UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
----------------------
SCHEDULE 13D
Under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
(Amendment and Restatement No. 1)
ALLIANCE ENTERTAINMENT CORP.
----------------------------------------
(Name of Issuer)
Common Stock, Par Value $.0001 Per Share
----------------------------------------
(Title of Class of Securities)
018593 10 3
----------------------------------------
(CUSIP Number)
Wasserstein Perella Group, Inc.
31 West 52nd Street, 27th Floor
New York, New York 10019-6163
Attention: W. Townsend Ziebold, Jr.
Telephone: (212) 969-2700
Copy to:
Peter Lyons, Esq.
Shearman & Sterling
599 Lexington Avenue
New York, New York 10022-6069
Telephone: (212) 848-4000
----------------------------------------
(Name, Address and Telephone Number of Persons
Authorized to Receive Notices and Communications)
December 20, 1996
----------------------------------------
(Date of Event which Requires Filing of this Statement)
If the filing person has previously filed a Statement on Schedule 13G to report
the acquisition which is the subject of this Schedule 13D, and is filing this
schedule because of Rule 13d-1(b)(3) or (4), check the following box |_|.
Check the following box if a fee is being paid with this Statement |_|.
(Page 1 of 26 Pages)
<PAGE>
- ------------------------------- ------------------------------------
CUSIP No. 018593 10 3 Page 2 of 26 Pages
- ------------------------------- ------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 NAME OF REPORTING PERSON
Cypress Ventures, Inc.
S.S. OR I.R.S. IDENTIFICATION NO. OF ABOVE PERSON 13-3902912
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2 CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP
(a) |_|
(b) |X|
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3 SEC USE ONLY
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4 SOURCE OF FUNDS
WC
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
5 CHECK BOX IF DISCLOSURE OF LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
IS REQUIRED PURSUANT TO ITEMS 2(d) OR 2(e)
|_|
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
6 CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION
Delaware, U.S.A.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NUMBER OF 7 SOLE VOTING POWER
SHARES 9,504,766*
--------------------------------------------------------------
BENEFICIALLY 8 SHARED VOTING POWER
OWNED BY 0
--------------------------------------------------------------
EACH 9 SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER
REPORTING 9,504,766*
--------------------------------------------------------------
PERSON WITH 10 SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER
0
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
11 AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON
9,504,766*
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
12 CHECK BOX IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES CERTAIN SHARES
|X|
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
13 PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (11)
18.50%*
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
14 TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON
HC, CO
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* Includes 2,904,766 shares of Common Stock transferred on August 30,
1996 by Wasserstein & Co., Inc. to Cypress Ventures, Inc. Also includes
shares of Common Stock to be received by Cypress Ventures, Inc., a
wholly owned subsidiary of Wasserstein & Co., Inc., upon conversion of
Series B Convertible Preferred Stock and Exchangeable Notes held by
Cypress Ventures, Inc. into Common Stock of the Company (see Item 5
below). Such securities may be converted into Common Stock at any time
following approval of the holders of Common Stock of the Company.
Pursuant to voting arrangements, holders of a majority of the
outstanding shares of Common Stock of the Company have agreed to vote
in favor of such conversion (see Item 6 below).
<PAGE>
- ------------------------------- ------------------------------------
CUSIP No. 018593 10 3 Page 3 of 26 Pages
- ------------------------------- ------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 NAME OF REPORTING PERSON
Wasserstein & Co., Inc.
S.S. OR I.R.S. IDENTIFICATION NO. OF ABOVE PERSON 13-3903212
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2 CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP
(a) |_|
(b) |X|
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3 SEC USE ONLY
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4 SOURCE OF FUNDS
WC
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
5 CHECK BOX IF DISCLOSURE OF LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
IS REQUIRED PURSUANT TO ITEMS 2(d) OR 2(e)
|_|
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
6 CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION
Delaware, U.S.A.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NUMBER OF 7 SOLE VOTING POWER
SHARES 0*
--------------------------------------------------------------
BENEFICIALLY 8 SHARED VOTING POWER
OWNED BY 0
--------------------------------------------------------------
EACH 9 SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER
REPORTING 0*
--------------------------------------------------------------
PERSON WITH 10 SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER
0
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
11 AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON
0*
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
12 CHECK BOX IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES CERTAIN SHARES
|X|
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
13 PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (11)
0%*
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
14 TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON
HC, CO
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* On August 30, 1996, Wasserstein & Co., Inc. transferred all of its
shares of Common Stock in the Company to a wholly owned subsidiary,
Cypress Ventures, Inc. Wasserstein & Co., Inc. may be deemed the
indirect beneficial owner of the shares of Common Stock owned for
itself by Cypress Ventures, Inc.
<PAGE>
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CUSIP No. 018593 10 3 Page 4 of 26 Pages
- ------------------------------- ------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 NAME OF REPORTING PERSON
Wasserstein Perella Group, Inc.
S.S. OR I.R.S. IDENTIFICATION NO. OF ABOVE PERSON 13-3447267
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2 CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP
(a) |_|
(b) |X|
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3 SEC USE ONLY
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4 SOURCE OF FUNDS
OO, WC
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
5 CHECK BOX IF DISCLOSURE OF LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
IS REQUIRED PURSUANT TO ITEMS 2(d) OR 2(e)
|_|
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
6 CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION
Delaware, U.S.A.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NUMBER OF 7 SOLE VOTING POWER
SHARES 0*
--------------------------------------------------------------
BENEFICIALLY 8 SHARED VOTING POWER
OWNED BY 0
--------------------------------------------------------------
EACH 9 SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER
REPORTING *
--------------------------------------------------------------
PERSON WITH 10 SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER
0
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
11 AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON
0*
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
12 CHECK BOX IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES CERTAIN SHARES
|X|
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
13 PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (11)
0*
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
14 TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON
HC
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* Wasserstein & Co., Inc. and Cypress Ventures, Inc are wholly owned
subsidiaries of Wasserstein Perella Group, Inc. and Wasserstein & Co.,
Inc., respectively. Wasserstein & Co., Inc. has a 99% membership
interest in WP Management Partners, L.L.C., the sole general partner of
U.S. Equity Partners, L.P. and U.S. Equity Partners (Offshore), L.P.,
the remaining 1% membership interest being owned by Cypress Ventures,
Inc. As a result, Wasserstein Perella Group, Inc., may be deemed the
indirect beneficial owner of the shares of Common Stock owned for
itself by Wasserstein & Co., Inc. and held by WP Management Partners,
L.L.C. on behalf of U.S. Equity Partners, L.P. and U.S. Equity Partners
(Offshore), L.P., of which it is the sole general partner. Wasserstein
Perella Group, Inc. may be deemed the indirect beneficial owner of the
shares of Common Stock owned for itself by Cypress Ventures, Inc.
<PAGE>
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CUSIP No. 018593 10 3 Page 5 of 26 Pages
- ------------------------------- ------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 NAME OF REPORTING PERSON
WP Management Partners, L.L.C.
S.S. OR I.R.S. IDENTIFICATION NO. OF ABOVE PERSON 13-3891498
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2 CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP
(a) |_|
(b) |X|
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3 SEC USE ONLY
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4 SOURCE OF FUNDS
OO, WC
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
5 CHECK BOX IF DISCLOSURE OF LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
IS REQUIRED PURSUANT TO ITEMS 2(d) OR 2(e)
|_|
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
6 CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION
Delaware, U.S.A.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NUMBER OF 7 SOLE VOTING POWER
SHARES 4,903,162*
--------------------------------------------------------------
BENEFICIALLY 8 SHARED VOTING POWER
OWNED BY 0
--------------------------------------------------------------
EACH 9 SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER
REPORTING 4,903,162*
--------------------------------------------------------------
PERSON WITH 10 SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER
0
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
11 AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON
4,903,162*
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
12 CHECK BOX IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES CERTAIN SHARES
|X|
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
13 PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (11)
9.55%*
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
14 TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON
CO
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* WP Management Partners, L.L.C. is holding its shares of Common Stock of
the Company on behalf of U.S. Equity Partners, L.P. and U.S. Equity
Partners (Offshore), L.P., of which it is the sole general partner. The
calculation of percentage ownership includes 6,600,000 shares of Common
Stock of the Company that would be received by Cypress Ventures, Inc.
upon conversion of all shares of Series B Convertible Preferred Stock
and all Exchangeable Notes held by it (see item 5 below).
<PAGE>
- ------------------------------------- -------------------------------------
CUSIP No. 018593 10 3 Page 6 of 26 Pages
- ------------------------------------- -------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 NAME OF REPORTING PERSON
U.S. Equity Partners, L.P.
S.S. OR I.R.S. IDENTIFICATION NO. OF ABOVE PERSON 13-3891500
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2 CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP* (a) |_|
(b) |X|
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3 SEC USE ONLY
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4 SOURCE OF FUNDS
OO, WC
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
5 CHECK BOX IF DISCLOSURE OF LEGAL PROCEEDINGS IS REQUIRED PURSUANT TO
ITEMS 2(d) OR 2(e) |_|
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
6 CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION
Delaware, U.S.A.
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NUMBER OF 7 SOLE VOTING POWER
0*
SHARES --------------------------------------------------------
8 SHARED VOTING POWER
BENEFICIALLY 0
--------------------------------------------------------
OWNED BY 9 SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWE
EACH 0*
--------------------------------------------------------
REPORTING 10 SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER
PERSON WITH 0
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
11 AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON
0*
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
12 CHECK BOX IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES CERTAIN SHARES
|X|
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
13 PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (11)
0*
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
14 TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON
PN
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* WP Management Partners, L.L.C. is holding its shares of Common Stock of
the Company on behalf of U.S. Equity Partners, L.P. and U.S. Equity
Partners (Offshore), L.P., of which it is the sole general partner.
<PAGE>
- ------------------------------------- -------------------------------------
CUSIP No. 018593 10 3 Page 7 of 26 Pages
- ------------------------------------- -------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 NAME OF REPORTING PERSON
U.S. Equity Partners, L.P.
S.S. OR I.R.S. IDENTIFICATION NO. OF ABOVE PERSON
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2 CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP* (a) |_|
(b) |X|
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3 SEC USE ONLY
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4 SOURCE OF FUNDS
OO, WC
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
5 CHECK BOX IF DISCLOSURE OF LEGAL PROCEEDINGS IS REQUIRED PURSUANT TO
ITEMS 2(d) OR 2(e) |_|
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
6 CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION
Delaware, U.S.A.
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NUMBER OF 7 SOLE VOTING POWER
0*
SHARES --------------------------------------------------------
8 SHARED VOTING POWER
BENEFICIALLY 0
--------------------------------------------------------
OWNED BY 9 SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWE
EACH 0*
--------------------------------------------------------
REPORTING 10 SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER
PERSON WITH 0
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
11 AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON
0*
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
12 CHECK BOX IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES CERTAIN SHARES
|X|
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
13 PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (11)
0*
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
14 TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON
PN
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* WP Management Partners, L.L.C. is holding its shares of Common Stock of
the Company on behalf of U.S. Equity Partners, L.P. and U.S. Equity
Partners (Offshore), L.P., of which it is the sole general partner.
<PAGE>
This Amendment and Restatement No. 1 amends and restates in its
entirety the Statement on Schedule 13D filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission (the "Commission") on August 28, 1996 (the "Schedule 13D") by (i)
Wasserstein Perella Group, Inc., a Delaware corporation ("WPG"), (ii) Mr. Alvin
N. Teller ("Mr. Teller"), (iii) Wasserstein & Co., Inc., a Delaware corporation
("WCI"), (iv) WP Management Partners, L.L.C., a Delaware limited liability
company ("WPMP"), acting on behalf of U.S. Equity Partners, L.P., a Delaware
limited partnership ("USEP Delaware"), and U.S. Equity Partners (Offshore),
L.P., a Cayman Islands limited partnership ("USEP Offshore"), (v) USEP Delaware
and (vi) USEP Offshore, as amended by Amendment No. 1 filed with the Commission
on September 4, 1996. For a description of the relationship among the parties to
the Schedule 13D, see Item 2 below.
Item 1. Security and Issuer.
This Statement relates to (i) shares of common stock, par value
$0.0001 per share (the "Common Stock"), (ii) shares of Series B Convertible
Preferred Stock, par value $0.01 per share (the "Series B Preferred Stock") and
(iii) notes exchangeable into shares of Series B Preferred Stock (the
"Exchangeable Notes"), of Alliance Entertainment Corp. (the "Company"). The
Company is a corporation organized under the laws of the state of Delaware, and
has its principal executive offices located at 110 East 59th Street, New York,
New York 10022. The Common Stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under
the ticker CDS.
The shares of Common Stock to which this statement relates were
transferred on August 27, 1996 pursuant to the terms of the Stock Acquisition
and Merger Agreement, dated as of August 15, 1996 and previously filed as
Exhibit 1 hereto (the "Merger Agreement"), among WCI, Mr. Teller, Red Ant Box
Inc., a Delaware corporation wholly owned by Mr. Teller ("Red Ant Box"), USEP
Delaware, USEP Offshore (USEP Delaware and USEP Offshore are together referred
to as "USEP"), the Company and Alliance Acquisition Co., Inc., a Delaware
corporation ("Acquisition Sub"). As a result of the transactions consummated
pursuant to the Merger Agreement, WCI held 2,220,266 shares of Common Stock, Mr.
Teller held 760,823 shares of Common Stock and WPMP, the general partner of each
of USEP Delaware and USEP Offshore, held 3,737,662 shares of Common Stock on
behalf of USEP. WPMP received shares of Common Stock on behalf of USEP per the
terms of an instruction letter addressed to the Company and Messrs. Joseph J.
Bianco ("Mr. Bianco") and Anil K. Narang ("Mr. Narang") previously filed as
Exhibit 7 hereto.
In addition, on August 27, 1996, WCI and USEP, pursuant to Stock
Purchase Agreements, dated as of August 15, 1996, with each of Messrs. Bianco
and Narang, respectively the CEO and the President of the Company (the "Stock
Purchase Agreements"), purchased from Mr. Bianco 499,500 and 850,500 shares of
Common Stock, respectively, and from Mr. Narang of 185,000 and 315,000 shares of
Common Stock, respectively (see Item 6 below). WPMP holds shares of Common Stock
on behalf of USEP per the terms of an
8
<PAGE>
instruction letter addressed to the Company and Messrs. Bianco and Narang
previously filed as Exhibit 7 hereto. The Stock Purchase Agreements were
previously filed as Exhibits 2 and 3 hereto. On August 30, 1996 WCI transferred
all of the shares of Common Stock owned by it to Cypress Ventures, Inc., a
Delaware corporation and a wholly owned subsidiary of WCI ("CVI").
In connection with the Merger Agreement and the Stock Purchase
Agreements, Messrs. Bianco, Teller, John Friedman, Peter Kaufmann, Elliot B.
Newman and Robert O. Marx, Bain Capital, Inc. ("BCI"), BT Capital Partners,
Inc., a Delaware corporation ("BTCP"), USEP and WCI entered into a Voting
Agreement, dated as of August 15, 1996 (the "Voting Agreement"), previously
filed as Exhibit 4 hereto, in their capacity as stockholders of the Company (see
Item 6 below). On December 20, 1996, the parties to the Voting Agreement
terminated the Voting Agreement and entered into a new Voting Agreement, dated
as of December 20, 1996, and filed as Exhibit 10 hereto (the "New Voting
Agreement") (see Item 6 below).
Pursuant to the terms of a Purchase Agreement, dated as of
December 20, 1996, and filed as Exhibit 9 hereto (the "Purchase Agreement"),
among the Company, WCI, CVI and BTCP, the Company issued (i) 57,500 shares (the
"Series B Shares") of Series B Preferred Stock to CVI for an aggregate price of
$5,000,000, (ii) $2,500,000 in principal amount (the "CVI Exchangeable Notes")
of Exchangeable Notes to CVI at a price of 100% of the principal amount thereof,
and (iii) $7,500,000 in principal amount of Exchangeable Notes to BTCP (see Item
6 below).
Item 2. Identity and Background.
(a) This Statement is being filed by (i) Wasserstein Perella
Group, Inc., a Delaware corporation ("WPG"), (ii) WCI, (iii) WPMP, acting on
behalf of USEP, (iv) USEP Delaware, (v) USEP Offshore and (vi) CVI. Mr. Teller,
WCI, WPMP and CVI are referred to collectively as the "Holders". WPG, WCI, USEP,
WPMP and CVI are referred to collectively as the "Reporting Persons". WPG is the
sole stockholder of WCI which, in turn, has a 99% membership interest in WPMP;
WCI is the sole stockholder of CVI; CVI has a 1% membership interest in WPMP.
WPMP is the sole general partner of USEP Delaware and USEP Offshore.
(b) USEP Offshore has its principal office located at c/o
Caledonia Bank & Trust Limited, P.O. Box 1043, Georgetown, Grand Cayman, Cayman
Islands, B.V.I. The address of the principal business and office of the other
Reporting Persons is 31 West 52nd Street, 27th Floor, New York, New York
10019-6163.
9
<PAGE>
Schedule I hereto, which is incorporated herein by reference,
sets forth the name, business address, present principal occupation or
employment (and the name, principal business and address of any corporation or
other organization in which such employment is conducted) and the citizenship of
the directors, executive officers and general partners of WPG, WCI, WPMP, CVI,
USEP Delaware and USEP Offshore.
(c) The principal business of WPG is to engage, through its
subsidiaries, in merchant banking, investment banking and securities brokerage
activities. The principal business of WPMP is to act as general partner of
certain partnerships affiliated with WPG. The principal business of CVI is to
engage in merchant banking and venture capital activities. The principal
business of WCI and USEP is to engage in merchant banking activities.
(d)-(e) None of the Reporting Persons and, to their knowledge,
none of the persons identified in Schedule I hereto has, during the last five
years, been convicted in a criminal proceeding (excluding traffic violations or
similar misdemeanors) or been a party to a civil proceeding of a judicial or
administrative body of competent jurisdiction and as a result of such proceeding
was or is subject to a judgment, decree or final order enjoining future
violations of, or prohibiting or mandating activities subject to, federal or
state securities laws or finding any violation with respect to such laws.
Item 3. Source and Amount of Funds or Other Consideration.
Prior to August 27, 1996 (the "Merger Closing Date"), Red Ant
Holdings, Inc., a Delaware corporation ("Red Ant Holdings") and Red Ant Box held
respectively a 60% membership interest and a 40% membership interest in Red Ant,
L.L.C., a Delaware limited liability company ("Red Ant"). Pursuant to the terms
of the Merger Agreement, the shares of Red Ant Holdings and Red Ant Box were
exchanged for shares of Common Stock. Under the Merger Agreement, on the Merger
Closing Date, WCI and WPMP (acting on behalf of USEP) contributed $12,000,000 to
Red Ant. WCI and USEP have agreed to contribute $5,000,000 to Red Ant within six
months following the Merger Closing Date (see Item 6 below). On the Merger
Closing Date, WCI and WPMP (acting on behalf of USEP) also paid an aggregate of
$11,100,000 in cash to Messrs. Bianco and Narang in connection with the stock
purchases contemplated by the Stock Purchase Agreements.
The source of funds of WCI, for its contributions to Red Ant
Holdings and purchases of shares of Common Stock from Messrs. Bianco and Narang,
was its working
10
<PAGE>
capital. The source of funds of USEP, for its contributions to Red Ant Holdings
and purchases of shares of Common Stock from Messrs. Bianco and Narang, was a
pool of capital raised for transactions of this type.
Pursuant to the terms of the Purchase Agreement, CVI paid to the
Company $5,000,000 for the Series B Shares and $2,500,000 for the CVI
Exchangeable Notes. The source of funds for these purchases was CVI's working
capital.
Item 4. Purpose of the Transaction.
The principal purposes of the transactions described under Item 3
above were (i) the acquisition of an equity stake in the Company, (ii)
participation in the management of the Company and (iii) the combination of the
Company's business with the business of Red Ant. Pursuant to the Purchase
Agreement, WCI will have the right to designate four Directors and BTCP will
have the right to designate two Directors upon the resignation of six Directors
from the Board of Directors of the Company. Pursuant to the Merger Agreement,
WCI has previously designated two Directors. Upon designation of the four
Directors by WCI as contemplated by the Purchase Agreement, six of the thirteen
Directors of the Company will be WCI designees. In the event BTCP does not
participate with WCI in a standby purchase commitment in connection with the
Rights Offering, one of the BTCP designated Directors will resign and WCI will
be entitled to designate another Director, thereby making a majority of the
Directors WCI designees. Pursuant to the Purchase Agreement, WCI is also
entitled to designate a Co-Chairman of the Board of Directors and participate in
the selection of two of the senior executives of the Company. For a more
detailed description of the above arrangements, see Item 6 below.
The Reporting Persons from time to time intend to review their
investment in the Company on the basis of various factors, including the
Company's business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects,
general economic and industry conditions, the securities markets in general and
those for the Company's securities in particular, as well as other developments
and other investment opportunities. Based upon such review, the Reporting
Persons will take such actions in the future as the Reporting Persons may deem
appropriate in light of the circumstances existing from time to time. A
Reporting Person may acquire Common Stock or other securities of the Company
either in the open market or in privately negotiated transactions. Similarly, a
Reporting Person may determine to dispose of some or all of the Company's
securities currently owned by it or otherwise acquired by it either in the open
market (subject to applicable legal restrictions) or in privately negotiated
transactions.
Except as set forth above, the Reporting Persons have not
formulated any plans or proposals that relate to or would result in: (a) the
acquisition by any person of additional securities of the Company or the
disposition of securities of the Company, other than (i) the issuance of
Contingent Shares pursuant to the Merger Agreement (see Item 6 below) or (ii)
transactions involving shares of the Company's Series C Convertible Preferred
Stock, par value $0.01 per share (the "Series C Preferred Stock"), contemplated
by the Purchase Agreement (see Item 6 below), (b) an extraordinary corporate
transaction involving the Company or any of its subsidiaries, (c) a sale or
transfer of a material amount of the assets of the Company or any of its
subsidiaries, (d) any change in the present board of directors or management of
the Company, except as described in Item 6 below, (e) any material change in the
present capitalization or dividend policy of the Company, (f) any other material
change in the Company's business or corporate structure, (g) any change in the
Company's charter or bylaws or other instrument corresponding thereto or other
action which may impede the acquisition of control of the Company by any person,
except as described in Item 6 below, (h) causing a class of securities of the
Company to be deregistered or delisted, (i) a class of equity securities of the
Company becoming eligible for termination of registration or (j) any action
similar to any of those enumerated above.
11
<PAGE>
Item 5. Interest in the Securities of the Issuer.
(a) Immediately after the Merger Closing Date, and as a result of
the Merger Agreement and the Stock Purchase Agreements, WCI, USEP and Mr.Teller
held 2,904,766, 4,903,162 and 760,823 shares of Common Stock, respectively,
representing 5.66%, 9.55% and 1.70% of the total number of issued and
outstanding shares of Common Stock, respectively. On August 30, 1996, WCI
transferred 2,904,766 shares of Common Stock to CVI.
As a result of the Purchase Agreement, CVI holds the Series B
Shares and the CVI Exchangeable Notes. The CVI Exchangeable Notes are
exchangeable for Series B Preferred Stock with an equivalent Liquidation Value
(as defined below), and currently may be exchangeable for 25,000 shares of
Series B Preferred Stock. CVI may therefore be deemed to beneficially own, in
the aggregate, 82,500 shares of Series B Preferred Stock.
Subject to prior approval by the holders of the outstanding
Common Stock, CVI may convert all or part of its shares of Series B Preferred
Stock into such number of fully paid and non-assessable shares of Common Stock
determined by multiplying the number of shares of Series B Preferred Stock to be
converted by a ratio of the Liquidation Value per share of the Series B
Preferred Stock divided by an initial Conversion Price of $1.25 (which
Conversion Price is subject to adjustments in certain circumstances to prevent
dilution). If all shares of Series B Preferred Stock beneficially owned by CVI
were to be converted to shares of Common Stock, CVI would beneficially own
6,600,000 shares of Common Stock, representing 12.85% of the total number of
issued and outstanding shares of Common Stock. CVI may be deemed to beneficially
own 9,504,766 shares of Common Stock, representing 18.50% of the total number of
issued and outstanding shares of Common Stock.
In computing the percentage ownership of Common Stock for the
purposes of this Schedule 13D, the Reporting Persons have relied on the
quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended September 30, 1996
(File No. 1-13054) in which the Company reported that as of November 11, 1996,
there were 44,764,853 shares of Common Stock outstanding. In performing such
calculations with respect to WCI and USEP, an additional 6,600,000 shares of
Common Stock were added to the number of shares of Common Stock outstanding as
reported by the Company to reflect the number of shares of Common Stock that
would be received by CVI upon conversion of the Series B Shares and the CVI
Exchangeable Notes. Randall J. Weisenburger and W. Townsend Ziebold, Jr. each
own options currently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days after the date
hereof to purchase from the Company 10,000 shares of Common Stock at an exercise
price of $5.75. To the best knowledge and belief of the Reporting Persons, no
other person listed on Schedule I hereto beneficially owns any shares of Common
Stock.
As a parent of WCI, WPG may be deemed to be the indirect
beneficial owner of all shares of Common Stock owned by WCI, CVI, USEP Delaware
and USEP Offshore. As the sole general partner of USEP Delaware and USEP
Offshore, WPMP may be deemed the indirect beneficial owner of all shares of
Common Stock owned by USEP Delaware and USEP Offshore.
12
<PAGE>
(b) Each Holder has sole power to dispose of its shares of Common
Stock. With the exception of the restrictions on voting provided in the Voting
Agreement, each holder has sole power to vote its shares of Common Stock.
(c) To the best knowledge of the Reporting Persons, none of the
persons named in Schedule I attached hereto has effected any transactions in
securities of the Company during the past 60 days.
(d) To the best knowledge of the Reporting Persons, no other
person has the right to receive or the power to direct the receipt of dividends
from, or the proceeds from the sale of, any shares of Common Stock beneficially
owned by the Reporting Persons.
(e) Not applicable.
Item 6. Contracts, Arrangements, Understandings or Relationships
with Respect to the Securities of the Issuer.
A. Merger Agreement
Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, on the Merger Closing Date:
(i) Acquisition Sub was merged into Red Ant Box; (ii) the shares of Red Ant Box
held by Mr. Teller were cancelled and converted into 760,823 shares of Common
Stock; and (iii) WCI and USEP received, in aggregate, 5,957,928 newly issued
shares of Common Stock in exchange for their shares of Red Ant Holdings.
Pursuant to the terms of the Merger Agreement, WCI and WPMP (acting on behalf of
USEP) contributed $12,000,000 to Red Ant on the Merger Closing Date and agreed
to contribute $5,000,000 to Red Ant within six months following the Merger
Closing Date. The Merger Agreement contains customary representations and
warranties. It also contains customary conditions to closing, all of which,
including the expiration of all applicable waiting periods under the Hart-Scott
Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976 (the "HSR Act") and that certain
amendments to the By-laws of the Company be adopted, were satisfied or waived on
or prior to the Merger Closing Date.
The Merger Agreement provides for deferred, contingent
payments in shares of Common Stock within a period of four years to WCI, USEP
and Mr. Teller in the event that the price of the Common Stock of the Company
reaches certain thresholds. It also provides that so long as WCI, its affiliates
and Mr. Teller retain ownership of certain numbers of shares of Common Stock,
they will have (i) approval rights in connection with certain transactions
involving the Company and (ii) the right to designate a specified number of
directors of the Company. Pursuant to the terms of the Purchase Agreement
however, the Merger Agreement was amended to delete the right mentioned in the
previous sentence regarding approval by WCI, its affiliates and Mr. Teller of
certain transactions involving the Company.
The Merger Agreement provides for certain amendments to the
By-laws of the Company. These amendments primarily related to the creation of a
Finance Committee
13
<PAGE>
of the Board of Directors of the Company, which must consider or approve certain
matters relating to the bank financing and equity issuances of the Company.
B. Stock Purchase Agreement
Pursuant to the Stock Purchase Agreements: (i) WCI purchased
499,500 shares of Common Stock from Mr. Bianco and 185,000 shares of Common
Stock from Mr. Narang; and (ii) USEP purchased 850,500 shares of Common Stock
from Mr. Bianco and 315,000 shares of Common Stock from Mr. Narang.
Under the terms of the Merger Agreement, the Company granted
WCI, USEP and Mr. Teller the right to have all or part of their shares of Common
Stock registered upon request or incidentally to the registration by the Company
of any of its securities.
C. Voting Agreement
The Voting Agreement provided that the parties thereto would
vote for (a) the approval of the conversion rights of the Series A Convertible
Preferred Stock of the Company, (b) the approval of the Company's issuance of
Common Stock pursuant to any party's exercise of such conversion rights, (c)
transactions contemplated in the Merger Agreement, including the issuance of
contingent shares and (d) the election of Directors designated by BTCP, BCI and
Mr. Bianco. At a special meeting of stockholders of the Company held on October
29, 1996, approval was obtained for items (a), (b) and (c) above.
On December 20, 1996, the Voting Agreement was terminated and
the New Voting Agreement was executed, which provides that the parties thereto
vote in favor of the authorization of (a) the conversion of the Series B Shares
and the Series C Shares into Common Stock and (b) the voting rights of the
Series B Shares and the Series C Shares. The parties to the New Voting Agreement
hold voting power with respect to more than 50% of the outstanding shares of
Common Stock and accordingly can ensure approval of the matters set forth in
clauses (a) and (b) above. The Reporting Persons disclaim expressly that they
have formed a group among themselves. The Reporting Persons also expressly
disclaim that they have formed a group with the other parties to the New Voting
Agreement.
D. Employment Agreement and Stock Option Agreement.
On August 15, 1996, Mr. Teller and the Company entered into a
5-year employment agreement and a stock option agreement. The employment
agreement provides for a base salary, stock options to purchase up to 5,000,000
shares of Common Stock and various other benefits that are customary for this
type of position. Under the stock option agreement, Mr. Teller was granted the
right to purchase up to an additional 5,000,000 of Common Stock. The stock
option agreement was previously filed as Exhibit 5 hereto. Pursuant to the 1996
Restricted Stock Plan, previously filed as Exhibit 8 hereto, Mr. Teller may be
awarded up to 500,000 shares of Common Stock, contingent upon the price of the
Common Stock remaining at or above certain price levels. On December 20, 1996,
the employment agreement was
14
<PAGE>
amended, which amendment is attached as Exhibit 11 hereto, to grant WCI and BTCP
the exclusive right to nominate candidates to be considered for the position of
Executive Vice President - Finance, subject to Mr. Teller's consent, which
consent will not be unreasonably withheld, and Mr. Teller retained the exclusive
power to nominate a candidate to be considered as the executive in charge of
distribution operations or logistics, subject to the consent of WCI and BTCP,
which consent will not be unreasonably withheld.
E. Purchase Agreement
Pursuant to the Purchase Agreement, the Company issued (i) 57,500
shares of Series B Preferred Stock to CVI for an aggregate price of $5,000,000,
(ii) $2,500,000 in Exchangeable Notes to CVI at a price of 100% of the principal
amount thereof, and (iii) $7,500,000 in Exchangeable Notes to BTCP at a price of
100% of the principal amount thereof. In addition, the Purchase Agreement
provides that WCI will act as lead manager of and provide a standby purchase
commitment in connection with a rights offering (the "Rights Offering") to the
holders of Common Stock as of a yet to be determined record date to subscribe
for an aggregate of approximately 3,500,000 shares (the "Series C Shares") of
its Series C Preferred Stock. The liquidation value of the Series C Preferred
Stock is $10 per share and, accordingly, the Rights Offering and standby
purchase commitment are expected to raise approximately $35,000,000. BTCP has
the option to participate in the standby purchase commitment and purchase the
sum of (a) 50% of the Series C Shares not subscribed for in the Rights Offering
and (b) 50% of the aggregate number of share of Series C Preferred Stock
subscribed for by BTCP and WCI.
The purchase of the Series C Shares by WCI is conditioned upon
(i) the Company's Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement being amended in a
manner reasonably satisfactory to WCI, CVI and BTCP, (ii) 1,750,000 shares of
Series C Preferred Stock being purchased, pursuant to the Rights Offering or
otherwise, by persons other than WCI, (iii) there being no material adverse
change in the Company, (iv) the expiration of all applicable waiting periods
under the HSR Act and (v) certain other customary conditions.
The Liquidation Value of the Series B Preferred Stock is $100 per
share, and shares of Series B Preferred Stock may be converted into such number
of fully paid and non-assessable shares of Common Stock determined by
multiplying the number of shares of Series B Preferred Stock to be converted by
a ratio of the Liquidation Value per share of the Series B Preferred Stock
divided by an initial Conversion Price of $1.25 (which Conversion Price is
subject to adjustments in certain circumstances to prevent dilution). Holders of
Series B Preferred Stock are entitled to dividends of 6% per annum payable in
whole shares of Series B Preferred Stock having a Liquidation Value equal in
amount to such dividend. Subject to the approval of the holders of Common Stock
(see Section C above), the holders of Series B Preferred Stock are entitled to
vote on an "as converted basis" as a single class with the holders of Common
Stock. The Company may not, without the prior affirmative vote or written
consent of the holders of a majority of the shares of Series B Preferred Stock
outstanding at such time: (i) increase the number of authorized or issued shares
of Series B Preferred Stock; or (ii) declare any cash dividend, redeem or
purchase any other equity securities of the Company. Shares of Series B
Preferred Stock may be redeemed for their Liquidation Value in cash, pro rata to
the percentage of shares held by each holder
15
<PAGE>
thereof, by the Company at any time after December 20, 2003. The Series B
Preferred Stock is senior to the Series C Preferred Stock and ranks pari passu
with the Series A Convertible Preferred Stock par value $0.01 per share, of the
Company (the "Series A Preferred Stock"). The Certificate of Designation of the
Series B Preferred Stock is attached as Exhibit 13 hereto.
All or a portion of the principal amount of the Exchangeable
Notes may be exchanged for shares of Series B Preferred Stock with an equivalent
Liquidation Value at any time at the option of the Holder thereof. The
Exchangeable Notes accrue interest at the rate of 6% per annum, payable in
Exchangeable Notes, and mature on December 31, 2001. The Exchangeable Notes may
be partially redeemed by the Company (i) to comply with the terms of the
Company's 11 1/4% Senior Subordinated Note Indenture (the "Indenture") or (ii)
with the consent of the note holders (which consent will not be unreasonably
withheld), if the Company believes in good faith that it is necessary to redeem
Exchangeable Notes in order to appropriately increase the availability of
additional borrowings permitted under the Indenture. The form for the
Exchangeable Note is attaced as Exhibit 14 hereto.
The Liquidation Value of the Series C Preferred Stock is $10 per
share, and shares of Series C Preferred Stock may be converted into such number
of fully paid and non-assessable shares of Common Stock determined by
multiplying the number of shares of Series C Preferred Stock to be converted by
a ratio of the Liquidation Value per share of the Series C Preferred Stock
divided by an initial conversion price to be determined prior to the
commencement of the Rights Offering (which Conversion Price is subject to
adjustments in certain circumstances to prevent dilution). Holders of Series C
Preferred Stock are entitled to dividends of 6% per annum payable in whole
shares of Series C Preferred Stock having a Liquidation Value equal in amount to
such dividend. The holders of Series C Preferred Stock are entitled to vote on
an "as converted basis" as a single class with the holders of Common Stock. The
Series C Preferred Stock will also be entitled to a class vote on certain
matters in accordance with New York Stock Exchange guidelines. Shares of Series
C Preferred Stock may be redeemed for their Liquidation Value in cash, pro rata
to the percentage of shares held by each holder thereof, by the Company at any
time after December 20, 2003. The Series C Preferred Stock may also be redeemed
in the event the Common Stock trades on the New York Stock Exchange above
certain thresholds or in the event of extraordinary transactions. The Series C
Preferred Stock ranks junior to the Series B Preferred Stock and the Series A
Preferred Stock. The Certificate of Designation of the Series C Preferred Stock
is attached as Exhibit 15 hereto.
Pursuant to the terms of the Purchase Agreement, six Directors
will resign from the Board of Directors of the Company, and will be replaced by
four Directors designated by WCI and two Directors designated by BTCP. In the
event BTCP does not participate with WCI in the standby purchase commitment, as
described above, one of the BTCP designated Directors will resign and WCI will
be entitled to designate a replacement. In connection with the Purchase
Agreement, the By-laws of the Company were amended to provide that the
Co-Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Company will be Mr. Teller and a
Director designated by WCI. The Revised and Restated By-laws of the Company
effective as of December 20, 1996 are attached as Exhibit 12 hereto.
16
<PAGE>
Item 7. Material to be Filed as Exhibits.
INDEX TO EXHIBITS
Exhibit
No. Description
1 Stock Acquisition and Merger Agreement dated as of August 15, 1996,
among Wasserstein & Co., Inc., Mr. Alvin N. Teller, Red Ant Box Inc.,
U.S. Equity Partners, L.P., U.S. Equity Partners (Offshore), L.P.,
Alliance Entertainment Corp. and Alliance Acquisition Co., Inc.
(previously filed on August 28, 1996 with Statement on Schedule 13D for
Alliance Entertainment Corp.)
2 Stock Purchase Agreement dated as of August 15, 1996, among Wasserstein
& Co., Inc., U.S. Equity Partners, L.P., U.S. Equity Partners
(Offshore), L.P. and Mr. Joseph J. Bianco (previously filed on August
28, 1996 with Statement on Schedule 13D for Alliance Entertainment
Corp.)
3 Stock Purchase Agreement dated as of August 15, 1996, among Wasserstein
& Co., Inc., U.S. Equity Partners, L.P., U.S. Equity Partners
(Offshore), L.P. and Mr. Anil V. Narang (previously filed on August 28,
1996 with Statement on Schedule 13D for Alliance Entertainment Corp.)
4 Voting Agreement dated as of August 15, 1996, among Joseph J. Bianco,
John H. Friedman, Peter Kaufmann, Elliot B. Newman, Robert O. Marx,
Alvin N. Teller, Bain Capital, Inc., BT Capital Partners, Inc., U.S.
Equity Partners, L.P., U.S. Equity Partners (Offshore), L.P. and
Wasserstein & Co., Inc. (previously filed on August 28, 1996 with
Statement on Schedule 13D for Alliance Entertainment Corp.)
5 Stock Option Agreement dated as of August 15, 1996, between Alvin N.
Teller and Alliance Entertainment Corp. (previously filed on August 28,
1996 with Statement on Schedule 13D for Alliance Entertainment Corp.)
6 Joint Filing Agreement among Wasserstein Perella Group, Inc., Alvin N.
Teller, Wasserstein & Co., Inc. and WP Management Partners, L.L.C.,
acting on behalf of U.S. Equity Partners, L.P. and U.S. Equity Partners
(Offshore), L.P. (previously filed on August 28, 1996 with Statement on
Schedule 13D for Alliance Entertainment Corp.)
7 Instruction Letter dated as of August 27, 1996, from WP Management
Partners, L.L.C., U.S. Equity Partners, L.P. and U.S. Equity Partners
(Offshore), L.P. to Alliance Entertainment Corp., Joseph J. Bianco and
Anil K. Narang (previously filed on August 28, 1996 with Statement on
Schedule 13D for Alliance Entertainment Corp.)
17
<PAGE>
8 Alliance Entertainment Corp. - 1996 Restricted Stock Plan - Award to
Alvin N. Teller (previously filed on August 28, 1996 with Statement on
Schedule 13D for Alliance Entertainment Corp.)
9 Purchase Agreement dated as of December 20, 1996, among Alliance
Entertainment Corp., Wasserstein & Co., Inc., Cypress Ventures, Inc.
and BT Capital Partners, Inc.
10 Voting Agreement dated as of December 20, 1996, among Joseph J. Bianco,
Alvin N. Teller, Bain Capital, Inc., BCI Growth III, L.P., BCI Growth
IV, L.P., BT Capital Partners, Inc., U.S. Equity Partners, L.P., U.S.
Equity Partners (Offshore), L.P., Cypress Ventures, Inc., Wasserstein &
Co., Inc., Peter Kaufmann, R. Tobias Knobel, John H. Friedman, Robert
O. Marx, Elliot B. Newman and Terence Shand
11 Amendment to Employment Agreement of Alvin N. Teller dated as of
December 20, 1996, between Alliance Entertainment Corp. and Alvin N.
Teller
12 Revised and Restated By-laws of Alliance Entertainment Corp. effective
as of December 20, 1996
13 Certificate of Designation of Alliance Entertainment Corp. Series B
Convertible Preferred Stock, par value $0.01 per share
14 Form of 6% Exchangeable Note due December 31, 2001 of Alliance
Entertainment Corp.
15 Certificate of Designation of Alliance Entertainment Corp. Series C
Convertible Preferred Stock, par value $0.01 per share
16 Joint Filing Agreement among Wasserstein Perella Group, Inc.,
Wasserstein & Co., Inc., Cypress Ventures, Inc. and WP Management
Partners, L.L.C., acting on behalf of U.S. Equity Partners, L.P. and
U.S. Equity Partners (Offshore), L.P.
18
<PAGE>
Signature
After reasonable inquiry and to the best of its knowledge and
belief, each of the undersigned certifies that the information set forth in this
statement is true, complete and correct and agrees that this statement may be
jointly filed on behalf of it and each of the other undersigned.
Date: December 26, 1996 WASSERSTEIN PERELLA GROUP, INC.
By /s/ James C. Kingsbery
--------------------------------
Name: James C. Kingsbery
Title: Chief Financial Officer
and Secretary
WASSERSTEIN & CO. INC.
By /s/ James C. Kingsbery
--------------------------------
Name: James C. Kingsbery
Title: Secretary and Treasurer
WP MANAGEMENT PARTNERS, L.L.C.
By /s/ James C. Kingsbery
--------------------------------
Name: James C. Kingsbery
Title: Secretary
CYPRESS VENTURES, INC.
By /s/ James C. Kingsbery
--------------------------------
Name: James C. Kingsbery
Title: Secretary and Treasurer
19
<PAGE>
U.S. EQUITY PARTNERS, L.P.
By WP MANAGEMENT PARTNERS, L.L.C.
---------------------------------
Its Sole General Partner
By /s/ James C. Kingsbery
---------------------------------
Name: James C. Kingsbery
Title: Secretary
U.S. EQUITY PARTNERS (OFFSHORE), L.P.
By WP MANAGEMENT PARTNERS, L.L.C.
---------------------------------
Its Sole General Partner
By /s/ James C. Kingsbery
---------------------------------
Name: James C. Kingsbery
Title: Secretary
20
<PAGE>
SCHEDULE I
----------
Information with Respect to
Directors and Executive Officers of WPG, WCI, WPMP and CVI,
Members of WPMP, and General Partners of USEP Delaware and USEP Offshore
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Each of the individuals listed below is a United States citizen,
except Mr. Takasu who is a citizen of Japan. The business address of each such
individual is 31 West 52nd Street, 27th Floor, New York, New York 10019-6163.
WPG
Directors. Certain information with respect to each of the directors is
set forth below.
Michael J. Biondi is Vice-President, Treasurer and Chief
Operating Officer of WPG and is also a Director and a Vice President of
CVI and WCI.
Frederic M. Seegal is President of WPG.
Bruce Wasserstein is Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive
Officer of WPG.
Kazuhiro Takasu
Executive Officers. Certain information with respect to each of the
executive officers who is not also a director is set forth below.
Ashish Bhutani is Deputy Chairman of WPG.
Vincent J. Capurso is a Vice President and Director of Taxes of
WPG, WPMP, CVI and WCI.
Lee Siegel is Assistant Secretary of CVI, General Counsel and
Assistant Secretary of WPG and Assistant Secretary of WCI.
James C. Kingsbery is Secretary and Treasurer of WCI and CVI,
Secretary of WPMP and Chief Financial Officer and Secretary of WPG.
John M. Donovan is Deputy General Counsel and Director of
Compliance of WPG.
21
<PAGE>
WCI
Directors. Certain information with respect to each of the directors is
set forth below.
Michael J. Biondi is a Director, Vice President, Treasurer and
Chief Operating Officer of WPG, a Director and a Vice President of CVI
and Vice President of WCI.
Randall J. Weisenburger is President and Chief Executive Officer
of WPMP, a Director and a Vice President of CVI, and President and
Chief Operating Officer of WCI.
W. Townsend Ziebold, Jr. is a Vice President of WPMP, a Director
and President of CVI, and a Vice President of WCI.
George L. Majoros is a Vice President of WPMP and a Vice
President of WCI.
Executive Officers. Certain information with respect to each of the
executive officers who is not also a director is set forth below.
Vincent J. Capurso is a Vice President and Director of Taxes of
WPG, WPMP, CVI and WCI.
Lee Siegel is Assistant Secretary of CVI, General Counsel and
Assistant Secretary of WPG and Assistant Secretary of WCI.
James C. Kingsbery is Secretary and Treasurer of WCI and CVI,
Secretary of WPMP and Chief Financial Officer and Secretary of WPG.
WPMP
Members. Certain information with respect to each of the members is set
forth below.
CVI has a 1% membership interest in WPMP.
WCI has a 99% membership interest in WPMP.
Executive Officers. Certain information with respect to each of the
executive officers is set forth below.
Randall J. Weisenburger is President and Chief Executive Officer
of WPMP, a Director and a Vice President of CVI and a Director,
President and Chief Operating Officer of WCI.
22
<PAGE>
W. Townsend Ziebold, Jr. is a Vice President of WPMP, a Director
and President of CVI, and a Director and a Vice President of WCI.
George L. Majoros is a Vice President of WPMP and a Director and
Vice President of WCI.
Vincent J. Capurso is a Vice President and Director of Taxes of
WPG, WPMP, CVI and WCI.
Lee Siegel is Assistant Secretary of CVI, General Counsel and
Assistant Secretary of WPG and Assistant Secretary of WCI.
James C. Kingsbery is Secretary and Treasurer of WCI and CVI,
Secretary of WPMP and Chief Financial Officer and Secretary of WPG.
Robert Mersten is Assistant Secretary of WPMP.
CVI
Directors. Certain information with respect to each of the directors is
set forth below.
W. Townsend Ziebold, Jr. is a Vice President of WPMP, a Director
and a Vice President of WCI and President of CVI.
Michael J. Biondi is a Director, Vice President, Treasurer and
Chief Operating Officer of WPG, Vice President of CVI and a Director
and a Vice President of WCI.
Randall J. Weisenburger is President and Chief Executive Officer
of WPMP, a Vice President of CVI, and Director, President and Chief
Operating Officer of WCI.
Executive Officers. Certain information with respect to each of the
executive officers who is not also a director is set forth below.
Vincent J. Capurso is a Vice President and Director of Taxes of
WPG, WPMP, CVI and WCI.
Lee Siegel is Assistant Secretary of CVI, General Counsel
and Assistant Secretary of WPG, and Assistant Secretary of WCI.
James C. Kingsbery is Secretary and Treasurer of WCI and CVI,
Secretary of WPMP, and Chief Financial Officer and Secretary of WPG.
23
<PAGE>
USEP DELAWARE
General Partner
WPMP is the sole general partner of USEP Delaware.
USEP OFFSHORE
General Partner
WPMP is the sole general partner of USEP Offshore.
24
<PAGE>
INDEX TO EXHIBITS
Exhibit Sequential
No. Description Page No.
1 Stock Acquisition and Merger Agreement dated as of August *
15, 1996, among Wasserstein & Co., Inc., Mr. Alvin N.
Teller, Red Ant Box Inc., U.S. Equity Partners, L.P., U.S.
Equity Partners (Offshore), L.P., Alliance Entertainment
Corp. and Alliance Acquisition Co., Inc. (previously filed
on August 28, 1996 with Statement on Schedule 13D for
Alliance Entertainment Corp.)
2 Stock Purchase Agreement dated as of August 15, 1996, among *
Wasserstein & Co., Inc., U.S. Equity Partners, L.P., U.S.
Equity Partners (Offshore), L.P. and Mr. Joseph J. Bianco
(previously filed on August 28, 1996 with Statement on
Schedule 13D for Alliance Entertainment Corp.)
3 Stock Purchase Agreement dated as of August 15, 1996, among *
Wasserstein & Co., Inc., U.S. Equity Partners, L.P., U.S.
Equity Partners (Offshore), L.P. and Mr. Anil V. Narang
(previously filed on August 28, 1996 with Statement on
Schedule 13D for Alliance Entertainment Corp.)
4 Voting Agreement dated as of August 15, 1996, among Joseph *
J. Bianco, John H. Friedman, Peter Kaufmann, Elliot B.
Newman, Robert O. Marx, Alvin N. Teller, Bain Capital, Inc.,
BT Capital Partners, Inc., U.S. Equity Partners, L.P., U.S.
Equity Partners (Offshore), L.P. and Wasserstein & Co., Inc.
(previously filed on August 28, 1996 with Statement on
Schedule 13D for Alliance Entertainment Corp.)
5 Stock Option Agreement dated as of August 15, 1996, between *
Alvin N. Teller and Alliance Entertainment Corp. (previously
filed on August 28, 1996 with Statement on Schedule 13D for
Alliance Entertainment Corp.)
6 Joint Filing Agreement among Wasserstein Perella Group, *
Inc., Alvin N. Teller, Wasserstein & Co., Inc. and WP
Management Partners, L.L.C., acting on behalf of U.S. Equity
Partners, L.P. and U.S. Equity Partners (Offshore), L.P.
(previously filed on August 28, 1996 with Statement on
Schedule 13D for Alliance Entertainment Corp.)
7 Instruction Letter dated as of August 27, 1996, from WP *
25
<PAGE>
Management Partners, L.L.C., U.S. Equity Partners, L.P. and
U.S. Equity Partners (Offshore), L.P. to Alliance
Entertainment Corp., Joseph J. Bianco and Anil K. Narang
(previously filed on August 28, 1996 with Statement on
Schedule 13D for Alliance Entertainment Corp.)
8 Alliance Entertainment Corp. - 1996 Restricted Stock Plan - *
Award to Alvin N. Teller (previously filed on August 28,
1996 with Statement on Schedule 13D for Alliance
Entertainment Corp.)
9 Purchase Agreement dated as of December 20, 1996, among
Alliance Entertainment Corp., Wasserstein & Co., Inc.,
Cypress Ventures, Inc. and BT Capital Partners, Inc.
10 Voting Agreement dated as of December 20, 1996, among Joseph
J. Bianco, Alvin N. Teller, Bain Capital, Inc., BCI Growth
III, L.P., BCI Growth IV, L.P., BT Capital Partners, Inc.,
U.S. Equity Partners, L.P., U.S. Equity Partners (Offshore),
L.P., Cypress Ventures, Inc., Wasserstein & Co., Inc., Peter
Kaufmann, R. Tobias Knobel, John H. Friedman, Robert O.
Marx, Elliot B. Newman and Terence Shand
11 Amendment to Employment Agreement of Alvin N. Teller dated
as of December 20, 1996, between Alliance Entertainment
Corp. and Alvin N. Teller
12 Revised and Restated By-laws of Alliance Entertainment Corp.
effective as of December 20, 1996
13 Certificate of Designation of Alliance Entertainment Corp.
Series B Convertible Preferred Stock, par value $0.01 per
share
14 Form of 6% Exchangeable Note due December 31, 2001 of Alliance
Entertainment Corp.
15 Certificate of Designation of Alliance Entertainment Corp.
Series C Convertible Preferred Stock, par value $0.01 per
share
16 Joint Filing Agreement among Wasserstein Perella Group, Inc.,
Wasserstein & Co., Inc., Cypress Ventures, Inc. and WP Management
Partners, L.L.C., acting on behalf of U.S. Equity Partners, L.P. and
U.S. Equity Partners (Offshore), L.P.
* Previously Filed.
26
Exhibit 9
ALLIANCE ENTERTAINMENT CORP.
PURCHASE AGREEMENT
December 20, 1996
To the Purchasers (the "Purchasers")
named in Section 1 below
Dear Sirs:
The undersigned, ALLIANCE ENTERTAINMENT CORP., a Delaware
corporation (the "Company"), proposes to issue and sell to the Purchasers for
cash (i) 57,500 shares (the "Series B Shares") of its Series B Convertible
Preferred Stock, par value $0.01 per share ("Series B Preferred Stock"), and
(ii) notes in the aggregate principal amount of $10,000,000 exchangeable into
shares of Series B Preferred Stock (the "Convertible Notes"), subject to the
terms and conditions set forth herein. In addition, pursuant to Section 1.4
herein, WCI will be required to provide a standby purchase commitment in
connection with a rights offering (the "Rights Offering") to the holders of
Common Stock of the Company to subscribe for an aggregate of approximately
3,500,000 shares (the "Series C Shares," and collectively with the Series B
Shares, the "Shares") of its Series C Convertible Preferred Stock, par value
$0.01 per share (the "Series C Preferred Stock," and collectively with the
Series B Preferred Stock, the "Preferred Stock," and together with the
Convertible Notes, the "Securities"), subject to the terms and conditions set
forth herein.
The Securities will be issued pursuant to, and subject to, the
terms and conditions of this Agreement (the terms "this Agreement" or "Purchase
Agreement" as used herein or in any Exhibit hereto shall mean this Agreement and
the Exhibits hereto individually and collectively as they may from time to time
be modified or amended).
As used in this Agreement, the following terms shall have the
following meanings:
"Bank Agreement" shall mean the Third Amended and Restated Credit
Agreement dated as of July 25, 1995 among the Company, certain
Subsidiaries of the Company and the lenders named therein, as amended from
time to time.
"BTC" shall mean BT Capital Partners, Inc.
<PAGE>
"Business Day" shall mean a day other than a Saturday, Sunday or
other day on which commercial banks in New York City are authorized or
required by law to close.
"Closing Dates" shall mean the Series B Closing Date, the
Convertible Note Closing Date and the Series C Closing Date.
"Code" shall mean the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
"Common Stock" shall mean the Company's Common Stock, par value
$0.0001 per share.
"Contingent Stock" shall mean the Tranche 1 Contingent Stock and the
Tranche 2 Contingent Stock as such terms are defined in the Stock
Acquisition and Merger Agreement.
"Conversion Shares" shall mean shares of Common Stock issued or
issuable upon conversion of Preferred Stock.
"Convertible Note Closing Date" shall mean the date of the
Convertible Note Closing.
"CVI" shall mean Cypress Ventures, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary
of WCI.
"Exchange Act" shall mean the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended.
"fully diluted" shall mean taking into account all outstanding
warrants and options to acquire Common Stock as though exercised, and all
outstanding securities convertible into Common Stock (including without
limitation the Preferred Stock) as though converted on the date of
determination, but not taking into account any Contingent Stock.
"Governmental Authority" shall mean any nation or government, any
state or other political subdivision thereof and any entity exercising
executive, legislative, judicial, regulatory or administrative functions
of or pertaining to government.
"HSR Act" shall mean the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements
Act of 1976 or any successor law, together with the regulations and rules
issued thereunder.
"NYSE" shall mean the New York Stock Exchange.
"Public Debt Indenture" shall mean the Indenture dated as of July
25, 1995 among the Company, certain Subsidiaries of the Company and
Bankers Trust Company, as trustee, as amended from time to time.
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"Public Offering" shall mean any time a registration statement filed
under the Securities Act respecting a primary offering of Common Stock (or
securities convertible into, or exchangeable for, Common Stock or rights
to acquire Common Stock or such securities), which is underwritten on a
firmly committed basis, is declared effective and the securities so
registered are issued and sold.
"Rights" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 4.8.
"Rights Offering" shall have the meaning set forth in the preamble
of this Agreement.
"SEC" shall mean the Securities and Exchange Commission.
"Securities" shall have the meaning set forth in the preamble of
this Agreement.
"Securities Act" shall mean the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
"Series B and Convertible Notes Closing Date" shall mean the date of
the closing of the purchase and sale of the Series B Shares and the
Convertible Notes.
"Series B Certificate of Designations" shall mean the certificate of
designations establishing the terms of the Series B Preferred Stock.
"Series B Preferred Stock" shall have the meaning set forth in the
preamble of this Agreement.
"Series B Shares" shall have the meaning set forth in the preamble
of this Agreement.
"Series C Certificate of Designations" shall mean the certificate of
designations establishing the terms of the Series C Preferred Stock.
"Series C Closing" shall mean the closing of the purchase and sale
of the Series C Shares.
"Series C Closing Date" shall mean the date of the closing of the
purchase and sale of Series C Shares pursuant to the terms and conditions
of this Agreement.
"Series C Preferred Stock" shall have the meaning set forth in the
preamble of this Agreement.
"Series C Preferred Stock Notice" shall mean a written notice
delivered by the Company to the Purchasers in which the
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Company elects to sell the Series C Shares to the Purchasers pursuant to
Section 1.2(a) hereof.
"Series C Shares" shall have the meaning set forth in the preamble
of this Agreement.
"Stock Acquisition and Merger Agreement" shall mean the Stock
Acquisition and Merger Agreement, dated as of August 15, 1996 by and among
Alvin N. Teller, WCI, U.S. Equity Partners, L.P., U.S. Equity Partners
(Offshore), L.P., Red Ant Box, Inc., the Company and Alliance Acquisition
Co. Inc.
"Subsidiary" shall mean each corporation or other entity, if any, of
which the Company or another Subsidiary shall own at least fifty percent
(50%) of (x) the stock of any class having power under ordinary
circumstances to vote for the election of directors or (y) the capital or
equity, however named.
"WCI" shall mean Wasserstein & Co., Inc.
In connection with the issuance of the Securities, the Company
agrees with each of the Purchasers and the Purchasers severally agree with the
Company as follows:
Section 1. Purchase and Sale of Securities.
1.1 Series B Preferred Stock. (a) Subject to the terms and
conditions of this Agreement, the Company agrees to issue and sell to each
Purchaser named below, and such Purchaser agrees to purchase from the Company,
on the Series B and Convertible Notes Closing Date, at an aggregate price of
$5,000,000, the number of shares of Series B Preferred Stock set forth opposite
such Purchaser's name below:
Name and Address
of Purchaser Number of Shares
- ---------------- ----------------
Cypress Ventures, Inc. 57,500
31 West 52nd Street
New York, New York 10019
(b) Certificate of Designation. The Series B Preferred Stock shall
be issued pursuant to a certificate of designations substantially in the form of
Exhibit A hereto (the "Series B Certificate of Designations"), which shall be in
effect on the Series B and Convertible Notes Closing Date.
(c) Payment of Purchase Price. The purchase price for the Series B
Shares shall be payable on the Series B and Convertible Notes Closing Date, in
cash by wire transfer of immediately available funds pursuant to the Company's
written
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instructions. The Series B and Convertible Notes Closing Date shall be December
20, 1996 or such later date as the parties mutually agree.
1.2 Convertible Notes. (a) Subject to the terms and conditions of
this Agreement, the Company agrees to issue and sell to each Purchaser, and each
Purchaser severally agrees to purchase from the Company, at a price of 100% of
the principal amount thereof on the Series B and Convertible Notes Closing Date,
the principal amount of Convertible Notes set forth opposite such Purchaser's
name below:
Name and Address Principal Amount of
of Purchasers Convertible Notes
---------------- -------------------
Cypress Ventures, Inc. $2,500,000
31 West 52nd Street
New York, New York 10019
BT Capital Partners, Inc. $7,500,000
130 Liberty Street - 34th Floor
New York, New York 10006
(b) Form of Convertible Notes. The Convertible Notes shall be issued
in the form annexed hereto as Exhibit C.
(c) Payment of Purchase Price. The purchase price for the
Convertible Notes shall be payable on the Series B and Convertible Notes Closing
Date, in cash by wire transfer of immediately available funds pursuant to the
Company's written instructions. The Series B and Convertible Notes Closing Date
shall be the date that the conditions specified in Section 3.1 have been
satisfied, or such later date as may be mutually agreed upon by the parties
hereto.
1.3 Financing Fee. The Company agrees to pay on the Series B and
Convertible Notes Closing Date a financing fee of (i) $225,000 to WCI and (ii)
$225,000 to BTC.
1.4 Series C Preferred Stock. (a) Subject to the terms and
conditions of this Agreement, WCI agrees to act as lead manager of the Rights
Offering on a best efforts basis and shall purchase up to 1,750,000 shares of
Series C Stock at a price of $10.00 per Share, in the event the Rights Offering
is not fully subscribed. WCI's obligation to purchase Series C Shares is subject
to the conditions set forth in Section 3.2. BTC shall have the right, and WCI
agrees to cooperate with BTC in the event BTC elects prior to the commencement
of the Rights Offering, to purchase the sum of (i) 50% of the Series C Shares
that are not subscribed for in the Rights Offering, and (ii) 50% of the
aggregate number of shares subscribed for by BTC and WCI.
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The subscription price and other material terms of the Rights
Offering shall be substantially as set forth in the Summary of Terms attached as
Schedule 1.4 hereto.
(b) Certificate of Designations. The Series C Preferred Stock shall
be issued pursuant to a certificate of designations substantially in the form of
Exhibit B hereto (the "Series C Certificate of Designations"), which shall be in
effect on the Series C Closing Date.
(c) Payment of Purchase Price. The purchase price for the Series C
Shares shall be payable on the Series C Closing Date, in cash by wire transfer
of immediately available funds pursuant to the Company's written instructions.
The Series C Closing Date shall be the date on which all the conditions to
closing set forth in Section 3.2 have been satisfied or waived.
(d) Financing Fee. The Company agrees to pay on the Series C Closing
Date a financing fee in the aggregate amount of $1,050,000 to be allocated among
WCI and BTC pro rata based upon the commitment to purchase Series C Shares not
subscribed for in the Rights Offering and the number of shares purchased at the
Series C Closing.
(e) Syndication. The Purchasers shall have the right to assign their
rights and obligations under this Agreement with respect to the purchase of the
Series C Shares, provided that (i) the assignees ("Substituted Purchasers")
agree to be bound by the terms and conditions contained in this Agreement,
including, without limitation, the representations and covenants contained in
Sections 6 and 7 herein, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the
Company and its counsel, and (ii) no such assignment shall cause the Series C
Preferred Stock to be subject to the registration requirements of the Securities
Act, and provided further that the Purchasers shall not be relieved of their
obligations to purchase the Series C Shares if they assign their rights and
obligations hereunder.
1.5 Registration Rights. (a) The Company agrees to use best efforts
to maintain with respect to the Conversion Shares and all other shares of Common
Stock held by the Purchasers on the Closing Date an effective registration
statement under the Securities Act and a current prospectus relating thereto,
and effective registration statements or qualifications under the securities
laws of each holder's state of residence, for a period of five (5) years after
the date hereof or, if later, until the Purchaser is no longer an affiliate (as
defined in the Exchange Act) of the Company. To the extent such registration
statements or qualifications are not maintained in effect, the Purchasers and
the Company shall have the rights and obligations set forth in Exhibit D
attached hereto with respect to registrations of the Company's securities under
the Securities Act.
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(b) The rights of a Purchaser under Sections 2 and 3 of Exhibit D
shall cease to be exercisable after the later of (a) the fifth anniversary of
the date of this Agreement, and (b) any date as of which the Purchasers have
disposed of shares of Common Stock constituting 90% of the Common Stock held by
them (including Conversion Shares issuable upon conversion of the Shares held by
them) on the date hereof, in either case provided that the Company shall
continue to comply with the public information requirements for the availability
of Rule 144 under the Securities Act with respect to subsequent sales by the
Purchaser.
Section 2. Representations of the Company.
In order to induce the Purchasers to purchase the Securities, the
Company hereby represents and warrants to, and agrees with, the Purchasers and
their respective successors, endorsees and assigns that:
2.1 Certificate of Designations. The Company has filed the Series B
Certificate of Designations and the Series C Certificate of Designations with
the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware. The Series B Certificate of
Designations and the Series C Certificate of Designations and the resolutions of
the Company's Board of Directors contained therein are in full force and effect.
2.2 Organizational Documents. The Company has delivered to the
Purchasers an accurate and complete copy of (a) its Certificate of Incorporation
and all amendments thereto, certified by the Secretary of State of the State of
Delaware, and (b) its By-laws and all amendments thereto, certified by its
Secretary or Assistant Secretary.
2.3 Existence and Qualification. The Company is a corporation duly
organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of
Delaware. The Company is duly qualified to do business and in good standing as a
foreign corporation in each jurisdiction where failure to so qualify or be in
good standing as a foreign corporation could reasonably be expected to have a
material adverse effect on its business, operations, prospects, properties or
condition (financial or otherwise), or its ability to perform its obligations
hereunder.
2.4 Power and Authority. The Company has all corporate power and
authority necessary to own, operate or lease its properties and assets and to
conduct its business as now conducted by it. The Company has all corporate power
and authority necessary to issue the Securities, and to execute, deliver, and
perform its obligations under this Agreement (including without limitation
Exhibit D hereto) and the Securities (collectively, the "Transaction
Documents").
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2.5 Corporate Action. The Company has taken all corporate action
required to authorize the issuance of the Securities and the execution, delivery
and performance of the Transaction Documents.
2.6 Due Execution and Delivery. The Company has duly executed and
delivered each of the Transaction Documents, except that the Convertible Notes,
the Series B Shares and the Series C Shares shall not be executed and delivered
until their respective Closing Dates.
2.7 Consents; Governmental Approvals. No consent or approval of any
person, firm or corporation, and no consent, license, approval or authorization
of, or registration, filing or declaration with, any Governmental Authority is
required to be obtained or made by or on behalf of the Company in connection
with the offer, issuance and sale of the Securities, the execution, delivery or
performance of any of the Transaction Documents or the completion of the
transactions contemplated thereby, except for (a) filings with the SEC, the NYSE
and under state securities laws that may be required, (b) filings under the HSR
Act contemplated by Section 4.5, (c) consent of the banks under the Bank
Agreement to permit the issuance of the Convertible Notes and (d) approval of
the stockholders of the Company contemplated by Section 4.6.
2.8 Binding Effect. Each of the Transaction Documents is a legal,
valid and binding obligation of the Company, enforceable against the Company in
accordance with its terms, except as enforceability may be limited by applicable
bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or similar laws affecting the
enforcement of creditors' rights generally or limitations on the availability of
equitable remedies. The terms of the Series B Certificate of Designations and
the Series C Certificate of Designations applicable to the Series B Shares and
Series C Shares, respectively, and the Convertible Notes are legal, valid and
binding obligations of the Company, enforceable against it in accordance with
their terms, except as enforceability may be limited by applicable bankruptcy,
insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or similar laws affecting the enforcement
of creditors' rights generally or limitations on the availability of equitable
remedies.
2.9 Absence of Conflicts. The issuance of the Securities and the
execution, delivery and performance of the Transaction Documents by the Company
do not and will not (a) conflict with or violate any provision of the
Certificate of Incorporation, as amended, or By-laws of the Company, (b)
conflict with or result in a violation, breach or default by the Company under
(i) any provision of any existing statute, law, rule or regulation binding on it
or any order, judgment, award, decree, license or authorization of any court or
governmental instrumentality, authority, bureau or agency binding on it, or (ii)
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any material provision of any mortgage, indenture, lease or other contract,
agreement, instrument or undertaking to which it is a party or will be a party
immediately after the Series B and Convertible Notes Closing and the Series C
Closing, or by which or to which it or any of its property or assets is now or
immediately after such Closings will be bound or subject, or (c) result in the
creation or imposition of any lien, encumbrance or other charge on any of its
properties or assets.
2.10 No Defaults. None of the Company or its Subsidiaries is in
default under or in violation of (a) its Certificate of Incorporation, as
amended, or By-laws, (b) any agreement or instrument to which it is a party
relating to its indebtedness for borrowed money, (c) any other agreement or
instrument to which it is a party, (d) any statute, rule, writ, injunction,
judgment, decree, order or regulation of any court or governmental authority
having jurisdiction over it, or (e) any license, permit, certification or
approval requirement of any customer, supplier, governmental authority or other
person, in the case of (c), (d) or (e) above, in any way that could reasonably
be expected to have a material adverse effect on the present or prospective
business, operations, prospects, properties, assets or condition (financial or
otherwise) of such corporation, or the Company's ability to perform its
obligations under any of the Transaction Documents.
2.11 Capitalization and Stockholders. As of November 30, 1996, the
authorized capital stock of the Company consisted of: (i) 100,000,000 shares of
Common Stock, of which (A) 44,764,853 shares are issued and outstanding, all of
which are duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable and not
subject to preemptive rights, (B) no shares are held in the treasury of the
Company, (C) 13,966,551 shares are reserved for future issuance for the exercise
of outstanding stock options and (D) 1,670,773 shares are reserved for future
issuance for the exercise of warrants, and (ii) 10,000,000 shares of preferred
stock, of which 422,500 shares of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock
(initially convertible into 5,827,586 shares of Common Stock) are issued and
outstanding. Except for the Contingent Stock and as described in Schedule 2.11,
no shares of the capital stock or other equity securities of the Company are
authorized, issued or outstanding, or reserved for any other purpose, and there
are no options, warrants or other rights (including registration rights),
agreements, arrangements or commitments of any character (including, without
limitation, obligations to issue shares as the deferred purchase price for
acquisitions of stock or assets of third parties) to which the Company or any of
its Subsidiaries is a party relating to the issued or unissued capital stock or
other equity securities or ownership interests of the Company or any of its
Subsidiaries or obligating the Company or any of its Subsidiaries to grant,
issue or sell any shares of capital stock or other equity securities or
ownership interests of the Company or
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any of its Subsidiaries, by sale, lease, license or otherwise. The Company has
no outstanding bonds, debentures, notes or other obligations the holders of
which have the right to vote or which are convertible into or exercisable for
securities having the right to vote with the stockholders of the Company on any
matter. There are no outstanding contractual obligations, commitments,
understandings or arrangements of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries to
repurchase, redeem or otherwise acquire or make any payment in respect of any
shares of capital stock or other equity securities or ownership interests of the
Company or any of its Subsidiaries. There are no preemptive or similar rights to
purchase or otherwise acquire shares of capital stock of the Company.
Immediately after the Series B and Convertible Notes Closing and the Series C
Closing, all outstanding shares will be duly and validly issued and outstanding
and fully paid and nonassessable.
2.12 SEC Documents. (a) The Common Stock of the Company is
registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Exchange Act and the Company has
filed all reports, schedules, forms, statements and other documents required to
be filed by it with the SEC pursuant to the reporting requirements of the
Exchange Act, including material filed pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d), in
addition to one or more registration statements and amendments thereto
heretofore filed by the Company with the SEC. The Company has delivered or made
available to the Purchasers true and complete copies of (i) its annual reports
on Form 10-K and quarterly reports on Form 10-Q for its 1994 and 1995 fiscal
years, (ii) proxy statements, information and solicitation materials filed by
the Company with the SEC since January 1, 1994, and (iii) each other report,
registration statement, proxy statement and other document filed with the SEC
since the filing of its most recent Form 10-K (all of the foregoing,
collectively, the "SEC Documents").
(b) As of their respective dates, the SEC Documents complied in all
material respects with the requirements of the Exchange Act and the rules and
regulations of the SEC promulgated thereunder and other federal, state and local
laws, rules and regulations applicable to such SEC Documents, and none of the
SEC Documents contained any untrue statement of a material fact or omitted to
state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in order to
make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were
made, not misleading.
2.13 Financial Statements. The financial statements of the Company
included in the SEC Documents comply as to form in all material respects with
applicable accounting requirements and the published rules and regulations of
the SEC or other applicable rules and regulations with respect thereto. Such
financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted
accounting principles applied on a consistent basis during the periods involved
(except (a) as may be otherwise indicated in such
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financial statements or the notes thereto or (b) in the case of unaudited
interim statements, to the extent they may not include footnotes or may be
condensed or summary statements) and fairly present in all material respects the
financial position of the Company as of the dates thereof and the results of
operations and cash flows for the periods then ended (subject, in the case of
unaudited statements, to normal year-end audit adjustments which adjustments
could not reasonably be expected, individually or in the aggregate, to have a
material adverse effect on the financial condition of the Company and subject to
adjustments as previously disclosed to the Purchasers).
2.14 No Material Adverse Change. Since September 30, 1996, the date
through which the most recent quarterly report of the Company on Form 10-Q has
been prepared and filed with the SEC, a copy of which is included in the SEC
Documents, there has been no material adverse change in the businesses,
properties, prospects, operations or financial condition of the Company and its
Subsidiaries, except as otherwise disclosed or reflected in other SEC Documents,
or otherwise disclosed to the Purchasers on or before the Series B and
Convertible Notes Closing Date with respect to facts existing prior to the
Series B and Convertible Notes Closing Date.
2.15 No Undisclosed Events or Circumstances. No event or
circumstance has occurred or exists with respect to the Company or its
Subsidiaries, or their respective businesses, properties, prospects, operations
or financial condition, which, under applicable law, rule or regulation,
requires public disclosure or announcement by the Company and which has not been
so publicly disclosed or announced, or otherwise disclosed to the Purchasers on
or before the Series B and Convertible Notes Closing Date with respect to facts
existing prior to the Series B and Convertible Notes Closing Date.
2.16 No General Solicitation. Neither the Company, nor any of its
affiliates, nor, to its knowledge, any person acting on its or their behalf has
engaged in any form of general solicitation or general advertising (within the
meaning of Regulation D under the Securities Act) in connection with the offer
or sale of the Securities.
2.17 No Integrated Offering. Neither the Company, nor any of its
affiliates, nor any person acting on its or their behalf has, directly or
indirectly, made any offers or sales of any security or solicited any offers to
buy any security, under circumstances that would require registration of the
Securities under the Securities Act.
2.18 Brokers. The Company represents and warrants that it has
employed no brokers, agents or finders in carrying on the
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negotiations relating to this Agreement or to the transactions herein
contemplated.
2.19 Untrue or Misleading Statements. Neither this Agreement nor any
other Transaction Document or other agreement, certificate, instrument or
written statement furnished by or on behalf of the Company or, to the best of
the Company's knowledge, by any other person, firm or corporation, to the
Purchasers in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement,
contains any untrue statement of a material fact or omits a material fact
necessary to make the statements contained therein not misleading in light of
the circumstances in which such statements were made.
2.20 Receivables. Except to the extent, if any, reserved for on the
September 30, 1996 balance sheet (after giving effect to the previously
disclosed restructuring or other charges to be effected in the fourth quarter of
1996 and except with respect to transactions not material, singly or in the
aggregate, to the Company as a whole) all Receivables reflected on such balance
sheet:
(a) arose from the sale of inventory or services to persons not
affiliated with the Company and in the ordinary course of business; and
(b) constitute or will constitute, as the case may be, valid and
collectible claims of the Company not subject to valid claims of set-off
or other defenses or counterclaims other than normal cash discounts and
product returns in the ordinary course of business.
2.21 Inventories. Subject to amounts reserved therefor on the
September 30, 1996 balance sheet (after giving effect to the previously
disclosed restructuring and other charges to be effected in the fourth quarter
of 1996 and except for amounts which are not, singly or in the aggregate,
material to the Company as a whole):
(a) the values at which all inventories are carried on the September
30, 1996 balance sheet reflect the historical inventory valuation policy
of the Company and comply with generally accepted accounting principles;
(b) the Company has good and marketable title to the inventories
included on the balance sheet;
(c) the Company is not under any obligation or liability with
respect to accepting returns of items of inventory or merchandise in the
possession of its customers other than in the ordinary course of business;
and
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(d) the inventories are in good and merchantable condition in all
material respects, are suitable and usable for the purposes for which they
are intended and are in a condition such that they can be sold in the
ordinary course of business.
2.22 Fairness Opinion. The Company has received the opinion of
Tucker Anthony Incorporated as to the fairness to the Company, as of the date of
this Agreement, of the issuance of the Securities and the other transactions
contemplated hereby, from a financial point of view.
2.23 Customers. As of the date hereof, the Company has not received
any oral or written notice and has no reason to believe that any of the
Company's top ten customers in terms of gross revenues for the twelve months
ending December 31, 1996 has ceased, or will cease, to use the products,
equipment, goods or services of the Company or has substantially reduced, or
will substantially reduce, the use of such products, equipment, goods or
services at any time; provided, however, that in the event the Company shall
have received notice or have any reason to believe that such circumstances exist
on or after the Series B Closing Date but prior to the Series C Closing, it
shall promptly so inform the Purchasers in writing.
Section 3. Conditions Precedent.
3.1 Conditions Precedent for Series B and Convertible Notes Closing.
The obligation of WCI to purchase Series B Shares and WCI and BT Capital
Partners to purchase Convertible Notes hereunder on the Series B and Convertible
Notes Closing Date shall be subject to the satisfaction of each of the following
conditions precedent on or prior to such Series B and Convertible Notes Closing
Date:
(a) Representations. All representations and warranties made in this
Agreement and in any other agreement, certificate or instrument furnished to the
Purchasers in connection herewith shall be true and correct in all material
respects with the same force and effect as though such representations and
warranties had been made at the time of, and immediately after giving effect to,
the sale of Series B Shares.
(b) Officer's Certificate. The Company shall deliver to the
Purchasers a certificate of its President, Senior Executive Vice President or
Executive Vice President dated the Series B and Convertible Notes Closing Date,
in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Purchasers and their
counsel, certifying the satisfaction of the conditions in Section 3.1(a).
(c) No Material Adverse Change. The Purchasers shall be satisfied
that no event, circumstance or condition shall have
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occurred and be continuing that could reasonably be expected to have a material
adverse effect on the Company's business, operations, prospects, properties or
condition (financial or otherwise), or its ability to perform its obligations
hereunder.
(d) Suspension of Trading. Trading in the Company's Common Stock
shall not have been suspended by the SEC or any exchange on which it is listed
for trading (except for any suspension of trading of limited duration agreed to
by the Company solely to permit dissemination of material information regarding
the Company), and trading in securities generally as reported by such
exchange(s) shall not have been suspended or limited, other than a temporary
suspension in trading to provide for an orderly market.
(e) Voting Agreement. The parties thereto shall have executed and
delivered to the Purchasers a Voting Agreement substantially in the forms of
Exhibit E attached hereto.
(f) Legal Opinion. The Company shall have delivered to the
Purchasers the executed legal opinions of Christopher J. Joyce and Messrs.
Cahill Gordon & Reindel, counsel to the Company, dated the Series B and
Convertible Notes Closing Date in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to
the Purchasers and their counsel.
(g) Bank Agreement. The Bank Agreement shall have been amended in
form satisfactory to the Purchasers to permit the issuance of the Convertible
Notes.
(h) Fees. The Purchasers (or their agents) shall have received the
fees and other amounts payable on the Series B and Convertible Notes Closing
Date referred to in Section 9.5 and in Section 1.3.
(i) Board of Directors Representation. On or before the Series B and
Convertible Notes Closing Date, Messrs. Bassin, Hochman, Marx, Newman, Narang
and Shand shall have resigned (effective upon the designation of their
successors) from the Board of Directors of the Company, and there shall have
been elected and qualified pursuant to the By-laws of the Company as successor
directors to such resigning directors on the Board of Directors of the Company
four persons designated by WCI and two persons designated by BTC, such persons
to be in addition to existing designees of BTC and WCI serving on the Board of
Directors.
(j) AT Employment Agreement. The Company and Alvin Teller shall have
executed an amendment to the AT Employment Agreement (as such term is defined in
the Stock Acquisition and Merger Agreement) in the form attached as Exhibit F
hereto.
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(k) Restated By-laws. The By-laws of the Company shall have been
amended to read as set forth in Exhibit G hereto.
(l) Stock Acquisition and Merger Agreement. The Company, WCI and
Alvin Teller shall have executed a waiver with respect to the Stock Acquisition
and Merger Agreement in the form attached as Exhibit H hereto.
(m) Additional Documents. Each Purchaser shall have received all
such agreements, documents, instruments, approvals, certificates, legal opinions
and information as such Purchaser shall reasonably request in connection with
this Agreement, the Shares and the transactions herein and therein contemplated,
all of which shall be in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the
Purchasers and their counsel.
(n) Additional Matters. All other documents and legal matters in
connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement shall be
reasonably satisfactory to the Purchasers.
3.2 Conditions for Series C Closing. The obligation of WCI and BTC
to purchase Series C Shares hereunder on the Series C Closing Date shall be
subject to the satisfaction of each of the following conditions precedent on, or
prior to, the Series C Closing Date:
(a) Series B and Convertible Notes Closing. The Series B and
Convertible Notes Closing shall have occurred.
(b) Rights Offering. The Rights Offering shall have expired in
accordance with its terms and all Series C Shares subscribed for shall have been
purchased. The registration statement and any prospectus (and all amendments
thereto) relating to the Rights Offering shall not contain any untrue statement
of fact which, in the Purchaser's opinion, is material, or omit to state any
fact which, in the Purchaser's opinion, is material and is required to be stated
therein or is necessary to make the statements therein not misleading.
(c) Subscriptions. Persons other than WCI shall have purchased or
shall purchase simultaneously with the Series C Shares at least 1,750,000 shares
of the Series C Shares.
(d) Representations. All representations and warranties made in this
Agreement and in any other agreement, certificate or instrument furnished to the
Purchasers in connection herewith (except that representations and warranties
given as of a specific date need only be true and correct as of the date
specified) shall be true and correct in all material respects with the same
force and effect as though such representations and warranties had been made at
the time of, and immediately after giving effect to, the sale of the Series C
Shares on the Series C Closing Date.
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(e) No Defaults Under Indebtedness. The Company shall not be in
default under the Bank Agreement or the Public Debt Indenture on the Series C
Closing Date after giving effect to the Series C Closing.
(f) Additional Officer's Certificate. The Company shall deliver to
the Purchasers a certificate of its President, Senior Executive Vice President
or Executive Vice President dated the Series C Closing Date, in form and
substance reasonably satisfactory to the Purchasers and their counsel,
certifying the satisfaction of the condition in Section 3.3(c).
(g) Legal Opinion. The Company shall have delivered to the
Purchasers the executed legal opinion of Messrs. Cahill Gordon & Reindel,
counsel to the Company, dated the Series C Closing Date, in form and substance
reasonably satisfactory to the Purchasers and their counsel.
(h) Fees. The Purchasers (or their agents) shall have received the
fees and other amounts payable on the Series C Closing Date referred to in
Section 9.5 and in Section 1.3(d).
(i) Bank Agreement. The Bank Agreement shall have been amended in a
manner reasonably satisfactory to the Purchasers.
(j) No Material Adverse Change. On or after the date hereof, the
Purchasers shall be satisfied, in the exercise of their reasonable business
judgment, that no event, circumstance or condition has had, or shall have
occurred and be continuing that could reasonably be expected to have, a material
adverse effect on the Company's business, operations, properties or condition
(financial or otherwise) taken as a whole, or its ability to substantially
perform its obligations hereunder, under the Notes or with respect to the
Preferred Stock.
(k) Restructuring Plan. WCI shall be afforded an opportunity to
review and to have access to the Company's third party consultants involved in
the Company's restructuring plans. As promptly as practicable, WCI shall (i)
suggest any modifications to the Company's restructuring plans they feel are
advisable and (ii) in good faith notify the Company if the Purchasers do not
reasonably believe that the savings reflected in such restructuring plan are
reasonably achievable. The Company agrees to consider in good faith any
suggestions presented by WCI with respect to the restructuring plan.
(l) Market Conditions. Trading in the Company's securities or in
securities generally on the New York Stock Exchange or in the over-the-counter
market shall not have been suspended, other than a temporary suspension of
trading to provide for an orderly market, or a general banking moratorium shall
not have been declared by Federal or state authorities.
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<PAGE>
(m) No Bankruptcy Proceeding. There shall not be pending against the
Company or a substantial part of its property any voluntary or involuntary
insolvency proceeding under any bankruptcy law and no order shall have been
entered and be in effect with respect to the Company or any substantial part of
its property under any bankruptcy law.
(n) Additional Documents. Each Purchaser shall have received all
such agreements, documents, instruments, approvals, certificates, legal opinions
and information as such Purchaser shall reasonably request in connection with
this Agreement, the Shares and the transactions herein and therein contemplated,
all of which shall be in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the
Purchasers and their counsel.
(o) Additional Matters. All other documents and legal matters in
connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement shall be
reasonably satisfactory to the Purchasers.
Section 4. Covenants.
The Company covenants and agrees that:
4.1 Registration and Listing. The Company will cause its Common
Stock to continue to be registered under Section 12(b) or 12(g) of the Exchange
Act, will comply in all respects with its reporting and filing obligations under
the Exchange Act, will comply with all requirements related to any registration
statement filed pursuant to this Agreement and will not take any action or file
any document (whether or not permitted by the Securities Act or the Exchange Act
or the rules thereunder) to terminate or suspend such registration or to
terminate or suspend its reporting and filing obligations under such Acts. The
Company will take all action within its power to continue the listing or trading
of its Common Stock on the NYSE and will comply in all respect with the
Company's reporting, filing and other obligations under the bylaws or rules of
such exchange.
4.2 Financial Statements and Information. The Company will furnish
or cause to be furnished to each of the Purchasers (as long as such Purchaser
remains the beneficial owner of at least 25% of the Securities purchased
hereunder) the following financial statements and information:
(a) All reports and other written communications delivered by the
Company to its stockholders as such, and all registration statements (when
available to the public) and periodic reports filed by the Company or any
officer or director thereof with the SEC or any securities exchange, pursuant to
the Securities Act, the Exchange Act, or the rules of such securities exchange.
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<PAGE>
(b) With reasonable promptness, all financial statements or reports
(including comment letters to management) furnished to the Company by its
independent certified public accountants.
4.3 Use of Proceeds. The Company will use the proceeds received from
the sales of the Securities for general corporate purposes.
4.4 Compliance with Applicable Law. The Company will comply, and
cause each Subsidiary to comply, with each statute, law, rule, regulation, order
or other governmental requirement, noncompliance with which (in any one instance
or in the aggregate) is likely to materially adversely affect (a) the business,
operations, property or financial condition of the Company or such Subsidiary,
or (b) the Company's ability to perform its obligations to the Purchasers.
4.5 Pre-Merger Notification Act Compliance. If in connection with
any proposed conversion, exchange of the Convertible Notes or the issuance or
conversion of Preferred Stock the Company or a Purchaser determines that a
filing is required under the HSR Act, as promptly as practicable after
notification of the proposed conversion is received the Company will make all
such filings required by the HSR Act to be made in order to complete the
proposed conversion. The Purchasers will cooperate with the Company to the
extent reasonably necessary to complete such filings. The Company will pay all
filing fees required in connection with such filings. The issuance of Conversion
Shares resulting from such conversion may be delayed until two (2) days after
the expiration of the applicable waiting period following such filing(s).
4.6 Stockholder Approval. The Company shall exert its best efforts
to obtain the stockholders' approval and authorization of the issuance of Common
Stock upon conversion of the Series B Preferred Stock and the Series C Preferred
Stock as promptly as practicable after the Series B and Convertible Notes
Closing Date and the Series C Closing Date, respectively, all in accordance with
the terms of the Certificate of Designations, and all to the extent necessary to
satisfy the requirements of Rule 312.03 of the New York Stock Exchange Listed
Company Manual, as applied to the issuance of Common Stock upon conversion of
the Preferred Stock.
4.7 Further Assurances. The Company will execute and deliver or
cause to be executed and delivered such further instruments and do or cause to
be done such further acts as may be reasonably necessary to carry out its
obligations under this Agreement.
4.8 Rights Offering. The Company shall, as promptly as practicable,
use its best efforts to (a) file with the SEC and have declared effective a
Registration Statement covering (i) the distribution to holders of the Company's
common stock rights
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("Rights") to subscribe for and purchase an aggregate of 3,500,000 shares of
Series C Preferred Stock (the "Rights Offering"), (ii) the registration of the
Series C Preferred Stock issuable upon exercise of such Rights and (iii) the
registration of the Company common stock issuable upon conversion of such Series
C Preferred Stock; and (b) cause the Series C Preferred Stock and the common
stock issuable upon conversion thereof to be approved for listing on the NYSE.
The Rights Offering and the Rights shall have substantially the terms and
conditions set forth on Schedule 1 hereto.
4.9 Nomination of Certain Officers. For so long as WCI and BTC hold
50% or more of the Securities issued to them pursuant to this Agreement, WCI and
BTC (or in the event WCI or BTC holds 50% or more of the Securities purchased by
it and the other does not hold 50% or more of the Securities purchased by it,
then such 50% or more holder alone) shall have the exclusive power to nominate a
candidate to be considered for the position of Executive Vice President-Finance,
subject to the consent of the Co-Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the
Company, whose consent shall not be unreasonably withheld. Such Co-Chairman and
Chief Executive Officer shall not remove the Executive Vice President - Finance
without the approval of the Board of Directors of the Company which shall be the
only limitation of such Co-Chairman and Chief Executive Officer's power to fire
employees, and such Co-Chairman and Chief Executive Officer shall retain the
exclusive power to nominate a candidate to be considered as the executive in
charge of distribution operations or logistics (or other similar position
involving the supervision of the warehousing and shipping of inventory), subject
to the consent of WCI and BTC so long as WCI and BTC hold 50% or more of the
Securities issued to them pursuant to the Purchase Agreement (or in the event
WCI or BTC holds 50% or more of the Securities purchased by it pursuant to the
Purchase Agreement and the other does not hold 50% or more of the Securities
purchased by it pursuant to the Purchase Agreement, then such 50% or more holder
alone), which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld.
4.10 Board of Directors Representation. In the event the Series C
Closing shall occur and BTC does not commit to purchase at least 50% of the
Series C Shares not subscribed for in the Rights Offering exclusive of shares
subscribed for by WCI and BTC, then BTC shall cause one of the persons
designated by BTC pursuant to Section 3.1(i) to serve on the Board of Directors
of the Company to resign, WCI shall designate a replacement and BTC shall cause
the other Directors designated by BTC to vote in favor of such replacement. In
the event the Series C Closing shall occur and BTC commits to purchase at least
50% of the Series C Shares, and WCI does not purchase at least 50% of the Series
C Shares not subscribed for in the Rights Offering exclusive of shares
subscribed for by WCI and BTC, then WCI shall cause one of the persons
designated by WCI pursuant to Section 3.1(i) to serve on
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<PAGE>
the Board of Directors of the Company to resign, BTC shall designate a
replacement and WCI shall cause the other directors designated by WCI to vote in
favor of such replacement.
Section 5. Investment Representation.
5.1 Securities Act. Each Purchaser acknowledges that (a) the
Securities being acquired by such Purchaser are not being registered under the
Securities Act (other than the Series C Shares in connection with the Rights
Offering) on the ground that the issuance thereof is exempt from registration
under Section 4(2) of the Securities Act as not involving any public offering,
and (b) the Company's reliance on such exemption is predicated in part on the
representation hereby made to the Company by such Purchaser that it is
sophisticated in financial affairs and is able to evaluate the risks inherent in
investing in the Securities and is capable of bearing the economic loss of its
entire investment, and is acquiring its Securities for investment for its own
account, with no present intention of dividing its participation with others or
reselling or otherwise distributing the same, subject, nevertheless, to any
requirement of law that the disposition of its property shall at all times be
within its control. None of the Purchasers is aware of any particular occasion,
event or circumstance upon the occurrence or happening of which it intends to
dispose of its Securities.
5.2 Resales. None of the Purchasers will sell or transfer all or any
part of its Securities unless and until it shall first have given notice to the
Company describing such sale or transfer and furnished to the Company either (i)
an opinion, reasonably satisfactory to counsel for the Company, of Shearman &
Sterling, Eaton & Van Winkle or other counsel skilled in securities matters
(selected by such Purchaser and reasonably satisfactory to the Company) to the
effect that the proposed sale or transfer may be made without registration under
the Securities Act, or (ii) an interpretive letter from the staff of the SEC to
the effect that no enforcement action will be recommended if the proposed sale
or transfer is made without registration under the Securities Act, in either
case accompanied by evidence that such transfer will be in compliance with
applicable state securities ("blue sky") laws; provided, however, that the
foregoing shall not apply with respect to (1) any transfer pursuant to an
effective registration statement under the Securities Act, or pursuant to Rule
144 thereunder, or (2) any transfers between a Purchaser and any institutional
affiliate of such Purchaser for its own account.
5.3 Legends. The Company may place appropriate legends on the
certificates for the Securities and Conversion Shares concerning the
restrictions set forth in this Section 6 and may refuse to transfer any of the
Securities or Conversion Shares on its books should the holder thereof attempt
to transfer any of them otherwise than in compliance herewith and therewith. The
Company
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<PAGE>
agrees to reissue certificates representing the Securities or, if applicable,
the Conversion Shares without the legend provided for above at such time as (i)
the holder thereof is permitted to dispose of such Securities or Conversion
Shares pursuant to Rule 144(k) under the Securities Act, (ii) the Securities or
Conversion Shares are sold to a purchaser or purchasers who (in the opinion of
counsel to such purchasers, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the
Company and its counsel) are able to dispose of such Securities or Conversion
Shares publicly without registration under the Securities Act, or (iii) such
securities are registered under the Securities Act.
Section 6. Transfers.
Subject only to compliance with the requirements of Section 5.2,
each Purchaser shall be entitled to assign and transfer all or any part of its
Securities or Conversion Shares, or any interest or participation therein, and
its related rights under this Agreement; and upon the assignment or transfer by
such Purchaser of all or any part of its Securities or Conversion Shares or its
interest therein (except in a Public Offering, or a sale pursuant to Rule 144
under the Securities Act), the term "Purchaser" as used herein shall thereafter
include, to the extent of the interest so assigned or transferred, the assignee
or transferee of such interest. Notwithstanding the foregoing, except for sales
on the NYSE or otherwise made in the open market, or pursuant to a Public
Offering, Securities shall not be transferred to a competitor of the Company
without the prior consent of the Company's Board of Directors.
Section 7. Effectiveness of Agreement.
The covenants contained in this Agreement shall continue in full
force and effect with respect to the Purchasers until all Shares of Preferred
Stock and the Notes have been redeemed (and the redemption price therefor paid
in full) or have been converted, and all Conversion Shares have been sold by the
Purchasers in a Public Offering or pursuant to Rule 144 under the Securities
Act, except that (i) the covenants contained in Section 1.4 shall terminate as
provided in Section 1.4(b), and (ii) the covenants contained in Sections 4.2(b)
shall terminate at such time as the total number of shares of Common Stock held
by the Purchasers does not exceed [twenty-five (25)] percent of the fully
diluted outstanding shares of Common Stock of the Company purchased by such
Purchaser pursuant to this Agreement.
Section 8. Judicial Proceedings.
8.1 Jurisdiction. The Company irrevocably submits to the
non-exclusive jurisdiction of any New York State or Federal court sitting in the
City of New York over any suit, action or proceeding arising out of or relating
to this Agreement or any of
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<PAGE>
the Securities or Conversion Shares. To the fullest extent it may effectively do
so under applicable law, the Company irrevocably waives and agrees not to
assert, by way of motion, as a defense or otherwise, any claim that it is not
subject to the jurisdiction of any such court, any objection that it may now or
hereafter have to the laying of the venue of any such suit, action or proceeding
brought in any such court and any claim that any such suit, action or proceeding
brought in any such court has been brought in an inconvenient forum.
8.2 Judgments. The Company agrees, to the fullest extent it may
effectively do so under applicable law, that a judgment in any suit, action or
proceeding of the nature referred to in Section 8.1 brought in any such court
shall, subject to such rights of appeal on issues other than jurisdiction as may
be available, be conclusive and binding upon the Company and may be enforced in
the courts of the United States of America or the State of New York (or any
other courts to the jurisdiction of which the Company is or may be subject) by a
suit upon such judgment.
8.3 Service. The Company consents to service of process in any suit,
action or proceeding of the nature referred to in Section 8.1 by mailing a copy
thereof by registered or certified mail, postage prepaid, return receipt
requested, to its address specified in or designated pursuant to Section 9.1.
Such service (a) shall be deemed in every respect effective service of process
upon the Company in any such suit, action or proceeding and (b) shall, to the
fullest extent permitted by law, be taken and held to be valid personal service
upon and personal delivery to the Company.
8.4 Other Service or Jurisdiction. Nothing in this Section 8 shall
affect the right of any of the Purchasers to serve process in any manner
permitted by law, or limit any right that any of the Purchasers may have to
bring proceedings against the Company in the courts of any jurisdiction or to
enforce in any lawful manner a judgment obtained in one jurisdiction in any
other jurisdiction.
8.5 Waiver of Jury Trial. THE COMPANY HEREBY EXPRESSLY WAIVES ANY
RIGHT IT MAY HAVE NOW OR HEREAFTER TO A JURY TRIAL IN ANY SUIT, ACTION OR
PROCEEDING ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY OF THE SHARES OR
THE CONVERSION SHARES.
8.6 Remedies for Breach. Upon breach or default by the Company with
respect to any obligation hereunder, under the Shares or the Conversion Shares,
the Purchasers (or their agents) shall be entitled to protect and enforce their
rights at law, or in equity or by other appropriate proceedings for specific
performance of such obligation, or for an injunction against such breach or
default, or in aid of the exercise of any power or remedy granted hereby or
thereby or by law.
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<PAGE>
Section 9. Miscellaneous.
9.1 Notices. All notices, requests, demands or other communications
to or upon the respective parties hereto shall be in writing and shall be deemed
to have been given or made, and all financial statements, information and the
like required to be delivered hereunder shall be deemed to have been delivered,
five (5) days after deposited in the mails, registered or certified with postage
prepaid, addressed to the Company at 110 East 59th Street, New York, New York
10022 Attention: President, with a copy to the counsel for the Company,
Christopher J. Joyce, Esq., 110 East 59th Street, New York, New York 10022, and
to the Purchasers at their respective addresses set forth in Section 1 of this
Agreement, or to such other address as any of them shall specify in writing to
the others. The Company shall maintain registers of the holders of the
Securities and the Conversion Shares which shall contain the last address
specified as provided in the preceding sentence. No other method of giving
notice is hereby precluded. Upon reasonable request of any Purchaser, the
Company will deliver to such Purchaser, at the Company's expense, additional
copies of all financial statements, information and the like required hereunder.
9.2 Cumulative Remedies, Etc. No failure or delay on the part of any
of the Purchasers in exercising any right, power or privilege hereunder, and no
course of dealing between the Company and the Purchasers, or any of them, shall
operate as a waiver thereof, nor shall any single or partial exercise of any
right, power or privilege hereunder preclude the simultaneous or later exercise
of any other right, power or privilege. The rights and remedies herein expressly
provided are cumulative and not exclusive of any rights or remedies which the
Purchasers, or any of them, would otherwise have. No notice to or demand on the
Company in any case shall entitle the Company to any other or further notice or
demand in similar or other circumstances or constitute a waiver of the rights of
the Purchasers, or any of them, to take any other or further action in any
circumstances without notice or demand.
9.3 No Oral Changes; Assignment; Survival of Representations. This
Agreement may not be changed or terminated orally. This Agreement shall be
binding upon the Company and the Purchasers and their successors and assigns.
The Company shall not make any assignment of its rights under this Agreement or
subject this Agreement or its rights hereunder to any lien or security interest
of any kind whatsoever; and any such assignment, lien or security interest shall
be absolutely void and unenforceable as against the Purchasers. All agreements,
representations and warranties made herein or in writing otherwise in connection
herewith shall survive the issuance of the Securities.
9.4 Several Obligations. The Purchasers shall not be jointly
obligated hereunder; their obligations are several. The
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<PAGE>
sales of Securities to the Purchasers shall be deemed separate sales to each
Purchaser.
9.5 Expenses. The Company agrees to pay and save the Purchasers
harmless against liability for the payment of all out-of-pocket expenses arising
in connection with the negotiation, preparation, execution, delivery and
enforcement of, and any amendment, supplement or modification to, or waiver of
any provision of, this Agreement or the Securities, and the reasonable fees and
disbursements of Shearman & Sterling and Eaton & Van Winkle, such fees and
disbursements in respect of such preparation, execution and delivery to be paid
by the Company on the Series B and Convertible Notes Closing Date. Such other
expenses shall be paid promptly by the Company as and when payment thereof is
requested by the Purchasers. The obligations provided for in this Section 9.5
shall survive any termination of this Agreement.
9.6 Indemnification. The Company agrees to indemnify and hold
harmless each Purchaser, its subsidiaries, directors, officers and employees, to
the maximum extent permitted by law, from and against any and all liability
(including, without limitation, reasonable legal fees incurred in defending
against any such liability) under, arising out of or relating to this Agreement,
the Securities, the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby or in connection
herewith or therewith, and all action or failures to act and the transactions
contemplated thereby, including (to the maximum extent permitted by law) any
liability arising under Federal or state securities laws, except to the extent
such liability shall result from any act or omission on such Purchaser's part
constituting willful misconduct or gross negligence or the inaccuracy of
representations in Section 5. The obligations of the Company under this Section
9.6 shall survive and continue to be in full force and effect notwithstanding
the Shares not having been purchased, the redemption of the Shares or the
termination of this Agreement.
9.7 Publicity. Each party to this Agreement agrees not to disclose
the name of the other, the existence of this Agreement or the terms hereof in
any press release or other public disclosure, or in any proxy statements,
prospectus or other, similar materials filings with any governmental entity,
unless, required by law or in each such case, and the other party first has
reviewed and approved such usage, with such review and approval not to be
unreasonably delayed or withheld.
9.8 Governing Law. THIS AGREEMENT AND THE OTHER AGREEMENTS AND
INSTRUMENTS EXECUTED AS PROVIDED HEREIN, AND THE RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS OF THE
PARTIES HEREUNDER AND THEREUNDER, SHALL BE CONSTRUED AND INTERPRETED IN
ACCORDANCE WITH AND GOVERNED BY THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK WITHOUT REGARD
TO THE PRINCIPLES OF CONFLICTS OF LAWS.
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<PAGE>
9.9 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in two or more
counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original, but all of which
together shall constitute one and the same instrument.
9.10 Captions; Gender. The descriptive headings of the Sections of
this Agreement are inserted for convenience only and shall not affect the
meaning, construction or interpretation of any of the provisions hereof. The use
of the neuter form of a pronoun shall be deemed, where appropriate, to include
the masculine and feminine forms of such pronoun.
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<PAGE>
If you are in agreement with the foregoing, please sign in the space
provided below.
ALLIANCE ENTERTAINMENT CORP.
By:/s/ Christopher J. Joyce
---------------------------
Name: Christopher J. Joyce
Title: Executive Vice President,
General Counsel and Assistant
Secretary
The foregoing is hereby accepted
and agreed to as of the date
first above written.
Purchasers:
CYPRESS VENTURES, INC.
By:/s/ W. Townsend Ziebold, Jr.
------------------------------------
Name: W. Townsend Ziebold, Jr.
Title: President
WASSERSTEIN & CO., INC.
By:/s/ W. Townsend Ziebold, Jr.
------------------------------------
Name: W. Townsend Ziebold, Jr.
Title: Vice President
BT CAPITAL PARTNERS, INC.
By:/s/ Robert Marakovitz
------------------------------------
Name: Robert Marakovitz
Title: Managing Director
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Exhibit 10
VOTING AGREEMENT
Voting Agreement, dated as of December 20, 1996 (this "Agreement"),
among Joseph Bianco ("Bianco"), Alvin Teller, Bain Capital, Inc., BCI Growth
III, L.P., BCI Growth IV, L.P. ("BCI IV"), BT Capital Partners, Inc. ("BTC"),
U.S. Equity Partners, L.P., U.S. Equity Partners (Offshore), L.P., Cypress
Ventures, Inc. ("CVI") and Wasserstein & Co. Inc. ("WCI"; individually a
"Participating Party", and collectively the "Participating Parties") and Peter
Kaufmann, R. Tobias Knobel, John H. Friedman, Robert O. Marx, Elliot B. Newman,
Terence Shand (individually a "Terminating Party", and collectively with the
Participating Parties, "Parties"), each of which are record or beneficial owners
of Common Stock, par value $.0001 per share ("Common Stock"), of Alliance
Entertainment Corp., a Delaware corporation (the "Company").
WHEREAS, pursuant to a Purchase Agreement, dated as of December 20,
1996, among WCI, BTC and the Company (the "Purchase Agreement"), CVI will
receive shares of Series B Convertible Preferred Stock, par value $0.01 per
share (the "Series B Preferred Stock"), and WCI has entered into a standby
purchase commitment in connection with a rights offering for Series C
<PAGE>
-2-
Convertible Preferred Stock, par value $0.01 per share (the "Series C Preferred
Stock"), of the Company;
WHEREAS, the Participating Parties are the owners of, or by proxy or
otherwise exercise irrevocable voting control over shares of Common Stock of the
Company as set forth in Attachment A hereto;
WHEREAS, the Parties wish to terminate that certain Voting Agreement
dated as of August 15, 1996 (the "August 15th Voting Agreement") among the
stockholders and optionholders thereto and that certain Voting Agreement dated
as of July 16, 1996 (the "July 16th Voting Agreement") among the stockholders
and optionholders thereto; and
WHEREAS, BTC and BCI IV desire to revoke their proxy granted to Bianco
pursuant to Section 3(b) of that certain Inducement Agreement dated July 16,
1996 (the "Inducement Agreement") among BTC, BCI IV and Bianco.
NOW, THEREFORE, for and in consideration of the premises and the
mutual covenants and agreements hereinafter contained, the Parties hereby agree
as follows:
1. Termination of Prior Voting Agreements. The July 16th Voting
Agreement and the August 15th Voting Agreement
<PAGE>
-3-
(other than paragraph 4 of the August 15th Voting Agreement which paragraph
shall remain in full force and effect) are hereby terminated and are no longer
in force or effect.
2. Voting of Shares by Parties. Each Participating Party agrees to
vote all of the shares of Common Stock which are now or hereafter owned by such
Participating Party, beneficially or of record, or which he or it is entitled to
vote by proxy or otherwise, including without limitation those shares identified
on Attachment A hereto, at any special or annual meeting of the stockholders of
the Company, or by any written consent, whereat or whereby the same are
considered for approval by the stockholders of the Company, for (a) the approval
of the conversion rights and the voting rights of the Series B Preferred Stock
and the Series C Preferred Stock, as set forth in the certificates of
designations attached thereto, and the issuance of the Series B Preferred Stock
and the Series C Preferred Stock pursuant to the Purchase Agreement, and (b) the
approval of the Company's issuance of Common Stock pursuant to any Participating
Party's exercise of any such conversion rights.
<PAGE>
-4-
3. Termination of Proxy. BTC and BCI IV hereby terminate and revoke
their proxy granted to Bianco pursuant to Section 3(b) of the Inducement
Agreement.
4. Changes in Common Stock. In the event that subsequent to the date
of this Agreement any shares or other securities (other than any shares or
securities of another corporation issued to the stockholders of the Company
pursuant to a plan of merger) are issued on, or in exchange for, any of the
shares of the Common Stock or Preferred Stock held by the Participating Parties
by reason of any stock divided, stock split, consolidation of shares,
reclassification, or consolidation involving the Company, such shares or
securities shall be deemed to be Common Stock for purposes of this Agreement.
5. Representations of Participating Parties. Each Participating Party
hereby represents and warrants that, after the termination of the July 16th
Voting Agreement and the August 15th Voting Agreement pursuant to Section 1
hereof, (i) such Participating Party owns and/or has the right to vote the
number of shares of the Common Stock set forth opposite his or its name on
Attachment A hereto, (ii) such Participating Party has full power to enter into
this Agreement and has not, prior to the date of this Agreement, executed or
delivered any
<PAGE>
-5-
proxy or entered into any other voting agreement or similar arrangement that
would conflict with the purposes or provisions of this Agreement, (iii) such
Participating Party will not take any action inconsistent with the purposes and
provisions of this Agreement and (iv) this Agreement is a valid, binding and
enforceable obligation of such Participating Party.
6. Enforceability. Each Party expressly agrees that this Agreement
shall be specifically enforceable in any court of competent jurisdiction in
accordance with its terms against each of the Parties hereto.
7. Benefit. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the
benefit of the respective Parties hereto and their successors.
8. Governing Law. THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED
AND ENFORCED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK APPLICABLE TO
AGREEMENTS MADE AND TO BE PERFORMED ENTIRELY WITHIN THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
9. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in one or more
counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original but all of which
together shall constitute one and the same instrument.
<PAGE>
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have executed this Agreement as of the
date first above written.
Participating Parties:
/s/ Joseph Bianco
-------------------------------
Joseph Bianco
/s/ Alvin Teller
-------------------------------
Alvin Teller
BAIN CAPITAL, INC.
By: /s/ Robert Gay
----------------------------
Name: Robert Gay
Title:
BCI GROWTH III, L.P.
By: /s/ Robert Gay
----------------------------
Name: Robert Gay
Title:
BCI GROWTH IV, L.P.
By: /s/ Robert Gay
----------------------------
Name: Robert Gay
Title:
<PAGE>
-7-
BT CAPITAL PARTNERS, INC.
By: /s/ Robert Marakovitz
----------------------------
Name: Robert Marakovitz
Title: Managing Director
U.S. EQUITY PARTNERS, L.P.,
by its general partner,
W.P. Management Partners, L.L.C.
By: /s/ W. Townsend Ziebold, Jr.
----------------------------
Name: W. Townsend Ziebold, Jr.
Title: Vice President
U.S. EQUITY PARTNERS (OFFSHORE),
L.P., by its general partner,
W.P. Management Partners, L.L.C.
By: /s/ W. Townsend Ziebold, Jr.
----------------------------
Name: W. Townsend Ziebold, Jr.
Title: Vice President
WASSERSTEIN & CO., INC.
By: /s/ W. Townsend Ziebold, Jr.
----------------------------
Name: W. Townsend Ziebold, Jr.
Title: Vice President
CYPRESS VENTURES, INC.
By: /s/ W. Townsend Ziebold, Jr.
----------------------------
Name: W. Townsend Ziebold, Jr.
Title: President
<PAGE>
-8-
Terminating Parties:
/s/ Peter Kaufmann
--------------------------------
Peter Kaufmann
/s/ R. Tobias Knobel
--------------------------------
R. Tobias Knobel
/s/ John H. Friedman
--------------------------------
John H. Friedman
/s/ Robert O. Marx
--------------------------------
Robert O. Marx
/s/ Elliot B. Newman
--------------------------------
Elliot B. Newman
/s/ Terence Shand
--------------------------------
Terence Shand
<PAGE>
Attachment A
Common Stock
------------
Joseph Bianco 12,250,588
Alvin Teller 1,760,823
Bain Capital, Inc. 3,306,972
BCI Growth III, L.P. N/A
BCI Growth IV, L.P. 831,326
BT Capital Partners, Inc. 3,974,937
U.S. Equity Partners, L.P. and
U.S. Equity Partners (Offshore), L.P. 4,903,162
Cypress Ventures, Inc. N/A
Wasserstein & Co., Inc. 2,904,766
Exhibit 11
AMENDMENT TO EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT OF ALVIN N. TELLER
THIS AMENDMENT is entered into as of December 20, 1996, by and between
ALLIANCE ENTERTAINMENT CORP., a Delaware corporation (the "Company"), and Alvin
N. Teller (the "Executive").
R E C I T A L S:
WHEREAS, the Company and the Executive have entered into an Employment
Agreement (the "Agreement"), dated as of the 15th day of August, 1996, between
the Company and the Executive; and
WHEREAS, in connection with the execution and delivery of a Purchase
Agreement dated as of December 20, 1996 among the Company, Cypress Ventures,
Inc., Wasserstein & Co., Inc. and BT Capital Partners, Inc., the Company and the
Executive desire to amend the Agreement;
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and
agreements of the parties, the parties agree that the third sentence of Section
1 of the Agreement is hereby amended to read as follows:
"The Executive shall have full authority over the day-to-day operations of
the Company and all of its subsidiaries and over all officers and
employees of the Company, including, without limitation, the power to hire
and, subject to contractual commitments, fire employees; provided,
however, that (i) so long as Wasserstein & Co., Inc. ("WCI") and BT
Capital Partners, Inc. ("BTC") hold 50% or more of the securities issued
to them pursuant to the Purchase Agreement dated as of December 20, 1996
(the "Purchase Agreement") among the Company, Cypress Ventures, Inc., WCI
and BTC, (or in the event WCI or BTC holds 50% or more of the securities
purchased by it pursuant to the Purchase Agreement and the other does not
hold 50% or more of the securities purchased by it pursuant to the
Purchase Agreement, then such 50% or more holder alone) shall have the
exclusive power to nominate
<PAGE>
-2-
a candidate to be considered for the position of Executive Vice President -
Finance subject to the Executive's consent, which consent shall not be
unreasonably withheld, (ii) the Executive shall not remove the Executive
Vice President - Finance without the approval of the Board of Directors of
the Company which shall be the only limitation on the Executive's power to
fire employees, and (iii) Executive shall retain the exclusive power to
nominate a candidate to be considered as the executive in charge of
distribution operations or logistics (or other similar position involving
the supervision of the warehousing and shipping of inventory), subject to
the consent of WCI and BTC, so long as WCI and BTC hold 50% or more of the
securities issued to them pursuant to the Purchase Agreement (or in the
event WCI or BTC holds 50% or more of the securities purchased by it
pursuant to the Purchase Agreement and the other does not hold 50% or more
of the securities purchased by it pursuant to the Purchase Agreement, then
such 50% or more holder alone), which consent shall not be unreasonably
withheld."
The parties hereby agree that the above amendment of the third
sentence of Section 1 shall not be an event or occurrence which constitutes
"Good Reason" as defined in Section 5.3.2 of the Agreement.
This Amendment shall be effective as of the date hereof.
<PAGE>
-3-
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have duly executed this Amendment to
the Agreement as of the date first above written.
EMPLOYEE: ALLIANCE ENTERTAINMENT CORP.
/s/ Alvin N. Teller By: /s/ Christopher J. Joyce
- ------------------------- ----------------------------
Alvin N. Teller Name: Christopher J. Joyce
Title: Executive Vice President, General
Counsel and Assistant Secretary
EXHIBIT 12
REVISED & RESTATED
BY-LAWS
OF
ALLIANCE ENTERTAINMENT CORP.
Effective December 20, 1996
<PAGE>
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
----
ARTICLE I
OFFICES
SECTION 1. Delaware Registered Office........................... 1
SECTION 2. Other Offices........................................ 1
ARTICLE II
MEETINGS OF STOCKHOLDERS
SECTION 1. Annual Meeting....................................... 1
SECTION 2. Special Meetings..................................... 1
SECTION 3. Notice of Meetings................................... 1
SECTION 4. Quorum and Adjournments.............................. 2
SECTION 5. Organization......................................... 2
SECTION 6. Proxies and Voting of Shares......................... 3
SECTION 7. Voting List of Stockholders.......................... 3
SECTION 8. Notice of Stockholder Business and
Nominations ......................................... 4
ARTICLE III
DIRECTORS
SECTION 1. Power and Duties of the Board of
Directors............................................ 6
SECTION 2. Number, Tenure and Qualifications.................... 7
SECTION 3. Vacancies............................................ 7
SECTION 4. Removal.............................................. 8
SECTION 5. Regular Meetings; Notice............................. 8
SECTION 6. Special Meetings..................................... 8
SECTION 7. Notice of Special Meetings........................... 8
SECTION 8. Quorum............................................... 9
SECTION 9. Organization......................................... 9
SECTION 10. Compensation of Directors............................ 9
SECTION 11. Committees........................................... 10
SECTION 12. Written Consents..................................... 11
SECTION 13. Conference Telephone Meetings........................ 12
ARTICLE IV
OFFICERS
SECTION 1. Number and Election.................................. 12
SECTION 2. Term of Office and Qualification..................... 12
SECTION 3. Other Officers....................................... 12
-i-
<PAGE>
Page
----
SECTION 4. The Co-Chairmen of the Board......................... 13
SECTION 5. The Vice Chairman.................................... 13
SECTION 6. The Deputy Chairman.................................. 13
SECTION 7. The President........................................ 13
SECTION 8. Vice Presidents...................................... 13
SECTION 9. The Comptroller...................................... 14
SECTION 10. Assistant Comptrollers............................... 14
SECTION 11. The Secretary........................................ 14
SECTION 12. Assistant Secretaries................................ 14
SECTION 13. The Treasurer........................................ 15
SECTION 14. Assistant Treasurers................................. 15
SECTION 15. Compensation......................................... 15
SECTION 16. Bonds................................................ 16
SECTION 17. Removal.............................................. 16
SECTION 18. Vacancies............................................ 16
ARTICLE V
NOTICES
SECTION 1. Manner of Giving..................................... 16
SECTION 2. Waiver of Notice..................................... 16
ARTICLE VI
CAPITAL STOCK
SECTION 1. Form and Issuance.................................... 17
SECTION 2. Transfers of Stock................................... 17
SECTION 3. Lost, Stolen and Destroyed
Certificates......................................... 17
SECTION 4. Fixing of Record Date................................ 18
ARTICLE VII
NEGOTIABLE INSTRUMENTS, CONTRACTS, ETC.
SECTION 1. Signatures on Checks, Etc............................ 18
SECTION 2. Execution of Contracts, Deeds, Etc................... 19
SECTION 3. Loans................................................ 19
ARTICLE VIII
CORPORATE SEAL 19
-ii-
<PAGE>
Page
----
ARTICLE IX
FISCAL YEAR 19
ARTICLE X
VOTING OF STOCK HELD 19
ARTICLE XI
INDEMNIFICATION OF OFFICERS,
DIRECTORS, EMPLOYEES AND AGENTS;
INSURANCE
SECTION 1. Indemnification...................................... 20
SECTION 2. Insurance............................................ 22
ARTICLE XII
AMENDMENTS 23
-iii-
<PAGE>
BY-LAWS OF
ALLIANCE ENTERTAINMENT CORP.
ARTICLE I
OFFICES
SECTION 1. Delaware Registered Office. The registered office of the
Corporation in the State of Delaware shall be located at 32 Loockerman Square,
Suite L-100, Dover, Delaware 19904.
SECTION 2. Other Offices. The Corporation may have an office or
offices at such other places in the United States or elsewhere as the Board of
Directors may from time to time determine or the business of the Corporation may
require.
ARTICLE II
MEETINGS OF STOCKHOLDERS
SECTION 1. Annual Meeting. The annual meeting of stockholders of the
Corporation for the election of directors and for the transaction of such other
business as may properly come before said meeting shall be held on such date and
at such hour and place, within or without the State of Delaware, as shall be
fixed by the Board of Directors with respect to each such meeting and as shall
be stated in the notice thereof.
SECTION 2. Special Meetings. Special meetings of stockholders, for
any purpose or purposes may, except as otherwise prescribed by law or in the
Certificate of Incorporation, be called at any time by either Co-Chairman or by
the Board of Directors to be held on such date and at such hour and such place,
within or without the State of Delaware, as shall be stated in the notice
thereof.
SECTION 3. Notice of Meetings. Except as otherwise provided or
permitted by law or in the Certificate of Incorporation or in these By-laws,
written notice of all meetings of stockholders stating the place, date and hour
of the meeting, and in the case of a special meeting, the purpose or purposes
thereof, shall be given by a Co-Chairman of the Board, the Vice Chairman of the
Board, the President, a Vice President, the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary
to each stockholder of record having voting power in respect of the business to
be transacted thereat, either by serving such notice upon him personally or by
mailing or telegraphing or telecopying the same to him at his address as it
appears on the records of the
<PAGE>
-2-
Corporation, at least ten days but not more than sixty days before the date of
the meeting, and the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary or the transfer agent
or agents of the Corporation shall make affidavit as to the giving of such
notice.
SECTION 4. Quorum and Adjournments. The holders of a majority of the
stock issued and outstanding and entitled to vote thereat, present in person or
by proxy, shall be required to and shall constitute a quorum at all meetings of
the stockholders for the transaction of business, except as otherwise provided
by law, by the Certificate of Incorporation or by these By-laws. If, however,
such quorum shall not be present or represented at any meeting of the
stockholders, the stockholders entitled to vote thereat, present in person or by
proxy, shall have power to adjourn the meeting from time to time, without notice
other than announcement at the meeting of the time and place of the adjourned
meeting, until a quorum shall be present or represented. At such adjourned
meeting any business may be transacted which might have been transacted at the
original meeting. If a quorum be present at any meeting of stockholders and the
meeting is adjourned to reconvene either at a later time on the same date or at
a later date, no notice need be given other than announcement at the meeting,
provided that if any adjournment, whether a quorum is present or not, is for
more than thirty days, or if after the adjournment a new record date is fixed
for the adjourned meeting, a notice of the adjourned meeting shall be given to
each stockholder of record entitled to vote at the meeting. When a quorum is
present at any meeting, the vote of the holders of a majority of the stock
having voting power present in person or by proxy shall decide any question
brought before such meeting unless the question is one upon which by express
provision of law or of the Certificate of Incorporation or of these By-laws a
larger or different vote is required, in which case such express provision shall
govern and control the decision of such question. The stockholders present or
represented at any duly called and held meeting at which a quorum is present or
represented may continue to do business until adjournment, notwithstanding the
withdrawal of such number as to leave less than a quorum.
SECTION 5. Organization. Each meeting of stockholders shall be
presided over by a Co-Chairman (and, as between the two Co-Chairmen, the
Co-Chairman who shall also be the Chief Executive Officer of the Company, if
both Co-Chairmen shall be present) or, in the absence of both Co-Chairmen, by
the Vice Chairman, or in the absence of a Co-Chairman and the Vice Chairman so
designated, by any other person selected to
<PAGE>
-3-
preside by a majority of the Board of Directors. The Secretary, or in his
absence an Assistant Secretary, or in the absence of both the Secretary and an
Assistant Secretary any person designated by the person presiding at the
meeting, shall act as secretary of the meeting.
SECTION 6. Proxies and Voting of Shares. At any meeting of
stockholders, each stockholder entitled to vote any shares on any matter to be
voted upon at such meeting may exercise such voting right either in person or by
proxy appointed by an instrument in writing, which shall be filed with the
secretary of the meeting before being voted. Such proxies shall entitle the
holders thereof to vote at any adjournment of such meeting (unless a new record
date is set by the Board of Directors), but shall not be valid after the final
adjournment thereof. All questions regarding the qualification of voters, the
validity of proxies, and the acceptance or rejection of votes shall be decided
by two inspectors of election who shall be appointed by the Board of Directors
or if not so appointed, then by the presiding officer of the meeting. No proxy
shall be voted on after three years from its date unless said proxy provides for
a longer period. Except as otherwise expressly required by statute, the vote on
any question need not be by written ballot.
SECTION 7. Voting List of Stockholders. The officer who shall have
charge of the stock ledger of the Corporation shall prepare and make, at least
ten days before every meeting of stockholders, a complete list of the
stockholders entitled to vote at said meeting, arranged in alphabetical order
and showing the address and the number of shares registered in the name of each
such stockholder. Such list shall be open to the examination of any stockholder,
for any purpose germane to the meeting, during ordinary business hours, for a
period of at least ten days prior to the meeting, either at a place within the
city where said meeting is to be held, which place shall be specified in the
notice of the meeting, or, if not so specified, at the place where the meeting
is to be held. The list shall also be produced and kept at the time and place of
the meeting during the whole time thereof and may be inspected by any
stockholder who is present. The stock ledger shall be the only evidence as to
who are the stockholders entitled to examine the stock ledger, the list of
stockholders referred to above or the books of the Corporation, or to vote in
person or by proxy at any meeting of stockholders.
<PAGE>
-4-
SECTION 8. Notice of Stockholder Business and Nominations.
(A) Annual Meetings of Stockholders. (1) Nominations of persons for
election to the Board of Directors of the Corporation and the proposal of
business to be considered by the stockholders may be made at an annual meeting
of stockholders (a) pursuant to the Corporation's notice of meeting delivered
pursuant to Section 3 of these By-laws, (b) by or at the direction of the Board
of Directors or (c) by any stockholder of the Corporation who is entitled to
vote at the meeting, who complied with the notice procedures set forth in
clauses (2) and (3) of this paragraph (A) and this By-law and who was a
stockholder of record at the time such notice was delivered to the Secretary of
the Corporation.
(2) For nominations or other business to be properly brought before an
annual meeting by a stockholder pursuant to clause (c) of paragraph (A)(1) of
this By-law, the stockholder must have given timely notice thereof in writing to
the Secretary of the Corporation. To be timely, a stockholder's notice shall be
delivered to the Secretary at the principal executive offices of the Corporation
not less than seventy days nor more than ninety days prior to the first
anniversary of the preceding year's annual meeting commencing with the 1995
annual meeting, provided however, that in the event that the date of an annual
meeting is advanced by more than thirty days, or delayed by more than seventy
days, from the first anniversary date of the previous year's annual meeting,
notice by the stockholder to be timely must be so delivered not earlier than the
ninetieth day prior to such annual meeting and not later than the close of
business on the later of the seventieth day prior to such annual meeting or the
tenth day following the day on which public announcement of the date of such
meeting is first made. Such stockholder's notice shall set forth (a) as to each
person whom the stockholder proposes to nominate for election or reelection as a
director all information relating to such person that is required to be
disclosed in solicitations of proxies for election of directors, or is otherwise
required, in each case pursuant to Regulation 14A under the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), including such person's written
consent to being named in the proxy statement as a nominee and to serving as a
director if elected; (b) as to any other business that the stockholder proposes
to bring before the meeting, a brief description of the business desired to be
brought before the meeting, the reasons for conducting such business at the
meeting and any material interest
<PAGE>
-5-
in such business of such stockholder and the beneficial owner, if any, on whose
behalf the proposal is made; and (c) as to the stockholder giving the notice and
the beneficial owner, if any, on whose behalf the nomination or proposal is made
(i) the name and address of such stockholder, as they appear on the
Corporation's books, and of such beneficial owner and (ii) the class and number
of shares of the Corporation which are owned beneficially and of record by such
stockholder and such beneficial owner.
(3) Notwithstanding anything in the second sentence of paragraph (A)(2) of
this By-law to the contrary, in the event that the number of directors to be
elected to the Board of Directors of the Corporation is increased and there is
no public announcement naming all of the nominees for director or specifying the
size of the increased Board of Directors made by the Corporation at least eighty
days prior to the first anniversary of the preceding year's annual meeting (or,
in the event of the Corporation's first annual meeting in 1995, not later than
the close of business on the tenth day following the day on which public
announcement is made of the meeting and of the nominees proposed to be
nominated), a stockholder's notice required by this By-law shall also be
considered timely, but only with respect to nominees for any new positions
created by such increase, if it shall be delivered to the Secretary at the
principal executive offices of the Corporation not later than the close of
business on the tenth day following the day on which such public announcement is
first made by the Corporation.
(B) Special Meetings of Stockholders. Only such business shall be
conducted at a special meeting of stockholders as shall have been brought before
the meeting pursuant to the Corporation's notice of meeting pursuant to Section
3 of these By-laws. Nominations of persons for election to the Board of
Directors may be made at a special meeting of stockholders at which directors
are to be elected pursuant to the Corporation's notice of meeting (a) by or at
the direction of the Board of Directors or (b) by any stockholder of the
Corporation who is entitled to vote at the meeting, who complies with the notice
procedures set forth in this By-law and who is a stockholder of record at the
time such notice is delivered to the Secretary of the Corporation. Nominations
by stockholders of persons for election to the Board of Directors may be made at
such a special meeting of stockholders if the stockholder's notice as required
by paragraph (A)(2) of this By-law shall be delivered to the Secretary at the
principal executive offices of the
<PAGE>
-6-
Corporation not earlier than the ninetieth day prior to such special meeting and
not later than the close of business on the later of the seventieth day prior to
such special meeting or the tenth day following the day on which public
announcement is first made of the date of the special meeting and of the
nominees proposed by the Board of Directors to be elected at such meeting.
(C) General. (1) Only persons who are nominated in accordance with the
procedures set forth in this By-law shall be eligible to serve as director and
only such business shall be conducted at a meeting of stockholders as shall have
been brought before the meeting in accordance with the procedures set forth in
this By-law. Except as otherwise provided by law, the Certificate of
Incorporation or these By-laws, the Co-Chairman of the Board presiding over the
meeting, or any other person properly presiding over the meeting, shall have the
power and duty to determine whether a nomination or any business proposed to be
brought before the meeting was made in accordance with the procedures set forth
in this By-law and, if any proposed nomination or business is not in compliance
with this By-law, to declare that such defective proposal or nomination shall be
disregarded.
(2) For purposes of this By-law, "public announcement" shall mean
disclosure in a press release reported by the Dow Jones News Service, Associated
Press or comparable national news service or in a document publicly filed by the
Corporation with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Section
13, 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act.
(3) Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this By-law, a stockholder
shall also comply with all applicable requirements of the Exchange Act and the
rules and regulations thereunder with respect to the matters set forth in this
By-law. Nothing in this By-law shall be deemed to affect any rights of
stockholders to request inclusion of proposals in the Corporation's proxy
statement pursuant to Rule 14a-8 under the Exchange Act.
ARTICLE III
DIRECTORS
SECTION 1. Power and Duties of the Board of Directors. The business
and affairs of the Corporation shall be managed by or under the direction of the
Board of Directors.
<PAGE>
-7-
The Board may adopt such rules and regulations for that purpose and for the
conduct of its meetings as it may deem proper. The Board shall exercise and
shall be vested with the powers of the Corporation insofar as not inconsistent
with law, the Certificate of Incorporation or these By-laws.
SECTION 2. Number, Tenure and Qualifications. Subject to the rights
of the holders of any series of Preferred Stock to elect directors under
specified circumstances, the number of directors shall be fixed from time to
time exclusively pursuant to a resolution adopted by a majority of the whole
Board but shall consist of not more than thirteen nor less than three directors.
The directors, other than those who may be elected by the holders of any series
of Preferred Stock, shall be divided, with respect to the time for which they
severally hold office, into three classes, as nearly equal in number as
possible, with the term of office of the first class to expire at the 1996
annual meeting of stockholders, the term of office of the second class to expire
at the 1997 annual meeting of stockholders and the term of office of the third
class to expire at the 1998 annual meeting of stockholders. Each director shall
hold office until his or her successor shall have been duly elected and
qualified. At each annual meeting of stockholders, commencing with the 1996
annual meeting, (i) directors elected to succeed those directors whose terms
then expire shall be elected for a term of office to expire at the third
succeeding annual meeting of stockholders after their election, with each
director to hold office until his or her successor shall have been duly elected
and qualified, and (ii) if authorized by a resolution of the Board of Directors,
directors may be elected to fill any vacancy on the Board of Directors,
regardless of how such vacancy shall have been created.
SECTION 3. Vacancies. Subject to the rights of the holders of any
series of Preferred Stock to elect additional directors under specified
circumstances, and unless the Board of Directors otherwise determines, vacancies
resulting from death, resignation, retirement, disqualification, removal from
office or other cause, and newly created directorships resulting from any
increase in the authorized number of directors, may be filled only by the
affirmative vote of a majority of the remaining directors, even though less than
a quorum of the Board of Directors, and directors so chosen shall hold office
for a term expiring at the annual meeting of stockholders at which the term of
office of the class to which they have been elected expires and until such
director's successor shall have
<PAGE>
-8-
been duly elected and qualified. No decrease in the number of authorized
directors constituting the whole Board shall shorten the term of any incumbent
director.
SECTION 4. Removal. Subject to the rights of the holders of any
series of Preferred Stock to elect additional directors under specified
circumstances, any director, or the entire Board of Directors, may be removed
from office at any time, but only for cause and only by the affirmative vote of
the holders of at least 80 percent of the voting power then outstanding, voting
together as a single class.
SECTION 5. Regular Meetings; Notice. Regular meetings of the Board
of Directors shall be held at such time and place either within or outside of
the State of Delaware, as may be determined by resolution of the Board. No
notice of a regular meeting need by given (any practice or custom to the
contrary notwithstanding) and any business may be transacted at a regular
meeting, held as aforesaid, subject only to the requirements of Section 2 of
this Article III.
SECTION 6. Special Meetings. Special meetings of the Board of
Directors may, unless otherwise expressly provided by law, be called from time
to time by either Co-Chairman, the President or by a written call signed by a
majority of the whole Board of Directors and filed with the Secretary. Each
special meeting of the Board shall be held at such time and place, either within
or outside of the State of Delaware, as shall be designated in the notice of
such meeting.
SECTION 7. Notice of Special Meetings. Notice of a special meeting
of the Board of Directors, stating the place, date and hour thereof, shall,
except as otherwise expressly provided by law or as provided in Section 2 of
Article VII hereof, be given by mailing or telegraphing or telecopying the same
to each director at his residence or business address at any time on or before
the second day before the day of the meeting or by delivering the same to him
personally or telephoning the same to him personally at his residence or
business address not later than the day before the day of the meeting, unless,
in case of exigency, the Co-Chairman who shall be the Chief Executive Officer of
the Company, or in such Co-Chairman's absence a Vice Chairman or the Secretary,
shall prescribe a shorter notice to each director at his residence or business
address. Except as otherwise required by statute or these By-laws, no notice or
waiver of notice of a special meeting of the Board need state the purpose or
purposes of such meeting,
<PAGE>
-9-
and any business may be transacted thereat, any practice or custom to the
contrary notwithstanding.
SECTION 8. Quorum. A majority of the total number of directors at
the time in office but in no event less than one-third of that total number or
less than two directors shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of
business at any meeting of the Board of Directors, except that when a Board of
one director is authorized pursuant to the Certificate of Incorporation or these
By-laws, then one director shall constitute a quorum. If less than quorum be
present at the meeting, the directors present may adjourn the meeting and the
meeting may be held as adjourned without further notice. If a quorum be present
at a meeting and the meeting is adjourned to reconvene either at a later time on
the same date or at a later date, no notice need be given other than
announcement at the meeting. Except as otherwise provided by law, by the
Certificate of Incorporation or by these By-laws, when a quorum is present at
any meeting of the Board of Directors, a majority of the directors present at
such meeting shall decide any question brought before such meeting and the
action of such majority shall be deemed to be the action of the Board.
SECTION 9. Organization. Each meeting of the Board of Directors
shall be presided over by a Co-Chairman (and, as between the two Co-Chairmen, by
the Co-Chairman who shall also be the Chief Executive Officer of the Company, if
both Co-Chairmen shall be present), or in the absence of both Co-Chairmen, by
the Vice Chairman, or in the absence of both, by any director selected to
preside by vote of a majority of the directors present. The Secretary, or in his
absence, an Assistant Secretary, or in the absence of both the Secretary and an
Assistant Secretary, any person designated by the person presiding over the
meeting, shall act as secretary of the meeting.
SECTION 10. Compensation of Directors. The Board may, from time to
time in its discretion, by resolution or resolutions passed by a majority of the
whole Board, fix the amounts which shall be payable to the members thereof for
their services in such capacity and provide for the reimbursement of the
reasonable expenses of such members, all of which shall be in addition to any
fees, salaries or other compensation which may be paid or payable to such
members in any other capacity. Members of special or standing committees may be
allowed like reimbursement and compensation for attending committee meetings.
<PAGE>
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SECTION 11. Committees. (A) The Board of Directors may, by
resolution or resolutions adopted by a majority of the whole Board, designate an
Executive Committee and one or more other committees. Except as otherwise
provided by these By-laws each committee shall consist of one or more of the
directors of the Corporation. The Board may designate one or more directors as
alternate members of any committee, who may replace any absent or disqualified
member at any meeting of the committee. In the absence or disqualification of a
member of a committee, the member or members thereof present at any meeting and
not disqualified from voting, whether or not he or they constitute a quorum, may
unanimously appoint another member of the Board of Directors to act at the
meeting in the place of any such absent or disqualified member. Any such
committee, to the extent provided in said resolution or resolutions, shall have
and may exercise the powers and authority of the Board in the management of the
business and affairs of the Corporation, and may authorize the seal of the
Corporation to be affixed to all papers which may require it. Such other
committee or committees shall have such name or names as may be determined from
time to time by resolution adopted by the Board. No committee shall have the
power or authority in reference to amending the Certificate of Incorporation,
adopting an agreement of merger or consolidation, recommending to the
stockholders the sale, lease or exchange of all or substantially all of the
Corporation's property and assets, recommending to the stockholders a
dissolution of the Corporation or a revocation of a dissolution, or amending the
By-laws of the Corporation. Unless expressly authorized by resolution or
resolutions adopted by a majority of the whole Board, no such committee shall
have the power or authority to declare a dividend or to authorize the issuance
of stock. All committees shall keep regular minutes of their proceedings and
report the same to the Board when required.
(B) Finance Committee. Notwithstanding the immediately preceding
paragraph, the Board of Directors of the Corporation shall appoint a Finance
Committee. The Finance Committee shall consist of the two Co-Chairmen of the
Corporation and two other directors, one of whom shall be the nominee to the
Board of Directors of BT Capital Partners, Inc. and the other nominee shall be a
nominee of Wasserstein & Co., Inc. ("WCI") (provided, that if the Co-Chairman
who is not the Chief Executive Officer shall no longer be a Co-Chairman, at all
times thereafter the Finance Committee shall only consist of the Co-Chairman of
the Board who is the Chief Executive Officer and the two other directors). The
Finance Committee shall review
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all proposals to issue securities of the Corporation and to make acquisitions or
to refinance the Corporation's bank debt in whole, or to increase bank debt by
more than 25%, and the Finance Committee shall make recommendations to the Board
of Directors on such proposals. Any proposal to issue equity securities of the
Corporation for cash or debt in an amount which, together with all other equity
securities of the Corporation issued for cash or debt during the previous
12-month period, would exceed $10 million shall require the unanimous
recommendation of the Finance Committee prior to consideration by the Board of
Directors. Any proposal regarding a merger or acquisition (a) in which the
consideration being paid by the Corporation shall exceed $50 million or (b)
involving the issuance of equity securities as consideration the amount of
which, together with all other equity securities of the Corporation issued in
connection with mergers or acquisitions during the previous 12-month period,
exceeds $1,000,000 x P/.12, where P is equal to the greater of $6.00 or the
price of the equity security being issued (computed as the average of the
closing price for the five trading days preceding such determination), shall
require the unanimous recommendation of the Finance Committee prior to
consideration by the Board of Directors.
In the event that either (i) WCI or any direct or indirect wholly
owned subsidiary of WCI or any limited partnership of which any such subsidiary
is the general partner ("WCI Entities") holds in the aggregate fewer than
3,900,000 shares (subject to adjustment for stock splits, combinations and
recapitalization) of the Corporation's Common Stock, or (ii) the WCI Entities
hold fewer than 5,800,000 shares (subject to adjustment for stock splits,
combinations and recapitalization) of the Corporation's Common Stock and such
amount is less than 4.1% of the fully diluted shares of Common Stock of the
Company (treating all outstanding options, warrants or convertible securities as
being exercised or converted, but not taking into account the Contingent Shares)
on any subsequent date, then the Finance Committee shall be dissolved and this
paragraph (B) of Section 11 shall be of no further force and effect.
SECTION 12. Written Consents. Any action required or permitted to be
taken at any meeting of the Board of Directors or by any committee thereof may
be taken without a meeting, if all members of the Board or of such committee, as
the case may be, consent thereto in writing and the writing or writings are
filed with the minutes of proceedings of the Board or committee.
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SECTION 13. Conference Telephone Meetings. Members of the Board of
Directors or any committee designated by such Board may participate in a meeting
of such Board or committee by means of conference telephone or similar
communications equipment by means of which all persons participating in the
meeting can hear each other, and participation in a meeting in this manner shall
constitute presence in person at such meeting.
ARTICLE IV
OFFICERS
SECTION 1. Number and Election. The officers of the Corporation
shall be elected by the Board of Directors and shall be two Co-Chairmen of the
Board, one of which shall be a designee of WCI, one or more Vice Chairmen of the
Board, President and a Secretary. The Board of Directors may also elect one or
more Vice Presidents, a Treasurer, a Comptroller and one or more Assistance
Comptrollers, Assistant Secretaries and Assistant Treasurers. The Co-Chairmen of
the Board and the Vice Chairmen of the Board shall be chosen from the directors.
All officers chosen by the Board of Directors shall each have such powers and
duties as generally pertain to their respective offices, subject to the specific
provisions of this Article IV.
SECTION 2. Term of Office and Qualification. The officers shall be
elected annually by the Board of Directors at the first meeting thereof after
each annual meeting of stockholders. A meeting of the directors may be held
without notice for this purpose, as well as for the transaction of any other
business, immediately after the annual meeting of stockholders of the
Corporation and at the same place. In the event of the failure so to elect any
such officer, such officer may be elected at any subsequent meeting (regular or
special) of the Board. Each officer, except such officers as may be appointed in
accordance with the provisions of Section 3 of this Article IV, shall holder
office until the next annual election of officers and until his successor shall
have been duly elected and qualified, subject, however, to the provisions of
Article IV hereof. None of the officers of the Corporation except the
Co-Chairmen of the Board and the Vice Chairman of the Board need be directors.
SECTION 3. Other Officers. The Board of Directors may also appoint
such other officers and agents as it may deem necessary for the transaction of
the business of the
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Corporation. Such officers and agents shall hold office for such period, have
such authority and perform such duties as shall be determined from time to time
by the Board.
SECTION 4. The Co-Chairmen of the Board. The Co-Chairmen of the
Board, (and as between the two Co-Chairmen, the Co-Chairman who shall also be
the Chief Executive Officer of the Company, if both Co-Chairmen shall be
present) shall preside at all meetings of the stockholders and of the Board of
Directors. The Co-Chairmen shall make reports to the Board of Directors and the
Stockholders, and shall perform all such other duties as are properly required
of them by the Board of Directors.
SECTION 5. The Vice Chairmen. Each Vice Chairman shall, in the
absence of both Co-Chairmen, act as chairman of meetings of the Board of
Directors. Each Vice Chairman shall have such other powers and duties as may be
conferred upon him by the Co-Chairmen of the Board or the Board of Directors.
SECTION 6. The President. The President shall be the chief executive
officer of the Corporation and shall have general and active management of the
business and affairs of the Corporation, subject to the Board of Directors. The
President shall, in the absence of or because of the inability to act of the
Co-Chairmen of the Board or any Vice Chairman, perform all duties of the
Co-Chairmen of the Board or the Vice Chairman and preside at all meetings of
stockholders and of the Board of Directors. The President may sign, alone or
with the Secretary, or an Assistant Secretary, or any other proper officer of
the Corporation authorized by the Board of Directors, certificates, contracts,
and other instruments of the Corporation as authorized by the Board of
Directors.
SECTION 7. Vice Presidents. In the absence or inability to act of
the Co-Chairmen, the Vice Chairman or the President, any Vice President
designated by the Board of Directors shall perform all the duties and may
exercise all the powers of the President. Each Vice President shall perform such
other duties as from time to time may be assigned to him by the Board of
Directors or the President or as may be prescribed by these By-laws.
SECTION 8. The Comptroller. The Comptroller shall have
responsibility for the accounting procedures and practices of the Corporation
and shall keep or cause to be kept at the principal office of the corporation,
and shall be responsible
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for the keeping of, correct financial records of the business and transactions
of the Corporation and at all reasonable times shall exhibit such record to any
of the directors of the Corporation upon application at the office of the
Corporation where such records are kept. He shall also perform all the duties
incident to the office of Comptroller and such other duties as from time to time
may be assigned to him by the Board of Directors, the President or the Vice
President.
SECTION 9. Assistant Comptrollers. In the absence of the
Comptroller, or in case of his inability to act, an Assistant Comptroller
designated by the President or by the Board of Directors shall perform all the
duties of the Comptroller and, when so acting, shall have all the powers of the
Comptroller. The Assistant Comptrollers shall perform such other duties as from
time to time shall be assigned to them by the Board of Directors, the President
or the Comptroller.
SECTION 10. The Secretary. The Secretary shall have the duty to
record or cause to be recorded in books kept for that purpose the proceedings of
the meetings of the Corporation including those of the stockholders, the Board
of Directors and all committees designated by the Board of Directors; shall see
that all notices are duly given in accordance with the provisions of these
By-laws and as required by law; shall be custodian of the records (other than
those financial records kept by the Comptroller) and of the seal of the
Corporation and see that the seal is affixed to all documents the execution of
which on behalf of the Corporation under its seal is duly authorized in
accordance with the provisions of these By-laws and when so affixed may attest
the same; shall see that the books, reports, statements, certificates and all
other documents and records required by law are properly kept and filed; and in
general, the Secretary shall perform all duties incident to the office of the
Secretary and such other duties as may, from time to time, be assigned to him by
the Board of Directors or the President.
SECTION 11. Assistant Secretaries. In the absence of the Secretary,
or in case of his inability to act, an Assistant Secretary designated by the
President or the Board of Directors shall perform all the duties of the
Secretary and, when so acting, shall have all the powers of the Secretary. The
Assistant Secretaries shall perform such other duties as from time to time shall
be assigned to them by the Board of Directors, the President or the Secretary.
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SECTION 12. The Treasurer. The Treasurer shall give such bond with
such surety or sureties for the faithful performance of his duties as the Board
of Directors may require. He shall have charge and custody of and be responsible
for all funds and securities of the Corporation, deposit all such funds in the
name of the Corporation in such banks, trust companies or other depositaries as
shall be selected in accordance with the provisions of these By-laws and have
supervision over all receipts and disbursements of the Corporation and, in the
absence of a Comptroller, have general responsibility for its accounting
procedures and practices; at all reasonable times exhibit his books of account
and records to any of the directors of the Corporation upon application during
business hours at the place where such books and records are kept; receive, and
give receipts for, monies due and payable to the Corporation from any source
whatsoever; and in general, perform all the duties incident to the office of
Treasurer and such other duties as from time to time may be assigned to him by
the Board of Directors or the President.
SECTION 13. Assistant Treasurers. Each of the Assistant Treasurers
shall give such bond for the faithful performance of his duties as the Board of
Directors may require. In the absence of the Treasurer, or in case of his
inability to act, an Assistant Treasurer designated by the President or the
Board of Directors shall perform all the duties of the Treasurer and, when so
acting, shall have all the powers of the Treasurer. The Assistant Treasurers
shall perform such other duties as from time to time may be assigned to them by
the Board of Directors, the President or the Treasurer.
SECTION 14. Compensation. The compensation of all officers, agents
and employees of the Corporation shall be fixed from time to time by the Board
of Directors, or pursuant to authority of general or special resolutions of the
Board. No officer shall be prevented from receiving such salary by reason of the
fact that he is also a director of the Corporation or a member of any committee.
SECTION 15. Bonds. The Board of Directors shall have the power to
require any officer or agent of the Corporation to give a bond for the faithful
discharge of his duties in such form and in such amount and with such surety or
sureties as the Board may deem advisable.
SECTION 16. Removal. Any officer elected by the Board of Directors
may be removed by a majority of the members
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of the whole Board whenever, in their judgment, the best interests of the
Corporation would be served thereby. No elected officer shall have any
contractual rights against the Corporation for compensation by virtue of such
election beyond the date of the election of his successor, his death, his
resignation or his removal, whichever event shall first occur, except as
otherwise provided in an employment contract or an employee plan.
SECTION 17. Vacancies. A newly created office and a vacancy in any
office because of death, resignation, or removal may be filled by the Board of
Directors for the unexpired portion of the term at any meeting of the Board of
Directors.
ARTICLE V
NOTICES
SECTION 1. Manner of Giving. Whenever under the provisions of the
laws of the State of Delaware, the Certificate of Incorporation or these
By-laws, notice is required to be given to any director or stockholder, it shall
not be construed to mean personal notice, but such notice may be given by
mailing or telegraphing (including telex or cable or other similar means) the
same to each such director or stockholder at such address as appears on the
books or in the records of the Corporation, and such notice shall be deemed to
be given at the time when the same is thus mailed or telegraphed.
SECTION 2. Waiver of Notice. Whenever under the provisions of these
By-laws, or of the Certificate of Incorporation, or of any of the laws of the
State of Delaware, the stockholders, directors or members of a committee of
directors are authorized to hold any meeting or take any action after notice or
after the lapse of any prescribed period of time, a waiver thereof, in writing,
signed by the person or persons entitled to such notice or lapse of time,
whether before or after the time of meeting or action stated therein, shall be
deemed equivalent thereto. Neither the business to be transacted at, nor the
purpose of, any regular or special meeting of the stockholders, directors, or
members of any committee of directors need be specified in any written waiver of
notice unless so required by the Certificate of Incorporation or these By-laws.
The presence at any meeting of a person or persons entitled to notice thereof
shall be deemed a waiver of such notice as to such person or persons, except
when such person attends a meeting for the express purpose of objecting, at the
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beginning of the meeting, to the transactions of any business because the
meeting is not lawfully called or convened.
ARTICLE VI
CAPITAL STOCK
SECTION 1. Form and Issuance. Certificates of stock shall be issued
in such form as may be approved by the Board of Directors and shall be signed,
countersigned and registered by, or in the name of the Corporation in such
manner as the Board of Directors may by resolution prescribe. Any of or all the
signatures on such a certificate may be a facsimile. In case any officer,
transfer agent, or registrar who has signed or whose facsimile signature has
been placed upon a certificate shall have ceased to be such officer, transfer
agent, or registrar before such certificate is issued, it may be issued by the
Corporation with the same effect as if he were such officer, transfer agent, or
registrar at the date of issue unless determined otherwise by the Board
generally or in particular instances.
SECTION 2. Transfers of Stock. Upon surrender to the Corporation or
the transfer agent of the Corporation of a certificate of stock duly endorsed or
accompanied by proper evidence of succession, assignment or authority to
transfer, it shall be the duty of the Corporation to issue a new certificate to
the person entitled thereto, cancel the old certificate and record the
transaction upon its books. The Board of Directors shall have power and
authority to make such other rules and regulations or amendments thereto as they
may deem expedient concerning the issue, registration and transfer of
certificates of stock and may appoint transfer agents and registrars thereof.
SECTION 3. Lost, Stolen and Destroyed Certificates. The Board of
Directors may direct a new certificate or certificates to be issued in place of
any certificate or certificates theretofore issued by the Corporation alleged to
have been lost, stolen or destroyed, upon satisfactory proof of that fact by the
person claiming the certificate or certificates for shares to be lost, stolen or
destroyed. When authorizing such issue of a new certificate or certificates, the
Board of Directors may, at its discretion, and as a condition precedent to the
issuance thereof, require the owner of such lost, stolen or destroyed
certificate or certificates, or his legal representative, to publicize the same
in such manner as it shall require
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and/or to give the Corporation a bond in such sum as the Board of Directors may
direct as indemnity against any claim that may be made against the Corporation
with respect to the certificate or certificates alleged to have been lost,
stolen or destroyed, or the issuance of the new certificate or certificates.
SECTION 4. Fixing of Record Date. In order that the Corporation may
determine the stockholders entitled to notice of or to vote at any meeting of
stockholders or any adjournment thereof, or entitled to receive payment of any
dividend or other distribution or allotment of any rights, or entitled to
exercise any rights in respect of any change, conversion or exchange of stock or
for the purpose of any other lawful action, the Board of Directors may fix, in
advance, a record date, which shall not be more than sixty nor less than ten
days before the date of such meeting, nor more than sixty days prior to any
other action. Only such stockholders as shall be stockholders of record on the
date so fixed shall be entitled to such notice of, and to vote at, such meeting
and any adjournment thereof, or to receive payment of such dividend or other
distribution, or to receive such allotment of rights, or to exercise such rights
in respect of any such change, conversion or exchange of stock, or to
participate in such other action, as the case may be, notwithstanding any
transfer of any stock on the books of the Corporation after any such record date
fixed as aforesaid. If no record date is fixed by the Board of Directors, the
record date shall be determined as provided by the laws of the State of
Delaware. A determination of stockholders of record entitled to notice of or to
vote at a meeting of stockholders shall apply to any adjournment of the meeting;
provided, however, that the Board of Directors may fix a new record date for the
adjourned meeting.
ARTICLE VII
NEGOTIABLE INSTRUMENTS, CONTRACTS, ETC.
SECTION 1. Signatures on Checks, Etc. All checks, drafts, bills of
exchange, notes or other instruments or orders for the payment of money or
evidences of indebtedness shall be signed for or in the name of the Corporation
by such officer or officers, person or persons, as the Board of Directors may
from time to time designate by resolution.
SECTION 2. Execution of Contracts, Deeds, Etc. The Board of
Directors may authorize any officer or officers, agent or agents, in the name of
and on behalf of the Corporation, to
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enter into or execute and deliver any and all deeds, bonds, mortgages, contracts
and other obligations or instruments, and such authority may be general or
confined to specific instances.
SECTION 3. Loans. No loan shall be contracted on behalf of the
Corporation and no evidences of indebtedness shall be issued in its name unless
authorized or ratified by a resolution of the Board or Directors. Such
authorization or ratification may be general or confined to specific instances.
ARTICLE VIII
CORPORATE SEAL
The seal of the Corporation shall have inscribed thereon the name of
the Corporation, the year of its organization and the word "Delaware". Said seal
may be used by causing it or a facsimile thereof to be impressed or affixed or
reproduced in any manner whatsoever.
ARTICLE IX
FISCAL YEAR
The fiscal year of the Corporation shall be determined by the Board
of Directors.
ARTICLE X
VOTING OF STOCK HELD
Unless otherwise provided by resolution of the Board of Directors,
the Co-Chairmen of the Board, the Vice Chairman of the Board, the President or
any Vice President may from time to time appoint an attorney or attorneys or
agent or agents of the Corporation, in the name and on behalf of the
Corporation, to cast the votes which the Corporation may be entitled to cast as
a stockholder or otherwise in any other corporation or association, any of whose
stock or securities may be held by the Corporation, at meetings of the holders
of the stock or other securities of such other corporations or associations, or
to consent in writing to any action by any such other corporation or
association, and may instruct the person or persons so appointed as to the
manner of casting such votes or giving such consent, and may execute or cause to
be executed on behalf of the Corporation and under its corporate seal, or
otherwise,
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such written proxies, consents, waivers or other instruments as he may deemed
necessary or proper in the premises; or any such officer may himself attend any
meeting of the holders of stock or other securities of any such other
corporation or association and thereat vote or exercise any or all other powers
of the Corporation as the holder of such stock or other securities of such other
corporation or association, or may consent in writing to any action by any such
other corporation or association.
ARTICLE XI
INDEMNIFICATION OF OFFICERS, DIRECTORS,
EMPLOYEES AND AGENTS; INSURANCE
SECTION 1. Indemnification. (a) Any person made a party or
threatened to be made a party to a threatened, pending or completed action, suit
or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative (other
than an action or suit by or in the right of the Corporation to procure a
judgment in its favor) by reason of the fact that he is or was a director,
officer, employee or agent of the Corporation, or is or was serving at the
request of the Corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another
corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, including
service with respect to an employee benefit plan, shall be indemnified by the
Corporation against expenses (including attorneys' fees), judgments, fines and
amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by him in connection
with such action, suit or proceeding to the fullest extent authorized by the
General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware as the same exists or may
hereafter be amended (but, in the case of any such amendment, only to the extent
that such amendment permits the Corporation to provide broader indemnification
rights than said law permitted the Corporation to provide prior to such
amendment). The termination of any action, suit or proceeding by judgment,
order, settlement, conviction, or upon a plea of nolo contendere or its
equivalent, shall not, of itself, create a presumption that the person did not
act in good faith and in a manner which he reasonably believed to be in or not
opposed to the best interests of the Corporation, or, with respect to any
criminal action or proceeding, that the person had reasonable cause to believe
that his conduct was unlawful.
(b) Any person made a party or threatened to be made a party to any
threatened, pending or completed action or suit by or in the right of the
Corporation to procure a judgment in
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its favor by reason of the fact that he is or was a director, officer, employee
or agent of the Corporation, or is or was serving at the request of the
Corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation,
partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise shall be indemnified by
the Corporation against expenses (including attorneys' fees) actually and
reasonably incurred by him in connection with the defense or settlement of such
action or suit to the fullest extent authorized by the General Corporation Law
of the State of Delaware as the same exists or may hereafter be amended (but, in
the case of any such amendment, only to the extent that such amendment permits
the Corporation to provide broader indemnification rights than said law
permitted the Corporation to provide prior to such amendment), except that no
indemnification shall be made hereunder in respect of any claim, issue or matter
as to which the person shall be adjudged liable to the Corporation unless and
only to the extent that the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware or the
court in which such action or suit was brought shall determine upon application
that, despite the adjudication of liability, but in view of all the
circumstances of the case, such person is fairly and reasonably entitled to
indemnity for such expenses which said Court of Chancery or such other court
shall deem proper.
(c) To the extent that any person referred to above has been
successful on the merits or otherwise in defense of any action, suit or
proceeding referred to in paragraphs (a) and (b) above, or in defense of any
claim, issue or matter therein, he shall be indemnified by the Corporation
against expenses (including attorneys' fees) actually and reasonably incurred by
him in connection therewith.
(d) No indemnification shall be granted under paragraph (a) or (b)
above unless ordered by a court or unless it shall be specifically determined
that indemnification of the person is proper in the circumstances because he has
met the applicable standard of conduct set forth in the applicable paragraph,
which determination shall be made (i) by a majority vote of the directors who
are not parties to such action, suit or proceeding, even though less than a
quorum, or (ii) if there are no such directors, or if such directors so direct,
by independent legal counsel in a written opinion, or (iii) by the stockholders.
(e) Expenses incurred in defending any civil, criminal,
administrative or investigative action, suit or proceeding by a person who may
be entitled to indemnity under the above
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provisions shall be paid by the Corporation in advance of the final disposition
of such action, suit or proceeding if authorized under paragraph (d) above
within twenty days following receipt by the Corporation of a written request for
such advance, accompanied by a written undertaking by or on behalf of the person
to whom payment is to be made that he will repay the amounts advanced if it
shall ultimately be determined that he is not entitled to be indemnified by the
Corporation in accordance with the above provisions.
(f) The indemnification and advancement of expenses provided by, or
granted pursuant to, the above provisions shall not be deemed exclusive of any
other rights to which those indemnified or advancement expenses may be entitled
under any provision of the Certificate of Incorporation, By-law, agreement, vote
of stockholders or disinterested directors, insurance agreement, or otherwise,
both as to action in his official capacity and as to action in another capacity
while holding such office.
(g) The indemnification and advancement of expenses, provided by, or
granted pursuant to, this Section shall, unless otherwise provided when
authorized or ratified, continue as to a person who has ceased to be a director,
officer, employee or agent and shall inure to the benefit of the heirs,
executors and administrators of such a person.
(h) Any amendment or repeal of this Article XI shall not adversely
affect any right or protection existing hereunder in respect of any act or
omission occurring prior to such amendment or repeal.
SECTION 2. Insurance. The Board of Directors of the Corporation may,
in its discretion, authorize the Corporation to purchase and maintain insurance
on behalf of any person who is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of
the Corporation, or is or was serving at the request of the Corporation as a
director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint
venture, trust or other enterprise against any liability asserted against him
and incurred by him in any such capacity, or arising out of his status as such,
whether or not the Corporation would have the power to indemnify him against
such liability under the provisions of Section 1 of this Article XI.
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ARTICLE XII
AMENDMENTS
All By-laws of the Corporation shall be subject to amendment or
repeal, and new By-laws may be adopted, either (a) by the affirmative vote of
the holders of record of at least eighty percent (80%) of the outstanding stock
of the Corporation entitled to vote for the election of directors, voting
together as a single class, given at an annual meeting or at any special meeting
of such stockholders, or (b) by the affirmative vote of a majority of the whole
Board of Directors of the Corporation; provided, however, that Section 11(B) of
Article III hereof may be amended only by stockholder vote or by the affirmative
vote of 12 of 13 members of the Board of Directors and provided, further, that
(i) the provisions of these By-laws concerning the powers and authority of the
Co-Chairman who shall be the Chief Executive Officer shall not be changed, and
(ii) the number of directors set forth in Section 2 of Article III shall not be
increased, without a stockholder vote or by the affirmative vote of 12 of 13
members of the Board of Directors.
EXHIBIT 13
CERTIFICATE OF DESIGNATIONS
OF
ALLIANCE ENTERTAINMENT CORP.
Pursuant to Section 151 of the Delaware General Corporation Law (the
"GCL"), ALLIANCE ENTERTAINMENT CORP., a Delaware corporation (the
"Corporation"), certifies as follows:
FIRST: Under the authority contained in Article FOURTH of the
Certificate of Incorporation, as amended, of the Corporation, the Board of
Directors of the Corporation has classified an aggregate of three hundred
thousand (300,000) shares of the authorized but unissued shares of preferred
stock of the Corporation into a series which shall be designated Series B
Convertible Preferred Stock.
SECOND: The following resolution was adopted by the Board of
Directors on December 19, 1996 and such resolution has not been modified and is
in full force and effect on the date hereof:
RESOLVED, that the Board of Directors hereby creates, from the
authorized but unissued shares of preferred stock of the Corporation, a series
of convertible preferred stock designated as Series B Convertible Preferred
Stock, par value $0.01 per share (the "Preferred Stock"), and hereby fixes the
powers, designations, preferences and relative, participating, optional or other
special rights, and the qualifications, limitations or restrictions thereof, of
the shares of such series, as follows:
Section 1. Preferred Stock Dividends.
1.1 General Dividend Obligation. When, as and if declared by the
Board of Directors of the Corporation, the Corporation shall pay to the holders
of record of the Preferred Stock, out of the assets of the Corporation available
for the payment of dividends under the General Corporation Law of the State of
Delaware, preferential dividends at the times and in the amounts provided for in
this Section 1.
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1.2 Payments of Dividends; Payments in Additional Shares. (a) When
declared by the Board of Directors of the Corporation, dividends on the
Preferred Stock shall be payable on whole shares of Preferred Stock on each
Dividend Payment Date (capitalized terms not otherwise defined herein being used
in this Certificate of Designations with the definitions set forth in Section
11).
(b) Dividends shall be paid only in additional whole shares of
Preferred Stock, having a Liquidation Value (exclusive of any accrued unpaid
dividends) equal in amount to the dividends payable, by mailing certificates for
such shares to each holder of record of Preferred Stock at such holder's address
as it appears on the Corporation's stock register at least five days prior to
the due date of each dividend or otherwise delivering such shares so as to be
received by such holder on the due date of such dividend. If any portion of a
dividend would result in the issuance of a fraction of a share of Preferred
Stock, such fraction shall be carried forward and accumulated with other
fractions and shall be paid on a subsequent Dividend Payment Date when such
accumulated fractions equal at least one whole share of Preferred Stock.
(c) If at any time dividends on the outstanding Preferred Stock at
the rate set forth herein shall not have been fully paid or declared and set
aside for payment, no dividends or other distributions shall be declared or paid
upon or set apart for payment on the shares of any other class of Junior
Securities.
1.3 Calculation of Dividends. Dividends on each share of Preferred
Stock shall be calculated cumulatively at the rate and in the manner prescribed
herein from and including the date of issuance of such share of Preferred Stock,
whether or not such dividends shall have been declared and whether or not there
shall be (at the time such dividends are calculated or become payable or at any
other time) profits, surplus or other funds or assets of the Corporation legally
available for the payment of dividends. For purposes of this Section 1.3, the
date on which the Corporation shall initially issue any share of Preferred Stock
shall be deemed to be its "date of issuance" regardless of the number of times
transfer of such share of Preferred Stock shall be made on the stock register
maintained by or for the Corporation and regardless of the number of
certificates which may be issued to evidence such share of Preferred Stock
(whether by reason of transfer of such share or for any other reason).
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1.4 Dividend Rates. Dividends shall be cumulative, and shall accrue
on a daily basis on each Outstanding share of Preferred Stock at the rate per
annum (computed on the basis of a 360-day year having twelve thirty-day months)
of six percent (6%) of the Liquidation Value of each share of Preferred Stock.
To the extent not paid, on a Dividend Payment Date all unpaid dividends accrued
on each share of Preferred Stock Outstanding during such quarter (or from and
including the original date of issuance of such share in the case of the initial
quarter-end after the date of issuance) shall be added to the Liquidation Value
of such share and shall remain a part thereof until such dividends are paid.
Section 2. Liquidation Preferences.
Subject to the holders' conversion rights provided below herein, upon
any liquidation (complete or partial), dissolution or winding up of the
Corporation, or any similar distribution of its assets to its stockholders which
results in a return of capital, whether voluntary or involuntary, the holders of
the Preferred Stock shall be entitled, before any distribution or payment is
made upon any Junior Securities of the Corporation, to be paid out of the assets
of the Corporation available for distribution to its stockholders (whether from
capital, surplus or earnings) an amount in cash equal to the sum of (i) the
aggregate Liquidation Value of all shares of Preferred Stock then Outstanding,
plus (ii) all accrued unpaid dividends on such shares, and shall not be entitled
to any further payment. Written notice of such liquidation, dissolution, winding
up or other distribution of assets, stating a payment date, the amount of the
payment and the place where the amounts distributable shall be payable, shall be
mailed by certified or registered mail, return receipt requested, not less than
60 days prior to the payment date stated therein, to each record holder of any
share of Preferred Stock entitled thereto at the address for such record holder
shown on the Corporation's records. Neither the consolidation nor merger of the
Corporation into or with any other corporation or corporations, nor the sale or
transfer by the Corporation of all or any part of its assets, shall be deemed to
be a liquidation, dissolution, winding up or similar distribution of the
Corporation within the meaning of any of the provisions of this Section 2. The
Preferred Stock shall rank pari passu with the Corporation's Series A
Convertible Preferred Stock.
Section 3. Redemptions of Preferred Stock.
3.1 Redemption Price. For each share of Preferred Stock which is to
be redeemed by the Corporation at any time
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and for any reason in a redemption pursuant to this Section 3, the Corporation
shall be obligated on the Redemption Date, regardless of whether the Corporation
shall be able or legally permitted to make such payment on the Redemption Date,
to pay to the holder thereof (upon surrender by such holder at the Corporation's
principal office of the certificate representing such share of Preferred Stock
duly endorsed in blank or accompanied by an appropriate form of assignment) the
Redemption Price for such share of Preferred Stock, payable in cash.
3.2 Redeemed or Otherwise Acquired Shares Not to Be Reissued. Any
shares of Preferred Stock redeemed pursuant to this Section 3 or otherwise
acquired by the Corporation shall not be reissued, sold or transferred by the
Corporation and shall be retired.
3.3 Determination of Number of Each Holder's Shares to Be Redeemed.
The number of shares of Preferred Stock to be redeemed from each holder thereof
in each redemption under this Section 3 shall be determined by multiplying the
total number of shares of Preferred Stock to be redeemed times a fraction, the
numerator of which shall be the total number of shares of Preferred Stock then
held by such holder and the denominator of which shall be the total number of
shares of Preferred Stock then Outstanding, rounded if the result is fractional
to the nearest whole number of shares.
3.4 Optional Redemption by Corporation. (a) The Preferred Stock may
be redeemed in whole (but not in part), at the Redemption Price, at the
Corporation's option at any time after the seventh (7th) anniversary of the date
of original issuance of the Preferred Stock, on at least 30 days' notice.
3.5 Mandatory Redemption Based on Failure of Stockholders' Vote. (a)
In the event that the Preferred Stock has not become convertible in accordance
with Section 4.1(a) on or before July 26, 2005, then at any time after such date
(i) any holder of shares of Preferred Stock may require the Corporation to
redeem all or any portion of the Preferred Stock owned by such holder, at the
Redemption Price (as determined pursuant to this Section 3.5), upon written
notice to the Corporation requesting such redemption, or (ii) the Corporation
may, at its option, redeem the Preferred Stock then Outstanding in whole (but
not in part), at the Redemption Price (as determined pursuant to this Section
3.5), upon written notice to the holders thereof. Notice of any such election by
the Corporation to redeem shall specify a redemption date not
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less than 10 nor more than 30 days after the date of such notice.
(b) The Redemption Price for each holder's shares of Preferred Stock
redeemed pursuant to this Section 3.5 shall be the lesser of
(i) the amount which, on receipt by the holder, will cause the
holder to realize an Internal Rate of Return of thirty-five percent (35%)
with respect to its investment in such shares being redeemed, and
(ii) seventy-five percent (75%) of the Corporation's cumulative
EBITDA, for the period from the date of original issuance of the Preferred
Stock to the date of such redemption, multiplied by a fraction, the
numerator of which is the number of shares of Preferred Stock to be
redeemed from such holder and the denominator of which is the aggregate
number of shares of Preferred Stock issued by the Corporation, provided
that the Redemption Price per share of Preferred Stock calculated pursuant
to this paragraph (ii) shall in no event be less than the Liquidation Value
thereof.
3.6 Redemptions or Purchase by Corporation's Designee(s). In lieu of
any redemption of Preferred Stock by the Corporation permitted hereunder, the
Corporation may designate one or more purchasers who shall be entitled to
purchase the Preferred Stock from the holders thereof at the applicable
Redemption Price. Any such designee(s) shall have the rights and obligations of
the Corporation specified herein with respect to the redemption of such shares.
3.7 Notice of Redemption. Except as otherwise expressly provided
herein, notice of any redemption of Preferred Stock, specifying the time and
place of redemption, the Redemption Price (in the case of a redemption under
Section 3.5, showing the computation thereof in reasonable detail) and the
Section and paragraph pursuant to which such redemption is being made, shall be
mailed by certified or registered mail, return receipt requested, to each holder
of record of shares of Preferred Stock to be redeemed, at the address for such
holder shown on the Corporation's records, not more than sixty (60) nor less
than thirty (30) days prior to the date on which such redemption is to be made.
The notice shall also specify the number of shares of Preferred Stock and the
certificate numbers thereof which are to be redeemed. With respect to
redemptions made pursuant to Section 3.4, upon mailing any such notice of
redemption the Corporation shall become obligated to redeem at the time of
redemption specified therein all shares of Preferred Stock therein specified. In
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case less than all the shares of Preferred Stock represented by any certificate
are redeemed, a new certificate representing the unredeemed shares of Preferred
Stock shall be issued to the holder thereof without cost to such holder.
Notwithstanding any other provision of this Section 3, the Corporation shall not
be entitled to redeem any shares of Preferred Stock in respect of which the
holder of such Preferred Stock has delivered to Corporation a Conversion Notice
after the delivery of notice by the Corporation as provided in this paragraph
but prior to the Redemption Date.
3.8 Rights After Redemption Date. Provided that the Redemption Price
is paid in full on the applicable Redemption Date, no share of Preferred Stock
shall be entitled to any dividends accrued after its Redemption Date, and on
such Redemption Date, except as otherwise provided herein or by law, all rights
of the holder of such share of Preferred Stock as a stockholder of the
Corporation, by reason of the ownership of such share, shall cease, except the
right to receive the Redemption Price of such share upon presentation and
surrender of the certificate representing such share, and such share shall not
after such Redemption Date be deemed to be Outstanding.
3.9 Other Redemptions. The Corporation shall neither redeem nor
otherwise acquire any shares of any class of Preferred Stock except (i) as
expressly authorized in this Certificate of Designations, or (ii) pursuant to
any offer of redemption made to the holders of Preferred Stock of such class pro
rata according to the shares held by them.
3.10 Deposit of Redemption Price. If on or before the date of
redemption specified in any notice of redemption of any share of Preferred
Stock, the Corporation shall irrevocably deposit the amount of the Redemption
Price thereof with a bank or trust company having an office in the City of New
York, designated in such notice of redemption, in trust for the benefit of the
holder of such share of Preferred Stock, such share of Preferred Stock shall be
deemed to have been redeemed on the date so specified, whether or not the
certificate for such share shall be surrendered for redemption and canceled.
Section 4. Conversion of Preferred Stock.
4.1 Conversion Procedures. (a) The Preferred Stock shall be
convertible into shares of Common Stock, in accordance with the terms of this
Section 4 after the receipt by the Corporation of a Conversion Notice as defined
in Section 4.1(c) hereof received at any time after the date that the issuance
of Common Stock upon such conversion is approved by the holders of outstanding
Common Stock, in
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compliance with Rule 312.03 of the New York Stock Exchange Listed Company Manual
(or such approval otherwise is not required) subject to the requirements of
Section 4.1(b) hereof.
(b) A holder of shares of Preferred Stock may, at any time after the
requirements of Section 4.1(a) are satisfied, convert pursuant to this Section 4
all or any part (in whole numbers of shares only) of the shares of Preferred
Stock held by such holder into such number of fully paid and non-assessable
whole shares of Common Stock as is obtained by multiplying the number of shares
of Preferred Stock so to be converted by the Liquidation Value thereof and
dividing the result by the Conversion Price then in effect. Such right as to any
particular share shall terminate at the close of business on the day immediately
prior to the date fixed for payment on the Preferred Stock upon any liquidation,
dissolution, winding up or similar distribution of the Corporation.
(c) Each conversion of Preferred Stock shall be effected by the
surrender of the certificate or certificates representing the shares to be
converted at the principal office of the Corporation (or such other office or
agency of the Corporation as the Corporation may designate by notice in writing
to the holder or holders of the Preferred Stock) at any time during its usual
business hours, which shall be accompanied by a written notice by the holder of
such Preferred Stock (a "Conversion Notice") stating that such holder desires to
convert shares, or a stated number of shares, represented by a certificate or
certificates specifically described therein. Such Conversion Notice shall also
specify the name or names (with addresses) and denominations in which the
certificate or certificates for Common Stock shall be issued and shall include
instructions for delivery thereof. The Conversion Price shall be determined as
of the close of business on the date the certificate representing the Preferred
Stock and the Conversion Notice is received by the Corporation. Such conversion
shall be deemed to have been effected as of the close of business on the date on
which the certificate representing the Preferred Stock and the Conversion Notice
for such shares shall have been received by the Corporation, and as of such date
(the "Conversion Date") the rights of the holder of such Preferred Stock (or
specified portion thereof) as such holder shall cease and the person or persons
in whose name or names any certificate or certificates for shares of Common
Stock are to be issued upon such conversion shall be deemed to have become the
holder or holders of record of the shares of Common Stock represented thereby.
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(d) As soon as possible after the Conversion Date (and in no event
more than 30 days after the Conversion Date), subject to Section 4.2(c), with
respect to the certificate(s) specified in (i) and (ii) below, the Corporation
shall deliver to the converting holder or, with respect to the certificate(s)
specified in (i) below, as specified by such converting holder:
(i) a certificate or certificates representing the number of shares
of Common Stock issuable by reason of such conversion registered in such
name or names and such denomination or denominations as the converting
holder shall have specified;
(ii) a certificate representing any shares of Preferred Stock which
shall have been represented by the certificate or certificates which shall
have been delivered to the Corporation in connection with such conversion
but which shall not have been converted; and
(iii) a payment of cash in an amount equal to the value of any
fractional share of Common Stock that otherwise would be issuable in
connection with the Preferred Stock converted.
4.2 Authorization and Issuance of Common Stock. The Corporation
covenants and agrees that:
(a) The Corporation will at all times reserve and keep available out
of its authorized but unissued shares of Common Stock, solely for the purpose of
issuing upon the conversion of the Preferred Stock as provided in this Section
4, such number of shares of Common Stock as shall then be issuable upon the
conversion of all Outstanding shares of Preferred Stock. The Corporation
covenants that all shares of Common Stock which shall be so issuable shall, when
issued, be duly and validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable and free from
all taxes, liens, and charges. The Corporation will take all such action as may
be necessary to assure that all shares of Common Stock may be so issued without
violation of any applicable law or regulation or any requirements of any
domestic stock exchange upon which any shares of Common Stock may be listed.
(b) The Corporation will not take any action which results in any
adjustment of the number of shares of Common Stock acquirable upon conversion of
a share of Preferred Stock if after such action the total number of shares of
Common Stock issuable upon conversion of the Preferred Stock then Outstanding,
together with the total number of shares of Common Stock then Outstanding and
the total number of
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shares of Common Stock reserved for any purpose other than issuance upon
conversion of Common Stock, would exceed the total number of shares of Common
Stock then authorized by the Corporation's Certificate of Incorporation, as
amended.
(c) If any shares of Common Stock required to be reserved for
purposes of conversions of shares of Preferred Stock under this Certificate of
Designations require registration with, or approval of, any governmental
authority under any federal or state law (other than any registration under the
Securities Act of 1933, as then in effect, or any similar federal statute then
in force, or any state securities law, required by reason of any transfer
involved in such conversion), or listing on any domestic securities exchange,
before such shares may be issued upon conversion, the Corporation will, at its
expense and as expeditiously as possible, use its best efforts to cause such
shares to be duly registered or approved for listing or listed on such domestic
securities exchange, as the case may be.
(d) The issuance of certificates for shares of Common Stock upon
conversion of shares of the Preferred Stock shall be made without charge to the
holders of such shares for any issuance tax in respect thereof, or other cost
incurred by the Corporation in connection with such conversion and the related
issuance of shares of Common Stock, provided that the Corporation shall not be
required to pay any tax which may be payable in respect of any transfer involved
in the issuance and delivery of any certificate in a name other than that of the
holder of the Preferred Stock converted.
(e) The Corporation will not close its books against the transfer of
any share of Preferred Stock or of any share of Common Stock issued or issuable
upon the conversion of such shares in any manner which interferes with the
timely conversion of such shares.
4.3 Conversion Price. (a) The initial Conversion Price shall be one
dollar and twenty-five cents ($1.25). In order to prevent dilution of the
conversion rights granted hereunder, the Conversion Price shall be subject to
adjustment from time to time pursuant to this Section 4.
(b) If and whenever the Corporation shall issue or sell, or shall in
accordance with Section 4.4 be deemed to have issued or sold, any shares of
Common Stock for a consideration per share that is less than 95% of the Market
Price on the date of such issue or sale, then, forthwith upon such issue or
sale, the Conversion Price shall, subject to Section 4.4, be reduced to the
price (calculated to the nearest $0.001) determined by multiplying the
Conversion
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Price in effect immediately prior to the time of such issue or sale by a
fraction, the numerator of which shall be the sum of (i) the number of shares of
Common Stock Deemed Outstanding immediately prior to such issue or sale
multiplied by the Market Price immediately prior to such issue or sale plus (ii)
the consideration received by the Corporation upon such issue or sale, and the
denominator of which shall be the product of (iii) the total number of shares of
Common Stock Deemed Outstanding immediately after such issue or sale, multiplied
by (iv) the Market Price immediately prior to such issue or sale.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, no adjustment of the Conversion Price shall be
made in an amount less than $0.001 per share, but any such lesser adjustment
shall be carried forward and shall be made at the time of and together with the
next subsequent adjustment which together with any adjustments so carried
forward shall amount to $0.001 per share or more.
(c) Notwithstanding the provisions of this Section 4.3 and Section
4.4, no adjustment of the Conversion Price shall be required as a result of the
sale or issuance of Common Stock, at prices less than 95% of the Market Price
then in effect, (i) upon conversion of any of the Preferred Stock or the
Corporation's Series C Convertible Preferred Stock, par value $0.01 per share
(the "Series C Preferred Stock") or the exchange of the Corporation's 6%
Exchangeable Notes due December 31, 2001, (ii) in connection with Excluded
Securities, or (iii) the issuance of the Series C Preferred Stock.
4.4 Effect of Certain Events on Conversion Price. For purposes of
determining the adjusted Conversion Price under Section 4.3, the following shall
be applicable:
(a) Issuance of Rights or Options. In case at any time the
Corporation shall in any manner grant (whether directly or by assumption in a
merger or otherwise) any rights to subscribe for or to purchase, or any options
for the purchase of, Common Stock or any stock or other securities convertible
into or exchangeable for Common Stock (such rights or options being herein
called "Options" and such convertible or exchangeable stock or securities being
herein called "Convertible Securities"), whether or not such Options or the
rights to convert or exchange such Convertible Securities are immediately
exercisable, and the price per share for which Common Stock is issuable upon the
exercise of such Options or upon conversion or exchange of such Convertible
Securities (determined by dividing (i) the total amount, if any, received or
receivable by the Corporation as consideration for the granting of such
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Options, plus the minimum aggregate amount of additional consideration payable
to the Corporation upon the exercise of all such Options, plus, in the case of
such Options which relate to Convertible Securities, the minimum aggregate
amount of additional consideration, if any, payable upon the issue or sale of
such Convertible Securities and upon the conversion or exchange thereof, by (ii)
the total maximum number of shares of Common Stock issuable upon the exercise of
such Options or upon the conversion or exchange of all such Convertible
Securities issuable upon the exercise of such Options) shall be less than 95% of
the Market Price, determined as of the date of granting of such Options, then
the total maximum number of shares of Common Stock issuable upon the exercise of
such Options or upon conversion or exchange of the total maximum amount of such
Convertible Securities issuable upon the exercise of such Options shall (as of
the date of grant of such Options) be deemed to be outstanding and to have been
issued for such price per share. No adjustment of the Conversion Price shall be
made upon the actual issue of such Common Stock or of such Convertible
Securities upon exercise of such Options or upon the actual issue of such Common
Stock upon conversion or exchange of such Convertible Securities, except as
otherwise provided in Section 4.4(c).
(b) Issuance of Convertible Securities. In case the Corporation shall
in any manner issue (whether directly or by assumption in a merger or otherwise)
or sell any Convertible Securities, whether or not the rights to exchange or
convert thereunder are immediately exercisable, and the price per share for
which Common Stock is issuable upon such conversion or exchange (determined by
dividing (i) the total amount received or receivable by the Corporation as
consideration for the issue or sale of such Convertible Securities, plus the
minimum aggregate amount of additional consideration, if any, payable to the
Corporation upon the conversion or exchange thereof, by (ii) the total maximum
number of shares of Common Stock issuable upon the conversion or exchange of all
such Convertible Securities) shall be less than 95% of the Market Price,
determined as of the date of such issue or sale of such Convertible Securities,
then the total maximum number of shares of Common Stock issuable upon conversion
or exchange of all such Convertible Securities shall (as of the date of the
issue or sale of such Convertible Securities) be deemed to be outstanding and to
have been issued for such price per share. Except as otherwise provided in
Section 4.4(c), no adjustment of the Conversion Price shall be made upon the
actual issue of such Common Stock upon conversion or exchange of such
Convertible Securities, and if any such issue or sale of such Convertible
Securities is made upon exercise of any Options for which adjustments of the
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Conversion Price have been made or are to be made pursuant to other provisions
of this Section 4.4, no further adjustment of the Conversion Price shall be made
by reason of such issue or sale.
(c) Change in Option or Conversion Price. If the purchase price
provided for in any Option referred to in Section 4.4(a), the additional
consideration, if any, payable upon conversion or exchange of any Convertible
Securities referred to in Section 4.4(a) or (b), or the rate at which any
Convertible Securities referred to in Section 4.4(a) or (b) are convertible into
or exchangeable for Common Stock, shall change at any time (other than under or
by reason of provisions designed to protect against dilution of the type set
forth in this Section 4.4 or in Sections 4.3 and 4.5), then the Conversion Price
in effect at the time of such change shall forthwith be adjusted to the
Conversion Price which would have been in effect at such time had such Option or
Convertible Securities still outstanding provided for such changed purchase
price, additional consideration or conversion rate, as the case may be, at the
time initially granted, issued or sold. If the purchase price provided for in
any Option referred to in Section 4.4(a), the additional consideration, if any,
payable upon conversion or exchange of any Convertible Securities referred to in
Section 4.4(a) or (b), or the rate at which any Convertible Securities referred
to in Section 4.4(a) or (b), are convertible into or exchangeable for Common
Stock, shall be reduced at any time under or by reason of provisions with
respect thereto designed to protect against dilution of the type set forth in
this Section 4.4 or Sections 4.3 and 4.5, then in case of the delivery of Common
Stock upon the exercise of any such Option or upon conversion or exchange of any
such Convertible Security, the Conversion Price then in effect hereunder shall
forthwith be adjusted to such respective amount as would have been obtained had
such Option or Convertible Security never been issued as to such Common Stock
and had adjustments been made upon the issuance of the shares of Common Stock
delivered as aforesaid, but only if as a result of such adjustment the
Conversion Price then in effect hereunder would be reduced.
(d) Treatment of Expired Options and Unexercised Convertible
Securities. Upon the expiration of any Option or the termination of any right to
convert or exchange any Convertible Securities (without any exercise of such
Option or right), the Conversion Price then in effect hereunder shall forthwith
be adjusted to the Conversion Price which would have been in effect at the time
of such expiration or termination had such Option or Convertible Securities, to
the extent outstanding immediately prior to such expiration or termination,
never been issued, and the Common Stock
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issuable thereunder shall no longer be deemed to be outstanding.
(e) Calculation of Consideration Received. (i) In case any shares of
Common Stock, Options or Convertible Securities shall be issued or sold or
deemed to have been issued or sold for cash, the consideration received therefor
shall be deemed to be the aggregate proceeds payable to the Corporation
therefor, prior to deduction of any expenses incurred and any underwriting
commission or concessions paid or allowed by the Corporation in connection
therewith.
(ii) In case any shares of Common Stock, Options or Convertible
Securities shall be issued or sold for a consideration other than cash, the
amount of consideration other than cash received by the Corporation shall be
deemed to be the fair value, determined in good faith by the Board of Directors.
(iii) In case any Options shall be issued in connection with the
issue or sale of other securities of the Corporation, together comprising one
integral transaction in which no specific consideration is allocated to such
Options by the parties thereto, such Options shall be deemed to have been issued
without consideration.
(iv) In case any shares of Common Stock, Options or Convertible
Securities shall be issued in connection with any merger in which the
Corporation is the surviving corporation, the amount of consideration therefor
shall be deemed to be the fair value, determined in good faith by the Board of
Directors, of such portion of the net assets and business of the non-surviving
corporation as shall be attributable to such Common Stock, Options or
Convertible Securities, as the case may be.
(v) In the event of any consolidation or merger of the Corporation in
which stock or other securities of any corporation are issued in exchange for
Common Stock of the Corporation or in the event of any sale of all or
substantially all of the assets of the Corporation for stock or other securities
of any corporation, the Corporation shall be deemed to have issued a number of
shares of its Common Stock for stock or securities of the other corporation
computed on the basis of the actual exchange ratio on which the transaction was
predicated and for a consideration equal to the fair market value on the date of
such transaction of such stock or securities of the other corporation, and if
any such calculation results in adjustment of the Conversion Price the
determination of the number of shares of Common Stock receivable upon conversion
of the Preferred Stock immediately prior to such merger,
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consolidation or sale, for purposes of Section 4.7, shall be made after giving
effect to such adjustment of the Conversion Price.
(vi) In case the Corporation shall declare a dividend or make any
other distribution upon any stock of the Corporation payable in Common Stock,
Options or Convertible Securities, any Common Stock, Options or Convertible
Securities, as the case may be, issuable in payment of such dividend or
distribution shall be deemed to have been issued or sold without consideration.
(f) Record Date. For purposes of Sections 4.3 and 4.4, in case the
Corporation shall take a record of the holders of its Common Stock for the
purpose of entitling them (i) to receive a dividend or other distribution
payable in Common Stock, Options or Convertible Securities, or (ii) to subscribe
for or purchase Common Stock, Options or Convertible Securities, then such
record date shall be deemed to be the date of the issue or sale of the shares of
Common Stock deemed to have been issued or sold upon the declaration of such
dividend or the making of such other distribution or the date of granting of
such right or subscription or purchase, as the case may be.
4.5 Subdivisions and Combinations. Except to the extent Section
4.4(e)(vi) above applies, in the event that the Corporation shall at any time
subdivide (by any stock split, stock dividend or otherwise) one or more classes
of its outstanding Common Stock into a greater number of shares of Common Stock,
the Conversion Price in effect immediately prior to such subdivision forthwith
shall be proportionately reduced. Conversely, in the event the outstanding
shares of one or more classes of the Common Stock shall be combined into a
smaller number of shares (by reverse stock split or otherwise), the Conversion
Price in effect immediately prior to such combination shall be proportionately
increased.
4.6 Dividends. In the event that the Corporation declares a dividend
(other than a dividend payable in Common Stock, Options or Convertible
Securities, or a cash dividend payable out of earnings or earned surplus) upon
Common Stock, then at the option of the holders of a majority of the outstanding
shares of Preferred Stock,
(1) the Corporation shall pay over to each holder, on the dividend
payment date, the cash, stock or other securities and other property which
holder would have received if such holder had converted all of his or its
shares of Preferred Stock into Common Stock and had been the record holder
of such Common Stock on the date on which a record is taken for the purpose
of such
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dividend, or, if a record is not taken, the date as of which the holders of
Common Stock of record entitled to such dividend are to be determined, or
(2) the Conversion Price in effect immediately prior to the
declaration of such dividend shall be reduced by an amount equal to the
amount of such dividend payable per share of Common Stock, in the case of a
cash dividend, or by the fair value of such dividend per share (as
reasonably determined by the Board of Directors of the Corporation), in the
case of any other dividend, such reduction to be effective on the date as
of which a record is taken for purposes of such dividend, or if a record is
not taken, the date as of which holders of record of Common Stock entitled
to such dividend are determined, or
(3) in the case of a dividend consisting of stock or securities
(other than Common Stock, Options or Convertible Securities) or other
property distributable to holders of Common Stock, the holder of Preferred
Stock may elect that, in lieu of (1) or (2) above, lawful and adequate
provisions shall be made (including without limitation any necessary
reduction in the Conversion Price) whereby such holder of Preferred Stock
shall thereafter have the right to purchase and/or receive, on the terms
and conditions specified in this Certificate of Designations and in
addition to the shares of Common Stock receivable immediately prior to the
declaration of such dividend upon conversion of his or its shares of
Preferred Stock, such shares of stock, securities or property as are
distributable with respect to outstanding shares of Common Stock equal to
the number of shares of Common Stock receivable immediately prior to such
declaration upon conversion of his or its shares of Preferred Stock, to the
end that the provisions hereof (including without limitation provisions for
adjustments of the Conversion Price and of the number of shares receivable
upon such conversion) shall thereafter be applicable, as nearly as may be,
in relation to such shares of stock, securities or property.
For the purposes of this Section 4.6, "dividend" shall mean any distribution to
the holders of Common Stock as such, and a dividend shall be considered payable
out of earnings or earned surplus (other than revaluation or paid-in surplus)
only to the extent that such earnings or earned surplus are charged an amount
equal to the fair value of such dividend as reasonably determined by the Board
of Directors of the Corporation.
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<PAGE>
4.7 Reorganization, Reclassification, Consolidation, Merger or Sale.
If any capital reorganization or reclassification of the capital stock of the
Corporation, or any consolidation or merger of the Corporation with or into
another corporation, or any sale of all or substantially all of the
Corporation's assets to another corporation shall be effected in such a way that
holders of Common Stock shall be entitled to receive (either directly or upon
subsequent liquidation) stock, securities or assets with respect to or in
exchange for Common Stock, then, as a condition of such reorganization,
reclassification, consolidation, merger or sale, lawful and adequate provision
(as determined reasonably and in good faith by the Board of Directors of the
Corporation) shall be made whereby each of the holders of the Preferred Stock
shall thereafter have the right to acquire and receive upon the basis and upon
the terms and conditions specified herein and in lieu of the shares of Common
Stock of the Corporation immediately theretofore acquirable and receivable upon
the conversion of such holder's shares, such shares of stock, securities or
assets as may be issued or payable with respect to or in exchange for a number
of outstanding shares of Common Stock equal to the number of shares of Common
Stock immediately theretofore acquirable and receivable upon conversion of such
shares had such reorganization, reclassification, consolidation, merger or sale
not taken place, and in any such case appropriate provision shall be made with
respect to such holder's rights and interests to the end that the provisions of
this Section 4 (including without limitation provisions for adjustments of the
Conversion Price and of the number of shares of Common Stock acquirable and
receivable upon the exercise of the conversion rights granted in this Section 4)
shall thereafter be applicable in relation to any shares of stock, securities or
assets thereafter deliverable upon the conversion of such holder's shares
(including, in the case of any such consolidation, merger or sale in which the
successor corporation or purchasing corporation is other than the Corporation,
an immediate adjustment of the Conversion Price to the value for the Common
Stock reflected by the terms of such consolidation, merger or sale if the value
so reflected is less than the Conversion Price in effect immediately prior to
such consolidation, merger or sale). The Corporation shall not effect any
consolidation, merger or sale, unless the successor corporation (if other than
the Corporation) resulting from such consolidation or merger or the corporation
purchasing such assets shall assume the obligation to deliver to each such
holder such shares of stock, securities or assets as, in accordance with the
foregoing provisions, such holder may be entitled to acquire or receive.
16
<PAGE>
4.8 Notice of Adjustment. Immediately upon any adjustment of the
Conversion Price, the Corporation shall send written notice thereof to all
holders of Preferred Stock, which notice shall state the Conversion Price
resulting from such adjustment and the increase or decrease, if any, in the
number of shares of Common Stock acquirable and receivable upon conversions of
all shares of Preferred Stock held by each such holder, setting forth in
reasonable detail the method of calculation and the facts upon which such
calculation is based.
4.9 Other Adjustment-Related Notices. In the event that at any time:
(a) the Corporation shall declare a dividend (or any other
distribution) upon its Common Stock payable otherwise than in cash out of
earnings or earned surplus;
(b) the Corporation shall offer for subscription pro rata to the
holders of any class of its Common Stock any additional shares of stock of
any class or other rights;
(c) there shall be any capital reorganization, or reclassification of
the capital stock of the Corporation, or consolidation or merger of the
Corporation with, or sale of all or substantially all of its assets to,
another corporation; or
(d) there shall be any voluntary or involuntary dissolution,
liquidation, winding up or similar distribution of the Corporation;
then, in connection with any such event, the Corporation shall give by first
class mail, postage prepaid, addressed to the holders of Preferred Stock at the
address for each such holder as shown on the books of the Corporation:
(i) at least 30 days' prior written notice of the date on which the
books of the Corporation shall close or a record shall be taken for such
dividend, distribution or subscription rights (and specifying the date on
which the holders of Common Stock shall be entitled thereto) or for
determining rights to vote in respect of such reorganization,
reclassification, consolidation, merger, sale, dissolution, liquidation,
winding up or similar distribution; and
(ii) in the case of any such reorganization, reclassification,
consolidation, merger, sale, dissolution, liquidation, winding up or
similar
17
<PAGE>
distribution, at least 30 days' prior written notice of the date when the
same shall take place (and specifying the date on which the holders of
Common Stock shall be entitled to exchange their Common Stock for
securities or other property deliverable upon such reorganization,
reclassification, consolidation, merger, sale, dissolution, liquidation,
winding up or similar distribution).
4.10 Certain Events. If any event occurs as to which the other
provisions of this Section 4 are not strictly applicable or if strictly
applicable would not fairly protect the conversion rights of the Preferred Stock
in accordance with the essential intent and principles of such provisions, then
the Board of Directors shall make an adjustment in the application of such
provisions, in accordance with such essential intent and principles, so as to
protect such conversion rights as aforesaid.
4.11 Disputes. In the event that there is any dispute as to (a) the
computation of the price or the number of shares of Common Stock required to be
issued upon conversion of Preferred Stock, or (b) the computation of the
Redemption Price under Section 3.6, in either case in which holders of 50
percent or more of the Preferred Stock shall join, the holders and the
Corporation will retain an independent and nationally recognized accounting firm
to conduct at the expense of the Corporation an audit of the computations
pursuant to the terms hereof involved in such dispute, including the financial
statements or other information upon which such computations were based. The
determination of such nationally recognized accounting firm shall, in the
absence of manifest error, be binding upon the holders of the Preferred Stock
and the Corporation. If there shall be a dispute as to the selection of such
nationally recognized accounting firm, such firm shall be appointed by the
American Institute of Certified Public Accountants ("AICPA") if willing,
otherwise the American Arbitration Association ("AAA"), upon application by the
Corporation or any holder or holders of at least 50 percent of the outstanding
Preferred Stock with notice to the others. If the price, number of shares of
Common Stock or Redemption Price as determined by such accounting firm is five
percent (5%) or more higher or lower than the price, number of shares of Common
Stock or Redemption Price computed by the Corporation, the expenses of such
accounting firm and, if any, AICPA and AAA, shall be borne completely by the
Corporation. In all other cases, they shall be borne by the disputing holders of
Preferred Stock.
18
<PAGE>
Section 5. Purchase Rights.
If at any time or from time to time the Corporation shall grant,
issue or sell any Options, Convertible Securities or rights to purchase property
(any "Purchase Rights") pro rata to the record holders of Common Stock and such
grant, issuance or sale does not result in an adjustment of the Conversion Price
under Section 4.4, then each holder of Preferred Stock shall be entitled to
acquire, upon the terms applicable to such Purchase Rights, the aggregate
Purchase Rights which such holder could have acquired if it had held the number
of shares of Common Stock acquirable and receivable (directly or upon subsequent
conversion, assuming unrestricted convertibility) upon conversion immediately
prior to the time or times at which the Corporation, granted issued or sold such
Purchase Rights.
Section 6. Voting Rights of Preferred Stock. (a) Except as otherwise
provided by law, by agreement among the stockholders, or as otherwise provided
in this Certificate of Designations, Preferred Stock shall entitle the holders
thereof to no voting rights.
(b) The Preferred Stock shall be entitled to vote with the holders of
Common Stock on any and all matters presented to the holders of Common Stock for
a stockholders' vote at any time after the satisfaction of the conditions set
forth in Section 4.1(a) hereof. After the Preferred Stock is entitled to vote on
matters presented to holders of Common Stock, a share of Preferred Stock shall
possess that number of votes equal to the number of shares of Common Stock that
such share of Preferred Stock is convertible into on the applicable record date.
Section 7. Registration of Transfer.
The Corporation shall keep at its principal office (or such other
place as the Corporation reasonably designates) a register for the registration
of shares of Preferred Stock. Upon the surrender of any certificate representing
Preferred Stock at such place, the Corporation shall, at the request of the
registered holder of such certificate, execute and deliver (at the Corporation's
expense) a new certificate or certificates in exchange therefor representing the
aggregate number of shares represented by the surrendered certificate, subject
to the requirements of applicable securities laws. Each such new certificate
shall be registered in such name and shall represent such number of shares as
shall be requested by the holder of the surrendered certificate, shall be
substantially identical in form to the surrendered
19
<PAGE>
certificate, and the holders of the shares represented by such new certificate
shall be entitled to receive all theretofore payable but unpaid dividends on the
shares represented by the surrendered certificate.
Section 8. Replacement.
Upon receipt of evidence reasonably satisfactory to the Corporation
(an affidavit of the registered holder shall be satisfactory) of the ownership
and the loss, theft, destruction or mutilation of any certificate evidencing one
or more shares of the Preferred Stock and, in the case of any such loss, theft
or destruction, upon receipt of indemnity reasonably satisfactory to the
Corporation (provided that if the registered holder is an institutional investor
its own agreement of indemnity, without bond, shall be satisfactory), or, in the
case of any such mutilation, upon surrender of such certificate, the Corporation
shall (at its expense) execute and deliver in lieu of such certificate a new
certificate of like kind representing the number of shares represented by such
lost, stolen, destroyed or mutilated certificate, and the shares represented by
such new certificate shall be entitled, among other things, to receive all
theretofore payable but unpaid dividends on the shares represented by the lost,
stolen, destroyed or mutilated certificate.
Section 9. Restrictions on Corporate Action.
So long as any shares of the Preferred Stock remain outstanding and
in addition to any other approvals or consents required by law, without the
prior affirmative vote or written consent of the holders of at least a majority
of all shares of the Preferred Stock Outstanding at the time:
(a) The Corporation shall not increase the number of shares of the
Preferred Stock which the Corporation is authorized to issue, or issue
additional shares of Preferred Stock except pursuant to Section 1.2(b).
(b) Unless the dividend payment and redemption obligations of the
Corporation with respect to the Preferred Stock have, at such time, been fully
satisfied, the Corporation shall not declare or pay any dividend or make any
other distribution on any Junior Securities other than dividends or
distributions payable solely in Junior Securities, or purchase, redeem, or
otherwise acquire for any consideration, or set aside as a sinking fund or other
fund for the redemption or repurchase of any Junior Securities or any warrants,
rights or options to purchase the same.
20
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Section 10. Closing Books.
The Corporation will not close its books against the transfer of any
share of Preferred Stock.
Section 11. Definitions.
As used in this Certificate of Designations the following terms shall
have the following meanings, which meanings shall be equally applicable to the
singular and plural forms of such terms:
"Business Day" means any day which is not a Saturday or a Sunday or a
day on which banks are permitted to close in New York, New York.
"Common Stock" means the Common Stock, par value $0.0001 per share,
of the Corporation, and any capital stock of any class of the Corporation
hereafter authorized which shall not be limited to a fixed sum or percentage of
par or stated value in respect to the rights of the holders thereof to
participate in dividends or in the distribution of assets upon any liquidation,
dissolution, winding up or similar distribution of the Corporation.
"Common Stock Deemed Outstanding" means, at any given time, the sum
of (a) the number of shares of Common Stock actually outstanding at such time
(exclusive of any shares of Common Stock owned or held by or for the account of
the Corporation), plus (b) the number of shares of Common Stock into which
Outstanding shares of Preferred Stock are convertible at such time, plus (c) the
number of other shares of Common Stock deemed to be outstanding under Section 4
at such time.
"Consolidated Interest Expense" means (without duplication), for any
period, the sum of:
(i) the interest expense of the Corporation and its Subsidiaries for
such period, determined on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP;
(ii) all fees, commissions, discounts and other charges of the
Corporation and its Subsidiaries for such period, determined on a
consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP, with respect to letters of
credit and bankers' acceptances and the costs (net of benefits) associated
with interest hedging obligations;
(iii) amortization or write-off of debt discount and deferred
financing costs (other than deferred financing costs incurred on or prior
to the Closing
21
<PAGE>
Date) in connection with any Long Term Debt of the Corporation and its
Subsidiaries for such period, determined on a consolidated basis in
accordance with GAAP; and
(iv) interest capitalized by the Corporation and its Subsidiaries
during such period determined on a consolidated basis in accordance with
GAAP.
"Consolidated Net Income" means, with respect to any period, the
aggregate net income for such period, on a consolidated basis, determined in
accordance with GAAP ("Net Income"), of the Corporation and its Subsidiaries;
provided, however, that (i) the Net Income (if positive) of any person that is
accounted for by the equity method of accounting shall be included only to the
extent of the amount of dividends or distributions paid in cash to the
Corporation or a Subsidiary by such person during such period, (ii) the Net
Income (if positive) of any person acquired in a pooling of interests
transaction for any period prior to the date of such acquisition shall be
excluded, (iii) extraordinary gains, losses and non-cash restructuring charges
shall be excluded, (iv) the Net Income (if positive) of any Subsidiary shall be
excluded to the extent that the declaration or payment of dividends or similar
distributions by such Subsidiary of such Net Income is not at the time of
determination permitted by operation of the terms of its charter or any
agreement, instrument, judgment, decree, order, statute, rule or governmental
regulation applicable to that Subsidiary, (v) net after tax gains (but not net
after tax losses) from sales of assets other than current assets or from the
disposition of any property or assets other than in the ordinary course of
business shall be excluded, (vi) any after tax gains (but not losses) from
currency exchange transactions not in the ordinary course of business consistent
with past practice shall be excluded, and (vii) the cumulative effect of any
change in accounting principles shall be excluded.
"Conversion Price" means one dollar and twenty-five cents ($1.25), as
such price may be adjusted from time to time pursuant to the provisions of
Section 4.
"Dividend Payment Date" means, with respect to Preferred Stock, the
last day of March, June, September and December in each year (or if any such day
is not a Business Day the immediately preceding Business Day).
"EBITDA" shall mean, with respect to any period, Consolidated Net
Income of the Corporation for such period plus, in each case to the extent
deducted in computing such Consolidated Net Income, the sum of (without
duplication)
22
<PAGE>
(i) Consolidated Interest Expense for such period, (ii) the provision for taxes
based on net income of the Corporation and its Subsidiaries for such period
determined on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP, and (iii) the
depreciation and amortization expense of such the Corporation and its
Subsidiaries for such period determined on a consolidated basis in accordance
with GAAP.
"Excluded Securities" means (a) Options or Convertible Securities
issued and outstanding on the date of original issuance of the Preferred Stock,
and Common Stock issued upon exercise or conversion thereof, (b) Common Stock,
Options or Common Stock issued upon exercise of such Options, issued to
employees of the Corporation or any of its Subsidiaries pursuant to the stock
option plans or other incentive plans adopted by the Board of Directors and
submitted for approval by the Corporation's stockholders at its 1996 annual
meeting of stockholders, and (c) any Common Stock, Options, or Common Stock
issued upon exercise of such Options, issued to employees of the Corporation or
any of its Subsidiaries pursuant to the provisions of any other stock bonus or
stock option or other incentive plan or plans subsequently adopted by the Board
of Directors.
"GAAP" means generally accepted accounting principles set forth in
the opinions and pronouncements of the Accounting Principles Board of the
American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and statements and
pronouncements of the Financial Accounting Standards Board.
"Internal Rate of Return" means the annual rate (assuming quarterly
compounding) which if used to discount to present value the payments in cash or
cash equivalents made or received by the holder of Preferred Stock, during the
period from the date of calculation back to the initial issuance of such shares,
would cause the net present value (on such date) of such investment to equal
zero (0). In calculating an Internal Rate of Return:
(A) each payment received in cash or cash equivalents by a holder (or
its predecessors in interest) of shares attributable to such shares or any
sale thereof for cash shall be treated as a cash inflow with a positive
value, and each cash disbursement made by the holder (or its predecessors
in interest) directly attributable to such shares shall be treated as a
cash outflow with a negative value;
(B) each such payment or disbursement shall be discounted from the
date actually made to the date of the holder's initial investment in
shares; and
23
<PAGE>
(C) indemnity payments, financing fees (including without limitation
the financing fee paid in connection with the original issuance of
Preferred Stock) and payments in reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses
received by the holders of shares shall not be treated as cash inflows and
therefore shall be disregarded.
"Junior Security" means the Series C Convertible Preferred Stock, the
Corporation's Common Stock and any other equity security of any kind which the
Corporation or any Subsidiary shall at any time issue or be authorized to
issue other than preferred stock.
"Liquidation Value" of any share of Preferred Stock as of any
particular date means an amount equal to the sum of $100.00 plus any accrued and
unpaid dividends on such share of Preferred Stock.
"Long-Term Debt" shall mean (without duplication) (A) all
indebtedness for borrowed money or evidenced by notes, bonds, debentures or
similar evidences of indebtedness, all obligations for the deferred and unpaid
purchase price of any property, service or business (other than trade accounts
payable and accrued liabilities incurred in the ordinary course of business and
constituting current liabilities), (B) all capitalized lease obligations, (C)
letters of credit and all obligations of relating thereto, (D) all obligations
in respect of interest rate swap agreements, currency swap agreements and other
similar agreements designed to hedge against fluctuations in interest rates or
foreign exchange rates, and (E) all Preferred Stock (and convertible preferred
stock of any other class) if and so long as the Market Price of Common Stock is
less than the Conversion Price (or conversion price of any such other class of
convertible preferred stock) from time to time in effect; in each case
determined on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP.
"Market Price" means as to any security the average of the closing
prices of such security's sales on such day on all domestic exchanges on which
such security may at the time be listed, or, if there shall have been no sales
on any such exchange on such day, the average of the highest bid and lowest
asked prices on all such exchanges at the end of such day, or, if on such day
such security shall not be so listed or trading thereon or on such exchange
shall be suspended, the closing price on such day of any such security traded on
the NASDAQ System or, if no such closing price is available, (i) the average of
the representative bid and asked prices quoted in the NASDAQ System as of 4:00
P.M., New York time, on such day, or (ii) if on such day such security shall not
be quoted in the
24
<PAGE>
NASDAQ System, the average of the high and low bid and asked prices on such day
in the domestic over-the-counter market as reported by the National Quotation
Bureau, Incorporated, or any similar successor organization, in the case of (i)
or (ii) averaged over a period of 21 business days consisting of the day as of
which "Market Price" is being determined and the 20 consecutive business days
prior to such day (unless otherwise provided herein). If at any time such
security is not listed on any domestic exchange or quoted in the NASDAQ System
or the domestic over-the-counter market, the "Market Price" shall be the fair
market value per share of Common Stock, which shall be reasonably determined by
the Board of Directors of the Corporation as of a date which is within 15 days
of the date as of which the determination is to be made.
"Outstanding" when used with reference to shares of Preferred Stock
as of any particular time shall mean shares thereof issued and outstanding at
such time and shall not include any shares of Preferred Stock represented by any
certificate in lieu of which a new certificate has been executed and delivered
by the Corporation in accordance with Section 7 or Section 8, but shall include
only those shares represented by such new certificate.
"Person" means and includes an individual, a partnership, a
corporation, a trust, a joint venture, an unincorporated organization and a
government or any department or agency thereof.
"Redemption Date" as to any share of Preferred Stock means the date
specified in the notice of redemption delivered pursuant to Section 3.7;
provided that for purposes of Section 3.8, the Redemption Date shall be the date
on which the applicable Redemption Price is actually paid to the holder of such
share of Preferred Stock or deposited in trust for the benefit of such holder
pursuant to Section 3.10.
"Redemption Price" as to any share of Preferred Stock means (a) for
purposes of Section 3.5, the Redemption Price specified therein, and (b) in all
other cases, the Liquidation Value of such share.
"Subsidiary" means any corporation at least 50% of the Voting Stock
of every class of which is, at the time as of which any determination is being
made, owned by the Corporation either directly or through one or more
Subsidiaries.
"Voting Stock" means any shares of stock having general voting power
in electing the board of directors
25
<PAGE>
(irrespective of whether or not at the time stock of any other class or classes
has or might have voting power by reason of the happening of any contingency).
Section 12. Miscellaneous.
(a) The unenforceability or invalidity of any provision or provisions
of this Certificate of Designations shall not render invalid or unenforceable
any other provision or provisions herein contained.
(b) Section and paragraph headings herein are for convenience only
and shall not be construed as a part of this Certificate of Designations.
(c) All notices to holders of Preferred Stock required or permitted
hereunder shall be sent by overnight courier service, prepaid, addressed to each
such holder at the address for such holder shown on the books of the
Corporation.
* * * * * *
26
<PAGE>
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Certificate has been signed on this 20th day
of December, 1996, and the signature of the undersigned shall constitute the
affirmation and acknowledgment of the undersigned, under penalties of perjury,
that this Certificate is the act and deed of the undersigned and that the facts
stated in the Certificate are true.
ALLIANCE ENTERTAINMENT CORP.
By: /s/ Joseph J. Bianco
-------------------------------
Joseph J. Bianco, Co-Chairman
ATTEST:
/s/ Christopher J. Joyce
-----------------------------------
Christopher J. Joyce,
Assistant Secretary
27
EXHIBIT 14
The Securities represented by this certificate have not been
registered under the Securities Act of 1933. Such Securities have been
acquired for investment and may not be pledged or hypothecated, and
may not be sold or transferred, except in compliance with the
registration requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, or upon
delivery to Alliance Entertainment Corp. of an opinion of counsel to
the Securityholder, in form and substance satisfactory to said
corporation and its counsel, that registration under such Act is not
required.
No. R-1 $
ALLIANCE ENTERTAINMENT CORP.
6% Exchangeable Note due December 31, 2001
ALLIANCE ENTERTAINMENT CORP., a Delaware corporation, promises to pay to _______
or registered assigns
the principal sum of _____________________________________ Dollars,
on December 31, 2001.
Interest Payment Dates: March 31, June 30, September 30 and
December 31
Record Dates: March 1, June 1, September 1 and December 1
Additional provisions of this Security are set forth on the reverse side of this
Security.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, ALLIANCE ENTERTAINMENT CORP. has caused
this instrument to be duly signed.
ALLIANCE ENTERTAINMENT CORP.
By:___________________________
By:___________________________
Dated: December ___, 1996
<PAGE>
-2-
[REVERSE OF SECURITY]
ALLIANCE ENTERTAINMENT CORP.
6% Exchangeable Note due December 31, 2001
1. Interest. ALLIANCE ENTERTAINMENT CORP., a Delaware corporation
(the "Company"), promises to pay interest on the principal amount of this
Security at 6% per annum from and including the date of issuance of this
Security until maturity or exchange. The Company will pay interest on each
interest payment date, beginning March 31, 1997. Interest will be computed on
the basis of a 360-day year of twelve 30-day months. Interest shall be paid in
additional Securities having a principal amount equal in amount to the interest
payable, by mailing additional Securities to each Securityholder's address as it
appears on the Company's register at least five days prior to each interest
payment date or otherwise delivering such Securities so as to be received by
such holder on the interest payment date. Interest on principal amount shall be
calculated cumulatively at the rate and in the manner prescribed herein from and
including the date of issuance of the Security for such principal amount. For
purposes of this Section 1, the date on which the Company shall initially issue
a Security shall be deemed to be its "date of issuance" regardless of the number
of times transfer of such Security shall have been made on the register
maintained by or for the Company and regardless of the number of Securities
which may be issued to evidence such principal amount (whether by reason of
transfer of such principal amount or for any other reason).
2. Method of Payment. The Company will pay interest on the
Securities (except defaulted interest) to the persons who are the registered
holders of the Securities at the close of business on the March 1, June 1,
September 1 or December 1 next preceding the interest payment date. Holders must
surrender Securities to a Paying Agent to collect principal payments. The
Company will pay principal in money of the United States that at the time of
payment is legal tender for payment of public and private debts. The Company,
however, may pay principal by its check payable in such money. On December 31,
2001 the Company shall pay in cash to the holders of Securities an amount equal
to the outstanding principal amount and any accrued interest thereon.
3. Registrar and Agents. Initially, the Company will act as
Registrar, Paying Agent, Exchange Agent and agent for service of notices and
demands. The Company may change any
<PAGE>
-3-
Registrar, co-registrar, Paying Agent, Exchange Agent and agent for service of
notices and demands without the prior consent of the holders but upon notice to
the holders. The Company or any of its Subsidiaries may act as Registrar,
co-registrar, Exchange Agent or Paying Agent.
4. Limitations. The Securities are general unsecured obligations of
the Company limited to $10,000,000 principal amount.
5. Exchange. A holder of a Security may exchange such Security for
shares of the Company's Series B Convertible Preferred Stock, par value $0.01
per share (the "Series B Preferred Stock"), at any time before the close of
business on the fifth business day prior to December 1, 2001. The exchange price
is $100.00 principal amount per share of Series B Preferred Stock. To determine
the number of shares issuable upon exchange of a Security, divide the principal
amount and accrued interest to be converted by the exchange price in effect on
the exchange date and round to the nearest 1/100th share.
To exchange a Security, a holder must (1) complete and sign the
exchange notice on the back of the Security, (2) surrender the Security to the
Exchange Agent or Registrar, (3) furnish appropriate endorsements and transfer
documents if required by the Registrar or Exchange Agent, and (4) pay any
transfer or similar tax if required. Except as provided below, no adjustment is
to be made on conversion for interest accrued hereon or for dividends on shares
of Series B Preferred Stock issued on conversion. Following an election by a
holder to exchange Securities, the Company's delivery to the holder of the fixed
number of shares of Series B Preferred Stock of the Company into which the
Security is exchangeable shall be deemed to satisfy the Company's obligation to
pay the principal amount of the Security. The Series B Preferred Stock of the
Company so delivered shall be treated as issued in payment of accrued interest
first and then of principal. A holder may exchange a portion of a Security if
the portion is $1,000 principal amount or an integral multiple thereof. In the
event of exchange of this Security in part only, a new Security or Securities
for the unexchanged portion hereof will be issued in the name of the holder
hereof upon the cancellation hereof.
If the Company is a party to a consolidation or merger or a transfer
or lease of all or substantially all of its assets, the right to exchange a
Security into Series B Preferred Stock may be changed into a right to exchange
it into
<PAGE>
-4-
securities, cash or other assets of the Company or another person into which the
Series B Preferred Stock was exchanged or converted as a result of such
consolidation, merger, transfer or lease.
No amendment of the certificate of designations with respect to the
Series B Preferred Stock shall be made without the consent of holders of a
majority in interest of the Securities.
6. Events of Default. In addition to the failure to pay principal or
interest all Events of Default under the Indenture (the "Indenture") of the
Company dated July 25, 1995 with respect to the $125,000,000 principal amount of
11-1/4% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2005, as the Indenture was in effect on
July 25, 1995, are hereby incorporated by reference and shall be deemed to be
events of default under this Security. No subsequent waiver, amendment or
modification, or expiration of the Indenture or the 11-1/4% Senior Subordinated
Notes shall affect the meaning of "event of default" under this Security.
7. Acceleration. If an event of default occurs and is continuing,
the holders of 25% of the principal amount (the "Requesting Holders") of the
Securities then outstanding, by written notice to the Company, may declare all
unpaid principal amount, if any, and accrued interest on the Securities, to be
immediately due and payable. NOTWITHSTANDING ANY OTHER PROVISION HEREIN, THE
RIGHT TO DECLARE PRINCIPAL AND INTEREST IMMEDIATELY DUE PURSUANT TO THIS
PARAGRAPH SHALL NOT BE TRANSFERABLE AND NO TRANSFEREE OF THE SECURITIES MAY BE
CONSIDERED A REQUESTING HOLDER.
8. Mandatory Exchange. (a) In the event the Company shall determine
that the payment of interest on the principal amount of the Securities would
violate any provision of the Indenture, the Company shall provide the holder
with written notice accompanied by a certificate of the chief financial officer
of the Company satisfactory to the holder to such effect. The Company may then
exchange a principal amount of the Securities which the Company reasonably
believes is necessary to be in compliance with the Indenture for Series B
Preferred Stock having a liquidation value equal to the principal amount of the
Securities to be exchanged.
(b) Upon the good faith request of the Company, which may not exceed
$2,000,000 principal amount in the
<PAGE>
-5-
aggregate without the consent of the holders of the securities, a portion of the
outstanding Securities shall be exchanged for Series B Preferred Stock (such
amount allocated on a pro rata basis among the holders of Securities) in an
aggregate amount the Company believes in good faith is necessary to exchange in
order to appropriately increase the availability of additional borrowings
permitted under Section 5.08(vi) of the Indenture; provided, however, that the
Company shall only make such a request to the holders of Securities on or after
the date that the condition set forth in Section 3.2(i) of the Purchase
Agreement dated as of December 20, 1996 by and among the Company and the
Purchasers named therein, has been satisfied by the Company.
9. Denominations, Transfer, Exchange. The Securities are in
registered form without coupons in denominations of $1,000 principal amount and
integral multiples thereof. A holder may register the transfer of or exchange
Securities. The Registrar may require a holder, among other things, to furnish
appropriate endorsements and transfer documents and to pay any taxes and fees
required by law.
10. Persons Deemed Owners. The registered holder of a Security shall
be treated as the owner of it for all purposes.
11. Unclaimed Money. If money for the payment of principal or
interest on any Securities remains unclaimed for two years, any Paying Agent
other than the Company will pay the money back to the Company at its request.
After that, holders may look only to the Company for payment.
12. Merger or Consolidation. The Company may not consolidate with,
or merge into, or transfer or lease all or substantially all of its assets to,
another person unless the person is a corporation and such corporation assumes
all the obligations of the Company under the Securities at the time thereof.
13. Amendment and Waiver. Subject to certain exceptions, the
Securities may be amended with the consent to the holders of at least a majority
in principal amount of the Securities then outstanding and any existing default
in compliance with any provision hereof may be waived with the consent of the
holders of a majority in principal amount of the Securities then outstanding.
Without the consent of or notice to any Securityholder, the Company may amend
the Securities to, among
<PAGE>
-6-
other things, provide for uncertificated Securities, to cure any ambiguity,
defect or inconsistency or make any other change that does not adversely affect
the rights of any Securityholder.
14. Successors. When a successor assumes all the obligations of its
predecessor under the Securities the predecessor will be released from those
obligations.
15. No Recourse Against Others. No shareholder, director, officer or
incorporator, as such, past, present or future, of the Company or any successor
corporation shall have any liability for any obligation of the Company under the
Securities or for any claim based on, in respect of or by reason of, such
obligations or their creation. Each holder of a Security by accepting a Security
waives and releases all such liability. The waiver and release are part of the
consideration for the issuance of the Securities.
16. Abbreviations. Customary abbreviations may be used in the name
of a Securityholder or an assignee, such as: TEN COM (= tenants in common), TEN
ENT (= tenants by the entirety), JT TEN (= joint tenants with rights of
survivorship and not as tenants in common), CUST (= Custodian), and U/G/M/A (=
Uniform Gifts to Minors Act).
<PAGE>
-7-
ASSIGNMENT FORM
If you as the holder want to assign this Security, fill in the form below and
have your signature guaranteed:
I or we assign and transfer this Security to
(INSERT ASSIGNEE'S SOCIAL SECURITY OR
TAX IDENTIFICATION NUMBER)
________________________
________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
(Print or type assignee's name, address and zip code)
and irrevocably appoint _______________________________________________ agent to
transfer this Security on the books of the Company. The agent may substitute
another to act for him.
________________________________________________________________________________
Date:___________________________________________________________________________
Your signature:_________________________________________________________________
(Sign exactly as your name appears on the other side of
this Security)
Signature Guarantee:____________________________________________________________
(by national bank, trust company or member firm of national
securities exchange or the National Association of
Securities Dealers, Inc.)
<PAGE>
EXCHANGE NOTICE
To exchange this Security into Series B Preferred Stock of the Company, check
the box:
___
/__/
To exchange only part of this Security, state the principal amount to be
exchanged (which must be a minimum of $1,000 or any multiple thereof):
_____________________
$
_____________________
If you want the stock certificate made out in another person's name, fill in the
form below:
(INSERT OTHER PERSON'S SOCIAL SECURITY OR
TAX IDENTIFICATION NUMBER)
_________________________________________
_________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
(Print or type other person's name, address and zip code)
________________________________________________________________________________
Date: __________________________________________________________________________
Your signature:_________________________________________________________________
(Sign exactly as your name appears on the other side of
this Security)
EXHIBIT 15
CERTIFICATE OF DESIGNATIONS
OF
ALLIANCE ENTERTAINMENT CORP.
____________________________________
Pursuant to Section 151 of the Delaware General Corporation Law (the
"GCL"), ALLIANCE ENTERTAINMENT CORP., a Delaware corporation (the
"Corporation"), certifies as follows:
FIRST: Under the authority contained in Article FOURTH of the
Certificate of Incorporation, as amended, of the Corporation, the Board of
Directors of the Corporation has classified an aggregate of seven million
(7,000,000) shares of the authorized but unissued shares of preferred stock of
the Corporation into a series which shall be designated Series C Convertible
Preferred Stock.
SECOND: The following resolution was adopted by the Board of
Directors on December 19, 1996 and such resolution has not been modified and is
in full force and effect on the date hereof:
RESOLVED, that the Board of Directors hereby creates, from the
authorized but unissued shares of preferred stock of the Corporation, a series
of convertible preferred stock designated as Series C Convertible Preferred
Stock, par value $0.01 per share (the "Preferred Stock"), and hereby fixes the
powers, designations, preferences and relative, participating, optional or other
special rights, and the qualifications, limitations or restrictions thereof, of
the shares of such series, as follows:
Section 1. Preferred Stock Dividends.
1.1 General Dividend Obligation. When, as and if declared by the
Board of Directors of the Corporation, the Corporation shall pay to the holders
of record of the Preferred Stock, out of the assets of the Corporation available
for the payment of dividends under the General Corporation Law of the State of
Delaware, preferential dividends at the times and in the amounts provided for in
this Section 1.
1.2 Payments of Dividends; Payments in Additional Shares. (a) When
declared by the Board of Directors of the Corporation, dividends on the
Preferred Stock shall be payable on whole shares of Preferred Stock on each
Dividend Payment Date
<PAGE>
(capitalized terms not otherwise defined herein being used in this Certificate
of Designations with the definitions set forth in Section 11).
(b) Dividends shall be paid only in additional whole shares of
Preferred Stock, having a Liquidation Value (exclusive of any accrued unpaid
dividends) equal in amount to the dividends payable, by mailing certificates for
such shares to each holder of record of Preferred Stock at such holder's address
as it appears on the Corporation's stock register at least five days prior to
the due date of each dividend or otherwise delivering such shares so as to be
received by such holder on the due date of such dividend. If any portion of a
dividend would result in the issuance of a fraction of a share of Preferred
Stock, such fraction shall be carried forward and accumulated with other
fractions and shall be paid on a subsequent Dividend Payment Date when such
accumulated fractions equal at least one whole share of Preferred Stock.
(c) If at any time dividends on the outstanding Preferred Stock at
the rate set forth herein shall not have been fully paid or declared and set
aside for payment, no dividends or other distributions shall be declared or paid
upon or set apart for payment on the shares of any other class of Junior
Securities.
1.3 Calculation of Dividends. Dividends on each share of Preferred
Stock shall be calculated cumulatively at the rate and in the manner prescribed
herein from and including the date of issuance of such share of Preferred Stock,
whether or not such dividends shall have been declared and whether or not there
shall be (at the time such dividends are calculated or become payable or at any
other time) profits, surplus or other funds or assets of the Corporation legally
available for the payment of dividends. For purposes of this Section 1.3, the
date on which the Corporation shall initially issue any share of Preferred Stock
shall be deemed to be its "date of issuance" regardless of the number of times
transfer of such share of Preferred Stock shall be made on the stock register
maintained by or for the Corporation and regardless of the number of
certificates which may be issued to evidence such share of Preferred Stock
(whether by reason of transfer of such share or for any other reason).
1.4 Dividend Rates. Dividends shall be cumulative, and shall accrue
on a daily basis on each Outstanding share of Preferred Stock at the rate per
annum (computed on the basis of a 360-day year having twelve thirty-day months)
of six percent (6%) of the Liquidation Value of each share of Preferred Stock.
To the extent not paid, on a Dividend Payment Date all unpaid dividends accrued
on each share of Preferred Stock Outstanding during such quarter (or from and
including the original date of issuance of such share in the case of the initial
quarter-end
2
<PAGE>
after the date of issuance) shall be added to the Liquidation Value of such
share and shall remain a part thereof until such dividends are paid.
Section 2. Liquidation Preferences.
Subject to the holders' conversion rights provided below herein, upon
any liquidation (complete or partial), dissolution or winding up of the
Corporation, or any similar distribution of its assets to its stockholders which
results in a return of capital, whether voluntary or involuntary, the holders of
the Preferred Stock shall be entitled, before any distribution or payment is
made upon any Junior Securities of the Corporation, to be paid out of the assets
of the Corporation available for distribution to its stockholders (whether from
capital, surplus or earnings) an amount in cash equal to the sum of (i) the
aggregate Liquidation Value of all shares of Preferred Stock then Outstanding,
plus (ii) all accrued unpaid dividends on such shares, and shall not be entitled
to any further payment. Written notice of such liquidation, dissolution, winding
up or other distribution of assets, stating a payment date, the amount of the
payment and the place where the amounts distributable shall be payable, shall be
mailed by certified or registered mail, return receipt requested, not less than
60 days prior to the payment date stated therein, to each record holder of any
share of Preferred Stock entitled thereto at the address for such record holder
shown on the Corporation's records. Neither the consolidation nor merger of the
Corporation into or with any other corporation or corporations, nor the sale or
transfer by the Corporation of all or any part of its assets, shall be deemed to
be a liquidation, dissolution, winding up or similar distribution of the
Corporation within the meaning of any of the provisions of this Section 2. The
Preferred Stock shall rank junior to the Corporation's Series A and Series B
Convertible Preferred Stock.
Section 3. Redemptions of Preferred Stock.
3.1 Redemption Price. For each share of Preferred Stock which is to
be redeemed by the Corporation at any time and for any reason in a redemption
pursuant to this Section 3, the Corporation shall be obligated on the Redemption
Date, regardless of whether the Corporation shall be able or legally permitted
to make such payment on the Redemption Date, to pay to the holder thereof (upon
surrender by such holder at the Corporation's principal office of the
certificate representing such share of Preferred Stock duly endorsed in blank or
accompanied by an appropriate form of assignment) the Redemption Price for such
share of Preferred Stock, payable in cash.
3.2 Redeemed or Otherwise Acquired Shares Not to be Reissued. Any
shares of Preferred Stock redeemed pursuant to
3
<PAGE>
this Section 3 or otherwise acquired by the Corporation shall not be reissued,
sold or transferred by the Corporation and shall be retired.
3.3 Determination of Number of Each Holder's Shares to be Redeemed.
The number of shares of Preferred Stock to be redeemed from each holder thereof
in each redemption under this Section 3 shall be determined by multiplying the
total number of shares of Preferred Stock to be redeemed times a fraction, the
numerator of which shall be the total number of shares of Preferred Stock then
held by such holder and the denominator of which shall be the total number of
shares of Preferred Stock then Outstanding, rounded if the result is fractional
to the nearest whole number of shares.
3.4 Optional Redemption by Corporation. The Preferred Stock may be
redeemed in whole (but not in part), at the Redemption Price, at the
Corporation's option at any time after _____________ __, _____, on at least 30
days' notice; provided, however, that the Corporation may not exercise such
right of redemption unless the Market Price of the Common Stock as reported in
the Wall Street Journal for 20 out of any 30 consecutive trading days prior to
the notice of redemption delivered pursuant to Section 3.7 shall exceed
___________ dollars ($________) per share (subject to adjustment for stock
dividends, stock splits and reverse stock splits) and unless the issuance of the
shares of Common Stock upon conversion of the Preferred Stock at the time of the
redemption would not cause a "Change of Control" to occur within the meaning of
Section 1.01 of the Indenture.
3.5 Redemption Upon Corporate Change. (a) At any time if a Corporate
Change is to occur and the holders of Preferred Stock refuse to provide any vote
or written consent required to authorize such Corporate Change, the Corporation
may redeem all of the Outstanding Preferred Stock immediately prior to the
consummation of such Corporate Change. Written notice of any impending Corporate
Change, and the substance and intended date of consummation thereof, shall be
mailed by certified or registered mail, return receipt requested, not more than
sixty (60) nor less than ten (10) days prior to the date of consummation
thereof, to each record holder of shares of Preferred Stock at the address for
such record holder shown on the Corporation's records. The Corporation's
redemption rights under this Section 3.5 shall terminate as to any shares of
Preferred Stock upon the holder's delivery of a Conversion Notice pursuant to
Section 4.1(c) with respect to such shares.
(b) If a Corporate Change is proposed to occur and the Corporation
would be prevented from fulfilling its redemption obligations under this Section
3.5 by any agreement to which it is a party with respect to its indebtedness for
borrowed money,
4
<PAGE>
then the Corporation shall not be entitled to redeem shares of Preferred Stock
pursuant to Section 3.5(a).
3.6 Redemptions or Purchase by Corporation's Designee(s). In lieu of
any redemption of Preferred Stock by the Corporation permitted hereunder, the
Corporation may designate one or more purchasers who shall be entitled to
purchase the Preferred Stock from the holders thereof at the applicable
Redemption Price. Any such designee(s) shall have the rights and obligations of
the Corporation specified herein with respect to the redemption of such shares.
3.7 Notice of Redemption. Except as otherwise expressly provided
herein, notice of any redemption of Preferred Stock, specifying the time and
place of redemption, the Redemption Price and the section and paragraph pursuant
to which such redemption is being made, shall be mailed by certified or
registered mail, return receipt requested, to each holder of record of shares of
Preferred Stock to be redeemed, at the address for such holder shown on the
Corporation's records, not more than sixty (60) nor less than thirty (30) days
prior to the date on which such redemption is to be made. The notice shall also
specify the number of shares of Preferred Stock and the certificate numbers
thereof which are to be redeemed. With respect to redemptions made pursuant to
Section 3.4, upon mailing any such notice of redemption the Corporation shall
become obligated to redeem at the time of redemption specified therein all
shares of Preferred Stock therein specified. In case less than all the shares of
Preferred Stock represented by any certificate are redeemed, a new certificate
representing the unredeemed shares of Preferred Stock shall be issued to the
holder thereof without cost to such holder. Notwithstanding any other provision
of this Section 3, the Corporation shall not be entitled to redeem any shares of
Preferred Stock in respect of which the holder of such Preferred Stock has
delivered to the Corporation a Conversion Notice after the delivery of notice by
the Corporation as provided in this paragraph but prior to the Redemption Date.
3.8 Rights After Redemption Date. Provided that the Redemption Price
is paid in full on the applicable Redemption Date, no share of Preferred Stock
shall be entitled to any dividends accrued after its Redemption Date, and on
such Redemption Date, except as otherwise provided herein or by law, all rights
of the holder of such share of Preferred Stock as a stockholder of the
Corporation, by reason of the ownership of such share, shall cease, except the
right to receive the Redemption Price of such share upon presentation and
surrender of the certificate representing such share, and such share shall not
after such Redemption Date be deemed to be Outstanding.
5
<PAGE>
3.9 Other Redemptions. The Corporation shall neither redeem nor
otherwise acquire any shares of any class of Preferred Stock except (i) as
expressly authorized in this Certificate of Designations, or (ii) pursuant to
any offer of redemption made to the holders of Preferred Stock of such class pro
rata according to the shares held by them.
3.10 Deposit of Redemption Price. If on or before the date of
redemption specified in any notice of redemption of any share of Preferred
Stock, the Corporation shall irrevocably deposit the amount of the Redemption
Price thereof with a bank or trust company having an office in the City of New
York, designated in such notice of redemption, in trust for the benefit of the
holder of such share of Preferred Stock, such share of Preferred Stock shall be
deemed to have been redeemed on the date so specified, whether or not the
certificate for such share shall be surrendered for redemption and canceled.
Section 4. Conversion of Preferred Stock.
4.1 Conversion Procedures. (a) The Preferred Stock shall be
convertible into shares of Common Stock, in accordance with the terms of this
Section 4.
(b) A holder of shares of Preferred Stock may at any time convert
pursuant to this Section 4 all or any part (in whole numbers of shares only) of
the shares of Preferred Stock held by such holder into such number of fully paid
and non-assessable whole shares of Common Stock as is obtained by multiplying
the number of shares of Preferred Stock so to be converted by the Liquidation
Value thereof and dividing the result by the Conversion Price then in effect.
Such right as to any particular share shall terminate at the close of business
on the day immediately prior to the date fixed for payment on the Preferred
Stock upon any liquidation, dissolution, winding up or similar distribution of
the Corporation.
(c) Each conversion of Preferred Stock shall be effected by the
surrender of the certificate or certificates representing the shares to be
converted at the principal office of the Corporation (or such other office or
agency of the Corporation as the Corporation may designate by notice in writing
to the holder or holders of the Preferred Stock) at any time during its usual
business hours, which shall be accompanied by a written notice by the holder of
such Preferred Stock (a "Conversion Notice") stating that such holder desires to
convert shares, or a stated number of shares, represented by a certificate or
certificates specifically described therein. Such Conversion Notice shall also
specify the name or names (with addresses) and denominations in which the
certificate or certificates for Common Stock shall be issued and shall include
instructions for delivery thereof. The Conversion Price shall be
6
<PAGE>
determined as of the close of business on the date the certificate representing
the Preferred Stock and the Conversion Notice is received by the Corporation.
Such conversion shall be deemed to have been effected as of the close of
business on the date on which the certificate representing the Preferred Stock
and the Conversion Notice for such shares shall have been received by the
Corporation, and as of such date (the "Conversion Date") the rights of the
holder of such Preferred Stock (or specified portion thereof) as such holder
shall cease and the person or persons in whose name or names any certificate or
certificates for shares of Common Stock are to be issued upon such conversion
shall be deemed to have become the holder or holders of record of the shares of
Common Stock represented thereby.
(d) As soon as possible after the Conversion Date (and in no event
more than 30 days after the Conversion Date), subject to Section 4.2(c), with
respect to the certificate(s) specified in (i) and (ii) below, the Corporation
shall deliver to the converting holder or, with respect to the certificate(s)
specified in (i) below, as specified by such converting holder:
(i) a certificate or certificates representing the number of shares
of Common Stock issuable by reason of such conversion registered in such
name or names and such denomination or denominations as the converting
holder shall have specified;
(ii) a certificate representing any shares of Preferred Stock which
shall have been represented by the certificate or certificates which shall
have been delivered to the Corporation in connection with such conversion
but which shall not have been converted; and
(iii) a payment of cash in an amount equal to the value of any
fractional share of Common Stock that otherwise would be issuable in
connection with the Preferred Stock converted.
4.2 Authorization and Issuance of Common Stock. The Corporation
covenants and agrees that:
(a) The Corporation will at all times reserve and keep available out
of its authorized but unissued shares of Common Stock, solely for the purpose of
issuing upon the conversion of the Preferred Stock as provided in this Section
4, such number of shares of Common Stock as shall then be issuable upon the
conversion of all Outstanding shares of Preferred Stock. The Corporation
covenants that all shares of Common Stock which shall be so issuable shall, when
issued, be duly and validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable and free from
all taxes, liens, and charges. The Corporation will take all such action as may
be necessary to assure that all shares of Common Stock may be so
7
<PAGE>
issued without violation of any applicable law or regulation or any requirements
of any domestic stock exchange upon which any shares of Common Stock may be
listed.
(b) The Corporation will not take any action which results in any
adjustment of the number of shares of Common Stock acquirable upon conversion of
a share of Preferred Stock if after such action the total number of shares of
Common Stock issuable upon conversion of the Preferred Stock then Outstanding,
together with the total number of shares of Common Stock then Outstanding and
the total number of shares of Common Stock reserved for any purpose other than
issuance upon conversion of Common Stock, would exceed the total number of
shares of Common Stock then authorized by the Corporation's Certificate of
Incorporation, as amended.
(c) If any shares of Common Stock required to be reserved for
purposes of conversions of shares of Preferred Stock under this Certificate of
Designations require registration with, or approval of, any governmental
authority under any federal or state law (other than any registration under the
Securities Act of 1933, as then in effect, or any similar federal statute then
in force, or any state securities law, required by reason of any transfer
involved in such conversion), or listing on any domestic securities exchange,
before such shares may be issued upon conversion, the Corporation will, at its
expense and as expeditiously as possible, use its best efforts to cause such
shares to be duly registered or approved for listing or listed on such domestic
securities exchange, as the case may be.
(d) The issuance of certificates for shares of Common Stock upon
conversion of shares of the Preferred Stock shall be made without charge to the
holders of such shares for any issuance tax in respect thereof, or other cost
incurred by the Corporation in connection with such conversion and the related
issuance of shares of Common Stock, provided that the Corporation shall not be
required to pay any tax which may be payable in respect of any transfer involved
in the issuance and delivery of any certificate in a name other than that of the
holder of the Preferred Stock converted.
(e) The Corporation will not close its books against the transfer of
any share of Preferred Stock or of any share of Common Stock issued or issuable
upon the conversion of such shares in any manner which interferes with the
timely conversion of such shares.
4.3 Conversion Price. (a) The initial Conversion Price shall be
__________ ($_______). In order to prevent dilution of the conversion rights
granted hereunder, the Conversion Price shall be subject to adjustment from time
to time pursuant to this Section 4.
8
<PAGE>
(b) If and whenever the Corporation shall issue or sell, or shall in
accordance with Section 4.4 be deemed to have issued or sold, any shares of
Common Stock for a consideration per share that is less than 95% of the Market
Price on the date of such issue or sale, then, forthwith upon such issue or
sale, the Conversion Price shall, subject to Section 4.4, be reduced to the
price (calculated to the nearest $0.001) determined by multiplying the
Conversion Price in effect immediately prior to the time of such issue or sale
by a fraction, the numerator of which shall be the sum of (i) the number of
shares of Common Stock Deemed Outstanding immediately prior to such issue or
sale multiplied by the Market Price immediately prior to such issue or sale plus
(ii) the consideration received by the Corporation upon such issue or sale, and
the denominator of which shall be the product of (iii) the total number of
shares of Common Stock Deemed Outstanding immediately after such issue or sale,
multiplied by (iv) the Market Price immediately prior to such issue or sale.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, no adjustment of the Conversion Price shall be
made in an amount less than $0.001 per share, but any such lesser adjustment
shall be carried forward and shall be made at the time of and together with the
next subsequent adjustment which together with any adjustments so carried
forward shall amount to $0.001 per share or more.
(c) Notwithstanding the provisions of this Section 4.3 and Section
4.4, no adjustment of the Conversion Price shall be required as a result of the
sale or issuance of Common Stock, at prices less than 95% of the Market Price
then in effect, (i) upon conversion of any of the Preferred Stock or the
Corporation's Series B Convertible Preferred Stock, par value $0.01 per share or
the exchange of the Corporation's 6% Exchangeable Notes Due December 31, 2001,
or (ii) in connection with Excluded Securities.
4.4 Effect of Certain Events on Conversion Price. For purposes of
determining the adjusted Conversion Price under Section 4.3, the following shall
be applicable:
(a) Issuance of Rights or Options. In case at any time the
Corporation shall in any manner grant (whether directly or by assumption in a
merger or otherwise) any rights to subscribe for or to purchase, or any options
for the purchase of, Common Stock or any stock or other securities convertible
into or exchangeable for Common Stock (such rights or options being herein
called "Options" and such convertible or exchangeable stock or securities being
herein called "Convertible Securities"), whether or not such Options or the
rights to convert or exchange such Convertible Securities are immediately
exercisable, and the price per share for which Common Stock is issuable upon the
9
<PAGE>
exercise of such Options or upon conversion or exchange of such Convertible
Securities (determined by dividing (i) the total amount, if any, received or
receivable by the Corporation as consideration for the granting of such Options,
plus the minimum aggregate amount of additional consideration payable to the
Corporation upon the exercise of all such Options, plus, in the case of such
Options which relate to Convertible Securities, the minimum aggregate amount of
additional consideration, if any, payable upon the issue or sale of such
Convertible Securities and upon the conversion or exchange thereof, by (ii) the
total maximum number of shares of Common Stock issuable upon the exercise of
such Options or upon the conversion or exchange of all such Convertible
Securities issuable upon the exercise of such Options) shall be less than 95% of
the Market Price, determined as of the date of granting such Options, then the
total maximum number of shares of Common Stock issuable upon the exercise of
such Options or upon conversion or exchange of the total maximum amount of such
Convertible Securities issuable upon the exercise of such Options shall (as of
the date of grant of such Options) be deemed to be outstanding and to have been
issued for such price per share. No adjustment of the Conversion Price shall be
made upon the actual issue of such Common Stock or of such Convertible
Securities upon exercise of such Options or upon the actual issue of such Common
Stock upon conversion or exchange of such Convertible Securities, except as
otherwise provided in Section 4.4(c).
(b) Issuance of Convertible Securities. In case the Corporation shall
in any manner issue (whether directly or by assumption in a merger or otherwise)
or sell any Convertible Securities, whether or not the rights to exchange or
convert thereunder are immediately exercisable, and the price per share for
which Common Stock is issuable upon such conversion or exchange (determined by
dividing (i) the total amount received or receivable by the Corporation as
consideration for the issue or sale of such Convertible Securities, plus the
minimum aggregate amount of additional consideration, if any, payable to the
Corporation upon the conversion or exchange thereof, by (ii) the total maximum
number of shares of Common Stock issuable upon the conversion or exchange of all
such Convertible Securities) shall be less than 95% of the Market Price,
determined as of the date of such issue or sale of such Convertible Securities,
then the total maximum number of shares of Common Stock issuable upon conversion
or exchange of all such Convertible Securities shall (as of the date of the
issue or sale of such Convertible Securities) be deemed to be outstanding and to
have been issued for such price per share. Except as otherwise provided in
Section 4.4(c), no adjustment of the Conversion Price shall be made upon the
actual issue of such Common stock upon conversion or exchange of such
Convertible Securities, and if any such issue or sale of such Convertible
Securities is made upon exercise of any Options for which adjustments of the
Conversion Price have
10
<PAGE>
been made or are to be made pursuant to other provisions of this Section 4.4, no
further adjustment of the Conversion Price shall be made by reason of such issue
or sale.
(c) Change in Option or Conversion Price. If the purchase price
provided for in any Option referred to in Section 4.4(a), the additional
consideration, if any, payable upon conversion or exchange of any Convertible
Securities referred to in Section 4.4(a) or (b), or the rate at which any
Convertible Securities referred to in Section 4.4(a) or (b) are convertible into
or exchangeable for Common Stock, shall change at any time (other than under or
by reason of provisions designed to protect against dilution of the type set
forth in this Section 4.4 or in Sections 4.3 and 4.5), then the Conversion Price
in effect at the time of such change shall forthwith be adjusted to the
Conversion Price which would have been in effect at such time had such Option or
Convertible Securities still outstanding provided for such changed purchase
price, additional consideration or conversion rate, as the case may be, at the
time initially granted, issued or sold. If the purchase price provided for in
any Option referred to in Section 4.4(a), the additional consideration, if any,
payable upon conversion or exchange of any Convertible Securities referred to in
Section 4.4(a) or (b), or the rate at which any Convertible Securities referred
to in Section 4.4(a) or (b), are convertible into or exchangeable for Common
Stock, shall be reduced at any time under or by reason of provisions with
respect thereto designed to protect against dilution of the type set forth in
this Section 4.4 or Sections 4.3 and 4.5, then in case of the delivery of Common
Stock upon the exercise of any such Option or upon conversion or exchange of any
such Convertible Security, the Conversion Price then in effect hereunder shall
forthwith be adjusted to such respective amount as would have been obtained had
such Option or Convertible Security never been issued as to such Common Stock
and had adjustments been made upon the issuance of the shares of Common Stock
delivered as aforesaid, but only if as a result of such adjustment the
Conversion Price then in effect hereunder would be reduced.
(d) Treatment of Expired Options and Unexercised Convertible
Securities. Upon the expiration of any Option or the termination of any right to
convert or exchange any Convertible Securities (without any exercise of such
Option or right), the Conversion Price then in effect hereunder shall forthwith
be adjusted to the Conversion Price which would have been in effect at the time
of such expiration or termination had such Option or Convertible Securities, to
the extent outstanding immediately prior to such expiration or termination,
never been issued, and the Common Stock issuable thereunder shall no longer be
deemed to be outstanding.
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(e) Calculation of Consideration Received. (i) In case any shares of
Common Stock, Options or Convertible Securities shall be issued or sold or
deemed to have been issued or sold for cash, the consideration received therefor
shall be deemed to be the aggregate proceeds payable to the Corporation
therefor, prior to deduction of any expenses incurred and any underwriting
commission or concessions paid or allowed by the Corporation in connection
therewith.
(ii) In case any shares of Common Stock, Options or Convertible
Securities shall be issued or sold for a consideration other than cash, the
amount of consideration other than cash received by the Corporation shall be
deemed to be the fair value, determined in good faith by the Board of Directors.
(iii) In case any Options shall be issued in connection with the
issue or sale of other securities of the Corporation, together comprising one
integral transaction in which no specific consideration is allocated to such
Options by the parties thereto, such Options shall be deemed to have been issued
without consideration.
(iv) In case any shares of Common Stock, Options or Convertible
Securities shall be issued in connection with any merger in which the
Corporation is the surviving corporation, the amount of consideration therefor
shall be deemed to be the fair value, determined in good faith by the Board of
Directors, of such portion of the net assets and business of the non-surviving
corporation as shall be attributable to such Common Stock, Options or
Convertible Securities, as the case may be.
(v) In the event of any consolidation or merger of the Corporation in
which stock or other securities of any corporation are issued in exchange for
Common Stock of the Corporation or in the event of any sale of all or
substantially all of the assets of the Corporation for stock or other securities
of any corporation, the Corporation shall be deemed to have issued a number of
shares of its Common Stock for stock or securities of the other corporation
computed on the basis of the actual exchange ratio on which the transaction was
predicated and for a consideration equal to the fair market value on the date of
such transaction of such stock or securities of the other corporation, and if
any such calculation results in adjustment of the Conversion Price the
determination of the number of shares of Common Stock receivable upon conversion
of the Preferred Stock immediately prior to such merger, consolidation or sale,
for purposes of Section 4.7, shall be made after giving effect to such
adjustment of the Conversion Price.
(vi) In case the Corporation shall declare a dividend or make any
other distribution upon any stock of the Corporation payable in Common Stock,
Options or Convertible Securities, any
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Common Stock, Options or Convertible Securities, as the case may be, issuable in
payment of such dividend or distribution shall be deemed to have been issued or
sold without consideration.
(f) Record Date. For purposes of Sections 4.3 and 4.4, in case the
Corporation shall take a record of the holders of its Common Stock for the
purpose of entitling them (i) to receive a dividend or other distribution
payable in Common Stock, Options or Convertible Securities, or (ii) to subscribe
for or purchase Common Stock, Options or Convertible Securities, then such
record date shall be deemed to be the date of the issue or sale of the shares of
Common Stock deemed to have been issued or sold upon the declaration of such
dividend or the making of such other distribution or the date of granting of
such right or subscription or purchase, as the case may be.
4.5 Subdivisions and Combinations. Except to the extent Section
4.4(e)(vi) above applies, in the event that the Corporation shall at any time
subdivide (by any stock split, stock dividend or otherwise) one or more classes
of its outstanding Common Stock into a greater number of shares of Common Stock,
the Conversion Price in effect immediately prior to such subdivision forthwith
shall be proportionately reduced. Conversely, in the event the outstanding
shares of one or more classes of the Common Stock shall be combined into a
smaller number of shares (by reverse stock split or otherwise), the Conversion
Price in effect immediately prior to such combination shall be proportionately
increased.
4.6 Dividends. In the event that the Corporation declares a dividend
(other than a dividend payable in Common Stock, Options or Convertible
Securities, or a cash dividend payable out of earnings or earned surplus) upon
Common Stock, then at the option of the holders of a majority of the outstanding
shares of Preferred Stock,
(1) the Corporation shall pay over to each holder, on the dividend
payment date, the cash, stock or other securities and other property which
holder would have received if such holder had converted all of his or its
shares of Preferred Stock into Common Stock and had been the record holder
of such Common Stock on the date on which a record is taken for the purpose
of such dividend, or, if a record is not taken, the date as of which the
holders of Common Stock of record entitled to such dividend are to be
determined, or
(2) the Conversion Price in effect immediately prior to the
declaration of such dividend shall be reduced by an amount equal to the
amount of such dividend payable per share of Common Stock, in the case of a
cash dividend, or by the fair value of such dividend per share (as
reasonably
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determined by the Board of Directors of the Corporation), in the case of
any other dividend, such reduction to be effective on the date as of which
a record is taken for purposes of such dividend, or if a record is not
taken, the date as of which holders of record of Common Stock entitled to
such dividend are determined, or
(3) in the case of a dividend consisting of stock or securities
(other than Common Stock, Options or Convertible Securities) or other
property distributable to holders of Common Stock, the holder of Preferred
Stock may elect that, in lieu of (1) or (2) above, lawful and adequate
provisions shall be made (including without limitation any necessary
reduction in the Conversion Price) whereby such holder of Preferred Stock
shall thereafter have the right to purchase and/or receive, on the terms
and conditions specified in this Certificate of Designations and in
addition to the shares of Common Stock receivable immediately prior to the
declaration of such dividend upon conversion of his or its shares of
Preferred Stock, such shares of stock, securities or property as are
distributable with respect to outstanding shares of Common Stock equal to
the number of shares of Common Stock receivable immediately prior to such
declaration upon conversion of his or its shares of Preferred Stock, to the
end that the provisions hereof (including without limitation provisions for
adjustments of the Conversion Price and of the number of shares receivable
upon such conversion) shall thereafter be applicable, as nearly as may be,
in relation to such shares of stock, securities or property.
For the purposes of this Section 4.6, "dividend" shall mean any distribution to
the holders of Common Stock as such, and a dividend shall be considered payable
out of earnings or earned surplus (other than revaluation or paid-in surplus)
only to the extent that such earnings or earned surplus are charged an amount
equal to the fair value of such dividend as reasonably determined by the Board
of Directors of the Corporation.
4.7 Reorganization, Reclassification, Consolidation, Merger or Sale.
If any capital reorganization or reclassification of the capital stock of the
Corporation, or any consolidation or merger of the Corporation with or into
another corporation, or any sale of all or substantially all of the
Corporation's assets to another corporation shall be effected in such a way that
holders of Common Stock shall be entitled to receive (either directly or upon
subsequent liquidation) stock, securities or assets with respect to or in
exchange for Common Stock, then, as a condition of such reorganization,
reclassification, consolidation, merger or sale, lawful and adequate provision
(as determined reasonably and in good faith by the Board of Directors of the
Corporation) shall be made whereby each of the holders of the Preferred Stock
shall thereafter have
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the right to acquire and receive upon the basis and upon the terms and
conditions specified herein and in lieu of the shares of Common Stock of the
Corporation immediately theretofore acquirable and receivable upon the
conversion of such holder's shares, such shares of stock, securities or assets
as may be issued or payable with respect to or in exchange for a number of
outstanding shares of Common Stock equal to the number of shares of Common Stock
immediately theretofore acquirable and receivable upon conversion of such shares
had such reorganization, reclassification, consolidation, merger or sale not
taken place, and in any such case appropriate provision shall be made with
respect to such holder's rights and interests to the end that the provisions of
this Section 4 (including without limitation provisions for adjustments of the
Conversion Price and of the number of shares of Common Stock acquirable and
receivable upon the exercise of the conversion rights granted in this Section 4)
shall thereafter be applicable in relation to any shares of stock, securities or
assets thereafter deliverable upon the conversion of such holder's shares
(including, in the case of any such consolidation, merger or sale in which the
successor corporation or purchasing corporation is other than the Corporation,
an immediate adjustment of the Conversion Price to the value for the Common
Stock reflected by the terms of such consolidation, merger or sale if the value
so reflected is less than the Conversion Price in effect immediately prior to
such consolidation, merger or sale). The Corporation shall not effect any
consolidation, merger or sale, unless the successor corporation (if other than
the Corporation) resulting from such consolidation or merger or the corporation
purchasing such assets shall assume the obligation to deliver to each such
holder such shares of stock, securities or assets as, in accordance with the
foregoing provisions, such holder may be entitled to acquire or receive.
4.8 Notice of Adjustment. Immediately upon any adjustment of the
Conversion Price, the Corporation shall send written notice thereof to all
holders of Preferred Stock, which notice shall state the Conversion Price
resulting from such adjustment and the increase or decrease, if any, in the
number of shares of Common Stock acquirable and receivable upon conversions of
all shares of Preferred Stock held by each such holder, setting forth in
reasonable detail the method of calculation and the facts upon which such
calculation is based.
4.9 Other Adjustment-Related Notices. In the event that at any time:
(a) the Corporation shall declare a dividend (or any other
distribution) upon its Common Stock payable otherwise than in cash out of
earnings or earned surplus;
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(b) the Corporation shall offer for subscription pro rata to the
holders of any class of its Common Stock any additional shares of stock of
any class or other rights;
(c) there shall be any capital reorganization, or reclassification of
the capital stock of the Corporation, or consolidation or merger of the
Corporation with, or sale of all or substantially all of its assets to,
another corporation; or
(d) there shall be any voluntary or involuntary dissolution,
liquidation, winding up or similar distribution of the Corporation;
then, in connection with any such event, the Corporation shall give by first
class mail, postage prepaid, addressed to the holders of Preferred Stock at the
address for each such holder as shown on the books of the Corporation:
(i) at least 30 days' prior written notice of the date on which the
books of the Corporation shall close or a record shall be taken for such
dividend, distribution or subscription rights (and specifying the date on
which the holders of Common Stock shall be entitled thereto) or for
determining rights to vote in respect of such reorganization,
reclassification, consolidation, merger, sale, dissolution, liquidation,
winding up or similar distribution; and
(ii) in the case of any such reorganization, reclassification,
consolidation, merger, sale, dissolution, liquidation, winding up or
similar distribution, at least 30 days' prior written notice of the date
when the same shall take place (and specifying the date on which the
holders of Common Stock shall be entitled to exchange their Common Stock
for securities or other property deliverable upon such reorganization,
reclassification, consolidation, merger, sale, dissolution, liquidation,
winding up or similar distribution).
4.10 Certain Events. If any event occurs as to which the other
provisions of this Section 4 are not strictly applicable or if strictly
applicable would not fairly protect the conversion rights of the Preferred Stock
in accordance with the essential intent and principles of such provisions, then
the Board of Directors shall make an adjustment in the application of such
provisions, in accordance with such essential intent and principles, so as to
protect such conversion rights as aforesaid.
4.11 Disputes. In the event that there is any dispute as to (a) the
computation of the price or the number of shares of Common Stock required to be
issued upon conversion of Preferred Stock, or (b) the computation of the
Redemption Price under
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Section 3.5, in either case in which holders of 50 percent or more of the
Preferred Stock shall join, the holders and the Corporation will retain an
independent and nationally recognized accounting firm to conduct at the expense
of the Corporation an audit of the computations pursuant to the terms hereof
involved in such dispute, including the financial statements or other
information upon which such computations were based. The determination of such
nationally recognized accounting firm shall, in the absence of manifest error,
be binding upon the holders of the Preferred Stock and the Corporation. If there
shall be a dispute as to the selection of such nationally recognized accounting
firm, such firm shall be appointed by the American Institute of Certified Public
Accountants ("AICPA") if willing, otherwise the American Arbitration Association
("AAA"), upon application by the Corporation or any holder or holders of at
least 50 percent of the outstanding Preferred Stock with notice to the others.
If the price, number of shares of Common Stock or Redemption Price as determined
by such accounting firm is five percent (5%) or more higher or lower than the
price, number of shares of Common Stock or Redemption Price computed by the
Corporation, the expenses of such accounting firm and, if any, AICPA and AAA,
shall be borne completely by the Corporation. In all other cases, they shall be
borne by the disputing holders of Preferred Stock.
Section 5. Purchase Rights.
If at any time or from time to time the Corporation shall grant,
issue or sell any Options, Convertible Securities or rights to purchase property
(any "Purchase Rights") pro rata to the record holders of Common Stock and such
grant, issuance or sale does not result in an adjustment of the Conversion Price
under Section 4.4, then each holder of Preferred Stock shall be entitled to
acquire, upon the terms applicable to such Purchase Rights, the aggregate
Purchase Rights which such holder could have acquired if it had held the number
of shares of Common Stock acquirable and receivable (directly or upon subsequent
conversion, assuming unrestricted convertibility) upon conversion immediately
prior to the time or times at which the Corporation, granted issued or sold such
Purchase Rights.
Section 6. Voting Rights of Preferred Stock.
(a) Except as otherwise provided by law, by agreement among the
stockholders, or as otherwise provided in this Certificate of Designations,
Preferred Stock shall entitle the holders thereof to no voting rights.
(b) The Preferred Stock shall be entitled to vote with the holders of
Common Stock on any and all matters presented to the holders of Common Stock for
a stockholders' vote at any time. A share of Preferred Stock shall possess that
number of votes
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equal to the number of shares of Common Stock that such share of Preferred Stock
is convertible into on the applicable record date.
Section 7. Registration of Transfer.
The Corporation shall keep at its principal office (or such other
place as the Corporation reasonably designates) a register for the registration
of shares of Preferred Stock. Upon the surrender of any certificate representing
Preferred Stock at such place, the Corporation shall, at the request of the
registered holder of such certificate, execute and deliver (at the Corporation's
expense) a new certificate or certificates in exchange therefor representing the
aggregate number of shares represented by the surrendered certificate, subject
to the requirements of applicable securities laws. Each such new certificate
shall be registered in such name and shall represent such number of shares as
shall be requested by the holder of the surrendered certificate, shall be
substantially identical in form to the surrendered certificate, and the holders
of the shares represented by such new certificate shall be entitled to receive
all theretofore payable but unpaid dividends on the shares represented by the
surrendered certificate.
Section 8. Replacement.
Upon receipt of evidence reasonably satisfactory to the Corporation
(an affidavit of the registered holder shall be satisfactory) of the ownership
and the loss, theft, destruction or mutilation of any certificate evidencing one
or more shares of the Preferred Stock and, in the case of any such loss, theft
or destruction, upon receipt of indemnity reasonably satisfactory to the
Corporation (provided that if the registered holder is an institutional investor
its own agreement of indemnity, without bond, shall be satisfactory), or, in the
case of any such mutilation, upon surrender of such certificate, the Corporation
shall (at its expense) execute and deliver in lieu of such certificate a new
certificate of like kind representing the number of shares represented by such
lost, stolen, destroyed or mutilated certificate, and the shares represented by
such new certificate shall be entitled, among other things, to receive all
theretofore payable but unpaid dividends on the shares represented by the lost,
stolen, destroyed or mutilated certificate.
Section 9. Restrictions on Corporate Action.
So long as at least 1,750,000 shares of Preferred Stock remain
Outstanding and in addition to any other approvals or consents required by law,
without the prior affirmative vote or written consent of the holders of at least
a majority of all shares of the Preferred Stock Outstanding at the time, the
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Corporation shall not make any Restricted Payment if such Restricted Payment,
together with the aggregate of all other Restricted Payments made on or after
the Issuance Date, exceeds the sum of (A) $_____________, (B) ____% of the
Consolidated Net Income of the Corporation accrued on a cumulative basis for the
period (taken as one accounting period) beginning on the first day of the first
fiscal quarter commencing after the Issuance Date and ending on the last day of
the last fiscal quarter immediately preceding the fiscal quarter in which such
Restricted Payment occurs (or, if aggregate cumulative Consolidated Net Income
for such period is a deficit, minus 100% of such deficit), (C) ______% of the
aggregate net cash proceeds received by the Company after the Issuance Date from
the issuance or sale of capital stock of the Corporation (other than such
capital stock issued or sold to a Subsidiary of the Corporation and other than
Redeemable Stock), (D) the aggregate net cash proceeds received on or after the
Issuance Date by the Corporation from the issuance or sale of debt securities of
the Corporation (other than to a Subsidiary of the Corporation) that have
subsequently been converted into or exchanged (other than by a Subsidiary of the
Corporation) for capital stock of the Corporation (other than Redeemable Stock)
plus the aggregate cash received by the Corporation at the time of such
conversion or exchange, and (E) _______% of the aggregate net cash proceeds
received by the Company as dividends or distributions from its subsidiaries
after the Issuance Date.
The foregoing provisions of this Section 9 shall not prohibit (i)
the payment of any dividend within 60 days after the date of declaration
thereof, if at said date of declaration such payment would have complied with
the provisions of this Section 9; (ii) the acquisition by the Corporation of
Equity Interests of the Corporation or any of its Subsidiaries in exchange for,
or with the proceeds of the substantially concurrent sale (other than to a
Subsidiary of the Corporation) for cash of, Equity Interests (other than
Redeemable Stock) of the Corporation; or (iii) the repurchase, redemption or
other acquisition or retirement of any Equity Interests of the Corporation or
any Subsidiary of the Corporation for amounts not to exceed $_________ in the
aggregate during any 12 month period from employees of the Corporation or any
Subsidiary of the Corporation in connection with the termination of such
employees' employment with the Corporation or any Subsidiary of the Corporation.
Section 10. Closing Books.
The Corporation will not close its books against the transfer of any
share of Preferred Stock.
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Section 11. Definitions.
As used in this Certificate of Designations the following terms shall
have the following meanings, which meanings shall be equally applicable to the
singular and plural forms of such terms:
"Business Day" means any day which is not a Saturday or a Sunday or a
day on which banks are permitted to close in New York, New York.
"Common Stock" means the Common Stock, par value $0.0001 per share,
of the Corporation, and any capital stock of any class of the Corporation
hereafter authorized which shall not be limited to a fixed sum or percentage of
par or stated value in respect to the rights of the holders thereof to
participate in dividends or in the distribution of assets upon any liquidation,
dissolution, winding up or similar distribution of the Corporation.
"Common Stock Deemed Outstanding" means, at any given time, the sum
of (a) the number of shares of Common Stock actually outstanding at such time
(exclusive of any shares of Common Stock owned or held by or for the account of
the Corporation), plus (b) the number of shares of Common Stock into which
Outstanding shares of Preferred Stock are convertible at such time, plus (c) the
number of other shares of Common Stock deemed to be outstanding under Section 4
at such time.
"Consolidated Interest Expense" means (without duplication), for any
period, the sum of:
(i) the interest expense of the Corporation and its Subsidiaries for
such period, determined on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP;
(ii) all fees, commissions, discounts and other charges of the
Corporation and its Subsidiaries for such period, determined on a
consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP, with respect to letters of
credit and bankers' acceptances and the costs (net of benefits) associated
with interest hedging obligations;
(iii) amortization or write-off of debt discount and deferred
financing costs (other than deferred financing costs incurred on or prior
to the Closing Date) in connection with any Long Term Debt of the
Corporation and its Subsidiaries for such period, determined on a
consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP; and
(iv) interest capitalized by the Corporation and its Subsidiaries
during such period determined on a consolidated
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basis in accordance with GAAP.
"Consolidated Net Income" means, with respect to any period, the
aggregate net income for such period, on a consolidated basis, determined in
accordance with GAAP ("Net Income"), of the Corporation and its Subsidiaries;
provided, however, that (i) the Net Income (if positive) of any person that is
accounted for by the equity method of accounting shall be included only to the
extent of the amount of dividends or distributions paid in cash to the
Corporation or a Subsidiary by such person during such period, (ii) the Net
Income (if positive) of any person acquired in a pooling of interests
transaction for any period prior to the date of such acquisition shall be
excluded, (iii) extraordinary gains, losses and non-cash restructuring charges
shall be excluded, (iv) the Net Income (if positive) of any Subsidiary shall be
excluded to the extent that the declaration or payment of dividends or similar
distributions by such Subsidiary of such Net Income is not at the time of
determination permitted by operation of the terms of its charter or any
agreement, instrument, judgment, decree, order, statute, rule or governmental
regulation applicable to that Subsidiary, (v) net after tax gains (but not net
after tax losses) from sales of assets other than current assets or from the
disposition of any property or assets other than in the ordinary course of
business shall be excluded, (vi) any after tax gains (but not losses) from
currency exchange transactions not in the ordinary course of business consistent
with past practice shall be excluded, and (vii) the cumulative effect of any
change in accounting principles shall be excluded.
"Conversion Price" means two dollars and twenty-five cents ($2.25),
such price may be adjusted from time to time pursuant to the provisions of
Section 4.
"Corporate Change" means (i) the sale, exchange or transfer of all or
substantially all of the Corporation's assets, or (ii) any transaction or series
of related transactions in which one (1) or more persons (other than a holder of
Preferred Stock or an affiliate thereof) shall directly or indirectly acquire
ownership of or control over capital stock (not including shares held or
controlled by them on the date of original issuance of the Preferred Stock) of
the Corporation (or securities exchangeable for or convertible into such stock)
entitled to elect fifty percent (50%) or more of the Corporation's Board of
Directors and representing at least fifty percent (50%) of the number of shares
of Common Stock Outstanding.
"Dividend Payment Date" means, with respect to Preferred Stock, the
last day of March, June, September and December in each year (or if any such day
is not a Business Day the immediately preceding Business Day).
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"EBITDA" shall mean, with respect to any period, Consolidated Net
Income of the Corporation for such period plus, in each case to the extent
deducted in computing such Consolidated Net Income, the sum of (without
duplication) (i) Consolidated Interest Expense for such period, (ii) the
provision for taxes based on net income of the Corporation and its Subsidiaries
for such period determined on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP, and
(iii) the depreciation and amortization expense of such the Corporation and its
Subsidiaries for such period determined on a consolidated basis in accordance
with GAAP.
"Equity Interest" means (a) capital stock, warrants, options or other
rights to acquire capital stock (but excluding any debt security which is
convertible into, or exchangeable for, capital stock), and (b) limited and
general partnership interests, interests in limited liability companies, joint
venture interests and other ownership interests in any Person.
"Excluded Securities" means (a) Options or Convertible Securities
issued and outstanding on the date of original issuance of the Preferred Stock,
and Common Stock issued upon exercise or conversion thereof, (b) Common Stock,
Options or Common Stock issued upon exercise of such Options, issued to
employees of the Corporation or any of its Subsidiaries pursuant to the stock
option plans or other incentive plans adopted by the Board of Directors and
submitted for approval by the Corporation's stockholders at its 1996 annual
meeting of stockholders, and (c) any Common Stock, Options, or Common Stock
issued upon exercise of such Options, issued to employees of the Corporation or
any of its Subsidiaries pursuant to the provisions of any other stock bonus or
stock option or other incentive plan or plans subsequently adopted by the Board
of Directors.
"GAAP" means generally-accepted accounting principles set forth in
the opinions and pronouncements of the Accounting Principles Board of the
American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and statements and
pronouncements of the Financial Accounting Standards Board.
"Indenture" means the Indenture dated as of July 25, 1995 between the
Corporation and Bankers Trust Company, as Trustee, relating to the Corporation's
11-1/4% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2005, as amended from time to time.
"Internal Rate of Return" means the annual rate (assuming quarterly
compounding) which if used to discount to present value the payments in cash or
cash equivalents made or received by the holder of Preferred Stock, during the
period from the date of calculation back to the initial issuance of such shares,
would cause the net present value (on such date) of such
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investment to equal zero (0). In calculating an Internal Rate of
Return:
(A) each payment received in cash or cash equivalents by a holder (or
its predecessors in interest) of shares attributable to such shares or any
sale thereof for cash shall be treated as a cash inflow with a positive
value, and each cash disbursement made by the holder (or its predecessors
in interest) directly attributable to such shares shall be treated as a
cash outflow with a negative value;
(B) each such payment or disbursement shall be discounted from the
date actually made to the date of the holder's initial investment in
shares; and
(C) indemnity payments, financing fees (including without limitation
the financing fee paid in connection with the original issuance of
Preferred Stock) and payments in reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses
received by the holders of shares shall not be treated as cash inflows and
therefore shall be disregarded.
"Issuance Date" shall mean the date of initial issuance of the
Preferred Stock.
"Junior Security" means the Corporation's Common Stock and any other
equity security of any kind which the Corporation or any Subsidiary shall at any
time issue or be authorized to issue other than Preferred Stock.
"Liquidation Value" of any share of Preferred Stock as of any
particular date means an amount equal to the sum of $100.00 plus any accrued and
unpaid dividends on such share of Preferred Stock.
"Long-Term Debt" shall mean (without duplication) (A) all
indebtedness for borrowed money or evidenced by notes, bonds, debentures or
similar evidences of indebtedness, all obligations for the deferred and unpaid
purchase price of any property, service or business (other than trade accounts
payable and accrued liabilities incurred in the ordinary course of business and
constituting current liabilities), (B) all capitalized lease obligations, (C)
letters of credit and all obligations of relating thereto, (D) all obligations
in respect of interest rate swap agreements, currency swap agreements and other
similar agreements designed to hedge against fluctuations in interest rates or
foreign exchange rates, and (E) all Preferred Stock (and convertible preferred
stock of any other class) if and so long as the Market Price of Common Stock is
less than the Conversion Price (or conversion price of any such other class of
convertible
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preferred stock) from time to time in effect; in each case determined on a
consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP.
"Market Price" means as to any security the average of the closing
prices of such security's sales on such day on all domestic exchanges on which
such security may at the time be listed, or, if there shall have been no sales
on any such exchange on such day, the average of the highest bid and lowest
asked prices on all such exchanges at the end of such day, or, if on such day
such security shall not be so listed or trading thereon or on such exchange
shall be suspended, the closing price on such day of any such security traded on
the NASDAQ System or, if no such closing price is available, (i) the average of
the representative bid and asked prices quoted in the NASDAQ System as of 4:00
P.M., New York time, on such day, or (ii) if on such day such security shall not
be quoted in the NASDAQ System, the average of the high and low bid and asked
prices on such day in the domestic over-the-counter market as reported by the
National Quotation Bureau, Incorporated, or any similar successor organization,
in the case of (i) or (ii) averaged over a period of 21 business days consisting
of the day as of which "Market Price" is being determined and the 20 consecutive
business days prior to such day (unless otherwise provided herein). If at any
time such security is not listed on any domestic exchange or quoted in the
NASDAQ System or the domestic over-the-counter market, the "Market Price" shall
be the fair market value per share of Common Stock, which shall be reasonably
determined by the Board of Directors of the Corporation as of a date which is
within 15 days of the date as of which the determination is to be made.
"Outstanding" when used with reference to shares of Preferred Stock
as of any particular time shall mean shares thereof issued and outstanding at
such time and shall not include any shares of Preferred Stock represented by any
certificate in lieu of which a new certificate has been executed and delivered
by the Corporation in accordance with Section 7 or Section 8, but shall include
only those shares represented by such new certificate.
"Person" means and includes an individual, a partnership, a
corporation, a trust, a joint venture, an unincorporated organization and a
government or any department or agency thereof.
"Redeemable Stock" means any Equity Interest which, by its terms (or
by the terms of any security into which it is convertible or for which it is
exchangeable), or upon the happening of any event, matures or is mandatorily
redeemable, in whole or in part.
24
<PAGE>
"Redemption Date" as to any share of Preferred Stock means the date
specified in the notice of redemption delivered pursuant to Section 3.7;
provided that for purposes of Section 3.8, the Redemption Date shall be the date
on which the applicable Redemption Price is actually paid to the holder of such
share of Preferred Stock or deposited in trust for the benefit of such holder
pursuant to Section 3.10.
"Redemption Price" as to any share of Preferred Stock means the
Liquidation Value of such share.
"Restricted Payment" shall mean any dividend or other distribution on
any Junior Securities other than dividends or distributions payable solely in
Junior Securities, or the amount paid to purchase, redeem, or otherwise acquire
for any consideration, or to set aside as a sinking fund or other fund for the
redemption or repurchase of any Junior Securities or any warrants, rights or
options to purchase the same.
"Subsidiary" means any corporation at least 50% of the Voting Stock
of every class of which is, at the time as of which any determination is being
made, owned by the Corporation either directly or through one or more
Subsidiaries.
"Voting Stock" means any shares of stock having general voting power
in electing the board of directors (irrespective of whether or not at the time
stock of any other class or classes has or might have voting power by reason of
the happening of any contingency).
Section 12. Miscellaneous.
(a) The unenforceability or invalidity of any provision or provisions
of this Certificate of Designations shall not render invalid or unenforceable
any other provision or provisions herein contained.
(b) Section and paragraph headings herein are for convenience only
and shall not be construed as a part of this Certificate of Designations.
(c) All notices to holders of Preferred Stock required or permitted
hereunder shall be sent by overnight courier service, prepaid, addressed to each
such holder at the address for such holder shown on the books of the
Corporation.
* * * * * *
25
<PAGE>
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Certificate has been signed on this _____ day
of ________, 1997, and the signature of the undersigned shall constitute the
affirmation and acknowledgment of the undersigned, under penalties of perjury,
that this Certificate is the act and deed of the undersigned and that the facts
stated in the Certificate are true.
ALLIANCE ENTERTAINMENT CORP.
By:
---------------------------------
Joseph J. Bianco, Co-Chairman
ATTEST:
---------------------------------
Christopher J. Joyce, Assistant
Secretary
26
EXHIBIT 16
AGREEMENT WITH RESPECT TO THE JOINT FILING OF SCHEDULE 13 D
The undersigned agree, in accordance with the provisions of
Regulation Section 240.13d-1 (f) (1) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended (the "Act") to the joint filing of Schedule 13D of the Act pertaining to
their ownership of securities of Alliance Entertainment Corp., a Delaware
corporation. The undersigned further agree, each person or entity on whose
behalf such statement is filed is responsible for its timely filing and for the
timely filing of any amendment thereto and for the completeness and accuracy of
the information concerning each person or entity contained therein.
This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which
shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and
the same instrument.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned executed this Agreement this
20th day of December, 1996.
WASSERSTEIN PERELLA GROUP, INC.
By /s/ James C. Kingsbery
--------------------------------
Name: James C. Kingsbery
Title: Chief Financial Officer
and Secretary
WASSERSTEIN & CO., INC.
By /s/ James C. Kingsbery
--------------------------------
Name: James C. Kingsbery
Title: Secretary and Treasurer
WP MANAGEMENT PARTNERS, L.L.C.
By /s/ James C. Kingsbery
--------------------------------
Name: James C. Kingsbery
Title: Secretary
<PAGE>
CYPRESS VENTURES, INC.
By /s/ James C. Kingsbery
--------------------------------
Name: James C. Kingsbery
Title: Secretary and Treasurer
U.S. EQUITY PARTNERS, L.P.
By: WP MANAGEMENT PARTNERS, L.L.C.
----------------------------------
Its Sole General Partner
By /s/ James C. Kingsbery
-----------------------------------
Name: James C. Kingsbery
Title: Secretary
U.S. EQUITY PARTNERS (OFFSHORE), L.P.
By: WP MANAGEMENT PARTNERS, L.L.C.
----------------------------------
Its Sole General Partner
By /s/ James C. Kingsbery
----------------------------------
Name: James C. Kingsbery
Title: Secretary
