor, or any other Governmental or Regulatory Authority.
(d) None of the Plans provides benefits of any kind with respect to current or former employees, officers, or directors (or their beneficiaries) of the Company and the Subsidiaries beyond their retirement or other termination of employment, other than (i) coverage for benefits mandated by Section 4980B or the Code, (ii) death benefits or retirement benefits under an employee pension benefit plan (as defined by section 3(2) of ERISA), or (iii) benefits, the full cost of which is borne by such current or former employees, officers, directors, or beneficiaries.
(e) Except as set forth in the Financial Statements, no Plan sponsored by the Company and the Subsidiaries is a “multiemployer plan” within the meaning of Section 4001(a)(3) of ERISA or a “multiple employer plan” as addressed in section 4063 or 4064 of ERISA. No Plan sponsored by the Company and the Subsidiaries is subject to Title IV of ERISA.
(f) The consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement will not (alone or in combination with any other event, including, without limitation, the passage of time) result in (i) any payment (including, without limitation, severance, unemployment compensation, golden parachute, bonus payments or otherwise) becoming due under any agreement or oral arrangement to any current or former director, officer, employee or consultant of the Company and the Subsidiaries, (ii) any increase in the amount of salary, wages or other benefits payable to any director, officer, employee or consultant of the Company and the Subsidiaries, or (iii) any acceleration of the vesting or timing of payment of any benefits or compensation (including, without limitation, any increased or accelerated funding obligation) payable to any director, officer, employee or consultant of the Company and the Subsidiaries.
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3.17Real Property. (a) Schedule 3.17(a) contains a legal description of each parcel of real property owned by the Company or any of the Subsidiaries (including the address thereof) and a legal description of each parcel in which the Company or any of the Subsidiaries hold a valid easement to use such parcel. The Company or a Subsidiary, as applicable, has good and marketable title to or easement in each such parcel of real property, free and clear of all Liens other than Permitted Encumbrances.
(b) Schedule 3.17(b) contains a list of each parcel of real property leased by the Company or any of the Subsidiaries. The Company or a Subsidiary has a valid and subsisting leasehold estate in each such parcel of real property, free and clear of Liens created by the Company or a Subsidiary other than the Permitted Encumbrances. All of the real property leases are valid, binding, and enforceable in accordance with their terms, and are in full force and effect.
3.18Tangible Personal Property. The Company or a Subsidiary is in possession of and have good title to, or have valid leasehold interests in or valid rights under contract to use, all of the real and personal property used or held for use in the business of the Company or the Subsidiaries. All such property is in good working order and condition, ordinary wear and tear excepted, and its use complies in all material respects with all applicable Laws.
3.19Contracts.
(a) Schedules 3.19 and 3.17 contains a true and complete list of each of the following Contracts as of the date hereof:
(i) all Contracts providing for a commitment of employment or consultation services for a specified term and payments at any one time or in any one year in excess of $100,000;
(ii) all Contracts with any Person containing any provision or covenant prohibiting or materially limiting the ability the Company or any of the Subsidiaries to engage in any business activity or compete with any Person;
(iii) all Contracts relating to indebtedness of the Company or any of the Subsidiaries;
(iv) all Contracts (other than this Agreement) providing for (i) the disposition or acquisition of any assets or properties that individually or in the aggregate are material to the business or any of the Subsidiaries or that contain continuing obligations of any of the Subsidiaries, or (ii) any merger or other business combination involving the Company or any of the Subsidiaries;
(v) all Contracts (other than this Agreement) that limit or contain restrictions on the ability of the Company or any of the Subsidiaries to incur indebtedness or incur or suffer to exist any Lien, to purchase or sell any assets, to change the lines of business in which it participates or engages or to engage in any merger or other business combination;
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(vi) all Contracts establishing any joint venture, strategic alliance or other collaboration;
(vii) all Contracts with any Person obligating the Company and any of the Subsidiaries to guarantee or otherwise become directly or indirectly obligated with respect to any liability or obligation in excess of $25,000 in each case or $100,000 in the aggregate at any one time outstanding;
(viii) all Contracts for the leasing of real property by the Company and any of the Subsidiaries setting forth the address, landlord and tenant for each lease; and
(ix) all other Contracts that (i) involve the payment, pursuant to the terms of any such Contract, by or to the Company or any of the Subsidiaries of more than $100,000 annually, (ii) cannot be terminated within 90 days after giving notice of termination without resulting in any material cost or penalty to the Company, or (iii) are material to the businesses of the Company or the Subsidiaries.
(b) Prior to the date hereof, true, correct and complete copies of each Contract required to be disclosed in Schedule 3.19 have been delivered to, or made available for inspection by, Purchaser. Each such Contract is in full force and effect and constitutes a legal, valid and binding agreement, enforceable in accordance with its terms, of the Company and the applicable Subsidiaries and, of each other party thereto; and neither the Company nor, to the Knowledge of Seller, any other party to such Contract, is in violation or breach of or default under any such Contract (or with notice or lapse of time or both, would be in violation or breach of or default under any such Contract).
3.20Tax.
(a) The Company and the Subsidiaries have duly and timely filed with the appropriate taxing authorities all material federal, state and local income Tax Returns and all other material Tax Returns required to be filed through the date hereof and will duly and timely file any such returns required to be filed on or prior to the Closing. Such Tax Returns and other information filed are (and, to the extent they will be filed prior to the Closing, will be) complete and accurate in all material respects. Neither the Company nor the Subsidiaries have pending any request for an extension of time within which to file federal, state or local income Tax Returns.
(b) All Taxes of the Company and the Subsidiaries in respect of periods (or portions thereof) ending at or prior to the Closing have been paid by the Company and the Subsidiaries or such Taxes (other than income Taxes) are shown as due and payable after the Closing on the Financial Statements in accordance with GAAP.
(c) No federal, state, local or foreign audits or other administrative proceedings or court proceedings are presently pending with regard to any material Taxes or material Tax Returns of the Company or any of the Subsidiaries. Neither the Company nor any of the Subsidiaries has received a written notice of any such pending audits or proceedings. There are no outstanding waivers extending the statutory period of limitation relating to the payment of Taxes due from the Company or any of the Subsidiaries.
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(d) Neither the IRS nor any other taxing authority (whether domestic or foreign) has asserted in writing, or to the best Knowledge of the Company and the Subsidiaries, is threatening to assert, against the Company or any of the Subsidiaries any material deficiency or material claim for Taxes in excess of the reserves established therefor.
(e) There are no Liens for Taxes upon any property or assets of the Company or any of the Subsidiaries, except for Liens for Taxes not yet due and payable and liens for Taxes that are being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings as set forth on Schedule 3.20(e) and as to which adequate reserves have been established in accordance with GAAP.
(f) Neither the Company nor any of the Subsidiaries has any obligation under any Tax sharing agreement or similar arrangement with any other Person with respect to Taxes of such other Person.
3.21Accuracy of Statements. Neither this Agreement nor any schedule, exhibit, statement, list, document, certificate or other information furnished or to be furnished by or on behalf of the Company or Seller to Purchaser or any representative or Affiliate of Purchaser in connection with this Agreement or any of the transactions contemplated hereby contains or will contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omits or will omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements contained herein or therein, in light of the circumstances in which they are made, not misleading.
ARTICLE IV
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF PURCHASER
Purchaser hereby represents and warrants to Seller as follows:
4.1Organization of Purchaser. Purchaser is a limited partnership duly formed, validly existing and in good standing under the Laws of the State of Delaware. Purchaser has full organizational power and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement and to perform Purchaser’s obligations hereunder and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby, including without limitation to buy pursuant to this Agreement the Securities and issue to Seller in consideration therefore the AREP Units.
4.2Authority. The execution and delivery by Purchaser of this Agreement, and the performance by Purchaser of its obligations hereunder (including the issuance of the AREP Units), have been duly and validly authorized and, no other corporate action on the part of Purchaser is necessary. This Agreement has been duly and validly executed and delivered by Purchaser and constitutes a legal, valid and binding obligation of Purchaser enforceable against Purchaser in accordance with its terms.
4.3No Conflicts. The execution and delivery by Purchaser of this Agreement and the issuance of the AREP Units as contemplated hereby do not, the performance by Purchaser of its obligations under this Agreement and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby, will not:
(a) conflict with, or result in a violation or breach of, any of the terms, conditions or provisions of the organizational documents of Purchaser;
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(b) conflict with, or result in a violation or breach of, any term or provision of any Law or Order applicable to Purchaser or any of its Assets and Properties (other than such conflicts, violations or breaches which will not have a Material Adverse Effect on Purchaser; or
(c) (i) conflict with, or result in a violation or breach of, (ii) constitute (with or without notice or lapse of time or both) a default under, (iii) require Purchaser to obtain any consent, approval or action of, make any filing with or give any notice to any Person as a result or under the terms of, (iv) result in or give to any Person any right of termination, cancellation, acceleration or modification in or with respect to, or (v) result in the creation or imposition of any Lien upon Purchaser or any of its Assets and Properties under, any Contract or License to which Purchaser is a party or by which any of its Assets and Properties is bound.
4.4Capitalization. The AREP Units have been duly authorized by all required action on the part of the Purchaser; the AREP Units, when issued and paid for in accordance with the Agreement, will be validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable, and will be free and clear of all liens, charges, restrictions, claims and encumbrances imposed by or through the Purchaser, except as expressly set forth in the Agreement.
ARTICLE V
COVENANTS
5.1Maintenance of Business Prior to Closing.
(a) The Seller shall cause each of the Company and the Subsidiaries from the date hereof through the Closing Date to:
(i) conduct its operations and business according to their usual, regular and ordinary course consistent with past practice;
(ii) use all commercially reasonable efforts to keep its business and properties substantially intact, including its present operation, physical facilities, working conditions, insurance policies, and relationships with lessors, licensors, suppliers, customers, employees;
(iii) maintain its corporate existence;
(iv) maintain its books and records and accounts in its usual, regular, and ordinary manner in compliance with all applicable laws and governmental orders;
(v) pay and discharge when due all taxes, assessments and governmental charges imposed upon it or any of its properties, or upon the income or project therefrom in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice;
(vi) promptly notify Purchaser of any Material Adverse Change to the Company or the Subsidiaries; and
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(vii) permit representatives of Purchaser to have full access at all reasonable times, and in a manner so as not to interfere with the normal business operations of the Company and the Subsidiaries, to all premises, properties, personnel, books, records (including tax records), contracts, and documents of or pertaining to the Company and the Subsidiaries.
(b) Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, from the date hereof through the Closing, Seller shall not and shall cause each of the Company and its Subsidiaries not to:
(i) engage in any transaction, or take or omit to take any action, that would result in a breach of any representation or warranty in Article II and III of this Agreement;
(ii) declare, set aside, or pay any dividend;
(iii) declare or pay any increase in compensation to any officer, director, employee or agent of the Company or any of the Subsidiaries, except in the ordinary course consistent with past practice;
(iv) enter into any Contract that, had it been in effect on the date hereof, would have been required to be listed on Schedule 3.19, except for those Contracts entered into in the ordinary course consistent with past practice;
(v) permit, allow or suffer any of its properties, assets or rights to be subject to any Lien other than Permitted Encumbrances;
(vi) incur any long-term indebtedness other than under the Loan and Security Agreement, dated November 12, 2004, by and among Atlantic Holdings, as borrower, ACE, as guarantor, and Fortress Credit Corp., as lender, and related documents;
(vii) make any material capital expenditure or commitment, other than for emergency repairs or replacement, except for those capital expenditures or commitments made in the ordinary course consistent with past practice;
(viii) terminate, materially modify, assign, or materially amend any Contract required to be listed on Schedule 3.19, except in the ordinary course consistent with past practice.
5.2Efforts to Consummate Transaction.
(a) From the date hereof through the Closing Date, upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Agreement, each of the parties shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to take, or cause to be taken, all actions, and to do, or cause to be done, and to assist and cooperate with the other parties in doing, all things necessary, proper or advisable under applicable laws and regulations to consummate and make effective, in the most expeditious manner practicable, the transactions contemplated by this Agreement. The parties will use their commercially reasonable efforts and cooperate with one another (i) in promptly determining whether any filings are required to be made or consents, approvals, waivers,
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licenses, permits or authorizations are required to be obtained (or, which if not obtained, would result in a Material Adverse Effect on the Company or the Subsidiaries or an event of default, termination or acceleration of any agreement or any put right under any agreement) under any applicable Law or regulation or from any Governmental or Regulatory Authority or third parties, and (ii) in promptly making any such filings, in furnishing information required in connection therewith and in timely seeking to obtain any such consents, approvals, permits or authorizations. For purposes of this Section 5.2, Seller shall not be obligated to make any payment to any third party as a condition to obtaining such party’s consent or approval, other than for required filing fees.
(b) As promptly as practicable following the date hereof: (i) Purchaser shall take all action necessary to call, give notice of and hold a meeting (the “Meeting”) of the holders of AREP Units to vote on the matters described in Sections 8.5 and 8.7 hereof (the “Proposals”); and (ii) Purchaser shall prepare and file with the SEC, a proxy or information statement (the “Statement”) of Purchaser to be sent to the holders of AREP Units in connection with the Meeting. Purchaser shall use commercially reasonable efforts to cause the Statement to comply with the rules and regulations promulgated by the SEC and to respond promptly to any comments of the SEC or its staff. Each of such Proposals, and all Statements and other documents relating thereto, shall be in form and substance reasonably acceptable to Purchaser, Seller, Barberry Corp. and High Coast Limited Partnership. Each of Barberry Corp. and High Coast Limited Partnership hereby agrees to vote all of its AREP Units in favor of the Proposals at the Meeting. Notwithstanding the foregoing, to the extent practicable, the parties shall take all necessary and appropriate action to cause the Proposals to be approved without a meeting of the holders of AREP Units in accordance with applicable law.
(c) From the date hereof through the Closing Date, Seller shall give prompt written notice to Purchaser of: (i) any occurrence, or failure to occur, of any event which occurrence or the failure would reasonably be expected to cause any representation or warranty of any of the Seller contained in this Agreement, if made on or as of the date of such event or as of the Closing Date, to be untrue or inaccurate, except for changes permitted by this Agreement and except to the extent that any representation and warranty is made as of a specified date, in which case, such representation and warranty shall be true, complete and accurate as of such date; or (ii) any failure of the Seller, the Company, the Subsidiaries or any officer, general partner, director, employee, consultant or agent of the Seller, the Company or the Subsidiaries, to comply with or satisfy any covenant, condition or agreement to be complied with or satisfied by it or them under this Agreement; provided, however, that no such notification shall affect the representations or warranties of the Seller or the conditions to the obligations of Purchaser hereunder.
ARTICLE VI
ASSIGNMENT OF RIGHTS RELATING TO THE SECURITIES
6.1Assignment of Rights, etc. Seller hereby assigns to AREP Sands Holding LLC (“Purchase Designee”) (the designee of Purchaser and American Real Estate Holdings, Limited Partnership), as of the Closing Date: (a) with no further action on the part of Seller or Purchaser
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all rights, claims and powers of every kind or nature that Seller had or may be deemed to have had as of the Closing Date with respect to, arising out of or associated with, the Securities, including, without limitation, all rights, claims and powers under or in any way relating to (i) the GBH Registration Rights Agreement, (ii) the Atlantic Registration Rights Agreement and (iii) the Warrant Agreement; and (b) Purchaser Designee hereby agrees to be bound by all of the provisions of each of (i) the GBH Registration Rights Agreement and (ii) the Atlantic Registration Rights Agreement, in each case, as contemplated by Section 4.11 thereof.
ARTICLE VII
CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO OBLIGATIONS OF PURCHASER
The obligations of Purchaser under Article I of this Agreement are subject to the satisfaction, on or prior to the Closing Date, of each of the following conditions precedent:
7.1Warranties True as of Both Present Date and Closing Date. Each of the representations and warranties of Seller contained herein shall have been accurate, true and correct on and as of the date of this Agreement, and shall also be accurate, true and correct in all material respects on and as of the Closing Date with the same force and effect as though made by Seller on and as of the Closing Date.
7.2Compliance by Seller. Seller shall have duly performed and complied with all of its covenants, obligations and agreements contained in this Agreement to be performed and complied with by Seller on or prior to the Closing Date.
7.3Seller’s Certificates. Purchaser shall have received a certificate dated as of the Closing Date executed by an authorized officer of Seller certifying as to the fulfillment and satisfaction of the conditions set forth in Sections 7.1 and 7.2.
7.4No Material Adverse Change. No Material Adverse Change to the Company or any of the Subsidiaries shall have occurred and no event shall have occurred which, in the reasonable judgment of Purchaser, is reasonably likely to have a Material Adverse Effect on the Company or any of the Subsidiaries.
7.5Actions or Proceedings. No action or proceeding by any Governmental Authority shall have been instituted or threatened, and no action or proceeding by other Person shall have been instituted, which (a) is reasonably likely to have a Material Adverse Effect on the Company or any of the Subsidiaries, or (b) is reasonably likely to enjoin, restrain or prohibit, or is reasonably likely to result in substantial damages in respect of, any provision of the Agreement or the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby.
7.6Registration Rights Agreement. Purchaser shall have executed and delivered the Registration Rights Agreement.
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ARTICLE VIII
CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO OBLIGATIONS OF SELLER
The obligations of Seller under Article I of this Agreement are subject to the satisfaction, on or prior to the Closing Date, of each of the following conditions precedent:
8.1Warranties True as of Both Present Date and Closing Date. Each of the representations and warranties of Purchaser contained herein shall have been accurate, true and correct on and as of the date of this Agreement, and shall also be accurate, true and correct in all material respects on and as of the Closing Date with the same force and effect as though made by Purchaser on and as of the Closing Date.
8.2Compliance by Purchaser. Purchaser shall have duly performed and complied with its respective covenants, obligations and agreements contained in this Agreement to be performed and complied with by Purchaser on or prior to the Closing Date.
8.3Purchaser’s Certificate. Seller shall have received a certificate dated as of the Closing Date executed by an authorized officer of Purchaser certifying as to the fulfillment and satisfying the conditions set forth in Sections 8.1 and 8.2.
8.4Actions or Proceedings. No action or proceeding by any Governmental Authority shall have been instituted or threatened, and no action or proceeding by other Person shall have been instituted, which (a) is reasonably likely to have a Material Adverse Effect on the Company or any of the Subsidiaries, or (b) is reasonably likely to enjoin, restrain or prohibit, or is reasonably likely to result in substantial damages in respect of, any provision of the Agreement or the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby.
8.5Approval. The transactions contemplated by this Agreement shall have been approved through all depositary unit holder action required by the New York Stock Exchange.
8.6Registration Rights Agreement. Seller shall have executed and delivered the Registration Rights Agreement.
8.7Amendment to Limited Partnership Agreement. The Purchaser’s amended and restated agreement of limited partnership, dated as of May 12, 1987, as amended, shall have been amended (i) as necessary to consummate this transaction, (including without limitation, modification of Section 4.5(c) thereof to render such section inapplicable to any transactions approved by the audit committee of the Purchaser), and (ii) such that the general partner and the limited partners, as defined therein, may not cause Purchaser, or any successor entity of Purchaser, whether in its current form as a limited partnership or as converted to or succeeded by a corporation or other form of business association, to effect a merger or other business combination of Purchaser or such successor, in each case pursuant to Section 253 of the General Corporation Law of Delaware, or any successor statute, or any similar short-form merger statute under the laws of Delaware or any other jurisdiction.
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ARTICLE IX
TERMINATION
9.1Termination. This Agreement may be terminated at any time on or prior to the Closing Date:
(a) By written notice of Seller or Purchaser, if the Closing shall not have taken place on or before September 30, 2005; provided, however, that the right to terminate this Agreement under this Section 9.1 shall not be available to any party whose willful failure to fulfill any obligation under this Agreement has been the cause of or resulted in the failure of the Closing to occur on or before such date;
(b) By Purchaser, if there shall have been a material breach of any covenant, representation or warranty or other agreement of Seller hereunder, and such breach shall not have been remedied within ten Business Days after receipt by Seller of a notice in writing from Purchaser specifying the breach and requesting such be remedied; or
(c) By Seller, if there shall have been a material breach of any covenant, representation or warranty or other agreement of Purchaser hereunder, and such breach shall not have been remedied within ten Business Days after receipt by Purchaser of notice in writing from Seller specifying the breach and requesting such be remedied.
9.2Effect of Termination. If this Agreement is terminated pursuant to Section 9.1, all obligations of the parties hereunder shall terminate, except for the obligations set forth in Article X and Article XII, which shall survive the termination of this Agreement, and except that no such termination shall relieve any party from liability for any prior willful breach of this Agreement.
ARTICLE X
INDEMNIFICATION
10.1Indemnification by Seller. Seller agrees to indemnify Purchaser, its Affiliates and their respective officers, directors, employees, independent contractors, stockholders, principals, partners, agents, or representatives (each an “Indemnified Person” and collectively, the “Indemnified Persons”) against, and to hold each Indemnified Person harmless from, any and all Losses incurred or suffered by any Indemnified Person relating to or arising out of or in connection with (a) any breach of or any inaccuracy in any representation or warranty made by Seller in this Agreement, (b) any breach of or failure by any Seller to perform any of its covenants or obligations set out or contemplated in this Agreement, (c) after giving effect to the exchange offer pursuant to which the 3% Notes due 2008 (CUSIP 048416AA9) (the “Notes”) issued by Atlantic Holdings were issued (the “Exchange Offer”) through the date hereof, (i) any failure by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries to own assets with a fair market value in excess of its liabilities, (ii) the inability of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries to pay its debts as they become due, or (iii) the maintenance by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries of unreasonably small capital, (d) the Exchange Offer, (e) any claim by or on behalf of holders of the 11% Notes
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due 2005 issued by GB Property Funding Corp. challenging the validity or priority of the liens securing the Notes, or (f) any restructuring transaction, from and after the date hereof, whereby obligations of GB Property Funding Corp. are assumed or paid by Atlantic Holdings, in the case of clauses (c) through (f) only to the extent such Losses relate to the Securities acquired by Purchaser pursuant to this Agreement.
10.2Claims. As promptly as is reasonably practicable after becoming aware of a claim for indemnification under this Agreement, the Indemnified Person shall promptly give notice to the Seller (“Indemnifying Person”) of such claim and the amount the Indemnified Person will be entitled to receive hereunder from the Indemnifying Person; provided that the failure of the Indemnified Person to promptly give notice shall not relieve the Indemnifying Person of its obligations except to the extent (if any) that the Indemnifying Person shall have been prejudiced thereby. If the Indemnifying Person does not object in writing to such indemnification claim within 30 days of receiving notice thereof, the Indemnified Person shall be entitled to recover, on the thirty-fifth day after such notice was given, from the Indemnifying Person the amount of such claim, and no later objection by the Indemnifying Person shall be permitted; if the Indemnifying Person agrees that it has an indemnification obligation but objects that it is obligated to pay only a lesser amount, the Indemnified Person shall nevertheless be entitled to recover, on the thirty-fifth day after such notice was given, from the Indemnifying Person the lesser amount, without prejudice to the Indemnified Person’s claim for the difference. In addition to the amounts recoverable by the Indemnified Person from the Indemnifying Person pursuant to the foregoing provisions, the Indemnified Person shall also be entitled to recover from the Indemnifying Person interest on such amounts at the rate of Two Times Prime from, and including, the thirty-fifth day after such notice of an indemnification claim is given to, but not including, the date such recovery is actually made by the Indemnified Person.
10.3Notice of Third Party Claims; Assumption of Defense. The Indemnified Person shall give notice as promptly as is reasonably practicable to the Indemnifying Person of the assertion of any claim, or the commencement of any suit, action or proceeding, by any Person not a party hereto (a “Third Party Claim”) in respect of which indemnity may be sought under this Agreement; provided that the failure of the Indemnified Person to promptly give notice shall not relieve the Indemnifying Person of its obligations except to the extent (if any) that the Indemnifying Person shall have been prejudiced thereby. The Indemnifying Person may, at its own expense, participate in the defense of any Third Party Claim, suit, action or proceeding (a) upon notice to the Indemnified Person and (b) upon delivery by the Indemnifying Person to the Indemnified Person a written agreement that the Indemnified Person is entitled to indemnification for all Losses arising out of such Third Party Claim, suit, action or proceeding and that the Indemnifying Person shall be liable for the entire amount of any Loss, at any time during the course of any such Third Party Claim, suit, action or proceeding, assume the defense thereof; provided, however, that (i) the Indemnifying Person’s counsel is reasonably satisfactory to the Indemnified Person, and (ii) the Indemnifying Person shall thereafter consult with the Indemnified Person upon the Indemnified Person’s reasonable request for such consultation from time to time with respect to such Third Party Claim, suit, action or proceeding. If the Indemnifying Person assumes such defense, the Indemnified Person shall have the right (but not the duty) to participate in the defense thereof and to employ counsel, at its own expense, separate from the counsel employed by the Indemnifying Person. If, however, the Indemnified Person reasonably determines in its judgment that representation by the Indemnifying Person’s counsel of both the Indemnifying Person and the Indemnified Person would present such counsel with a
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conflict of interest, then such Indemnified Person may employ separate counsel to represent or defend it in any such Third Party Claim, action, suit or proceeding and the Indemnifying Person shall pay all of the fees and disbursements in connection with the retention of such separate counsel. If the Indemnifying Person fails to promptly notify the Indemnified Party that the Indemnifying Party desires to defend the Third Party Claim pursuant, or if the Indemnifying Person gives such notice but fails to prosecute vigorously and diligently or settle the Third Party Claim, then the Indemnified Party will have the right to defend, at the sole cost and expense of the Indemnifying Person, the Third Party Claim by all appropriate proceedings, which proceedings will be prosecuted by the Indemnifying Person in good faith or will be settled at the discretion of the Indemnifying Person (with the consent of the Indemnifying Person, which consent will not be unreasonably withheld). The Indemnifying Person will have full control of such defense and proceedings, including any compromise or settlement thereof. Whether or not the Indemnifying Person chooses to defend or prosecute any such Third Party Claim, suit, action or proceeding, all of the parties hereto shall cooperate in the defense or prosecution thereof.
10.4Settlement or Compromise. Any settlement or compromise made or caused to be made by the Indemnified Person or the Indemnifying Person, of any claim, suit, action or proceeding shall also be binding upon the Indemnifying Person or the Indemnified Person, as the case may be, in the same manner as if a final judgment or decree had been entered by a court of competent jurisdiction in the amount of such settlement or compromise thereof; provided, however, that no obligation, restriction or Loss shall be imposed on the Indemnified Person as a result of such settlement without its prior written consent. The Indemnified Person will give the Indemnifying Person at least 30 days’ notice of any proposed settlement or compromise of any Third Party Claim, suit, action or proceeding it is defending, during which time the Indemnifying Person may reject such proposed settlement or compromise; provided, however, that from and after such rejection, the Indemnifying Person shall be obligated to assume the defense of and full and complete liability and responsibility for such Third Party Claim, suit, action or proceeding and any and all Losses in connection therewith in excess of the amount of unindemnifiable Losses which the Indemnified Person would have been obligated to pay under the proposed settlement or compromise.
10.5Failure of Indemnifying Person to Act. In the event that the Indemnifying Person does not assume the defense of any Third Party Claim, suit, action or proceeding brought against an Indemnified Person, then any failure of the Indemnified Person to defend or to participate in the defense of any such Third Party Claim, suit, action or proceeding or to cause the same to be done, shall not relieve the Indemnifying Person of any of its obligations under this Agreement.
10.6Tax Character. Seller and Purchaser agree that any payments pursuant to this Article X will be treated for federal and state income tax purposes as adjustments to the Purchase Price of the Securities, and that they will report such payments on all Tax Returns consistently with such characterization.
ARTICLE XI
DEFINITIONS
11.1 Definitions.Defined Terms. As used in this Agreement, the following defined terms have the meanings indicated below:
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“Ace” has the meaning ascribed to it in Section 3.2.
“Affiliate” means, with respect to any specified Person, any other Person that, directly or indirectly, owns or controls, is under common ownership or control with, or is owned or controlled by, such specified Person.
“Agreement” has the meaning ascribed to it in the recitals.
“AREH” means American Real Estate Holdings Limited Partnership, a Delaware limited partnership.
“AREP Units” has the meaning ascribed to it in Section 1.2.
“Assets and Properties” of any Person means all assets and properties of every kind, nature, character and description (whether real, personal or mixed, whether tangible or intangible, and wherever situated), including the goodwill related thereto, operated, owned or leased by such Person.
“Atlantic Holdings” has the meaning ascribed to it in Section 3.2.
“Atlantic Registration Rights Agreement” means that certain Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of July 22, 2004, by and between Atlantic Coast Entertainment Holdings, Inc. and the other signatories thereto, a copy of which is attached hereto asExhibit B.
“Audited Financial Statements” means the audited financial statements of the Company and Atlantic Holdings as of December 31, 2003, consisting of the balance sheet at such date and the related statements of operations, statement of members’ equity, and cash flows for the year then ended, each accompanied by the audit report of KPMG LLP, independent public auditors with respect to the Company and Atlantic Holdings.
“Business Day” means any day of the year other than (i) any Saturday or Sunday or (ii) any other day on which commercial banks located in New York City are generally closed for business.
“Business or Condition” of any Person means the business, condition (financial or otherwise), properties, assets or results of operations or prospects of such Person, taken as a whole.
“CERCLA” means the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act of 1980, as amended, or any successor statutes and any regulations promulgated thereunder.
“CERCLIS” means the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Information System List.
“Closing” has the meaning ascribed to it in Section 1.3.
“Closing Date” has the meaning ascribed to it in Section 1.3.
“Closing Consideration” has the meaning ascribed to it in Section 1.2.
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“Company” means GB Holdings, Inc., a Delaware corporation.
“Contingent Consideration” has the meaning ascribed to it in Section 1.5(b).
“Contract” means any contract, lease, commitment, understanding, sales order, purchase order, agreement, indenture, mortgage, note, bond, right, warrant, instrument, plan, permit or license, whether written or oral, which is intended or purports to be binding and enforceable.
“Dollars” or numbers proceeded by the symbol “$” means amounts in United States Dollars.
“DTC” has the meaning ascribed to it in Section 1.4.
“EBITDA Statements” has the meaning ascribed to it in Section 1.5(a).
“Environmental Claim” means any third party (including, without limitations, governmental agencies and employees) action, lawsuit, claim or proceeding (including claims or proceedings under OSHA or similar laws relating to safety of employees) that seeks to impose liability for (a) pollution or contamination of the ambient air, surface water, ground water or land; (b) solid, gaseous or liquid waste generation, handling, treatment, storage, disposal or transportation; (c) exposure to hazardous or toxic substances; (d) the safety or health of employees; or (e) the transportation, processing, distribution in commerce, use or storage of hydrocarbons or chemical substances. An Environmental Claim includes, but is not limited to, a common law action, as well as a proceeding to issue, modify or terminate an Environmental Permit.
“Environmental Law” means any law, rule, regulation or order of other requirements of law (including common law) any federal, foreign, state or local executive, legislative, judicial, regulatory or administrative agency, board or authority with jurisdiction over the Company or any of the Subsidiaries or any of their respective properties or assets that relates to (a) pollution or protection of human health, natural resources and the environment, including ambient air, surface water, ground water or land; (b) solid, gaseous or liquid waste generation, treatment, storage, disposal or transportation; (c) exposure to Hazardous Materials; (d) the safety or health of employees; or (e) regulation of the manufacture, processing, distribution in commerce, use or storage of Hazardous Materials, including hydrocarbons or chemical substances. Environmental Laws include but are not limited to OSHA, CERCLA, the Clean Air Act, as amended, the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, as amended, the Rivers and Harbors Act of 1899, as amended, the Safe Drinking Water Act, as amended, the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986 (“SARA”), as amended, the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976 (“RCRA”), as amended, the Hazardous and Solid Waste Amendments Act of 1984, as amended, the Toxic Substances Control Act, as amended, the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 (“OPA”), as amended, the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act, as amended, and any other federal, foreign, state and local law whose purpose is to conserve or protect human health, the environment, wildlife or natural resources.
“Environmental Permit” means any permit, license, approval or other authorization under any Environmental Law, applicable law, regulation and other requirement of the United States or any foreign country or of any state, municipality or other subdivision thereof relating to pollution or protection of health or the environment, including laws, regulations or other requirements
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relating to emissions, discharges, releases or threatened releases of pollutants, contaminants or hazardous substances or toxic materials or wastes into ambient air, surface water, ground water or land, or otherwise relating to the manufacture, processing, distribution, use, treatment, storage, disposal, transportation or handling of hydrocarbons or chemical subsidiaries, pollutants, contaminants or hazardous or toxic materials or wastes.
“EBITDA” shall mean, for any period, as certified by Atlantic Holdings’ independent auditors and Chief Financial Officer, the Consolidated Net Income for such period plus the following to the extent deducted in calculating such Consolidated Net Income: (i) Consolidated Interest Expense, (ii) provision for all taxes based on income, profits or capital and (iii) depreciation and amortization (including but not limited to amortization of goodwill and intangibles). For purposes of determining EBITDA, allocations of expenses shall be made on a basis consistent with past practice.
For purposes of the foregoing:
“Consolidated Net Income” means, for any period, the net income (loss) of Atlantic Holdings and its Subsidiaries, determined on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP;provided that there shall not be included in such Consolidated Net Income:
(i) any net income (loss) of any Person acquired by Atlantic Holdings or a Subsidiary in a transaction accounted for in a manner similar to a pooling of interests for any period prior to the date of such acquisition,
(ii) any gain or loss realized upon the sale or other disposition of any asset of Atlantic Holdings or any Subsidiary (including pursuant to any sale/leaseback transaction) that is not sold or otherwise disposed of in the ordinary course of business;
(iii) any item classified as an extraordinary, unusual or nonrecurring gain, loss or charge;
(iv) the cumulative effect of a change in accounting principles;
(v) any unrealized gains or losses in respect of any foreign exchange contract, currency swap agreement or other similar agreement or arrangement (including derivative agreements or arrangements);
(vi) any unrealized foreign currency translation gains or losses in respect of indebtedness denominated in a currency other than the functional currency of such debtor.
“Consolidated Interest Expense” means, for any period, the total interest expense of Atlantic Holdings and its Subsidiaries to the extent deducted in calculating Consolidated Net Income, net of any interest income of Atlantic Holdings and its Subsidiaries, including but not limited to any such interest expense consisting of (a) interest expense attributable to an obligation that is required to be classified and accounted for as a capitalized lease for financial
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reporting purposes in accordance with GAAP, (b) amortization of debt discount, (c) the interest portion of any deferred payment obligation, and (d) commissions, discounts and other fees and charges owed with respect to letters of credit and bankers’ acceptance financing, as determined on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP;provided that gross interest expense shall be determined after giving effect to any net payments made or received by Atlantic Holdings and its Subsidiaries with respect to any interest rate protection agreement, interest rate future agreement, interest rate option agreement, interest rate swap agreement, interest rate cap agreement, interest rate collar agreement, interest rate hedge agreement or other similar agreement or arrangement (including derivative agreements or arrangements), andfurther provided that to avoid double counting, amortization of any item shall not be included in the calculation of Consolidated Interest Expense if it is already to be included in the calculation of EBITDA.
“ERISA” means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended.
“Exchange Offer” has the meaning ascribed to it in Section 10.1.
“Financial Statements” means the Audited Financial Statements and the Interim 2004 Financial Statements.
“GAAP” means U.S. generally accepted accounting principles at the time in effect.
“GBH Registration Rights Agreement” means that certain Stock Purchase Agreement, dated as of September 29, 2000, by and between GB Holdings, Inc. and Cyprus, LLC with respect to 4,625,000 shares of common stock of GB Holdings, Inc., a copy of which is attached hereto asExhibit A.
“Governmental or Regulatory Authority” means any court, tribunal, arbitrator, authority, administrative or other agency, commission, authority, licensing board official or other instrumentality of the United States or any state, county, city or other political subdivision.
“Hazardous Material” means (a) any “hazardous substance,” as defined by CERCLA; (b) any “hazardous waste” or “solid waste,” in either case as defined by the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, as amended; (c) any hazardous, dangerous or toxic chemical, material, waste or substance, regulated by any Environmental Law; (d) any radioactive material, including any naturally occurring radioactive material, and any source, special or byproduct material as defined in 42 U.S.C. 2011 et seq. and any amendments or authorizations thereof; (e) any asbestos-containing materials in any form or condition; (f) any polychlorinated biphenyls in any form or condition; (g) petroleum, petroleum hydrocarbons, or any fraction or byproducts thereof; (h) any air pollutant which is so designated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency as authorized by the Clean Air Act; or (i) any mold or microbial/microbiological contaminants that pose a risk to human health or the environment.
“Indemnified Person” has the meaning ascribed to it in Section 10.1.
“Indemnifying Person” has the meaning ascribed to it in Section 10.2.
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“Instruction Letter” means the letter in the form attached hereto asExhibit C.
“Interim 2004 Financial Statements” means the unaudited internal financial statements of the Company for the nine months ended September 30, 2004, consisting of the balance sheet at such date and the related statements of operations for the period then ended.
“Knowledge” means, with respect to the Seller, the Company and/or the Subsidiaries, in each case the knowledge of any director, officer, senior executive, partner or member of Seller, Company or any Subsidiary.
“Laws” means all laws, statutes, rules, regulations, ordinances and other pronouncements having the effect of law of the United States or any state, county, city or other political subdivision or of any Governmental or Regulatory Authority.
“License” means licenses, permits, certificates of authority, authorizations, approvals, registrations, findings of suitability, variances, exemptions, certificates of occupancy, orders, franchises and similar consents granted or issued by any Governmental or Regulatory Authority.
“Lien” means any mortgage, lien (except for any lien for Taxes not yet due and payable), charge, restriction, pledge, security interest, option, lease or sublease, claim, right of any third party, easement, encroachment, encumbrance or other adverse claim of any kind or description.
“Loss” or “Losses” means any and all liabilities, losses, costs, claims, damages (including consequential damages), penalties and expenses (including attorneys’ fees and expenses and costs of investigation and litigation).
“Material Adverse Effect” or “Material Adverse Change,” as to any Person, means a material adverse change (or circumstance involving a prospective change) in the Business or Condition of such Person.
“Meeting” has the meaning ascribed to it in Section 5.2(b).
“Notes” has the meaning ascribed to it in Section 10.1.
“Order” means any writ, judgment, decree, injunction or similar order of any Governmental or Regulatory Authority (in each such case whether preliminary or final).
“OSHA” means the Occupational Safety and Health Act, as amended, or any successor statute, and any regulations promulgated thereunder.
“Permitted Encumbrances” means, as applicable,
(a) any liens for taxes and assessments not yet delinquent as of the Closing Date;
(b) any obligations or duties affecting any assets or property to any municipality or public authority with respect to any franchise, grant, license or permit, and all applicable laws, rules and orders of Governmental or Regulatory Authority;
(c) encumbrances securing payments to mechanics and material men and encumbrances attributable to any assets or property securing payment of taxes or assessments
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that are, in either case, not yet delinquent or, if delinquent, are being contested in good faith in the normal course of business; and
(e) all encumbrances, restrictions, exceptions, limitations and liens contemplated, created and described in those documents listed on Schedule 3.19(a)(iii), and all documents executed in connection therewith.
“Person” means any natural person, corporation, limited liability company, general partnership, limited partnership, proprietorship, other business organization, trust, union, association or Governmental or Regulatory Authority.
“Plans” shall mean all material pension and profit sharing, retirement and post retirement welfare benefit, health insurance benefit (medical, dental and vision), disability, life and accident insurance, sickness benefit, vacation, employee loan and banking privileges, bonus, incentive, deferred compensation, workers compensation, stock purchase, stock option, phantom stock and other equity-based, severance, employment, change of control or fringe benefit plans, programs, arrangements or agreements, whether written or oral, including any employee benefit plans defined in Section 3(3) of ERISA., maintained or contributed to by the Company or any of the Subsidiaries.
“Proposal” has the meaning ascribed to it in Section 5.2(b).
“Purchase Price” has the meaning ascribed to it in Section 1.2.
“Purchaser” has the meaning ascribed to it in the recitals.
“Purchaser Designee” has the meaning ascribed to it in Section 6.1.
“Registration Rights Agreement” means the Registration Rights Agreement between Purchaser, Seller, and the other parties thereto, in substantially the form attached hereto as Exhibit D.
“Seller” has the meaning ascribed to it in the recitals.
“SEC” has the meaning ascribed to it in Section 3.14.
“Securities” has the meaning ascribed to it in the recitals.
“Statement” has the meaning ascribed to it in Section 5.2(b).
“Subsidiaries” means Atlantic Holdings and Ace.
“Tax Return” means any report, return, document, declaration or other information or filing required to be supplied to any taxing authority or jurisdiction (foreign or domestic) with respect to Taxes, including attachments thereto and amendments thereof, and including, without limitation, information returns, any documents with respect to or accompanying payments of estimated Taxes, or with respect to or accompanying requests for the extension of time in which to file any such report, return, document, declaration or other information.
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“Taxes” means any and all taxes, charges, fees, levies, duties, liabilities, impositions or other assessments, including, without limitation, income, gross receipts, profits, excise, real or personal property, environmental, recapture, sales, use, value-added, withholding, social security, retirement, employment, unemployment, occupation, service, license, net worth, payroll, franchise, gains, stamp, transfer and recording taxes, fees and charges, imposed by the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) or any other taxing authority (whether domestic or foreign including, without limitation, any state, county, local or foreign government or any subdivision or taxing agency thereof (including a United States possession)), whether computed on a separate, consolidated, unitary, combined or any other basis; and such term shall include any interest whether paid or received, fines, penalties or additional amounts attributable to, or imposed upon, or with respect to, any such taxes, charges, fees, levies, duties, liabilities, impositions or other assessments.
“Third Party Claim” has the meaning ascribed to it in Section 10.3.
“Two Times Prime” means two times the prime rate published by Citibank, N.A.
“Warrant Agreement” means that certain Warrant Agreement, dated as of July 22, 2004, between Atlantic Coast Entertainment Holdings, Inc. and American Stock Transfer and Trust Company.
ARTICLE XII
MISCELLANEOUS
12.1Investigation. It shall be no defense to an action for breach of this Agreement that Purchaser or its agents have (or have not) made investigations into the affairs of the Company or that the Company or Seller could not have known of the misrepresentation or breach of warranty.
12.2Survival of Representations and Warranties. The representations and warranties of the parties hereunder shall survive the Closing.
12.3Entire Agreement. This Agreement, including the schedules and exhibits hereto, which are incorporated herein and made an integrated part hereof, constitutes the entire agreement between the parties hereto and supersedes any and all prior discussions and agreements between the parties relating to the subject matter hereof.
12.4Waiver. Any term or condition of this Agreement may be waived at any time by the party that is entitled to the benefit thereof, but no such waiver shall be effective unless set forth in a written instrument duly executed by or on behalf of the party waiving such term or condition. No waiver by any party of any term or condition of this Agreement, in any one or more instances, shall be deemed to be or construed as a waiver of the same or any other term or condition of this Agreement on any future occasion. All remedies, either under this Agreement or by Law or otherwise afforded, will be cumulative and not alternative.
12.5Amendment. This Agreement may be amended, supplemented or modified only by a written instrument duly executed by or on behalf of each party hereto.
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12.6No Third Party Beneficiary. The terms and provisions of this Agreement are intended solely for the benefit of each party hereto and their respective successors or permitted assigns, and it is not the intention of the parties to confer third party beneficiary rights upon any other Person, except that each Indemnified Persons shall be a third party beneficiary of Article X.
12.7Assignment; Binding Effect. No party may assign this Agreement or any right, interest or obligation hereunder without the prior written consent of the other Parties. This Agreement is binding upon, inures to the benefit of and is enforceable by the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns.
12.8Headings. The headings used in this Agreement have been inserted for convenience of reference only and do not define or limit the provisions hereof.
12.9Invalid Provisions. If any provision of this Agreement is held to be illegal, invalid or unenforceable under any present or future Law, and if the rights or obligations of any party hereto under this Agreement will not be materially and adversely affected thereby, (a) such provision will be fully severable, (b) this Agreement will be construed and enforced as if such illegal, invalid or unenforceable provision had never comprised a part hereof, and (c) the remaining provisions of this Agreement will remain in full force and effect and will not be affected by the illegal, invalid or unenforceable provision or by its severance here from.
12.10Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York without giving effect to the conflicts of laws principles thereof.
12.11Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which will be deemed an original, but all of which together will constitute one and the same instrument.
12.12Waiver of Jury Trial. EACH PARTY HERETO HEREBY WAIVES TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY ACTION, PROCEEDING OR COUNTERCLAIM BROUGHT BY ANY OF THEM AGAINST ANY OTHER ARISING OUT OF OR IN ANY WAY CONNECTED WITH THIS AGREEMENT, OR ANY OTHER AGREEMENTS EXECUTED IN CONNECTION HEREWITH OR THE ADMINISTRATION THEREOF OR ANY OF THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREIN OR THEREIN. No party to this Agreement shall seek a jury trial in any lawsuit, proceeding, counterclaim, or any other litigation procedure based upon, or arising out of, this Agreement or any related instruments or the relationship between the parties. No party will seek to consolidate any such action in which a jury trial has been waived with any other action in which a jury trial cannot be or has not been waived. THE PROVISIONS OF THIS SECTION HAVE BEEN FULLY DISCUSSED BY THE PARTIES HERETO, AND THESE PROVISIONS SHALL BE SUBJECT TO NO EXCEPTIONS. NO PARTY HAS IN ANY WAY AGREED WITH OR REPRESENTED TO ANY OTHER PARTY THAT THE PROVISIONS OF THIS SECTION WILL NOT BE FULLY ENFORCED IN ALL INSTANCES.
12.13Consent to Jurisdiction. Each party irrevocably submits to the exclusive jurisdiction of any NY State Court in the County of New York or any courts of the United States of America located in the Southern District of New York, and each party hereby agrees that all
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suits, actions and proceedings brought by such party hereunder shall be brought in any such court. Each party irrevocably waives, to the fullest extent permitted by law, any objection which it may now or hereafter have to the laying of the venue of any such suit, action or proceeding brought in any such court, any claim that any such suit, action or proceeding brought in such a court has been brought in an inconvenient forum and the right to object, with respect to any such suit, action or proceeding brought in any such court, that such court does not have jurisdiction over such party or the other party. In any such suit, action or proceeding, each party waives, to the fullest extent it may effectively do so, personal service of any summons, complaint or other process and agrees that the service thereof may be made by any means permitted by Section 0 (other than facsimile transmission). Each party agrees that a final non-appealable judgment in any such suit, action or proceeding brought in such a court shall be conclusive and binding.
12.14Expenses. All expenses, costs and fees in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby (including fees and disbursements of counsel, consultants and accountants) incurred by (a) Seller shall be paid and borne exclusively by Seller, and (b) Purchaser shall be paid and borne exclusively by Purchaser. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if this Agreement is terminated prior to the Closing and such termination results from any breach by Seller or Purchaser, as the case may be, of any representation, warranty or covenant by such party, then such breaching party shall reimburse the non-breaching party for all such expenses, fees and cash, including for all expenses, fees and cash incurred in connection with obtaining high yield or other financing.
12.15Notices. All notices, request, demands and other communications hereunder shall be in writing and shall be delivered personally, by certified or registered mail, return receipt requested, and postage prepaid, by courier, or by facsimile transmission, addressed as follows:
If to Seller:
c/o Icahn Associates Corp.
767 Fifth Avenue, Suite 4700
New York, NY 10153
If to Purchaser:
American Real Estate Partners, L.P.
100 South Bedford Rd.
Mt. Kisco, NY 10549
With a copy to:
Debevoise & Plimpton LLP
919 Third Avenue
New York, NY 10022
Attention: William D. Regner
or to such other address as a party may from time to time designate in writing in accordance with this Section. Each notice or other communication given to any party hereto in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement shall be deemed to have been received (a) on the Business Day
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it is sent, if sent by personal delivery, (b) the earlier of receipt of three Business Days after having been sent by certified or registered mail, return receipt requested and postage prepaid, (c) on the Business Day it is sent, if sent by facsimile transmission and an activity report showing the correct facsimile number of the party on whom notice is served and the correct number of pages transmitted is obtained by the sender (provided, however, that such notice or other communication is also sent by some other means permitted by this Section 12.15, or (d) on the first Business Day after sending, if sent by courier or overnight delivery.
12.16Further Assurances. Each of the parties hereto covenants and agrees that, from time to time subsequent to Closing, it will, at the request of the other party, execute and deliver (or, in the case of Purchaser, cause AREH or Purchaser Designee to execute and deliver) all such documents, including, without limitation, all such additional conveyances, transfers, consents and other assurances and do all such other acts and things as such other party may from time to time request be executed or done in order to better evidence, perfect or effect any provision of this Agreement, or of any agreement or other document executed pursuant to this Agreement, or any of the respective obligations intended to be created hereby or thereby.
[Signature Page Follows]
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by the duly authorized officer of each party hereto as of the date first above written.
Cyprus, LLC | ||||
By: Barberry Corp., member | ||||
By: | /s/ Edward E. Mattner | |||
Name: Edward E. Mattner | ||||
Title: Authorized Signatory | ||||
American Real Estate Partners, L.P. | ||||
By: American Property Investors, Inc., its general partner | ||||
By | /s/ Keith A. Meister | |||
Name: Keith A. Meister | ||||
Title: President and Chief Executive Officer | ||||
Acknowledged and Agreed to (Solely for purposes of Article VI): | ||||
AREP Sands Holding LLC | ||||
By: American Real Estate Holdings Limited Partnership, its sole member | ||||
By: American Property Investors, Inc., its general partner | ||||
By: | /s/ Keith A. Meister | |||
Name: Keith A. Meister | ||||
Title: President and Chief Executive Officer |
[Signature Page to the Purchase Agreement between Cyprus and AREP with respect to Sands Securities.]
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For Purposes of Section 5.2(b) only: | ||||
BARBERRY CORP. | ||||
By: | /s/ Edward E. Mattner | |||
Name: Edward E. Mattner | ||||
Title: Authorized Signatory | ||||
HIGH COAST LIMITED PARTNERSHIP By: Little Meadow Corp., its general partner | ||||
By: | /s/ Edward E. Mattner | |||
Name: Edward E. Mattner | ||||
Title: Authorized Signatory |
[Signature Page to the Purchase Agreement between Cyprus and AREP with respect to Sands Securities.]
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GUARANTY: The undersigned hereby guarantees the payment and performance by Cyprus LLC of all of its duties and obligations under this Agreement when due.
Barberry Corp. | ||||
By: | /s/ Edward E. Mattner | |||
Name: | Edward E. Mattner | |||
Title: | Authorized Signatory |
[Signature Page to the Purchase Agreement between Cyprus and AREP with respect to Sands Securities.]
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Annex A
Issuer | Amount and Title of Security | ||||
GB Holdings, Inc. | 4,121,033 shares of common stock, par value $.01 per share (CUSIP 36150A109) | ||||
Atlantic Coast Entertainment Holdings, Inc. | 4,121,033 Warrants exp. July 22, 2011 (CUSIP 048416119) to purchase 1,133,284 shares of Atlantic Holdings common stock | ||||
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Schedule 3.2
(Options, Warrants, Convertible Securities of Company or Subsidiaries)
1. 10,000,000 Atlantic Holdings Warrants exp. July 2011 have been issued pro rata to holders of the common stock of the Company entitling such holders to purchase 2,750,000 shares of Atlantic Holdings common stock, in the aggregate.
2. 4,367,068 shares of Atlantic Holdings common stock have been reserved for issuance upon the conversion of $66,258,970 principal amount of Atlantic Holdings’ 3% Notes due 2008.
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Exhibit A
[GBH Registration Rights Agreement]
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Exhibit B
[Atlantic Registration Rights Agreement]
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Exhibit C
(Form of Instruction Letter)
American Real Estate Holdings, Limited Partnership
American Real Estate Partners, L.P.
100 South Bedford Road
Mt. Kisco, New York 10549
[Date]
Cyprus, LLC
c/o Icahn Associates Corp.
767 Fifth Avenue
47th Floor
New York, New York 10153
Gentlemen:
American Real Estate Partners, L.P. (“AREP”) and American Real Estate Holdings, Limited Partnership (“AREH”) hereby instruct you to deliver the Securities subject of that certain Purchase Agreement, dated as of January 21, 2005, directly to AREP Sands Holding LLC, which entity is a limited liability company wholly owned and controlled by AREH and designates AREP Sands Holding LLC as their designee under Article VI of the Purchase Agreement.
American Real Estate Partners, L.P. | ||||||
By: | American Property Investors, Inc., its general partner | |||||
By: | ||||||
Name: Title: | ||||||
American Real Estate Holdings Limited Partnership | ||||||
By: | American Property Investors, Inc., its general partner | |||||
By: | ||||||
Name: Title: |
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Exhibit D
[Form Of Registration Rights Agreement]
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