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00-0000000 Lionsgate Studios Corp. --03-31 0002006191 false 0002006191 2025-05-06 2025-05-06 0002006191 dei:OtherAddressMember 2025-05-06 2025-05-06
 
 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM 8-K

 

 

CURRENT REPORT

Pursuant to Section 13 OR 15(d)

of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): May 6, 2025

 

 

Lionsgate Studios Holding Corp.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

British Columbia, Canada   1-141203   N/A

(State or other jurisdiction

of incorporation)

 

(Commission

File No.)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

250 Howe Street, 20th Floor

Vancouver, British Columbia V6C 3R8

and

2700 Colorado Avenue

Santa Monica, California 90404

(Address of principal executive offices)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (877) 848-3866

Lionsgate Studios Corp.

(Former name or former address, if changed since last report)

 

 

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:

 

Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

 

Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

 

Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

 

Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

 

(Title of each class)

 

(Trading

Symbol(s))

 

(Name of each exchange

on which registered)

Common Shares, no par value per share   LION   Nasdaq Global Select Market

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§240.12b-2 of this chapter).

Emerging growth company ☐

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐

 

 
 


Introductory Note.

This Current Report on Form 8-K is being filed in connection with the closing on May 6, 2025 of the transactions contemplated by that certain Arrangement Agreement (the “Arrangement Agreement”), dated as of January 29, 2025, as amended by an amending agreement (the “Arrangement Agreement Amendment”) dated March 12, 2025, by and among Starz Entertainment Corp. (f/k/a Lions Gate Entertainment Corp.), a British Columbia corporation (“Starz”), Lionsgate Studios Corp. (formerly known as Lionsgate Studios Holding Corp.), a British Columbia corporation (the “Company” or “New Lionsgate”), Lionsgate Studios Holding Corp. (formerly known as Lionsgate Studios Corp.), a British Columbia corporation (“Legacy LG Studios”) and LG Sirius Holdings ULC, a British Columbia unlimited liability corporation that was voluntarily dissolved in accordance with Section 314 of the Business Corporations Act (British Columbia) and the regulations made thereunder (“LG Sirius,” and together with Starz, New Lionsgate, and Legacy LG Studios, the “Parties”, and the agreement, the “Arrangement Agreement”). At all times prior to the completion of the Transactions, Starz is hereinafter referred to as Old Lionsgate.

On May 6, 2025, pursuant to the Arrangement Agreement, Old Lionsgate completed the separation of the businesses of New Lionsgate and Starz through a series of transactions described below (the “Transactions”), resulting in two separately traded public companies: (1) New Lionsgate, which holds, directly and through subsidiaries, the motion picture and television studio operations previously held by Old Lionsgate (the “Studios Business”) and (2) Starz, which holds, directly and through subsidiaries, the other businesses that were previously held by Old Lionsgate, including the STARZ-branded premium subscription platforms (the “Starz Business”).

In connection with the completion of the Transactions, among other things:

 

   

Old Lionsgate shareholders first received (i) in exchange for each outstanding Class A voting share of Old Lionsgate, without par value (“LGEC Class A shares”), that they held: one New Lionsgate Class A voting common share, without par value (“New Lionsgate Class A shares”); one New Lionsgate Class C preferred share, with one-half (1/2) of a vote per share, without par value (“New Lionsgate Class C preferred shares”) and (ii) in exchange for each outstanding Class B non-voting share of LGEC, without par value (“LGEC Class B shares”), that they held: one New Lionsgate Class B non-voting common share, without par value (“New Lionsgate Class B shares”) and one New Lionsgate Class C preferred share, without par value. Such exchange transactions by LGEC shareholders are collectively referred to as the “Initial Share Exchange”.

 

   

Old Lionsgate changed its name to Starz Entertainment Corp. and created a new class of voting common shares, without par value (“Starz Common Shares”).

 

   

New Lionsgate created a new class of common shares, without par value (“New Lionsgate Common Shares”) and New Lionsgate shareholders (formerly Old Lionsgate shareholders) received, in exchange for each New Lionsgate Class A share they held, together with each New Lionsgate Class C preferred share they held and which was issued in exchange for an LGEC Class A share in the Initial Share Exchange, one and twelve one-hundredths (1.12) New Lionsgate new common shares and one and twelve one-hundredths (1.12) Starz common shares and in exchange for each New Lionsgate Class B share they held, together with each New Lionsgate Class C preferred share they held and which was issued in exchange for an LGEC Class B share in the Initial Share Exchange, one New Lionsgate Common Share and one Starz Common Share. Such exchange transactions by Old Lionsgate shareholders are collectively referred to as the “Second Share Exchange.”

 

   

As a result of the steps described above, each of New Lionsgate and Starz have a single class of “one share, one vote” common shares.

 

   

Following the Second Share Exchange, the Starz Common Shares were consolidated on a 15-to-1 basis, such that every fifteen (15) Starz Common Shares were consolidated into one (1) Starz Common Share.

 

 

Legacy LG Studios shareholders, other than New Lionsgate and dissenting shareholders, received, in exchange for each LG Studios common share, without par value (“Legacy LG Studios Common Shares”), they held, a number of New Lionsgate Common Shares equal to the product of the LG Studios


 

Consideration Shares divided by the total number of Legacy LG Studios Common Shares issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Arrangement Effective Time (as defined in the Arrangement Agreement) and held by Legacy LG Studios shareholders other than LG Sirius (such shares, the “LG Studios Flip Shares” and such ratio, the “LG Studios Reorganization Ratio”). The LG Studios Consideration Shares equals the aggregate number of Legacy LG Studios Common Shares obtained when the LG Studios Flip Percentage is multiplied by the quotient of (a) the aggregate number of New Lionsgate Common Shares issued to New Lionsgate shareholders (formerly Old Lionsgate shareholders) in the Second Share Exchange divided by (b) 1 minus the LG Studios Flip Percentage. The LG Studios Flip Percentage equals the quotient, expressed as a percentage, of (1) the LG Studios Flip Shares divided by (2) the total number of Legacy LG Studios Common Shares issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Arrangement Effective Time (as defined in the Arrangement Agreement). The LG Studios Reorganization Ratio was determined to be 0.989632. Such transactions by LG Studios shareholders are collectively referred to as the “LG Studios Flip.”

Following completion of the Transactions, New Lionsgate Common Shares, began trading under the symbol “LION” on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) and Starz Common Shares began trading under the symbol “STRZ” on the Nasdaq Global Select Market (“NASDAQ”).

The issuance of New Lionsgate Common Shares in connection with the Transactions was registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, pursuant to the registration statement on Form S-4 (File No. 333-282630-02) initially filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on October 15, 2024, as amended by Amendment No. 1 as filed with the SEC on November 27, 2024, as amended by Amendment No. 2 as filed with the SEC on December 31, 2024, as amended by Amendment No. 3 as filed with the SEC on January 27, 2025, as amended by Amendment No. 4 as filed with the SEC on February 24, 2025, as amended by Amendment No. 5 as filed with the SEC on March 13, 2025 (as so amended, the “Registration Statement”), by New Lionsgate and Starz, and declared effective on March 14, 2025. The definitive joint proxy statement/prospectus, dated March 14, 2025, of each of Old Lionsgate and Legacy LG Studios that forms part of the Registration Statement contains additional information about the Transactions.

The foregoing description of the Arrangement Agreement and the Transactions contemplated thereby is not complete and is subject to and qualified in its entirety by reference to the Arrangement Agreement and the Arrangement Agreement Amendment, which are incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 2.1 and Exhibit 2.2 to the Registration Statement, respectively.

 

Item 1.01.

Entry into a Material Definitive Agreement.

On May 4, 2025, Legacy LG Studios entered into several agreements with New Lionsgate and Starz in connection with the completion of the Transactions, including the following:

 

   

Separation Agreement;

 

   

Transition Services Agreement;

 

   

Employee Matters Agreement;

 

   

Amendment to Tax Matters Agreement, pursuant to which New Lionsgate was made a party to the Tax Matters Agreement; and

 

   

Amendment to Sponsor Option Agreement, pursuant to which New Lionsgate was made a party to the Sponsor Option Agreement.

A summary of the principal terms of each of these agreements is set forth in the section entitled “Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions” contained the Registration Statement. These summaries are incorporated herein by reference. The summaries do not purport to be complete and are qualified in their entirety by reference to the full text of the agreements, which are attached hereto as Exhibits 10.1, 10.2, 10.3, 10.4, 10.5, 10.6, and 10.7, respectively, and are incorporated herein by reference.

 

Item 1.02

Termination of a Material Definitive Agreement.

In connection with the completion of the Transactions contemplated by the Arrangement Agreement, on May 6, 2025, all outstanding obligations in respect of principal, interest and fees were repaid in full and all commitments were terminated under each of (i) that certain Revolving Credit Agreement, dated as of May 13, 2024 among LGAC International LLC and Starz Capital Holdings 1, Inc. (as amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time) and (ii) that certain Intercompany Note and Assumption Agreement, dated as of May 8, 2024, among LGTV and Starz Capital Holdings LLC (as amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time).

 

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Item 2.01.

Completion of Acquisition or Disposition of Assets.

The information set forth in the Introductory Note, Item 3.01 and Item 5.01 of this Current Report on Form 8-K is incorporated by reference into this Item 2.01.

 

Item 3.01.

Notice of Delisting or Failure to Satisfy a Continued Listing Rule or Standard; Transfer of Listing.

On May 6, 2025, in connection with the consummation of the Transactions, Old Lionsgate notified NYSE of the completion of the Transactions and requested that LGEC Class A shares and LGEC Class B shares be withdrawn from listing on NYSE and Legacy LG Studios notified NASDAQ of the completion of the Transactions and requested that Legacy LG Studios Common Shares be withdrawn from listing on NASDAQ. In addition, each of Old Lionsgate and Legacy LG Studios requested of NYSE and NASDAQ the filing of a notification of removal from listing on Form 25 with the SEC with respect to the LGEC Class A shares and LGEC Class B shares and Legacy LG Studios Common Shares, respectively, to report the delisting of LGEC Class A shares and LGEC Class B shares from NYSE and the delisting of Legacy LG Studios Common Shares from NASDAQ and to suspend trading of LGEC Class A shares and LGEC Class B shares on NYSE and Legacy LG Studios Common Shares on NASDAQ.

Each of Starz (on behalf of Old Lionsgate) and Legacy LG Studios intends to file with the SEC a certificate of notice of termination on Form 15 with respect to the LGEC Class A shares and LGEC Class B shares and Legacy LG Studios Common Shares, respectively, requesting that the LGEC Class A shares and LGEC Class B shares and Legacy LG Studios Common Shares, respectively, be deregistered under the Exchange Act, and that the reporting obligations of Old Lionsgate with respect to the LGEC Class A shares and LGEC Class B shares and of Legacy LG Studios with respect to the Legacy LG Studios Common Shares under Sections 13 and 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”) be suspended.

 

Item 3.03.

Material Modification to Rights of Security Holders.

The information set forth in the Introductory Note, Item 2.01, Item 5.01 and Item 5.03 of this Current Report on Form 8-K is incorporated by reference into this Item 3.03.

 

Item 5.01.

Changes in Control of Registrant.

As a result of the completion of the Transactions, Legacy LG Studios became a wholly owned subsidiary of New Lionsgate. The information set forth in the Introductory Note, Item 2.01, Item 3.03 and Item 5.02 of this Current Report on Form 8-K with respect to the Transactions is incorporated by reference into this Item 5.01.

 

Item 5.02.

Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers; Compensatory Arrangements of Certain Officers.

In accordance with the completion of the Transactions, all of the directors and officers of Legacy LG Studios were removed and Bruce Tobey was appointed the sole director of Legacy LG Studios and Mr. Tobey and James W. Barge were appointed President and Chief Financial Officer of Legacy LG Studios, respectively. Biographical information for Mr. Tobey and Mr. Barge can be found in the Registration Statement and is incorporated by reference into this Item 5.02.

 

Item 5.03.

Amendments to Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws; Changes in Fiscal Year.

In connection with the completion of the Transactions and pursuant to the Arrangement Agreement, the notice of articles of Legacy LG Studios were amended in their entirety. Copies of Legacy LG Studios Articles and Notice of Articles are filed as Exhibits 3.1 and 3.2, respectively, to this Current Report on Form 8-K and are incorporated by reference herein.

 

-4-


Item 8.01.

Other Events.

On May 7, 2025, New Lionsgate issued a press release announcing the completion of the Transactions. The press release is attached hereto as Exhibit 99.1 to this Current Report on Form 8-K and is incorporated herein by reference.

Item 9.01. Financial Statements and Exhibits.

(d) Exhibits.

 

 2.1    Arrangement Agreement, dated as of January 29, 2025, by and among Lions Gate Entertainment Corp., Lionsgate Studios Holding Corp., Lionsgate Studios Corp., and LG Sirius Holdings ULC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to the Registration Statement).
 2.2    Amendment No. 1 to Arrangement Agreement, dated as of March 12, 2025, by and among Lions Gate Entertainment Corp., Lionsgate Studios Holding Corp., Lionsgate Studios Corp., and LG Sirius Holdings ULC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.2 to the Registration Statement).
 3.1    Articles of Lionsgate Studios Holding Corp.
 3.2    Notice of Articles of Lionsgate Studios Holding Corp.
10.1    Separation Agreement, dated as of May 6, 2025, by and among Lions Gate Entertainment Corp., Lionsgate Studios Holding Corp., Lionsgate Studios Corp., and LG Sirius Holdings ULC.
10.2    Transition Services Agreement, dated as of May 6, 2025, by and between Starz Entertainment, LLC and Lions Gate Entertainment, Inc.
10.3    Employee Matters Agreement, dated as of May 6, 2025, by and among Lionsgate Studios Holding Corp., Lionsgate Studios Corp., LG Sirius Holdings ULC and Lions Gate Entertainment Corp.
10.4    Tax Matters Agreement by and between Lions Gate Entertainment Corp. and Lionsgate Studios Holding Corp. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registration Statement).
10.5    Amendment to Tax Matters Agreement, dated as of May 6, 2025, by and between Lions Gate Entertainment Corp. and Lionsgate Studios Holding Corp.
10.6    Form of Sponsor Option Agreement by and among Screaming Eagle Acquisition Corp, Eagle Equity Partners V, LLC and SEAC II Corp. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.32 to the Registration Statement).
10.7    Amendment to Sponsor Option Agreement, dated as of May 10, 2024, by and among Screaming Eagle Acquisition Corp, Eagle Equity Partners V, LLC and SEAC II Corp.
99.1    Press Release, dated May 7, 2025.
104    Inline XBRL for the cover page of this Current Report on Form 8-K.

 

-5-


SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

 

Lionsgate Studios Holding Corp.
By:  

/s/ James W. Barge

Name:   James W. Barge
Title:   Chief Financial Officer

Date: May 7, 2025

 

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EX-3.1 2 d944901dex31.htm EX-3.1 EX-3.1
     

     

These articles were deposited in the company’s registered and records office, and adopted by the company, on May 6, 2025, effective at 1:28 p.m. Pacific time pursuant to a plan of arrangement.

LIONSGATE STUDIOS HOLDING CORP.

Amalgamation Number: BC1480669

Translation of the company name that the company intends to use outside of Canada: N/A

(the “Company”)

ARTICLES

The Company has as its articles the following articles:

 

1.

INTERPRETATION

 

1.1

Definitions

In these Articles, unless the context otherwise requires:

 

(a)

“board of directors”, “directors” and “board” mean the directors or sole director of the Company for the time being;

 

(b)

“Business Corporations Act” means the Business Corporations Act, S.B.C. 2002, c. 57, as amended from time to time, as well as any successor legislation, and includes any regulations made thereunder;

 

(c)

“Interpretation Act” means the Interpretation Act, R.S.B.C. 1996, c. 238, as amended from time to time, as well as any successor legislation, and includes any regulations made thereunder.

 

(d)

“legal personal representative” means the personal or other legal representative of the shareholder;

 

(e)

“registered address” of a shareholder means the shareholder’s address as recorded in the central securities register;

 

(f)

“seal” means the seal of the Company, if any.

 

1.2

Business Corporations Act and Interpretation Act Definitions Applicable

The definitions in the Business Corporations Act and the definitions and rules of construction in the Interpretation Act, with the necessary changes, so far as applicable, and unless the context requires otherwise, apply to these Articles as if they were an enactment. If there is a conflict between a definition in the Business Corporations Act and a definition or rule in the Interpretation Act relating to a term used in these Articles, the definition in the Business Corporations Act will prevail in relation to the use of the term in these Articles. If there is a conflict between these Articles and the Business Corporations Act, the Business Corporations Act will prevail.


2.

SHARES AND SHARE CERTIFICATES

 

2.1

Authorized Share Structure

The authorized share structure of the Company consists of shares of the class or classes and series, if any, described in the Notice of Articles of the Company.

 

2.2

Form of Share Certificate

Each share certificate issued by the Company must comply with, and be signed as required by, the Business Corporations Act.

 

2.3

Shareholder Entitled to Certificate or Acknowledgment

Unless the shares are uncertificated shares within the meaning of the Business Corporations Act, each shareholder is entitled, without charge, to: (a) one share certificate representing the shares of each class or series of shares registered in the shareholder’s name; or (b) a non-transferable written acknowledgment of the shareholder’s right to obtain such a share certificate; provided that in respect of a share held jointly by several persons, the Company is not bound to issue more than one share certificate or acknowledgment and delivery of a share certificate or acknowledgment to one of several joint shareholders or to a duly authorized agent or one of the shareholders’ duly authorized agents will be sufficient delivery to all.

 

2.4

Delivery by Mail

Any share certificate or non-transferable written acknowledgment of a shareholder’s right to obtain a share certificate may be sent to the shareholder by mail at the shareholder’s registered address and neither the Company nor any director, officer or agent of the Company is liable for any loss to the shareholder because the share certificate or acknowledgment is lost in the mail or stolen.

 

2.5

Replacement of Worn Out or Defaced Certificate or Acknowledgment

If the directors are satisfied that a share certificate or a non-transferable written acknowledgment of the shareholder’s right to obtain a share certificate is worn out or defaced, they must, on production to them of the share certificate or acknowledgment, as the case may be, and on such other terms, if any, as they think fit:

 

(a)

order the share certificate or acknowledgment, as the case may be, to be cancelled; and

 

(b)

issue a replacement share certificate or acknowledgment, as the case may be.

 

2.6

Replacement of Lost, Stolen or Destroyed Certificate or Acknowledgment

If a share certificate or a non-transferable written acknowledgment of a shareholder’s right to obtain a share certificate is lost, stolen or destroyed, a replacement share certificate or acknowledgment, as the case may be, must be issued to the person entitled to that share certificate or acknowledgment, as the case may be, if the directors receive:

 

(a)

proof satisfactory to them that the share certificate or acknowledgment is lost, stolen or destroyed; and

 

(b)

any indemnity the directors consider adequate.

 

- 2 -


2.7

Splitting Share Certificates

If a shareholder surrenders a share certificate to the Company with a written request that the Company issue in the shareholder’s name two or more share certificates, each representing a specified number of shares and in the aggregate representing the same number of shares as the share certificate so surrendered, the Company must cancel the surrendered share certificate and issue replacement share certificates in accordance with that request.

 

2.8

Certificate Fee

There must be paid to the Company, in relation to the issue of any share certificate under Articles 2.5, 2.6 or 2.7, the amount, if any and which must not exceed the amount prescribed under the Business Corporations Act, determined by the directors.

 

2.9

Recognition of Trusts

Except as required by law or statute or these Articles, no person will be recognized by the Company as holding any share upon any trust, and the Company is not bound by or compelled in any way to recognize (even when having notice thereof) any equitable, contingent, future or partial interest in any share or fraction of a share or (except as required by law or statute or these Articles provided or as ordered by a court of competent jurisdiction) any other rights in respect of any share except an absolute right to the entirety thereof in the shareholder.

 

3.

ISSUE OF SHARES

 

3.1

Directors Authorized

Subject to the Business Corporations Act and the rights of the holders of issued shares of the Company, the Company may issue, allot, sell or otherwise dispose of the unissued shares, and issued shares held by the Company, at the times, to the persons, including directors, in the manner, on the terms and conditions and for the issue prices (including any premium at which shares with par value may be issued) that the directors may determine. The issue price for a share with par value must be equal to or greater than the par value of the share.

 

3.2

Commissions and Discounts

The Company may at any time, pay a reasonable commission or allow a reasonable discount to any person in consideration of that person purchasing or agreeing to purchase shares of the Company from the Company or any other person or procuring or agreeing to procure purchasers for shares of the Company.

 

3.3

Brokerage

The Company may pay such brokerage fee or other consideration as may be lawful for or in connection with the sale or placement of its securities.

 

- 3 -


3.4

Conditions of Issue

Except as provided for by the Business Corporations Act, no share may be issued until it is fully paid. A share is fully paid when:

 

(a)

consideration is provided to the Company for the issue of the share by one or more of the following:

 

  (i)

past services performed for the Company;

 

  (ii)

property;

 

  (iii)

money; and

 

(b)

the value of the consideration received by the Company equals or exceeds the issue price set for the share under Article 3.1.

 

3.5

Share Purchase Warrants and Rights

Subject to the Business Corporations Act, the Company may issue share purchase warrants, options and rights upon such terms and conditions as the directors determine, which share purchase warrants, options and rights may be issued alone or in conjunction with debentures, debenture stock, bonds, shares or any other securities issued or created by the Company from time to time.

 

4.

SHARE REGISTERS

 

4.1

Central Securities Register

As required by and subject to the Business Corporations Act, the Company may maintain its central securities register at any location designated by the directors, and may maintain its central securities register in electronic form, and may maintain branch securities registers at locations designated by the directors. The directors may, subject to the Business Corporations Act, appoint an agent to maintain the central securities register. The directors may also appoint one or more agents, including the agent which keeps the central securities register, as transfer agent for its shares or any class or series of its shares, as the case may be, and the same or another agent as registrar for its shares or such class or series of its shares, as the case may be. The directors may terminate such appointment of any agent at any time and may appoint another agent in its place.

 

4.2

Closing Register

The Company must not at any time close its central securities register.

 

5.

SHARE TRANSFERS

 

5.1

Registering Transfers

A transfer of a share of the Company must not be registered unless:

 

(a)

a duly signed instrument of transfer in respect of the share has been received by the Company;

 

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(b)

if a share certificate has been issued by the Company in respect of the share to be transferred, that share certificate has been surrendered to the Company; and

 

(c)

if a non-transferable written acknowledgment of the shareholder’s right to obtain a share certificate has been issued by the Company in respect of the share to be transferred, that acknowledgment has been surrendered to the Company.

 

5.2

Form of Instrument of Transfer

The instrument of transfer in respect of any share of the Company must be either in the form, if any, on the back of the Company’s share certificates or in any other form that may be approved by the directors from time to time.

 

5.3

Transferor Remains Shareholder

Except to the extent that the Business Corporations Act otherwise provides, the transferor of shares is deemed to remain the holder of the shares until the name of the transferee is entered in a securities register of the Company in respect of the transfer.

 

5.4

Signing of Instrument of Transfer

If a shareholder, or their duly authorized attorney, signs an instrument of transfer in respect of shares registered in the name of the shareholder, the signed instrument of transfer constitutes a complete and sufficient authority to the Company and its directors, officers and agents to register the number of shares specified in the instrument of transfer or specified in any other manner, or, if no number is specified, all the shares represented by the share certificates or set out in the written acknowledgments deposited with the instrument of transfer:

 

(a)

in the name of the person named as transferee in that instrument of transfer; or

 

(b)

if no person is named as transferee in that instrument of transfer, in the name of the person on whose behalf the instrument is deposited for the purpose of having the transfer registered.

 

5.5

Enquiry as to Title Not Required

Neither the Company nor any director, officer or agent of the Company is bound to inquire into the title of the person named in the instrument of transfer as transferee or, if no person is named as transferee in the instrument of transfer, of the person on whose behalf the instrument is deposited for the purpose of having the transfer registered or is liable for any claim related to registering the transfer by the shareholder or by any intermediate owner or holder of the shares, of any interest in the shares, of any share certificate representing such shares or of any written acknowledgment of a right to obtain a share certificate for such shares.

 

5.6

Transfer Fee

There must be paid to the Company, in relation to the registration of any transfer, the amount, if any, determined by the directors.

 

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6.

TRANSMISSION OF SHARES

 

6.1

Legal Personal Representative Recognized on Death

In case of the death of a shareholder, the legal personal representative, or if the shareholder was a joint holder, the surviving joint holder, will be the only person recognized by the Company as having any title to the shareholder’s interest in the shares. Before recognizing a person as a legal personal representative, the directors may require proof of appointment by a court of competent jurisdiction, a grant of letters probate, letters of administration or such other evidence or documents as the directors consider appropriate.

 

6.2

Rights of Legal Personal Representative

The legal personal representative has the same rights, privileges and obligations that attach to the shares held by the shareholder, including the right to transfer the shares in accordance with these Articles, provided the documents required by the Business Corporations Act and the directors have been deposited with the Company.

 

7.

PURCHASE OF SHARES

 

7.1

Company Authorized to Purchase Shares

Subject to Article 7.2, the special rights and restrictions attached to the shares of any class or series and the Business Corporations Act, the Company may, if authorized by the directors, purchase or otherwise acquire any of its shares at the price and upon the terms specified in such resolution.

 

7.2

Purchase When Insolvent

The Company must not make a payment or provide any other consideration to purchase or otherwise acquire any of its shares if there are reasonable grounds for believing that:

 

(a)

the Company is insolvent; or

 

(b)

making the payment or providing the consideration would render the Company insolvent.

 

7.3

Sale and Voting of Purchased Shares

If the Company retains a share redeemed, purchased or otherwise acquired by it, the Company may sell, gift or otherwise dispose of the share, but, while such share is held by the Company, it:

 

(a)

is not entitled to vote the share at a meeting of its shareholders;

 

(b)

must not pay a dividend in respect of the share; and

 

(c)

must not make any other distribution in respect of the share.

 

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8.

BORROWING POWERS

 

8.1

General Powers

The Company, if authorized by the directors, may:

 

(a)

borrow money in the manner and amount, on the security, from the sources and on the terms and conditions that they consider appropriate;

 

(b)

issue bonds, debentures and other debt obligations either outright or as security for any liability or obligation of the Company or any other person and at such discounts or premiums and on such other terms as they consider appropriate;

 

(c)

guarantee the repayment of money by any other person or the performance of any obligation of any other person; and

 

(d)

mortgage, charge, whether by way of specific or floating charge, grant a security interest in, or give other security on, the whole or any part of the present and future assets and undertaking of the Company.

 

8.2

Terms of Debt Obligations

Any bonds, debentures or other debt obligations of the Company may be issued at a discount, premium or otherwise, and with any special privileges as to redemption, surrender, drawing, allotment of or conversion into or exchange for shares or other securities, attending and voting at general meetings of the Company and appointment of the directors or otherwise all as the directors may determine. The directors may make any bonds, debentures or other debt obligations issued by the Company by their terms assignable free from any equities between the Company and the person to whom they may be issued or any other person who lawfully acquires them by assignment, purchase or otherwise.

 

8.3

Powers of Directors

For greater certainty, the powers of the directors under this Part 8 may be exercised by a committee or other delegate, direct or indirect, of the board authorized to exercise such powers.

 

9.

ALTERATIONS

 

9.1

Alteration of Authorized Share Structure

Subject to Article 9.2 and the Business Corporations Act, the Company may by special resolution:

 

(a)

create one or more classes or series of shares or, if none of the shares of a class or series of shares are allotted or issued, eliminate that class or series of shares;

 

(b)

increase, reduce or eliminate the maximum number of shares that the Company is authorized to issue out of any class or series of shares or establish a maximum number of shares that the Company is authorized to issue out of any class or series of shares for which no maximum is established;

 

(c)

subdivide or consolidate all or any of its unissued, or fully paid issued, shares;

 

(d)

if the Company is authorized to issue shares of a class of shares with par value:

 

  (i)

decrease the par value of those shares; or

 

  (ii)

if none of the shares of that class of shares are allotted or issued, increase the par value of those shares;

 

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(e)

change all or any of its unissued, or fully paid issued, shares with par value into shares without par value or any of its unissued shares without par value into shares with par value;

 

(f)

alter the identifying name of any of its shares; or

 

(g)

otherwise alter its shares or authorized share structure when required or permitted to do so by the Business Corporations Act.

 

9.2

Special Rights and Restrictions

Subject to the Business Corporations Act, the Company may by special resolution:

 

(a)

create special rights or restrictions for, and attach those special rights or restrictions to, the shares of any class or series of shares, whether or not any or all of those shares have been issued; or

 

(b)

vary or delete any special rights or restrictions attached to the shares of any class or series of shares, whether or not any or all of those shares have been issued.

 

9.3

Change of Name

The Company may by special resolution authorize an alteration of its Notice of Articles in order to change its name.

 

9.4

Other Alterations

If the Business Corporations Act does not specify the type of resolution and these Articles do not specify another type of resolution, the Company may by ordinary resolution alter these Articles or the Notice of Articles.

 

10.

MEETINGS OF SHAREHOLDERS

 

10.1

Annual General Meetings

Unless an annual general meeting is deferred or waived in accordance with the Business Corporations Act, the Company must hold its first annual general meeting within 18 months after the date on which it was incorporated or otherwise recognized, and after that must hold an annual general meeting at least once in each calendar year and not more than 15 months after the last annual reference date at such time and location, within or outside of British Columbia, and as an electronic meeting or otherwise, as may be determined by a resolution of the directors. Any shareholders’ meeting held as a fully electronic meeting without a physical location or place, shall, if required by the Business Corporations Act or applicable law and not otherwise determined by a resolution of the directors in connection with the meeting, be deemed to have the physical location or place of the meeting at the Company’s registered office in British Columbia.

 

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10.2

Resolution Instead of Annual General Meeting

If all the shareholders who are entitled to vote at an annual general meeting consent by a unanimous resolution under the Business Corporations Act to all of the business that is required to be transacted at that annual general meeting, the annual general meeting is deemed to have been held on the date of the unanimous resolution. The shareholders must, in any unanimous resolution passed under this Article 10.2, select as the Company’s annual reference date a date that would be appropriate for the holding of the applicable annual general meeting.

 

10.3

Calling of Meetings of Shareholders

The directors may, whenever they think fit, call a meeting of shareholders.

 

10.4

Notice for Meetings of Shareholders

The Company must send notice of the date, time and location of any meeting of shareholders, in the manner provided in these Articles, or in such other manner, if any, as may be prescribed by ordinary resolution (whether previous notice of the resolution has been given or not), to each shareholder entitled to attend the meeting, to each director and to the auditor of the Company, unless these Articles otherwise provide, at least the following number of days before the meeting:

 

(a)

if and for so long as the Company is a public company, 21 days;

 

(b)

otherwise, 10 days.

 

10.5

Record Date for Notice

The directors may set a date as the record date for the purpose of determining shareholders entitled to notice of any meeting of shareholders. The record date must not precede the date on which the meeting is to be held by more than two months or, in the case of a general meeting requisitioned by shareholders under the Business Corporations Act, by more than four months. The record date must not precede the date on which the meeting is held by fewer than:

 

(a)

if and for so long as the Company is a public company, 21 days;

 

(b)

otherwise, 10 days.

If no record date is set, the record date is 5 p.m. on the day immediately preceding the first date on which the notice is sent or, if no notice is sent, the beginning of the meeting.

 

10.6

Record Date for Voting

The directors may set a date as the record date for the purpose of determining shareholders entitled to vote at any meeting of shareholders. The record date must not precede the date on which the meeting is to be held by more than two months or, in the case of a general meeting requisitioned by shareholders under the Business Corporations Act, by more than four months. If no record date is set, the record date is 5 p.m. on the day immediately preceding the first date on which the notice is sent or, if no notice is sent, the beginning of the meeting.

 

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10.7

Failure to Give Notice and Waiver of Notice

The accidental omission to send notice of any meeting to, or the non-receipt of any notice by, any of the persons entitled to notice does not invalidate any proceedings at that meeting. Any person entitled to notice of a meeting of shareholders may, in writing or otherwise, waive or reduce the period of notice of such meeting.

 

10.8

Notice of Special Business at Meetings of Shareholders

If a meeting of shareholders is to consider special business within the meaning of Article 11.1, the notice of meeting must:

 

(a)

state the general nature of the special business; and

 

(b)

if the special business includes considering, approving, ratifying, adopting or authorizing any document or the signing of or giving of effect to any document, have attached to it a copy of the document or state that a copy of the document will be available for inspection by shareholders:

 

  (i)

at the Company’s records office, or at such other reasonably accessible location in British Columbia as is specified in the notice; and

 

  (ii)

during statutory business hours on any one or more specified days before the day set for the holding of the meeting.

 

10.9

Advance Notice for Nomination of Directors

 

(a)

If and for so long as the Company is a public company, subject only to the Business Corporations Act, Applicable Securities Laws (defined in Article 10.9(g)), any rules of a stock exchange on which securities of the Company are listed and these Articles, only persons who are nominated in accordance with the procedures in this Article 10.9 will be eligible for election as directors of the Company. Nominations of persons for election to the board of directors may be made at any annual general meeting of shareholders or at any special meeting of shareholders if one of the purposes for which the special meeting is called is for the election of directors:

 

  (i)

by or at the direction of the board of directors, including pursuant to a notice of meeting;

 

  (ii)

by or at the direction or request of one or more shareholders pursuant to a proposal made in accordance with the provisions of the Business Corporations Act, or a requisition of the shareholders made in accordance with the provisions of the Business Corporations Act; or

 

  (iii)

by any shareholder of the Company (a “Nominating Shareholder”) who:

 

  (A)

at the close of business on the date of the giving of the notice provided for in this Article 10.9 and on the record date for notice of such meeting, is entered in the securities register of the Company as a holder of one or more shares carrying the right to vote at such meeting or who beneficially owns shares that are entitled to be voted at such meeting on the election of directors; and

 

  (B)

who complies with the notice procedures set forth in this Article 10.9.

 

(b)

In addition to any other requirements under applicable laws, for a nomination to be made by a Nominating Shareholder, the Nominating Shareholder must have given timely notice thereof in proper written form to the secretary of the Company in accordance with the provisions of this Article 10.9.

 

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(c)

To be timely, a Nominating Shareholder’s notice must be received by the secretary of the Company:

 

  (i)

in the case of an annual general meeting of shareholders, not less than 30 days prior to the date of the annual general meeting of shareholders; provided, however, that in the event that the annual general meeting of shareholders is to be held on a date that is less than 50 days after the date on which the first Public Announcement (defined in Article 10.9(g)) of the date of the annual general meeting is made (the “Meeting Notice Date”), the Nominating Shareholder’s notice must be received not later than the close of business on the tenth day after the Meeting Notice Date; and

 

  (ii)

in the case of a special meeting of shareholders (which is not also an annual general meeting of shareholders) called for the purpose of electing directors (whether or not called for other purposes), not later than the close of business on the fifteenth day following the day on which the first Public Announcement of the date of the special meeting is made.

 

(d)

Notwithstanding the provisions of this Article 10.9, in no event will any Public Announcement or any adjournment or postponement of an annual general meeting or special meeting (or the announcement thereof) commence a new time period for giving a Nominating Shareholder’s notice as described in this Article 10.9.

 

(e)

To be in proper written form, a Nominating Shareholder’s notice to the secretary of the Company must set forth:

 

  (i)

as to each person whom the Nominating Shareholder proposes to nominate for election as a director:

 

  (A)

the name, age, business address and residential address of the person;

 

  (B)

the principal occupation or employment of the person;

 

  (C)

the class or series and number of shares of the Company that are owned beneficially or of record by the person, if any;

 

  (D)

any other information relating to the person that would be required to be disclosed in a dissident’s proxy circular in connection with solicitations of proxies for election of directors pursuant to the Business Corporations Act, Applicable Securities Laws and any rules of a stock exchange on which securities of the Company are listed; and

 

  (ii)

as to the Nominating Shareholder giving the notice:

 

  (A)

the class or series and number of shares of the Company which are owned beneficially or of record by the Nominating Shareholder as of the record date for the meeting (if such date has made publicly available and will have occurred);

 

  (B)

full particulars of any proxy, contract, arrangement, understanding or relationship pursuant to which such Nominating Shareholder, or any of its Affiliates or Associates, or any person acting jointly or in concert with such person, has any interests, rights or obligations relating to the right to vote or direct the voting of any shares of the Company;

 

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  (C)

be accompanied by a written consent of each proposed nominee to being named as a nominee and to serve as a director if elected; and

 

  (D)

any other information relating to such Nominating Shareholder that would be required to be made in a dissident’s proxy circular in connection with solicitations of proxies for election of directors pursuant to the Business Corporations Act, Applicable Securities Laws and any rules of a stock exchange on which securities of the Company are listed.

The Company may require any proposed nominee for election as a director to furnish such other information as may reasonably be required by the Company to determine the eligibility of such proposed nominee to serve as a director of the Company in accordance with the Business Corporations Act, Applicable Securities Laws and any rules of a stock exchange on which securities of the Company are listed or that could be material to a reasonable shareholder’s understanding of the independence, or lack thereof, of such proposed nominee.

 

(f)

No person will be eligible for election as a director of the Company unless nominated in accordance with the provisions of this Article 10.9; provided, however, that nothing in this Article 10.9 will be deemed to preclude discussion by a shareholder or proxy holder (as distinct from nominating directors) at a meeting of shareholders any matter in respect of which the shareholder would have been entitled to submit a proposal pursuant to the provisions of the Business Corporations Act or at the discretion of the chair of the meeting] The chair of the meeting will have the power and duty to determine whether a nomination was made in accordance with the provisions of this Article 10.9 and, if any proposed nomination is not in compliance with such foregoing provisions, to declare that such defective nomination will be disregarded.

 

(g)

For purposes of this Article 10.9:

 

  (i)

“Affiliate”, when used to indicate a relationship with a specific person, shall mean a person that directly, or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, controls, or is controlled by, or is under common control with, such specified person;

 

  (ii)

“Applicable Securities Laws” means the applicable securities legislation in the United States and each relevant province and territory of Canada, as amended from time to time, the rules, regulations and forms made or promulgated under any such statute and the published national instruments, multilateral instruments, policies, bulletins and notices of the securities commission and similar regulatory authority of the United States and each province and territory of Canada;

 

  (iii)

“Associate”, when used to indicate a relationship with a specified person, shall mean (i) any body corporate or trust of which such person beneficially owns, directly or indirectly, voting securities carrying more than 10% of the voting rights attached to all voting securities of such body corporate or trust for the time being outstanding, (ii) any partner of that person, (iii) any trust or estate in which such person has a substantial beneficial interest or as to which such person serves as trustee or in a similar capacity, (iv) a spouse of such specified person, (v) any person of either sex with whom such specified person is living in conjugal relationship outside marriage or (vi) any relative of such specified person or of a person mentioned in clauses (iv) or (v) of this definition if that relative has the same residence as the specified person;

 

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  (iv)

“beneficially owns” or “beneficially owned” means, in connection with the ownership of shares in the capital of the Company by a person, (i) any such shares as to which such person or any of such person’s Affiliates or Associates owns at law or in equity, or has the right to acquire or become the owner at law or in equity, where such right is exercisable immediately or after the passage of time and whether or not on condition or the happening of any contingency or the making of any payment, upon the exercise of any conversion right, exchange right or purchase right attaching to any securities, or pursuant to any agreement, arrangement, pledge or understanding whether or not in writing; (ii) any such shares as to which such person or any of such person’s Affiliates or Associates has the right to vote, or the right to direct the voting, where such right is exercisable immediately or after the passage of time and whether or not on condition or the happening of any contingency or the making of any payment, pursuant to any agreement, arrangement, pledge or understanding whether or not in writing; (iii) any such shares which are beneficially owned, directly or indirectly, by a Counterparty (or any of such Counterparty’s Affiliates or Associates) under any Derivatives Contract (without regard to any short or similar position under the same or any other Derivatives Contract) to which such person or any of such person’s Affiliates or Associates is a Receiving Party; provided, however that the number of shares that a person beneficially owns pursuant to this clause (iii) in connection with a particular Derivatives Contract shall not exceed the number of Notional Securities with respect to such Derivatives Contract; provided, further, that the number of securities owned beneficially by each Counterparty (including their respective Affiliates and Associates) under a Derivatives Contract shall for purposes of this clause be deemed to include all securities that are owned beneficially, directly or indirectly, by any other Counterparty (or any of such other Counterparty’s Affiliates or Associates) under any Derivatives Contract to which such first Counterparty (or any of such first Counterparty’s Affiliates or Associates) is a Receiving Party and this proviso shall be applied to successive Counterparties as appropriate; and (iv) any such shares which are owned beneficially within the meaning of this definition by any other person with whom such person is acting jointly or in concert with respect to the Company or any of its securities;

 

  (v)

“close of business” means 5:00 p.m. (Vancouver time) on a business day in British Columbia, Canada;

 

  (vi)

“Derivatives Contract” shall mean a contract between two parties (the “Receiving Party” and the “Counterparty”) that is designed to expose the Receiving Party to economic benefits and risks that correspond substantially to the ownership by the Receiving Party of a number of shares in the capital of the Company or securities convertible into such shares specified or referenced in such contract (the number corresponding to such economic benefits and risks, the “Notional Securities”), regardless of whether obligations under such contract are required or permitted to be settled through the delivery of cash, shares in the capital of the Company or securities convertible into such shares or other property, without regard to any short position under the same or any other Derivatives Contract; for the avoidance of doubt, interests in broad-based index options, broad-based index futures and broad-based publicly traded market baskets of stocks approved for trading by the appropriate governmental authority shall not be deemed to be Derivatives Contracts; and

 

  (vii)

“Public Announcement” means disclosure in a press release disseminated by a nationally recognized news service in Canada or in a document publicly filed by the Company with the US Securities and Exchange Commission or under its profile on the System of Electronic Document Analysis and Retrieval at www.sedarplus.com.

 

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(h)

Notwithstanding any other provision of these Articles, notice given to the secretary of the Company pursuant to this Article 10.9 may only be given by personal delivery, facsimile transmission or by email to the Company’s principal executive officers as set forth in the Company’s filings with the US Securities and Exchange Commission, and will be deemed to have been given and made only at the time it is served by personal delivery to the secretary of the Company at the registered office of the Company, sent by email (to the address above-mentioned) or sent by facsimile transmission (provided the receipt of confirmation of such transmission has been received); provided that if such delivery or electronic communication is made on a day which is not a business day or after the close of business on a day which is a business day, then such delivery or electronic communication will be deemed to have been on the subsequent day that is a business day.

 

(i)

All information to be provided in a timely notice pursuant to this Article 10.9 shall be provided as of the record date for determining shareholders entitled to vote at the meeting (if such date shall then have been publicly announced) and as of the date of such notice. The Nominating Shareholder shall update such information to the extent necessary so that it is true and correct as of the date that is 10 business days prior to the date of the meeting, or any adjournment or postponement thereof.

 

(j)

For the avoidance of doubt, this Article 10.9 shall be the exclusive means for any person to bring nominations for election to the board at or in connection with any annual general or special meeting of the shareholders of the Company.

 

(k)

Notwithstanding the provisions of this Article 10.9, the board may, in its sole discretion, waive any requirement in this Article 10.9.

 

11.

PROCEEDINGS AT MEETINGS OF SHAREHOLDERS

 

11.1

Special Business

At a meeting of shareholders, the following business is special business:

 

(a)

at a meeting of shareholders that is not an annual general meeting, all business is special business except business relating to the conduct of or voting at the meeting;

 

(b)

at an annual general meeting, all business is special business except for the following:

 

  (i)

business relating to the conduct of or voting at the meeting;

 

  (ii)

consideration of any financial statements of the Company presented to the meeting;

 

  (iii)

consideration of any reports of the directors or auditor;

 

  (iv)

the setting or changing of the number of directors;

 

  (v)

the election or appointment of directors;

 

  (vi)

the appointment of an auditor;

 

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  (vii)

the setting of the remuneration of an auditor;

 

  (viii)

business arising out of a report of the directors not requiring the passing of a special resolution or an exceptional resolution;

 

  (ix)

any other business which, under these Articles or the Business Corporations Act, may be transacted at a meeting of shareholders without prior notice of the business being given to the shareholders.

 

11.2

Special Majority

The majority of votes required for the Company to pass a special resolution at a meeting of shareholders is two-thirds of the votes cast on the resolution.

 

11.3

Quorum

Subject to the special rights or restrictions attached to the shares of any class or series of shares, the quorum for the transaction of business at a meeting of shareholders is one or more persons who are, or who represent by proxy, one or more shareholders who, in the aggregate, hold at least 33 1/3% of the outstanding shares of the Company entitled to be voted at the meeting.

 

11.4

One Shareholder May Constitute Quorum

If there is only one shareholder entitled to vote at a meeting of shareholders:

 

(a)

the quorum is one person who is, or who represents by proxy, that shareholder; and

 

(b)

that shareholder, present in person or by proxy, may constitute the meeting.

 

11.5

Other Persons May Attend

The directors, the president (if any), the secretary (if any), the assistant secretary (if any), any lawyer for the Company, the auditor of the Company and any other persons invited by the directors are entitled to attend any meeting of shareholders, but if any of those persons does attend a meeting of shareholders, that person is not to be counted in the quorum and is not entitled to vote at the meeting unless that person is a shareholder or proxy holder entitled to vote at the meeting.

 

11.6

Requirement of Quorum

No business, other than the election of a chair of the meeting and the adjournment of the meeting, may be transacted at any meeting of shareholders unless a quorum of shareholders entitled to vote is present at the commencement of the meeting, but such quorum need not be present throughout the meeting.

 

11.7

Lack of Quorum

If, within one-half hour from the time set for the holding of a meeting of shareholders, a quorum is not present

 

(a)

in the case of a general meeting requisitioned by shareholders, the meeting is dissolved, and

 

(b)

in the case of any other meeting of shareholders, the meeting stands adjourned to the same day in the next week at the same time and place.

 

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11.8

Lack of Quorum at Succeeding Meeting

If, at the meeting to which the meeting referred to in Article 11.7(b) was adjourned, a quorum is not present within one-half hour from the time set for the holding of the meeting, the person or persons present and being, or representing by proxy, one or more shareholders entitled to attend and vote at the meeting constitute a quorum.

 

11.9

Chair

The following individual is entitled to preside as chair at a meeting of shareholders:

 

(a)

the chair of the board, if any;

 

(b)

if the chair of the board is absent or unwilling to act as chair of the meeting, the Vice-Chair of the Company, if any;

 

(c)

if the chair of the board and the Vice Chair of the Company, if any, are both absent or unwilling to act as chair of the meeting, the Chief Executive Officer of the Company, if any;

 

(d)

if the chair of the board, the Vice Chair of the Company, and the Chief Executive Officer of the Company, if any, are all absent or unwilling to act as chair of the meeting, the Chief Financial Officer of the Company, if any;

 

(e)

if the chair of the board, the Vice Chair of the Company, the Chief Executive Officer of the Company, and the Chief Financial Officer of the Company, if any, are all absent or unwilling to act as chair of the meeting, the General Counsel or Chief Legal Officer of the Company, if any.

 

11.10

Selection of Alternate Chair

If, at any meeting of shareholders, there is no individual present within 15 minutes after the time set for holding the meeting that is entitled, under Article 11.9, to act as chair of the meeting, or if all of the eligible individuals present are unwilling to act as chair of the meeting, the directors present may choose one of their number to be chair of the meeting, or if all of the directors present decline to take the chair or fail to so choose or if no director is present, the shareholders entitled to vote at the meeting who are present in person or by proxy may choose any individual present at the meeting to chair the meeting.

 

11.11

Adjournments

The chair of a meeting of shareholders may, and if so directed by the meeting must, adjourn the meeting from time to time and from place to place, but no business may be transacted at any adjourned meeting other than the business left unfinished at the meeting from which the adjournment took place.

 

11.12

Notice of Adjourned Meeting

It is not necessary to give any notice of an adjourned meeting or of the business to be transacted at an adjourned meeting of shareholders except that, when a meeting is adjourned for 30 days or more, notice of the adjourned meeting must be given as in the case of the original meeting.

 

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11.13

Decisions by Show of Hands or Poll

Subject to the Business Corporations Act, every motion put to a vote at a meeting of shareholders will be decided on a show of hands unless a poll, before or on the declaration of the result of the vote by show of hands, is directed by the chair or demanded by at least one shareholder entitled to vote who is present in person or by proxy.

 

11.14

Declaration of Result

The chair of a meeting of shareholders must declare to the meeting the decision on every question in accordance with the result of the show of hands or the poll, as the case may be, and that decision must be entered in the minutes of the meeting. A declaration of the chair that a resolution is carried by the necessary majority or is defeated is, unless a poll is directed by the chair or demanded under Article 11.13, conclusive evidence without proof of the number or proportion of the votes recorded in favour of or against the resolution.

 

11.15

Motion Need Not be Seconded

No motion proposed at a meeting of shareholders need be seconded unless the chair of the meeting rules otherwise, and the chair of any meeting of shareholders is entitled to propose or second a motion.

 

11.16

Casting Vote

In case of an equality of votes, the chair of a meeting of shareholders does not, either on a show of hands or on a poll, have a second or casting vote in addition to the vote or votes to which the chair may be entitled as a shareholder.

 

11.17

Manner of Taking Poll

Subject to Article 11.8, if a poll is duly demanded at a meeting of shareholders:

 

(a)

the poll must be taken:

 

  (i)

at the meeting, or within seven days after the date of the meeting, as the chair of the meeting directs; and

 

  (ii)

in the manner, at the time and at the place that the chair of the meeting directs;

 

(b)

the result of the poll is deemed to be the decision of the meeting at which the poll is demanded; and

 

(c)

the demand for the poll may be withdrawn by the person who demanded it.

 

11.18

Demand for Poll on Adjournment

A poll demanded at a meeting of shareholders on a question of adjournment must be taken immediately at the meeting.

 

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11.19

Chair Must Resolve Dispute

In the case of any dispute as to the admission or rejection of a vote given on a poll, the chair of the meeting must determine the dispute, and their determination made in good faith is final and conclusive.

 

11.20

Casting of Votes

On a poll, a shareholder entitled to more than one vote need not cast all the votes in the same way.

 

11.21

Demand for Poll

No poll may be demanded in respect of the vote by which a chair of a meeting of shareholders is elected.

 

11.22

Demand for Poll Not to Prevent Continuance of Meeting

The demand for a poll at a meeting of shareholders does not, unless the chair of the meeting so rules, prevent the continuation of a meeting for the transaction of any business other than the question on which a poll has been demanded.

 

11.23

Retention of Ballots and Proxies

The Company must, for at least three months after a meeting of shareholders, keep each ballot cast on a poll and each proxy voted at the meeting, and, during that period, make them available for inspection during normal business hours by any shareholder or proxyholder entitled to vote at the meeting. At the end of such three month period, the Company may destroy such ballots and proxies.

 

12.

VOTES OF SHAREHOLDERS

 

12.1

Number of Votes by Shareholder or by Shares

Subject to any special rights or restrictions attached to any shares and to the restrictions imposed on joint shareholders under Article 12.3:

 

(a)

on a vote by show of hands every person present who is a shareholder or proxy holder and entitled to vote on the matter has one vote; and

 

(b)

on a poll, every shareholder entitled to vote on the matter has one vote in respect of each share entitled to be voted on the matter and held by that shareholder and may exercise that vote either in person or by proxy.

 

12.2

Votes of Persons in Representative Capacity

A person who is not a shareholder may vote at a meeting of shareholders, whether on a show of hands or on a poll, and may appoint a proxy holder to act at the meeting, if, before doing so, the person satisfies the chair of the meeting, or the directors, that the person is a legal personal representative or a trustee in bankruptcy for a shareholder who is entitled to vote at the meeting.

 

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12.3

Votes by Joint Holders

If there are joint shareholders registered in respect of any share:

 

(a)

any one of the joint shareholders may vote at any meeting, either personally or by proxy, in respect of the share as if that joint shareholder were solely entitled to it; or

 

(b)

if more than one of the joint shareholders is present at any meeting, personally or by proxy, and more than one of them votes in respect of that share, then only the vote of the joint shareholder present whose name stands first on the central securities register in respect of the share will be counted.

 

12.4

Legal Personal Representatives as Joint Shareholders

Two or more legal personal representatives of a shareholder in whose sole name any share is registered are, for the purposes of Article 12.3, deemed to be joint shareholders.

 

12.5

Representative of a Corporate Shareholder

If a corporation, that is not a subsidiary of the Company, is a shareholder, that corporation may appoint a person to act as its representative at any meeting of shareholders of the Company, and:

 

(a)

for that purpose, the instrument appointing a representative must:

 

  (i)

be received at the registered office of the Company or at any other place specified, in the notice calling the meeting, for the receipt of proxies, at least the number of business days specified in the notice for the receipt of proxies, or if no number of days is specified, two business days before the day set for the holding of the meeting; or

 

  (ii)

be provided at the meeting to the chair of the meeting or to a person designated by the chair of the meeting;

 

(b)

if a representative is appointed under this Article 12.5:

 

  (i)

the representative is entitled to exercise in respect of and at that meeting the same rights on behalf of the corporation that the representative represents as that corporation could exercise if it were a shareholder who is an individual, including, without limitation, the right to appoint a proxy holder; and

 

  (ii)

the representative, if present at the meeting, is to be counted for the purpose of forming a quorum and is deemed to be a shareholder present in person at the meeting.

Evidence of the appointment of any such representative may be sent to the Company by written instrument, fax or any other method of transmitting legibly recorded messages.

 

12.6

When Proxy Provisions Do Not Apply to the Company

If and for so long as the Company is a public company, Articles 12.7 to 12.15 apply only insofar as they are not inconsistent with the Business Corporations Act, Applicable Securities Laws, or any rules of an exchange on which securities of the Company are listed.

 

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12.7

Appointment of Proxy Holders

Every shareholder of the Company, including a corporation that is a shareholder but not a subsidiary of the Company, entitled to vote at a meeting of shareholders of the Company may, by proxy, appoint one or more (but not more than five) proxy holders to attend and act at the meeting in the manner, to the extent and with the powers conferred by the proxy.

 

12.8

Alternate Proxy Holders

A shareholder may appoint one or more alternate proxy holders to act in the place of an absent proxy holder.

 

12.9

When Proxy Holder Need Not Be Shareholder

A person must not be appointed as a proxy holder unless the person is a shareholder, although a person who is not a shareholder may be appointed as a proxy holder if:

 

(a)

the person appointing the proxy holder is a corporation or a representative of a corporation appointed under Article 12.5;

 

(b)

the Company has at the time of the meeting for which the proxy holder is to be appointed only one shareholder entitled to vote at the meeting; or

 

(c)

the shareholders present in person or by proxy at and entitled to vote at the meeting for which the proxy holder is to be appointed, by a resolution on which the proxy holder is not entitled to vote but in respect of which the proxy holder is to be counted in the quorum, permit the proxy holder to attend and vote at the meeting.

 

12.10

Deposit of Proxy

A proxy for a meeting of shareholders must:

 

(a)

be received at the registered office of the Company or at any other place specified, in the notice calling the meeting, for the receipt of proxies, at least the number of business days specified in the notice, or if no number of days is specified, two business days before the day set for the holding of the meeting; or

 

(b)

unless the notice provides otherwise, be provided at the meeting to the chair of the meeting or to a person designated by the chair of the meeting.

A proxy may be sent to the Company by written instrument, fax or any other method of transmitting legibly recorded messages.

 

12.11

Validity of Proxy Vote

A vote given in accordance with the terms of a proxy is valid notwithstanding the death or incapacity of the shareholder giving the proxy and despite the revocation of the proxy or the revocation of the authority under which the proxy is given, unless notice in writing of that death, incapacity or revocation is received:

 

(a)

at the registered office of the Company at any time up to and including the last business day before the day set for the holding of the meeting at which the proxy is to be used; or

 

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(b)

by the chair of the meeting, before the vote is taken.

 

12.12

Form of Proxy

A proxy, whether for a specified meeting or otherwise, must be either in the following form or in any other form approved by the directors or the chair of the meeting:

(NAME OF COMPANY)

(the “Company”)

The undersigned, being a shareholder of the Company, hereby appoints [ name ] or, failing that person, [ name ], as proxy holder for the undersigned to attend, act and vote for and on behalf of the undersigned at the meeting of shareholders of the Company to be held on [ month, day, year ] and at any adjournment of that meeting.

Number of shares in respect of which this proxy is given (if no number is specified, then this proxy if given in respect of all shares registered in the name of the shareholder):             

 

Signed [month, day, year]

[Signature of shareholder]

[Name of shareholder—printed]

 

12.13

Revocation of Proxy

Subject to Article 12.14, every proxy may be revoked by an instrument in writing that is:

 

(a)

received at the registered office of the Company at any time up to and including the last business day before the day set for the holding of the meeting at which the proxy is to be used; or

 

(b)

provided, at the meeting, to the chair of the meeting.

 

12.14

Revocation of Proxy Must Be Signed

An instrument referred to in Article 12.13 must be signed as follows:

 

(a)

if the shareholder for whom the proxy holder is appointed is an individual, the instrument must be signed by the shareholder or their legal personal representative or trustee in bankruptcy; or

 

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(b)

if the shareholder for whom the proxy holder is appointed is a corporation, the instrument must be signed by the corporation or by a representative appointed for the corporation under Article 12.5.

 

12.15

Production of Evidence of Authority to Vote

The chair of any meeting of shareholders may, but need not, inquire into the authority of any person to vote at the meeting and may, but need not, demand from that person production of evidence as to the existence of the authority to vote.

 

13.

DIRECTORS

 

13.1

First Directors; Number of Directors

The first directors are the persons designated as directors of the Company in the Notice of Articles that applies to the Company when it is recognized under the Business Corporations Act. The number of directors, excluding additional directors appointed under Article 14.8, is set at:

 

(a)

subject to Articles 13.1(b) and 13.1(c), the number of directors that is equal to the number of the Company’s first directors;

 

(b)

if the Company is a public company, the greater of three and the most recently set of:

 

  (i)

the number of directors set by directors’ resolution;

 

  (ii)

the number of directors set under Article 14.4; and

 

(c)

if the Company is not a public company, the greater of one and the most recently set of:

 

  (i)

the number of directors set by directors’ resolution; and

 

  (ii)

the number of directors set under Article 14.4.

 

13.2

Change in Number of Directors

If the number of directors is set under Article 13.1(b)(i) or 13.1(c)(i):

 

(a)

the shareholders may elect or appoint the directors needed to fill any vacancies in the board of directors up to that number; and

 

(b)

if the shareholders do not elect or appoint the directors needed to fill any vacancies in the board of directors up to that number, then the directors may appoint, or the shareholders may elect or appoint, directors to fill those vacancies.

 

13.3

Directors’ Acts Valid Despite Vacancy

An act or proceeding of the directors is not invalid merely because fewer than the number of directors set or otherwise required under these Articles is in office.

 

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13.4

Qualifications of Directors

A director is not required to hold a share of the Company as qualification for their office but must be qualified as required by the Business Corporations Act to become, act or continue to act as a director.

 

13.5

Remuneration of Directors

The directors are entitled to the remuneration for acting as directors, if any, as the directors may from time to time determine. If the directors so decide, the remuneration of the directors, if any, will be determined by the shareholders. That remuneration may be in addition to any salary or other remuneration paid to any officer or employee of the Company as such, who is also a director,

 

13.6

Reimbursement of Expenses of Directors

The Company must reimburse each director for the reasonable expenses that they may incur in and about the business of the Company.

 

13.7

Special Remuneration for Directors

If any director performs any professional or other services for the Company that in the opinion of the directors are outside the ordinary duties of a director, or if any director is otherwise specially occupied in or about the Company’s business, they may be paid remuneration fixed by the directors, or, at the option of that director, fixed by ordinary resolution, and such remuneration may be either in addition to, or in substitution for, any other remuneration that they may be entitled to receive.

 

13.8

Gratuity, Pension or Allowance on Retirement of Director

Unless otherwise determined by ordinary resolution, the directors on behalf of the Company may pay a gratuity or pension or allowance on retirement to any director who has held any salaried office or place of profit with the Company or to their spouse or dependants and may make contributions to any fund and pay premiums for the purchase or provision of any such gratuity, pension or allowance.

 

14.

ELECTION AND REMOVAL OF DIRECTORS

 

14.1

Election at Annual General Meeting

At every annual general meeting and in every unanimous resolution contemplated by Article 10.2:

 

(a)

the shareholders entitled to vote at the annual general meeting for the election of directors may elect, or in the unanimous resolution appoint, a board of directors consisting of the number of directors for the time being set under these Articles; and

 

(b)

all the directors cease to hold office immediately before the election or appointment of directors under Article 14.1(b), but are eligible for re-election or re-appointment.

 

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14.2

Consent to be a Director

No election, appointment or designation of an individual as a director is valid unless:

 

(a)

that individual consents to be a director in the manner provided for in the Business Corporations Act;

 

(b)

that individual is elected or appointed at a meeting at which the individual is present and the individual does not refuse, at the meeting, to be a director; or

 

(c)

with respect to first directors, the designation is otherwise valid under the Business Corporations Act.

 

14.3

Failure to Elect or Appoint Directors

If:

 

(a)

the Company fails to hold an annual general meeting, and all the shareholders who are entitled to vote at an annual general meeting fail to pass the unanimous resolution contemplated by Article 10.2, on or before the date by which the annual general meeting is required to be held under the Business Corporations Act; or

 

(b)

the shareholders fail, at the annual general meeting or in the unanimous resolution contemplated by Article 10.2, to elect or appoint any directors;

then each director then in office continues to hold office until the earlier of:

 

(c)

the date on which their successor is elected or appointed; and

 

(d)

the date on which they otherwise ceases to hold office under the Business Corporations Act or these Articles.

 

14.4

Places of Retiring Directors Not Filled

If, at any meeting of shareholders at which there should be an election of directors, the places of any of the retiring directors are not filled by that election, those retiring directors who are not re-elected and who are asked by the newly elected directors to continue in office will, if willing to do so, continue in office to complete the number of directors for the time being set pursuant to these Articles until further new directors are elected at a meeting of shareholders convened for that purpose. If any such election or continuance of directors does not result in the election or continuance of the number of directors for the time being set pursuant to these Articles, the number of directors of the Company is deemed to be set at the number of directors actually elected or continued in office.

 

14.5

Directors May Fill Casual Vacancies

Any casual vacancy occurring in the board of directors may be filled by the directors.

 

14.6

Remaining Directors Power to Act

The directors may act notwithstanding any vacancy in the board of directors, but if the Company has fewer directors in office than the number set pursuant to these Articles as the quorum of directors, the directors may only act for the purpose of appointing directors up to that number or of summoning a meeting of shareholders for the purpose of filling any vacancies on the board of directors or, subject to the Business Corporations Act, for any other purpose.

 

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14.7

Shareholders May Fill Vacancies

If the Company has no directors or fewer directors in office than the number set pursuant to these Articles as the quorum of directors, the shareholders may elect or appoint directors to fill any vacancies on the board of directors.

 

14.8

Additional Directors

Notwithstanding Articles 13.1 and 13.2, between annual general meetings or unanimous resolutions contemplated by Article 10.2, the directors may appoint one or more additional directors, but the number of additional directors appointed under this Article 14.8 must not at any time exceed:

 

(a)

one-third of the number of first directors, if, at the time of the appointments, one or more of the first directors have not yet completed their first term of office; or

 

(b)

in any other case, one-third of the number of the current directors who were elected or appointed as directors other than under this Article 14.8.

Any director so appointed ceases to hold office immediately before the next election or appointment of directors under Article 14.1(a), but is eligible for re-election or re-appointment.

 

14.9

Ceasing to be a Director

A director ceases to be a director when:

 

(a)

the term of office of the director expires;

 

(b)

the director dies;

 

(c)

the director resigns as a director by notice in writing provided to the Company or a lawyer for the Company; or

 

(d)

the director is removed from office pursuant to Articles 14.10 or 14.11.

 

14.10

Removal of Director by Shareholders

The Company may remove any director before the expiration of their term of office by special resolution. In that event, the shareholders may elect, or appoint by ordinary resolution, a director to fill the resulting vacancy. If the shareholders do not elect or appoint a director to fill the resulting vacancy contemporaneously with the removal, then the directors may appoint or the shareholders may elect, or appoint by ordinary resolution, a director to fill that vacancy.

 

14.11

Removal of Director by Directors

The directors may remove any director before the expiration of their term of office if the director is convicted of an indictable offence, or if the director ceases to be qualified to act as a director of a company and does not promptly resign, and the directors may appoint a director to fill the resulting vacancy.

 

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15.

POWERS AND DUTIES OF DIRECTORS

 

15.1

Powers of Management

The directors must, subject to the Business Corporations Act and these Articles, manage or supervise the management of the business and affairs of the Company and have the authority to exercise all such powers of the Company as are not, by the Business Corporations Act or by these Articles, required to be exercised by the shareholders of the Company.

 

15.2

Appointment of Attorney of Company

The directors may from time to time, by power of attorney or other instrument, under seal if so required by law, appoint any person to be the attorney of the Company for such purposes, and with such powers, authorities and discretions (not exceeding those vested in or exercisable by the directors under these Articles and excepting the power to fill vacancies in the board of directors, to remove a director, to change the membership of, or fill vacancies in, any committee of the directors, to appoint or remove officers appointed by the directors and to declare dividends) and for such period, and with such remuneration and subject to such conditions as the directors may think fit. Any such power of attorney may contain such provisions for the protection or convenience of persons dealing with such attorney as the directors think fit. Any such attorney may be authorized by the directors to sub-delegate all or any of the powers, authorities and discretions for the time being vested in him or her.

 

16.

DISCLOSURE OF INTEREST OF DIRECTORS

 

16.1

Obligation to Account for Profits

A director or senior officer who holds a disclosable interest (as that term is used in the Business Corporations Act) in a contract or transaction into which the Company has entered or proposes to enter is liable to account to the Company for any profit that accrues to the director or senior officer under or as a result of the contract or transaction only if and to the extent provided in the Business Corporations Act.

 

16.2

Restrictions on Voting by Reason of Interest

A director who holds a disclosable interest in a contract or transaction into which the Company has entered or proposes to enter is not entitled to vote on any directors’ resolution to approve that contract or transaction, unless all the directors have a disclosable interest in that contract or transaction, in which case any or all of those directors may vote on such resolution.

 

16.3

Interested Director Counted in Quorum

A director who holds a disclosable interest in a contract or transaction into which the Company has entered or proposes to enter and who is present at the meeting of directors at which the contract or transaction is considered for approval may be counted in the quorum at the meeting whether or not the director votes on any or all of the resolutions considered at the meeting.

 

16.4

Disclosure of Conflict of Interest or Property

A director or senior officer who holds any office or possesses any property, right or interest that could result, directly or indirectly, in the creation of a duty or interest that materially conflicts with that individual’s duty or interest as a director or senior officer, must disclose the nature and extent of the conflict as required by the Business Corporations Act.

 

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16.5

Director Holding Other Office in the Company

A director may hold any office or place of profit with the Company, other than the office of auditor of the Company, in addition to their office of director for the period and on the terms (as to remuneration or otherwise) that the directors may determine.

 

16.6

No Disqualification

No director or intended director is disqualified by their office from contracting with the Company either with regard to the holding of any office or place of profit the director holds with the Company or as vendor, purchaser or otherwise, and no contract or transaction entered into by or on behalf of the Company in which a director is in any way interested is liable to be voided for that reason.

 

16.7

Professional Services by Director or Officer

Subject to the Business Corporations Act, a director or officer, or any person in which a director or officer has an interest, may act in a professional capacity for the Company, except as auditor of the Company, and the director or officer or such person is entitled to remuneration for professional services as if that director or officer were not a director or officer.

 

16.8

Director or Officer in Other Corporations

A director or officer may be or become a director, officer or employee of, or otherwise interested in, any person in which the Company may be interested as a shareholder or otherwise, and, subject to the Business Corporations Act, the director or officer is not accountable to the Company for any remuneration or other benefits received by him or her as director, officer or employee of, or from their interest in, such other person.

 

17.

PROCEEDINGS OF DIRECTORS

 

17.1

Meetings of Directors

The directors may meet together for the conduct of business, adjourn and otherwise regulate their meetings as they think fit, and meetings of the directors held at regular intervals may be held at the place, at the time and on the notice, if any, as the directors may from time to time determine.

 

17.2

Voting at Meetings

Questions arising at any meeting of directors are to be decided by a majority of votes and, in the case of an equality of votes, the chair of the meeting does not have a second or casting vote.

 

17.3

Chair of Meetings

The following individual is entitled to preside as chair at a meeting of directors if such individual is a duly appointed or elected director of the Company:

 

(a)

the chair of the board, if any;

 

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(b)

if the chair of the board is absent or unwilling to act as chair of the meeting, the Vice-Chair of the Company, if any;

 

(c)

if the chair of the board and the Vice Chair of the Company, if any, are both absent or unwilling to act as chair of the meeting, the Chief Executive Officer of the Company, if any;

 

(d)

if the chair of the board, the Vice Chair of the Company, and the Chief Executive Officer of the Company, if any, are all absent or unwilling to act as chair of the meeting, the Chief Financial Officer of the Company, if any;

 

(e)

if the chair of the board, the Vice Chair of the Company, the Chief Executive Officer of the Company, and the Chief Financial Officer of the Company, if any, are all absent or unwilling to act as chair of the meeting, the General Counsel or Chief Legal Officer of the Company, if any;

 

(f)

if the chair of the board, the Vice Chair of the Company, the Chief Executive Officer of the Company, the Chief Financial Officer of the Company, and the General Counsel or Chief Legal Officer of the Company, if any, are all absent or unwilling to act as chair of the meeting, any other director chosen by the directors present.

 

17.4

Meetings by Telephone or Other Communications Medium

A director may participate in a meeting of the directors or of any committee of the directors in person or by telephone or other communications medium if all directors participating in the meeting, whether in person or by telephone or other communications medium, are able to communicate with each other. A director who participates in a meeting in a manner contemplated by this Article 17.4 is deemed for all purposes of the Business Corporations Act and these Articles to be present at the meeting and to have agreed to participate in that manner. Meetings of the board of directors may be held as electronic meetings.

 

17.5

Calling of Meetings

A director may, and the secretary or an assistant secretary of the Company, if any, on the request of a director must, call a meeting of the directors at any time.

 

17.6

Notice of Meetings

Other than for meetings held at regular intervals as determined by the directors pursuant to Article 17.1, reasonable notice of each meeting of the directors, specifying the place, day and time of that meeting must be given to each of the directors by any method set out in Article 24.1 or orally or by telephone.

 

17.7

When Notice Not Required

It is not necessary to give notice of a meeting of the directors to a director if:

 

(a)

the meeting is to be held immediately following a meeting of shareholders at which that director was elected or appointed, or is the meeting of the directors at which that director is appointed; or

 

(b)

the director, as the case may be, has waived notice of the meeting.

 

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17.8

Meeting Valid Despite Failure to Give Notice

The accidental omission to give notice of any meeting of directors to, or the non-receipt of any notice by, any director, does not invalidate any proceedings at that meeting.

 

17.9

Waiver of Notice of Meetings

Any director may send to the Company a document signed by him or her waiving notice of any past, present or future meeting or meetings of the directors and may at any time withdraw that waiver with respect to meetings held after that withdrawal. After sending a waiver with respect to all future meetings and until that waiver is withdrawn, no notice of any meeting of the directors need be given to that director and, unless the director otherwise requires by notice in writing to the Company and all meetings of the directors so held are deemed not to be improperly called or constituted by reason of notice not having been given to such director.

 

17.10

Quorum

The quorum necessary for the transaction of the business of the directors may be set by the directors and, if not so set, is deemed to be set at a majority of the board of directors or, if the number of directors is set at one, is deemed to be set at one director, and that director may constitute a meeting.

 

17.11

Validity of Acts Where Appointment Defective

Subject to the Business Corporations Act, an act of a director or officer is not invalid merely because of an irregularity in the election or appointment or a defect in the qualification of that director or officer.

 

17.12

Consent Resolutions in Writing

A resolution of the directors or of any committee of the directors consented to in writing by all of the directors entitled to vote on it, whether by signed document, fax, email or any other method of transmitting legibly recorded messages, is as valid and effective as if it had been passed at a meeting of the directors or of the committee of the directors duly called and held. Such resolution may be in two or more counterparts which together are deemed to constitute one resolution in writing. A resolution passed in that manner is effective on the date stated in the resolution or on the latest date stated on any counterpart. A resolution of the directors or of any committee of the directors passed in accordance with this Article 17.12 is deemed to be a proceeding at a meeting of directors or of the committee of the directors and to be as valid and effective as if it had been passed at a meeting of the directors or of the committee of the directors that satisfies all the requirements of the Business Corporations Act and all the requirements of these Articles relating to meetings of the directors or of a committee of the directors.

 

18.

EXECUTIVE AND OTHER COMMITTEES

 

18.1

Appointment and Powers of Executive Committee

The directors may, by resolution, appoint an executive committee consisting of the director or directors that they consider appropriate, and this committee has, during the intervals between meetings of the board of directors, all of the directors’ powers, except:

 

(a)

the power to fill vacancies in the board of directors;

 

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(b)

the power to remove a director;

 

(c)

the power to change the membership of, or fill vacancies in, any committee of the directors; and

 

(d)

such other powers, if any, as may be set out in the resolution or any subsequent directors’ resolution.

 

18.2

Appointment and Powers of Other Committees

The directors may, by resolution:

 

(a)

appoint one or more committees (other than the executive committee) consisting of the director or directors that they consider appropriate;

 

(b)

delegate to a committee appointed under Article 18.2(a) any of the directors’ powers, except:

 

  (i)

the power to fill vacancies in the board of directors;

 

  (ii)

the power to remove a director;

 

  (iii)

the power to change the membership of, or fill vacancies in, any committee of the directors; and

 

  (iv)

the power to appoint or remove officers appointed by the directors; and

 

(c)

make any delegation referred to in Article 18.2(b) subject to the conditions set out in the resolution or any subsequent directors’ resolution.

 

18.3

Obligations of Committees

Any committee appointed under Articles 18.1 or 18.2, in the exercise of the powers delegated to it, must:

 

(a)

conform to any rules that may from time to time be imposed on it by the directors; and

 

(b)

report every act or thing done in exercise of those powers at such times as the directors may require.

 

18.4

Powers of Board

The directors may, at any time, with respect to a committee appointed under Articles 18.1 or 18.2:

 

(a)

revoke or alter the authority given to the committee, or override a decision made by the committee, except as to acts done before such revocation, alteration or overriding;

 

(b)

terminate the appointment of, or change the membership of, the committee; and

 

(c)

fill vacancies in the committee.

 

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18.5

Committee Meetings

Subject to Article 18.3(a) and unless the directors otherwise provide in the resolution appointing the committee or in any subsequent resolution, with respect to a committee appointed under Articles 18.1 or 18.2:

 

(a)

the committee may meet and adjourn as it thinks proper;

 

(b)

the committee may elect a chair of its meetings but, if no chair of a meeting is elected, or if at a meeting the chair of the meeting is not present within 15 minutes after the time set for holding the meeting, the directors present who are members of the committee may choose one of their number to chair the meeting;

 

(c)

a majority of the members of the committee constitutes a quorum of the committee; and

 

(d)

questions arising at any meeting of the committee are determined by a majority of votes of the members present, and in case of an equality of votes, the chair of the meeting does not have a second or casting vote.

 

19.

OFFICERS

 

19.1

Directors May Appoint Officers

The directors may, from time to time, appoint such officers, if any, as the directors determine and the directors may, at any time, terminate any such appointment.

 

19.2

Functions, Duties and Powers of Officers

The directors may, for each officer:

 

(a)

determine the functions and duties of the officer;

 

(b)

entrust to and confer on the officer any of the powers exercisable by the directors on such terms and conditions and with such restrictions as the directors think fit; and

 

(c)

revoke, withdraw, alter or vary all or any of the functions, duties and powers of the officer.

 

19.3

Qualifications

No officer may be appointed unless that officer is qualified in accordance with the Business Corporations Act. One person may hold more than one position as an officer of the Company. Any person appointed as the chair of the board or as the managing director must be a director. Any other officer need not be a director.

 

19.4

Remuneration and Terms of Appointment

All appointments of officers are to be made on the terms and conditions and at the remuneration (whether by way of salary, fee, commission, participation in profits or otherwise) that the directors think fit and are subject to termination at the pleasure of the directors, and an officer may in addition to such remuneration be entitled to receive, after they cease to hold such office or leave the employment of the Company, a pension or gratuity.

 

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20.

INDEMNIFICATION

 

20.1

Definitions

In this Article 20:

 

(a)

“eligible penalty” means a judgment, penalty or fine awarded or imposed in, or an amount paid in settlement of, an eligible proceeding;

 

(b)

“eligible proceeding” means a legal proceeding or investigative action, whether current, threatened, pending or completed, in which a director, officer, former director or former officer of the Company (an “eligible party”) or any of the heirs and legal personal representatives of the eligible party, by reason of the eligible party being or having been a director or officer of the Company:

 

  (i)

is or may be joined as a party; or

 

  (ii)

is or may be liable for or in respect of a judgment, penalty or fine in, or expenses related to, the proceeding;

 

(c)

“expenses” has the meaning set out in the Business Corporations Act.

 

20.2

Mandatory Indemnification of Directors, Officers, Former Officers and Former Directors

Subject to the Business Corporations Act, the Company must indemnify a director, officer, former director and former officer of the Company and his or her heirs and legal personal representatives against all eligible penalties to which such person is or may be liable, and the Company must, after the final disposition of an eligible proceeding, pay the expenses actually and reasonably incurred by such person in respect of that proceeding. Each director and officer is deemed to have contracted with the Company on the terms of the indemnity contained in this Article 20.2.

 

20.3

Indemnification of Other Persons

Subject to any restrictions in the Business Corporations Act, the Company may indemnify any person.

 

20.4

Non-Compliance with Business Corporations Act

The failure of a director or officer of the Company to comply with the Business Corporations Act or these Articles does not invalidate any indemnity to which he or she is entitled under this Part.

 

20.5

Company May Purchase Insurance

The Company may purchase and maintain insurance for the benefit of any person (or his or her heirs or legal personal representatives) who:

 

(a)

is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the Company;

 

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(b)

is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of a corporation at a time when the corporation is or was an Affiliate of the Company;

 

(c)

at the request of the Company, is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of a corporation or of a partnership, trust, joint venture or other unincorporated entity; or

 

(d)

at the request of the Company, holds or held a position equivalent to that of a director or officer of a partnership, trust, joint venture or other unincorporated entity;

against any liability incurred by him or her as such director, officer, employee or agent or person who holds or held such equivalent position.

 

20.6

Transitionary requirement to advance expenses

 

(a)

This Article 20.6 will apply for six (6) years from the date the Company first adopts this Article 20.6 in its Articles, and will expire and cease to be of force or effect as a term of the Company’s Articles on the day following the six (6) year anniversary of the date the Company first adopts this Article 20.6 in its Articles.

 

(b)

Subject to the Business Corporations Act, the Company must pay, as they are incurred in advance of a final disposition of an eligible proceeding, the expenses actually and reasonably incurred by an eligible party for whom the Company is obligated or has elected to indemnify pursuant to these Articles in respect of that proceeding if the Company has first received from the eligible party a written undertaking that, if it is ultimately determined that the payment of expenses is prohibited by the Business Corporations Act, the eligible party will repay the amounts advanced.

 

(c)

Neither any amendment nor repeal of this Article 20.6, nor the adoption by amendment of these Articles of any provision inconsistent with this Article 20.6, will eliminate or reduce the effect of this Article 20.6 in respect of any matter occurring, or any action or proceeding accruing or arising prior to such amendment or repeal or adoption of an inconsistent provision.

 

21.

DIVIDENDS

 

21.1

Payment of Dividends Subject to Special Rights and Restrictions

The provisions of this Article 21 are subject to the rights, if any, of shareholders holding shares with special rights as to dividends.

 

21.2

Declaration of Dividends

Subject to the Business Corporations Act, the directors may from time to time declare and authorize payment of such dividends as they may deem advisable.

 

21.3

No Notice Required

The directors need not give notice to any shareholder of any declaration under Article 21.2.

 

- 33 -


21.4

Record Date

The directors may set a date as the record date for the purpose of determining shareholders entitled to receive payment of a dividend. The record date must not precede the date on which the dividend is to be paid by more than two months. If no record date is set, the record date is 5 p.m. on the date on which the directors pass the resolution declaring the dividend.

 

21.5

Manner of Paying Dividend

A resolution declaring a dividend may direct payment of the dividend wholly or partly by the distribution of specific assets or of fully paid shares or of bonds, debentures or other securities of the Company, or in any one or more of those ways.

 

21.6

Settlement of Difficulties

If any difficulty arises in regard to a distribution under Article 21.5, the directors may settle the difficulty as they deem advisable, and, in particular, may:

 

(a)

set the value for distribution of specific assets;

 

(b)

determine that cash payments in substitution for all or any part of the specific assets to which any shareholders are entitled may be made to any shareholders on the basis of the value so fixed in order to adjust the rights of all parties; and

 

(c)

vest any such specific assets in trustees for the persons entitled to the dividend.

 

21.7

When Dividend Payable

Any dividend may be made payable on such date as is fixed by the directors.

 

21.8

Dividends to be Paid in Accordance with Number of Shares

All dividends on shares of any class or series of shares must be declared and paid according to the number of such shares held.

 

21.9

Receipt by Joint Shareholders

If several persons are joint shareholders of any share, any one of them may give an effective receipt for any dividend, bonus or other money payable in respect of the share.

 

21.10

Dividend Bears No Interest

No dividend bears interest against the Company.

 

21.11

Fractional Dividends

If a dividend to which a shareholder is entitled includes a fraction of the smallest monetary unit of the currency of the dividend, that fraction may be disregarded in making payment of the dividend and that payment represents full payment of the dividend.

 

- 34 -


21.12

Payment of Dividends

Any dividend or other distribution payable in cash in respect of shares may be paid by cheque, made payable to the order of the person to whom it is sent, and mailed to the address of the shareholder, or in the case of joint shareholders, to the address of the joint shareholder who is first named on the central securities register, or to the person and to the address the shareholder or joint shareholders may direct in writing. The mailing of such cheque will, to the extent of the sum represented by the cheque (plus the amount of the tax required by law to be deducted), discharge all liability for the dividend unless such cheque is not paid on presentation or the amount of tax so deducted is not paid to the appropriate taxing authority.

 

21.13

Capitalization of Surplus

Notwithstanding anything contained in these Articles, the directors may from time to time capitalize any surplus of the Company and may from time to time issue, as fully paid, shares or any bonds, debentures or other securities of the Company as a dividend representing the surplus or any part of the surplus.

 

22.

DOCUMENTS, RECORDS AND REPORTS

 

22.1

Recording of Financial Affairs

The directors must cause adequate accounting records to be kept to record properly the financial affairs and condition of the Company and to comply with the Business Corporations Act.

 

22.2

Inspection of Accounting Records

Unless the directors determine otherwise, or unless otherwise determined by ordinary resolution, no shareholder of the Company is entitled to inspect or obtain a copy of any accounting records of the Company.

 

22.3

Remuneration of Auditor

The directors may set the remuneration of the Company’s auditor (if any).

 

23.

NOTICES

 

23.1

Method of Giving Notice

Unless the Business Corporations Act or these Articles provides otherwise, a notice, statement, report or other record required or permitted by the Business Corporations Act or these Articles to be sent by or to a person may be sent by any one of the following methods:

 

(a)

mail addressed to the person at the applicable address for that person as follows:

 

  (i)

for a record mailed to a shareholder, the shareholder’s registered address;

 

  (ii)

for a record mailed to a director or officer, the prescribed address for mailing shown for the director or officer in the records kept by the Company or the mailing address provided by the recipient for the sending of that record or records of that class; and

 

  (iii)

in any other case, the mailing address of the intended recipient;

 

- 35 -


(b)

delivery at the applicable address for that person as follows, addressed to the person:

 

  (i)

for a record delivered to a shareholder, the shareholder’s registered address;

 

  (ii)

for a record delivered to a director or officer, the prescribed address for delivery shown for the director or officer in the records kept by the Company or the delivery address provided by the recipient for the sending of that record or records of that class; and

 

  (iii)

in any other case, the delivery address of the intended recipient;

 

(c)

sending the record by fax to the fax number provided by the intended recipient for the sending of that record or records of that class;

 

(d)

sending the record by email to the email address provided by the intended recipient for the sending of that record or records of that class; or

 

(e)

physical delivery to the intended recipient.

 

23.2

Deemed Receipt of Mailing

A record that is mailed to a person by ordinary mail to the applicable address for that person referred to in Article 23.1 is deemed to be received by the person to whom it was mailed on the day, Saturdays, Sundays and holidays excepted, following the date of mailing.

 

23.3

Certificate of Sending

A certificate signed by the secretary, if any, or other officer of the Company or of any other corporation acting in that behalf for the Company stating that a notice, statement, report or other record was addressed as required by Article 23.1, prepaid and mailed or otherwise sent as permitted by Article 23.1 is conclusive evidence of that fact.

 

23.4

Notice to Joint Shareholders

A notice, statement, report or other record may be provided by the Company to the joint shareholders of a share by providing the notice to the joint shareholder first named in the central securities register in respect of the share.

 

23.5

Notice to Trustees

A notice, statement, report or other record may be provided by the Company to the persons entitled to a share in consequence of the death, bankruptcy or incapacity of a shareholder by:

 

(a)

mailing the record, addressed to them:

 

  (i)

by name, by the title of the legal personal representative of the deceased or incapacitated shareholder, by the title of trustee of the bankrupt shareholder or by any similar description; and

 

  (ii)

at the address, if any, supplied to the Company for that purpose by the persons claiming to be so entitled; or

 

- 36 -


(b)

if an address referred to in Article 23.5(a)(ii) has not been supplied to the Company, by giving the notice in a manner in which it might have been given if the death, bankruptcy or incapacity had not occurred.

 

24.

SEAL

 

24.1

Who May Attest Seal

Except as provided in Articles 24.2 and 24.3, the Company’s seal, if any, must not be impressed on any record except when that impression is attested by the signatures of:

 

(a)

any two directors;

 

(b)

any officer, together with any director;

 

(c)

if the Company only has one director, that director; or

 

(d)

any one or more directors or officers or persons as may be determined by the directors.

 

24.2

Sealing Copies

For the purpose of certifying under seal a certificate of incumbency of the directors or officers of the Company or a true copy of any resolution or other document, despite Article 24.1, the impression of the seal may be attested by the signature of any director or officer.

 

24.3

Mechanical Reproduction of Seal

The directors may authorize the seal to be impressed by third parties on share certificates or bonds, debentures or other securities of the Company as they may determine appropriate from time to time. To enable the seal to be impressed on any share certificates or bonds, debentures or other securities of the Company, whether in definitive or interim form, on which facsimiles of any of the signatures of the directors or officers of the Company are, in accordance with the Business Corporations Act or these Articles, printed or otherwise mechanically reproduced, there may be delivered to the person employed to engrave, lithograph or print such definitive or interim share certificates or bonds, debentures or other securities one or more unmounted dies reproducing the seal and the chair of the board or any senior officer together with the secretary, treasurer, secretary-treasurer, an assistant secretary, an assistant treasurer or an assistant secretary-treasurer may in writing authorize such person to cause the seal to be impressed on such definitive or interim share certificates or bonds, debentures or other securities by the use of such dies. Share certificates or bonds, debentures or other securities to which the seal has been so impressed are for all purposes deemed to be under and to bear the seal impressed on them.

 

- 37 -

EX-3.2 3 d944901dex32.htm EX-3.2 EX-3.2

Exhibit 3.2

Date and Time: May 6, 2025 04:14 PM Pacific Time

 

LOGO   

Mailing Address:

PO Box 9431 Stn Prov Govt

Victoria BC V8W 9V3

 

www.corporateonline.gov.bc.ca

  

Location:

2nd Floor - 940 Blanshard Street

Victoria BC

 

1 877 526-1526

 

Notice of Articles

BUSINESS CORPORATIONS ACT

This Notice of Articles was issued by the Registrar on: May 6, 2025 01:32 PM Pacific Time

Incorporation Number: BC1480669

Recognition Date and Time: May 13, 2024 08:32 AM Pacific Time as a result of an Amalgamation

NOTICE OF ARTICLES

 

Name of Company:   
LIONSGATE STUDIOS HOLDING CORP.   
REGISTERED OFFICE INFORMATION   
Mailing Address:    Delivery Address:
20TH FLOOR, 250 HOWE STREET    20TH FLOOR, 250 HOWE STREET
VANCOUVER BC V6C 3R8    VANCOUVER BC V6C 3R8
CANADA    CANADA
RECORDS OFFICE INFORMATION   
Mailing Address:    Delivery Address:
20TH FLOOR, 250 HOWE STREET    20TH FLOOR, 250 HOWE STREET
VANCOUVER BC V6C 3R8    VANCOUVER BC V6C 3R8
CANADA    CANADA

 

BC1480669 Page: 1 of 2


DIRECTOR INFORMATION   
Last Name, First Name, Middle Name:   
TOBEY, BRUCE   
Mailing Address:    Delivery Address:
2700 COLORADO AVENUE    2700 COLORADO AVENUE
SANTA MONICA CA 90404    SANTA MONICA CA 90404
UNITED STATES    UNITED STATES

AUTHORIZED SHARE STRUCTURE

 

 1.   No Maximum   common Shares    Without Par Value
       Without Special Rights or Restrictions attached

 

BC1480669 Page: 2 of 2

EX-10.1 4 d944901dex101.htm EX-10.1 EX-10.1

Exhibit 10.1

SEPARATION AGREEMENT

BY AND BETWEEN

LIONSGATE STUDIOS HOLDING CORP.,

LIONSGATE STUDIOS CORP.,

LG SIRIUS HOLDINGS ULC,

AND

LIONS GATE ENTERTAINMENT CORP.

 

 

Dated as of May 6, 2025


TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

         Page  
ARTICLE I DEFINITIONS      2  
ARTICLE II THE TRANSACTIONS      12  

2.1

 

Transfer of Assets and Assumption of Liabilities

     12  

2.2

 

Starz Assets; New Lionsgate Assets

     14  

2.3

 

Starz Liabilities; New Lionsgate Liabilities

     18  

2.4

 

Arrangement Effective Time

     20  

2.5

 

Changes to the Transactions; Cooperation

     20  

2.6

 

Actions Prior to the Transactions

     21  

2.7

 

Conditions to the Transactions

     22  

2.8

 

Approvals and Notifications

     23  

2.9

 

Assignment and Novation of Liabilities

     26  

2.10

 

Release of Guarantees

     27  

2.11

 

Termination of Agreements

     28  

2.12

 

Treatment of Shared Contracts

     29  

2.13

 

Bank Accounts; Cash Balances

     30  

2.14

 

Ancillary Agreements

     30  

2.15

 

Transition Committee

     30  

2.16

 

Disclaimer of Representations and Warranties

     31  

2.17

 

Financing Arrangements

     31  
ARTICLE III MUTUAL RELEASES; INDEMNIFICATION      32  

3.1

 

Release of Pre-Transactions Claims

     32  

3.2

 

Indemnification by Starz

     35  

3.3

 

Indemnification by New Lionsgate

     36  

3.4

 

Indemnification Obligations Net of Insurance Proceeds and Other Amounts

     36  

3.5

 

Procedures for Indemnification of Third-Party Claims

     37  

3.6

 

Cost Sharing

     39  

3.7

 

Additional Matters

     39  

3.8

 

Right of Contribution

     40  

3.9

 

Covenant Not to Sue

     40  

3.10

 

Remedies Cumulative

     41  

3.11

 

Survival of Indemnities

     41  
ARTICLE IV CERTAIN OTHER MATTERS      41  

4.1

 

Starz Financial Information Certifications

     41  

4.2

 

Reserved

     41  

4.3

 

Insurance Matters

     41  

4.4

 

Late Payments

     44  

4.5

 

Inducement

     44  

4.6

 

Post-Arrangement Effective Time Conduct

     44  
ARTICLE V EXCHANGE OF INFORMATION; CONFIDENTIALITY      44  

5.1

 

Agreement for Exchange of Information

     44  

5.2

 

Ownership of Information

     45  

5.3

 

Compensation for Providing Information

     45  

5.4

 

Record Retention

     45  

5.5

 

Limitations of Liability

     45  

5.6

 

Other Agreements Providing for Exchange of Information

     46  

 

i


         Page  

5.7

 

Production of Witnesses; Records; Cooperation

     46  

5.8

 

Privileged Matters

     47  

5.9

 

Confidentiality

     48  

5.10

 

Protective Arrangements

     49  
ARTICLE VI DISPUTE RESOLUTION      50  

6.1

 

Good Faith Officer Negotiation

     50  

6.2

 

Good-Faith Negotiation; Mediation

     50  

6.3

 

Arbitration

     51  

6.4

 

Litigation and Unilateral Commencement of Arbitration

     51  

6.5

 

Conduct During Dispute Resolution Process

     52  

ARTICLE VII FURTHER ASSURANCES AND ADDITIONAL COVENANTS

     52  

7.1

 

Further Assurances

     52  

ARTICLE VIII TERMINATION

     53  

8.1

 

Termination

     53  

8.2

 

Effect of Termination

     53  
ARTICLE IX MISCELLANEOUS      53  

9.1

 

Counterparts; Entire Agreement; Corporate Power

     53  

9.2

 

Governing Law

     54  

9.3

 

Assignability

     54  

9.4

 

Third-Party Beneficiaries

     54  

9.5

 

Notices

     54  

9.6

 

Severability

     55  

9.7

 

Force Majeure

     55  

9.8

 

No Set-Off

     55  

9.9

 

Expenses

     55  

9.10

 

Headings

     56  

9.11

 

Survival of Covenants

     56  

9.12

 

Waivers of Default

     56  

9.13

 

Specific Performance

     56  

9.14

 

Amendments

     56  

9.15

 

Interpretation

     56  

9.16

 

Limitations of Liability

     57  

9.17

 

Performance

     57  

9.18

 

Mutual Drafting

     57  

9.19

 

Conflict Among Ancillary Agreements

     57  

EXHIBITS

 

Exhibit A    Closing Articles of Starz
Exhibit B    Closing Articles of New Lionsgate

 

ii


SEPARATION AGREEMENT

This SEPARATION AGREEMENT, dated as of May 6, 2025 (this “Agreement”), is by and between Lionsgate Studios Holding Corp., a corporation organized under the laws of the Province of British Columbia, Canada (“New Lionsgate”), Lionsgate Studios Corp., a corporation organized under the laws of the Province of British Columbia, Canada (“LG Studios”), LG Sirius Holdings ULC, an unlimited liability company organized under the laws of the Province of British Columbia, Canada (“LG Sirius”), and Lions Gate Entertainment Corp., a corporation organized under the laws of the Province of British Columbia, Canada (“Lionsgate” prior to the Separation Effective Time and “Starz” from and after the Separation Effective Time). In this Agreement, the legal entity currently named Lions Gate Entertainment Corp. may be referred to as “Lionsgate” prior to the Separation Effective Time and as “Starz” from and after the Separation Effective Time, with covenants, obligations, representations, and warranties of the applicable entity, and other terms of this Agreement applicable to the applicable entity, having the same force and effect regardless of the entity’s legal name at any point in time, or the name used in any part of this Agreement. Capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined shall have the respective meanings assigned to them in Article I.

R E C I T A L S

WHEREAS, on May 13, 2024, Lionsgate consummated a business combination (the “Business Combination”) resulting in LG Studios becoming a publicly-traded company and majority-owned subsidiary of Lionsgate and, in connection therewith, Lionsgate, LG Studios and LG Sirius entered into that certain Separation Agreement, dated as of May 8, 2024;

WHEREAS, the board of directors of Lionsgate (the “Lionsgate Board”) has determined that it is advisable and in the best interests of Lionsgate and its stakeholders, including its shareholders and creditors, to create two publicly traded companies to separately operate the Starz Business and the LG Studios Business, respectively;

WHEREAS, in furtherance of the foregoing, the Lionsgate Board has determined that it is appropriate and desirable for Lionsgate and its applicable Subsidiaries to (i) transfer the Starz Assets to Starz and its applicable Subsidiaries, and for Starz and its applicable Subsidiaries to assume the Starz Liabilities, and (ii) transfer the New Lionsgate Assets to New Lionsgate and its applicable Subsidiaries, and for New Lionsgate and its applicable Subsidiaries to assume New Lionsgate Liabilities, in each case, as more fully described in this Agreement and the Ancillary Agreements;

WHEREAS, the Lionsgate Board has further determined that it is appropriate and desirable, on the terms and conditions contemplated hereby, to have LGEC Shareholders exchange all of their LGEC Shares for New Lionsgate New Common Shares and Starz Common Shares, and LG Studios Shareholders exchange all of their LG Studios Shares for New Lionsgate New Common Shares, in each case, by way of a plan of arrangement under applicable corporate law (the “Arrangement”) to be implemented in accordance with the terms and subject to the conditions set out in the plan of arrangement to be appended to the Arrangement Agreement (as it may be amended from time to time, the “Plan of Arrangement”);

WHEREAS, pursuant to the Plan of Arrangement, Lionsgate’s current equity interest in New Lionsgate will be cancelled in accordance with the terms and subject to the conditions set out in the Plan of Arrangement (such cancellation, together with the transfer of Starz Assets and assumption of Starz Liabilities, the transfer of New Lionsgate Assets and assumption of New Lionsgate Liabilities, and the exchanges of common shares by LGEC Shareholders and LG Studios Shareholders, each as described above and pursuant to the Transaction Steps Plan, the “Transactions”);

WHEREAS, it is intended that, for U.S.

 

1


federal income tax purposes, (a) certain transactions contemplated by Section 3.1.1(a) through Section 3.1.1(j) of the Plan of Arrangement effecting the separation of New Lionsgate from Lionsgate be treated as a “reorganization” within the meaning of Sections 368(a)(1)(D) and 355 of the Code, pursuant to which Lionsgate is treated as distributing 100% of the outstanding stock of New Lionsgate to the LGEC Shareholders, and (b) this Agreement, the Arrangement Agreement and the Plan of Arrangement are intended to be, and are hereby adopted as, a “plan of reorganization” within the meaning of Treasury Regulations Section 1.368-2(g) (collectively, the “Intended U.S. Tax Treatment”);

WHEREAS, Lionsgate and New Lionsgate have prepared and filed with the SEC the Form S-4, which includes the joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus of Lionsgate and New Lionsgate, and which sets forth disclosures concerning Lionsgate, New Lionsgate, Starz, LG Studios and the Transactions; and

WHEREAS, each of New Lionsgate and Lionsgate has determined that it is appropriate and desirable to set forth the principal corporate transactions required to effect the Transactions and certain other agreements that will govern certain matters relating to the Transactions and the relationship of New Lionsgate, Starz and the members of their respective Groups following the consummation of the Transactions.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual agreements, provisions and covenants contained in this Agreement, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the Parties, intending to be legally bound, hereby agree as follows:

ARTICLE I

DEFINITIONS

For the purpose of this Agreement, the following terms shall have the following meanings:

“Accounts Payable” shall mean any and all trade and non-trade accounts payable of any Party or member of its Group.

“Accounts Receivable” shall mean any and all trade and non-trade accounts receivable of any Party or member of its Group.

“Action” shall mean any demand, action, claim, dispute, suit, countersuit, arbitration, inquiry, subpoena, proceeding or investigation of any nature (whether criminal, civil, legislative, administrative, regulatory, prosecutorial or otherwise) by or before any federal, state, territorial, provincial, local, foreign or international Governmental Authority or any arbitration or mediation tribunal.

“Affiliate” shall mean, when used with respect to a specified Person, a Person that, directly or indirectly, through one or more intermediaries, controls, is controlled by or is under common control with such specified Person as of the date on which, or at any time during the period for which, the determination of affiliation is being made. For the purpose of this definition, “control” (including, with correlative meanings, “controlled by” and “under common control with”), when used with respect to any specified Person, shall mean the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of such Person, whether through the ownership of voting securities or other interests, by contract, agreement, obligation, indenture, instrument, lease, promise, arrangement, release, warranty, commitment, undertaking or otherwise. It is expressly agreed that, prior to, at and after the Separation Effective Time, solely for purposes of this Agreement and the Ancillary Agreements, (a) no member of the Starz Group, on the one hand, shall be deemed to be an Affiliate of any member of the New Lionsgate Group or the LG Studios Group, on the other hand, and (b) no member of the New Lionsgate Group or the LG Studios Group, on the one hand, shall be deemed to be an Affiliate of any member of the Starz Group, on the other hand.

“Agent” shall mean the trust company or bank to be duly appointed by New Lionsgate to act as the exchange agent in connection with the Transactions and the transfer agent and registrar for the New Lionsgate New Common Shares and Starz Common Shares.

 

2


“Ancillary Agreements” shall mean all agreements (other than this Agreement) entered into by the Parties or the members of their respective Groups (but as to which no Third Party is a party) in connection with the Transactions or the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement, including the Transition Services Agreement, the Tax Matters Agreement, the Employee Matters Agreement, the Arrangement Agreement, the Plan of Arrangement, and the Transfer Documents.

“Approvals or Notifications” shall mean any consents, waivers, approvals, permits or authorizations to be obtained from, notices, registrations or reports to be submitted to, or other filings to be made with, any third Person, including any Governmental Authority.

“Arrangement Agreement” shall mean the Arrangement Agreement, to be made between Lionsgate, New Lionsgate, LG Studios and LG Sirius in connection with the Arrangement, as it may be amended from time to time.

“Arrangement Effective Date” shall have the meaning set forth in the Arrangement Agreement.

“Arrangement Effective Time” shall have the meaning set forth in the Arrangement Agreement.

“Assets” shall mean, with respect to any Person, the assets, properties, claims and rights (including goodwill) of such Person, wherever located (including in the possession of vendors or other third Persons or elsewhere), of every kind, character and description, whether real, personal or mixed, tangible, intangible or contingent, in each case whether or not recorded or reflected or required to be recorded or reflected on the books and records or financial statements of such Person, including rights and benefits pursuant to any contract, license, permit, indenture, note, bond, mortgage, agreement, concession, franchise, instrument, undertaking, commitment, understanding or other arrangement.

“Audio/Visual Works” shall mean any and all visual or audio works of artistic, creative or educational authorship, including any motion picture, television production, game, or cultural, educational, informational or sports program, together with any artwork, books, audiobooks, comicbooks, articles, stories, soundtracks, musical works or similar content based upon, derived from or related to such visual or audio works, and any adaptations or derivative works of any of the foregoing, and any recordings or embodiments of any of the foregoing, in each case, whether in print, digital or any other format or medium, in each case, including all associated documentation.

“Business Day” shall mean a day other than a Saturday, a Sunday or a day on which banking institutions located in Vancouver, British Columbia, Los Angeles, California, or New York, New York are authorized or obligated by Law or executive order to close.

“Canadian Securities Authorities” shall mean the Canadian securities authorities in each of the provinces or territories of Canada, and any of their successors.

“Change of Control” shall mean, with respect to a Party: (a) a transaction whereby any Person or group (within the meaning of Section 13(d)(3) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) would acquire, directly or indirectly, voting securities representing more than fifty percent (50%) of the total voting power of such Party; (b) a merger, consolidation, recapitalization or reorganization of such Party, unless securities representing more than fifty percent (50%) of the total voting power of the legal successor to such Party as a result of such merger, consolidation, recapitalization or reorganization are immediately thereafter beneficially owned, directly or indirectly, by the Persons who beneficially owned such Party’s outstanding voting securities immediately prior to such transaction; or (c) the sale of all or substantially all of the consolidated assets of such Party’s Group. For the avoidance of doubt, no transaction contemplated by this Agreement or the Ancillary Agreements shall be considered a Change of Control.

“Code” shall mean the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

 

3


“Domains and Social Media” shall mean any (a) Internet domain names and Internet Protocol addresses, and (b) social media profiles, accounts, addresses and handles, and services related thereto, including those made available through Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, SnapChat, TikTok and other similar platforms, in each case, including the content thereon.

“Employee Matters Agreement” shall mean the Employee Matters Agreement, dated as of the date hereof, by and between New Lionsgate and Lionsgate or the members of their respective Groups, as it may be amended from time to time.

“Exchange Act” shall mean the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, together with the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.

“Final Order” shall have the meaning set forth in the Arrangement Agreement.

“Force Majeure” shall mean, with respect to a Party, an event beyond the reasonable control of such Party (or any Person acting on its behalf), which event (a) does not arise or result from the fault or negligence of such Party (or any Person acting on its behalf) and (b) by its nature would not reasonably have been foreseen by such Party (or such Person), or, if it would reasonably have been foreseen, was unavoidable, and includes acts of God, acts of civil or military authority, acts of terrorism, cyberattacks, embargoes, epidemics, pandemics or diseases (including COVID-19) or other health crises or public health events, or any worsening of any of the foregoing, quarantine or government health alert that prohibits or restricts travel or prevents any individual from reporting to a work location, war, riots, insurrections, fires, explosions, earthquakes, floods, unusually severe weather conditions, labor problems or unavailability of parts, or, in the case of computer systems, any significant and prolonged failure in electrical or air conditioning equipment.

“Form S-4” shall mean the registration statement and joint proxy statement on Form S-4 filed by Lionsgate and New Lionsgate with the SEC to effect the registration of Starz Common Shares and New Lionsgate New Common Shares pursuant to the Securities Act in connection with the Arrangement, as such registration statement may be amended or supplemented from time to time prior to the Arrangement Effective Time.

“GAAP” shall mean United States generally accepted accounting principles, consistently applied.

“Governmental Approvals” shall mean any Approvals or Notifications to be made to, or obtained from, any Governmental Authority.

“Governmental Authority” shall mean any nation or government, any state, municipality or other political subdivision thereof, and any entity, body, agency, commission, department, board, bureau, court, tribunal or other instrumentality, whether federal, state, local, domestic, foreign, multinational, supranational, territorial, or provincial, exercising executive, legislative, judicial, regulatory, administrative or other similar functions of, or pertaining to, a government and any executive official thereof.

“Group” shall mean the LG Studios Group, the Lionsgate Group, the New Lionsgate Group, or the Starz Group, as the context requires.

“Information Technology” shall mean all Software, computer systems (including computers, screens, servers, middleware, workstations, routers, hubs, switches, networks, data communication lines and hardware), network and telecommunications systems hardware, and other information technology equipment, and all associated documentation, but in each case, excluding any Audio/Visual Works.

“Insurance Proceeds” shall mean those monies (a) received by an insured from an insurance carrier or (b) paid by an insurance carrier on behalf of the insured, in any such case, net of any applicable premium adjustments (including reserves and retrospectively rated premium adjustments) and net of any costs or expenses incurred in the collection thereof.

 

4


“Intellectual Property Rights” shall mean any and all intellectual property rights or similar proprietary rights arising anywhere in the world, including in or with respect to any of the following: (a) patents, statutory invention registrations, certificates of invention, registered designs, utility models and similar or equivalent rights in inventions and designs, and all rights therein provided by international treaties and conventions, and including any applications for any of the foregoing; (b) trademarks, service marks, slogans, trade dress, trade names, logos, and other designations of origin, and including any applications for any of the foregoing, and including all goodwill associated therewith and symbolized thereby (collectively, “Trademarks”); (c) domain names, uniform resource locators, Internet Protocol addresses, social media handles, and other names, identifiers, and locators associated with Internet addresses, sites, and services, and including any applications for any of the foregoing; (d) trade secrets, industrial secret rights, know-how, inventions, and any confidential or proprietary business or technical information; and (e) published and unpublished works of authorship, whether copyrightable or not, including Software, website and mobile content, data, databases and other compilations of information, copyrights in or to any of the foregoing, mask works, and registrations and applications therefor, and all renewals, extensions, restorations and reversions thereof.

“Interim Orders” shall mean the LGEC Interim Order and the Studios Interim Order.

“Joint Information/Proxy Statement” shall mean the joint information statement and proxy statement to be mailed to LGEC Shareholders and LG Studios shareholders in connection with the LGEC Meeting, the Studios Meeting and the Transactions, as such document may be amended or supplemented from time to time prior to the Arrangement Effective Time, a form of which is included in the Form S-4.

“Law” shall mean any domestic, foreign, multinational, national, supranational, federal, state, territorial, provincial, local or similar law (including common law), statute, code, order, ordinance, rule, regulation, treaty (including any Tax treaty), license, permit, authorization, approval, consent, decree, injunction, binding judicial or administrative interpretation or other requirement, in each case, enacted, promulgated, issued or entered by a Governmental Authority.

“LGEC Arrangement Approval” shall have the meaning set forth in the Arrangement Agreement.

“LGEC Interim Order” shall have the meaning set forth in the Arrangement Agreement.

“LGEC Meeting” shall have the meaning set forth in the Arrangement Agreement.

“LGEC Shares” shall have the meaning set forth in the Arrangement Agreement.

“LGEC Shareholders” shall have the meaning set forth in the Arrangement Agreement.

“LG Studios Board” shall mean the board of directors of LG Studios.

“LG Studios Business” shall mean all businesses, operations and activities (whether or not such businesses, operations or activities are or have been terminated, divested or discontinued) conducted at any time prior to the Arrangement Effective Time by any Party or any member of its Group, other than the Starz Business.

“LG Studios Group” shall mean LG Studios and each Person that is a Subsidiary of LG Studios (for clarity, other than Starz and any other member of the Starz Group).

“LG Studios Shares” shall have the meaning set forth in the Arrangement Agreement.

“LG Studios Shareholders” shall have the meaning set forth in the Arrangement Agreement.

 

5


“Liabilities” shall mean any and all debts, guarantees, assurances, commitments, liabilities, responsibilities, Losses, remediation, deficiencies, damages, fines, penalties, settlements, sanctions, costs, expenses, attorneys’ fees, interest and obligations of any nature or kind, whether accrued or fixed, absolute or contingent, matured or unmatured, accrued or not accrued, asserted or unasserted, liquidated or unliquidated, foreseen or unforeseen, known or unknown, reserved or unreserved, or determined or determinable, including those arising under any Law, claim (including any Third-Party Claim), demand, Action or order, writ, judgment, injunction, decree, stipulation, determination or award entered by or with any Governmental Authority or arbitration tribunal, and those arising under any contract, agreement, obligation, indenture, instrument, lease, promise, arrangement, release, warranty, commitment or undertaking, or any fines, damages or equitable relief that is imposed, in each case, including all costs and expenses relating thereto.

“Lionsgate Group” shall mean Lionsgate and each Person that is a Subsidiary of Lionsgate.

“Lionsgate Intellectual Property Rights” shall mean (a) the Registered IP set forth on Schedule 1.1, and (b) all other Intellectual Property Rights, other than Starz Intellectual Property Rights, owned by any Party or any member of its Group as of immediately prior to the Arrangement Effective Time to the extent they are used, held, or developed primarily for use in the LG Studios Business, in each case, including the goodwill associated with or symbolized by any Trademarks included in any of the foregoing Intellectual Property Rights.

“Lionsgate Resolutions” shall mean the special resolutions of the shareholders of Lionsgate as are necessary to approve the Arrangement as set out in the Arrangement Agreement.

“Losses” shall mean actual losses (including any diminution in value), costs, damages, penalties and expenses (including legal and accounting fees and expenses and costs of investigation and litigation), whether or not involving a Third-Party Claim.

“Meeting Materials” shall have the meaning set forth in the Arrangement Agreement.

“NASDAQ” shall mean the NASDAQ Global Select Market.

“New Lionsgate Articles” shall mean the articles of New Lionsgate, substantially in the form of Exhibit B hereto.

“New Lionsgate Designees” shall mean any and all entities (including corporations, general or limited partnerships, trusts, joint ventures, unincorporated organizations, limited liability entities or other entities) designated by Lionsgate that will be members of the New Lionsgate Group as of immediately prior to the Separation Effective Time.

“New Lionsgate Debt Assumption” means the assumption by New Lionsgate or one of its Subsidiaries of approximately $390 million of 5.500% exchange notes due 2029 issued by Lions Gate Capital Holdings 1, Inc. in exchange for the New Lionsgate Debt Assumption Consideration.

“New Lionsgate Entities” shall mean the entities set forth on Schedule 1.2.

“New Lionsgate Debt Assumption Consideration” means the amount equal to $389.9 million in cash which is comprised of the Starz Intercompany Credit Facility Receivable at the Separation Effective Time and any cash on hand necessary to equal $389.9 million if the outstanding balance of the Starz Intercompany Credit Facility Receivable at the Separation Effective Time is less than $389.9 million.

“New Lionsgate Group” shall mean New Lionsgate and each Person that is, or pursuant to the Transactions becomes, a Subsidiary of New Lionsgate (other than Starz and any other member of the Starz Group), including the New Lionsgate Entities.

“New Lionsgate New Common Shares” shall mean the common shares, without par value, of New Lionsgate.

“NYSE” shall mean the New York Stock Exchange.

 

6


“Parties” shall mean the parties to this Agreement and “Party” shall mean any one of the Parties to this Agreement.

“Permits” shall mean permits, approvals, authorizations, consents, licenses or certificates issued by any Governmental Authority.

“Person” shall mean an individual, a general or limited partnership, a corporation, a trust, a joint venture, an unincorporated organization, a limited liability entity, any other entity and any Governmental Authority.

“Policies” shall mean insurance policies and insurance contracts of any kind, including global property, excess and umbrella liability, domestic and foreign commercial general liability, local foreign placements, directors and officers liability, fiduciary liability, cyber, media and technology errors and omissions liability, employment practices liability, domestic and foreign automobile, cargo stock throughput, customer cargo, global cargo terrorism, workers’ compensation and employers’ liability, employee dishonesty/crime/fidelity, special contingency (K&R), bonds and self-insurance, together with the rights, benefits, privileges and obligations thereunder.

“Prime Rate” shall mean the rate of interest last quoted by The Wall Street Journal as the “Prime Rate” in the United States or, if The Wall Street Journal ceases to quote such rate, the highest per annum interest rate published by the U.S. Federal Reserve Board in Federal Reserve Statistical Release H.15 (519) (Selected Interest Rates) as the “bank prime loan” rate or, if such rate is no longer quoted therein, any similar rate quoted therein (as determined by New Lionsgate and Starz cooperating together in good faith) or any similar release by the U.S. Federal Reserve Board (as determined by New Lionsgate and Starz cooperating together in good faith).

“Privileged Information” shall mean any information, in written, oral, electronic or any other tangible or intangible forms, including any communications by or to attorneys (including attorney-client privileged communications), memoranda and other materials prepared by attorneys or under their direction (including attorney work product), as to which a Party or any member of its Group would be entitled to assert or have asserted a privilege or other protection, including the attorney-client and attorney work product privileges.

“Real Property” shall mean land together with all easements, rights and interests arising out of the ownership thereof or appurtenant thereto and all buildings, structures, improvements and fixtures located thereon.

“Real Property Leases” shall mean all leases to Real Property and, to the extent covered by such leases, any and all buildings, structures, improvements and fixtures located thereon.

“Registered IP” shall mean all United States, international or foreign: (a) patents and patent applications; (b) registered Trademarks and applications to register Trademarks; and (c) registered copyrights and applications for copyright registration.

“Representatives” shall mean, with respect to any Person, any of such Person’s directors, officers, employees, agents, consultants, advisors, accountants, attorneys or other representatives.

“SEC” shall mean the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

“Securities Act” shall mean the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

“Security Interest” shall mean any mortgage, security interest, pledge, lien, charge, claim, option, right to acquire, voting or other restriction, right-of-way, covenant, condition, easement, encroachment, restriction on transfer or other encumbrance of any nature whatsoever.

“Separation Effective Time” shall have the meaning set forth in the Arrangement Agreement.

 

7


“Software” shall mean any software, computer program, application, application programming interface, middleware or firmware, including software implementations of algorithms, models and methodologies, whether in source code, object code, human readable form or other form, and all documentation (including user manuals and other training documentation) relating to any of the foregoing.

“Starz Accounts Payable” shall mean any and all trade and non-trade accounts payable of any Party or member of its Group outstanding as of immediately prior to the Arrangement Effective Time, in each case, to the extent related to the Starz Business or arising out of any Starz Contract.

“Starz Accounts Receivable” shall mean any and all trade and non-trade accounts receivable of any Party or member of its Group outstanding as of immediately prior to the Arrangement Effective Time, in each case, to the extent related to the Starz Business or arising out of any Starz Contract.

“Starz Articles” shall mean the Articles of Starz, substantially in the form of Exhibit A hereto.

“Starz Audio/Visual Works” shall mean all Audio/Visual Works set forth on Schedule 1.3.

“Starz Balance Sheet” shall mean the pro forma combined balance sheet of the Starz Business, including any notes and subledgers thereto, as presented in the Form S-4 at the time it is declared effective under the Securities Act.

“Starz Books and Records” shall mean all books and records to the extent used in or necessary for, as of immediately prior to the Arrangement Effective Time, the operation of the Starz Business, including financial, employee, and general business operating documents, instruments, papers, books, books of account, records and files and data related thereto (including regulatory dossiers, correspondence and related documentation).

“Starz Business” shall mean the Media Networks business and operations (whether or not such businesses, operations or activities are or have been terminated, divested or discontinued) of Lionsgate and its relevant Subsidiaries, as such business and operations are described in the “Media Networks” segment of Lionsgate in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2024 (as modified by its Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarters ended June 30, 2024 and September 30, 2024 and excluding, for the avoidance of doubt, any New Lionsgate Assets and New Lionsgate Liabilities) and conducted at any time prior to the Arrangement Effective Time by any Party or any current or former member of its Group. For the avoidance of doubt, the Starz Business shall include only the business and operations described in the immediately prior sentence, and shall not include any other businesses or operations of Lionsgate or any of its Subsidiaries.

“Starz Common Shares” shall mean the common shares, without par value, of Starz, created pursuant to Section 3.1.1(e) of the Plan of Arrangement.

“Starz Contracts” shall mean the following contracts and agreements to which any Party or any member of its Group is a party or by which it or any member of its Group or any of their respective Assets is bound, whether or not in writing; provided, that Starz Contracts shall not include any contract or agreement that shall be retained by New Lionsgate or any member of the New Lionsgate Group from and after the Separation Effective Time pursuant to any provision of this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement:

(a) any customer, reseller, distributor or development contract or agreement entered into prior to the Arrangement Effective Time to the extent related to the Starz Business;

(b) any supply or vendor contract or agreement entered into prior to the Arrangement Effective Time to the extent related to the Starz Business;

(c) any contract or agreement entered into prior to the Arrangement Effective Time which grants a Third Party rights or licenses to Intellectual Property Rights that are Starz Intellectual Property Rights; (d) any license agreement entered into prior to the Arrangement Effective Time pursuant to which a Third Party grants any Party or any member of its Group rights or licenses to Intellectual Property Rights to the extent related to the Starz Business;

 

8


(e) any joint venture or partnership contract or agreement entered into prior to the Arrangement Effective Time to the extent that it relates to the Starz Business;

(f) any guarantee, indemnity, representation, covenant, warranty or other liability of any Party or any member of its Group in each case entered into prior to the Arrangement Effective Time in respect of any other Starz Contract, any Starz Liability or the Starz Business;

(g) any proprietary information and inventions agreement or similar agreement assigning or licensing Intellectual Property Rights with any current or former New Lionsgate Group employee, Starz Group employee, consultant of the New Lionsgate Group or consultant of the Starz Group, in each case entered into prior to the Arrangement Effective Time to the extent that it is related to the Starz Business;

(h) any contract or agreement that is expressly contemplated pursuant to this Agreement or any of the Ancillary Agreements to be assigned to, or to be a contract or agreement in the name of, Starz or any member of the Starz Group;

(i) any credit agreement, indenture, note or other financing agreement or instrument entered into by Starz and/or any member of the Starz Group in connection with the Transactions, including any Starz Financing Arrangements;

(j) any interest rate, currency, commodity or other swap, collar, cap or other hedging or similar agreements or arrangements entered into prior to the Arrangement Effective Time to the extent that it is related to the Starz Business;

(k) Starz Leases;

(l) any other contract or agreement entered into prior to the Arrangement Effective Time to the extent that it is related to the Starz Business or Starz Assets; and

(m) any contracts, agreements or settlements set forth on Schedule 1.4, including the right to recover any amounts under such contracts, agreements or settlements.

“Starz Designees” shall mean any and all entities (including corporations, general or limited partnerships, trusts, joint ventures, unincorporated organizations, limited liability entities or other entities) designated by Lionsgate that will be members of the Starz Group as of immediately prior to the Arrangement Effective Time.

“Starz Domains and Social Media” shall mean (a) the Domains and Social Media set forth on Schedule 1.5(a) and Schedule 1.5(b) , and (b) all other Domains and Social Media owned or controlled by, or registered in the name of, any Party or any member of its Group as of immediately prior to the Arrangement Effective Time to the extent used or held for use in the Starz Business.

“Starz Entities” shall mean the entities set forth on Schedule 1.6.

“Starz Group” shall mean (a) prior to the Separation Effective Time, Starz and each Person that will be a Subsidiary of Starz immediately after the Separation Effective Time, including the Starz Entities and their respective Subsidiaries, even if, prior to the Separation Effective Time, such Person is not a Subsidiary of Starz, and (b) on and after the Separation Effective Time, Starz and each Person that is a Subsidiary of Starz.

 

9


“Starz Information Technology” shall mean all Information Technology owned by any Party or any member of its Group as of immediately prior to the Separation Effective Time to the extent used, or held or developed for use, in the Starz Business.

“Starz Intellectual Property Rights” shall mean (a) the Registered IP set forth on Schedule 1.7(a), Schedule 1.7(b), and Schedule 1.7(c), and (b) all other Intellectual Property Rights (other than Registered IP) owned by any Party or any of the members of its Group as of immediately prior to the Separation Effective Time to the extent used, held or developed for use, in the Starz Business, in each case, including the goodwill associated with or symbolized by any Trademarks included in any of the foregoing Intellectual Property Rights.

“Starz Intercompany Credit Facility Receivable” means the receivable held by Lionsgate or one of its Subsidiaries reflecting the outstanding balance of debt issued under the Revolving Credit Agreement, dated May 13, 2024, entered into between Lions Gate Capital Holding 1, Inc. and LGAC International LLC.

“Starz Leases” shall have the meaning set forth in the definition of Starz Real Property.

“Starz Permits” shall mean all Permits owned or licensed by any Party or any member of its Group to the extent used or held for use in the Starz Business as of immediately prior to the Separation Effective Time.

“Starz Real Property” shall mean (a) the Real Property Leases to which any Party or member of its Group is party as of immediately prior to the Separation Effective Time set forth on Schedule 1.8 (“Starz Leases”) and (b) all recorded Real Property notices, easements, and obligations with respect to the Real Property leases described in clause (a) of this definition.

“Studios Arrangement Approval” shall have the meaning set forth in the Arrangement Agreement.

“Studios Interim Order” shall have the meaning set forth in the Arrangement Agreement.

“Studios Meeting” shall have the meaning set forth in the Arrangement Agreement.

“Subsidiary” shall mean, with respect to any Person, any corporation, limited liability company, joint venture, partnership or other entity of which such Person (a) beneficially owns, either directly or indirectly, more than fifty percent (50%) of (i) the total combined voting power of all classes of voting securities, (ii) the total combined equity interests or (iii) the capital or profit interests, in the case of a partnership, or (b) otherwise has the power to vote, either directly or indirectly, sufficient securities to elect a majority of the board of directors or similar governing body.

“Tangible Information” shall mean information that is contained in written, electronic or other tangible forms.

“Tangible Personal Property” shall mean machinery, equipment, hardware, furniture, fixtures, tools, motor vehicles and other transportation equipment, special and general tangible tools, prototypes, models and other tangible personal property, it being understood that Tangible Personal Property shall not include any (a) any Information Technology or (b) Audio/Visual Works.

“Tax” shall have the meaning set forth in the Tax Matters Agreement.

“Tax Act” shall mean the Income Tax Act (Canada), as amended.

“Tax Matters Agreement” shall mean the Tax Matters Agreement, dated as of May 8, 2024, by and between Lionsgate and Lionsgate Studios Corp. (formerly known as LG Orion Holdings ULC), as it may be amended from time to time.

 

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“Tax Return” shall have the meaning set forth in the Tax Matters Agreement.

“Third Party” shall mean any Person other than the Parties or any members of their respective Groups.

“Transition Services Agreement” shall mean the Transition Services Agreement, dated as of the date hereof, by and between New Lionsgate and Starz or any members of their respective Groups, as it may be amended from time to time.

“U.S. Tax Opinion” shall mean an opinion of the tax advisor of Lions Gate Entertainment Inc., a subsidiary of New Lionsgate, to be dated at or prior to the Arrangement Effective Date, addressed to Lions Gate Entertainment Inc., and otherwise in a form acceptable to New Lionsgate or Lions Gate Entertainment Inc., regarding the Intended U.S. Tax Treatment.

 

Terms

  

Sections

Agreement

  

Preamble

Arbitration Request

  

6.3

Arrangement

  

Recitals

CEO Negotiation Request

  

6.2

Delayed New Lionsgate Asset

  

2.8(h)

Delayed New Lionsgate Liability

  

2.8(h)

Delayed Starz Asset

  

2.8(c)

Delayed Starz Liability

  

2.8(c)

Dispute

  

6.1

Indemnifying Party

  

3.4(a)

Indemnitee

  

3.4(a)

Indemnity Payment

  

3.4(a)

Insurance Termination Time

  

4.3(b)

Intended U.S. Tax Treatment

  

Recitals

JAMS Rules

  

6.3(a)

Linked

  

2.13(a)

Officer Negotiation Request

  

6.1

New Lionsgate

  

Preamble

New Lionsgate Accounts

  

2.13(a)

New Lionsgate Assets

  

2.2(b)

New Lionsgate Board

  

Recitals

New Lionsgate Indemnitees

  

3.2

New Lionsgate Liabilities

  

2.3(b)

Plan of Arrangement

  

Recitals

Transactions

  

Recitals

Transactions Step Plan

  

2.1(a)

Shared Contract

  

2.12(a)

Specified Ancillary Agreement

  

11.19

Starz

  

Preamble

Starz Accounts

  

2.13(a)

Starz Assets

  

2.2(a)

Starz Financing Arrangements

  

2.14(a)

Starz Indemnitees 

  

3.3

Starz Leases

   Article I

Starz Liabilities

   2.3(a)

Starz Policies

   4.3(c)

Straddle Period

   4.1

Third-Party Claim

   3.5(a)

 

11


Terms

  

Sections

Transfer Documents

   2.1(b)

Transition Committee

   2.12

Unreleased New Lionsgate Liability

   2.9(b)(ii)

Unreleased Starz Liability

   2.9(a)(ii)

ARTICLE II

THE TRANSACTIONS

2.1 Transfer of Assets and Assumption of Liabilities.

(a) Subject to Section 2.8, on or prior to the Separation Effective Time, in accordance with the plan and structure set forth on Schedule 2.1(a) (the “Transactions Step Plan”):

(i) Transfer and Assignment of Starz Assets. Starz and New Lionsgate shall cause New Lionsgate and the members of the New Lionsgate Group to contribute, assign, transfer, convey and deliver to Starz Group or certain members of the Starz Group designated by Starz, and Starz or such other members of the Starz Group shall accept from New Lionsgate and such members of the New Lionsgate Group, all of New Lionsgate’s and such members’ respective direct or indirect right, title and interest in and to all Starz Assets held by New Lionsgate or a member of the New Lionsgate Group (to the extent not previously so transferred);

(ii) Acceptance and Assumption of Starz Liabilities. Starz and the applicable Starz Designees shall accept, assume and agree faithfully to perform, discharge and fulfill all the Starz Liabilities in accordance with their respective terms. Starz and such Starz Designees shall be responsible for all Starz Liabilities, regardless of when or where such Starz Liabilities arose or arise, or whether the facts on which they are based occurred prior to or subsequent to the Separation Effective Time, regardless of where or against whom such Starz Liabilities are asserted or determined (including any Starz Liabilities to the extent arising out of claims made by New Lionsgate’s or Starz’s respective directors, officers, employees, agents, Subsidiaries or Affiliates against any member of the New Lionsgate Group or the Starz Group) or whether asserted or determined prior to the date hereof, and regardless of whether arising from or alleged to arise from negligence, recklessness, violation of Law, fraud or misrepresentation by any member of the New Lionsgate Group or the Starz Group, or any of their respective directors, officers, employees, agents, Subsidiaries or Affiliates;

(iii) Transfer and Assignment of New Lionsgate Assets. New Lionsgate and Starz shall cause Starz and the members of the Starz Group to contribute, assign, transfer, convey and deliver to New Lionsgate or certain members of the New Lionsgate Group designated by New Lionsgate, and New Lionsgate or such other members of the New Lionsgate Group shall accept from Starz and such members of the Starz Group, all of Starz’s and such members’ respective direct or indirect right, title and interest in and to all New Lionsgate Assets held by Starz or such member of the Starz Group (to the extent not previously so transferred); and

(iv) Acceptance and Assumption of New Lionsgate Liabilities. New Lionsgate and certain of members of the New Lionsgate Group designated by New Lionsgate shall accept and assume and agree faithfully to perform, discharge and fulfill all of the New Lionsgate Liabilities held by Starz or any Starz Designee and New Lionsgate and the applicable members of the New Lionsgate Group shall be responsible for all New Lionsgate Liabilities in accordance with their respective terms, regardless of when or where such New Lionsgate Liabilities arose or arise, whether the facts on which they are based occurred prior to or subsequent to the Separation Effective Time, where or against whom such New Lionsgate Liabilities are asserted or determined (including any such New Lionsgate Liabilities to the extent arising out of claims made by New Lionsgate’s or Starz’s respective directors, officers, employees, agents, Subsidiaries or Affiliates against any member of the New Lionsgate Group or the Starz Group) or whether asserted or determined prior to the date hereof, and regardless of whether arising from or alleged to arise from negligence, recklessness, violation of Law, fraud or misrepresentation by any member of the New Lionsgate Group or the Starz Group, or any of their respective directors, officers, employees, agents, Subsidiaries or Affiliates.

 

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(b) Transfer Documents. In furtherance of the contribution, assignment, transfer, conveyance and delivery of the Assets and the assumption of the Liabilities in accordance with Section 2.1(a), (i) each Party shall execute and deliver, and shall cause the applicable members of its Group to execute and deliver, to the other Party, such bills of sale, quitclaim deeds, stock powers, certificates of title, assignments of contracts and other instruments of transfer, conveyance and assignment as and to the extent necessary to evidence the transfer, conveyance and assignment of all of such Party’s and the applicable members of its Group’s right, title and interest in and to such Assets to the other Party and the applicable members of its Group in accordance with Section 2.1(a), and (ii) each Party shall execute and deliver, and shall cause the applicable members of its Group to execute and deliver, to the other Party, such assumptions of contracts and other instruments of assumption as and to the extent necessary to evidence the valid and effective assumption of the Liabilities by such Party and the applicable members of its Group in accordance with Section 2.1(a). All of the foregoing documents contemplated by this Section 2.1(b) shall be referred to collectively herein as the “Transfer Documents.” The Transfer Documents shall effect certain of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and, notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, shall not expand or limit any of the obligations, covenants or agreements in this Agreement. It is expressly agreed that in the event of any conflict between the terms of the Transfer Documents and the terms of this Agreement or the Tax Matters Agreement, the terms of this Agreement or the Tax Matters Agreement, as applicable, shall control.

(c) Misallocations.

(i) In the event that at any time or from time to time (whether prior to, at or after the Separation Effective Time), one Party (or any member of such Party’s Group) shall receive or otherwise possess any Asset that is allocated to the other Party (or any member of such Party’s Group) pursuant to this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement, such Party shall promptly transfer, or cause to be transferred, such Asset at no additional cost or consideration to the Party so entitled thereto (or to any member of such Party’s Group), and such Party (or member of such Party’s Group) shall accept such Asset. Prior to any such transfer, the Party receiving or possessing such Asset shall hold such Asset in trust for such other Party. In the event that at any time or from time to time (whether prior to, at or after the Separation Effective Time), one Party (or any member of such Party’s Group) shall be liable for or otherwise assume any Liability that is allocated to the other Party (or any member of such Party’s Group) pursuant to this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement, such other Party shall promptly assume, or cause to be assumed, such Liability and agree to faithfully perform such Liability.

(ii) In the event that any Party is or becomes aware of any Registered IP that is, immediately following the Separation Effective Time, used, or held or developed for use, in or related to the business of one Party (i.e., in the case of New Lionsgate, the LG Studios Business, and in the case of Starz, the Starz Business), but that was as of the Closing, and continues at such time to be, owned by another Party (or any member(s) of such other Party’s Group) (such Registered IP, to the extent it is used, or held or developed for use, in or related to the business of one Party, “Misallocated Registered IP”), and within three (3) years following the date of this Agreement informs such other Party of such belief in writing, then, subject to such other Party’s agreement in writing (acting reasonably and in good faith) that such Registered IP constitutes Misallocated Registered IP, (A) such Misallocated Registered IP shall thereafter be deemed, as applicable, (1) “New Lionsgate Intellectual Property Rights” if the Parties have agreed that such Misallocated Registered IP is used, or held or developed for use, in or related to, the LG Studios Business (to the extent so used, or held or developed for use, in or related to the LG Studios Business), and (2) “Starz Intellectual Property Rights” if the Parties have agreed that such Misallocated Registered IP is used, or held or developed for use, in or related to the Starz Business (to the extent so used, or held or developed for use, in or related to the Starz Business); and (B) such Misallocated Registered IP shall thereafter immediately be deemed contributed, assigned, transferred, conveyed and delivered (and the Party that erroneously owns such Misallocated Registered IP hereby contributes, assigns, transfers, conveys and delivers to the other Party such Misallocated Registered IP) in accordance with Section 2.1(a)(i) or (iii), as applicable, and the Parties shall take such actions with respect thereto in accordance with Section 2.1(b).

 

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If the Parties do not reach written agreement with respect to the ownership or identification of Misallocated Registered IP within thirty (30) days after a Party is informed by the other Party (acting reasonably and in good faith) of such other Party’s assertion in accordance with this Section 2.1(c) that such Registered IP constitutes Misallocated Registered IP, then the Parties shall use commercially reasonable efforts to promptly resolve such dispute in good faith. To the extent the Parties are not able to so reach a resolution within thirty (30) days of commencing negotiations in respect thereof, the dispute shall be resolved pursuant to Article VI.

(d) Waiver of Bulk-Sale and Bulk-Transfer Laws. Starz hereby waives compliance by each and every member of the New Lionsgate Group with the requirements and provisions of any “bulk-sale” or “bulk-transfer” Laws of any jurisdiction that may otherwise be applicable with respect to the transfer or sale of any or all of the Starz Assets to any member of the Starz Group. New Lionsgate hereby waives compliance by each and every member of the Starz Group with the requirements and provisions of any “bulk-sale” or “bulk-transfer” Laws of any jurisdiction that may otherwise be applicable with respect to the transfer or sale of any or all of the New Lionsgate Assets to any member of the New Lionsgate Group.

(e) Intellectual Property Rights.

(i) If and to the extent that, as a matter of Law in any jurisdiction, New Lionsgate or the applicable members of its Group cannot assign, transfer or convey any of New Lionsgate’s or such New Lionsgate Group members’ respective direct or indirect right, title and interest in and to any Intellectual Property Rights included in the Starz Assets, then, to the extent possible, New Lionsgate shall, and shall cause the applicable members of its Group to, irrevocably grant to Starz, or the applicable Starz Designees, an (to the greatest extent permitted under applicable Law) exclusive, irrevocable, assignable, transferable, sublicenseable, worldwide, perpetual, royalty-free license to use, exploit and commercialize in any manner now known or in the future discovered and for whatever purpose, any such right, title or interest.

(ii) If and to the extent that, as a matter of Law in any jurisdiction, Starz or the applicable members of its Group cannot assign, transfer or convey any of Starz’s or such Starz Group members’ respective direct or indirect right, title and interest in and to any Intellectual Property Rights included in the New Lionsgate Assets, then, to the extent possible, Starz shall, and shall cause the applicable members of its Group to, irrevocably grant to New Lionsgate, or the applicable New Lionsgate Designees, an (to the greatest extent permitted under applicable Law) exclusive, irrevocable, assignable, transferable, sublicenseable, worldwide, perpetual, royalty-free license to use, exploit and commercialize in any manner now known or in the future discovered and for whatever purpose, any such right, title or interest.

(f) Electronic Transfer. All transferred Starz Assets and New Lionsgate Assets, including transferred Audio/Visual Works and Software, that can be delivered by electronic transmission will be so delivered or made available to Starz, New Lionsgate or their respective designees (as applicable), at a designated FTP site or in another electronic form to be determined by the Parties.

2.2 Starz Assets; New Lionsgate Assets.

(a) Starz Assets. For purposes of this Agreement, “Starz Assets” shall mean (without duplication) those Assets of either Party or the members of its Group as of immediately prior to the Separation Effective Time, whether now existing or hereinafter acquired, to the extent used or contemplated to be used or held for use in the ownership, operation or conduct of the Starz Business or relating to the Starz Business or to a member of the Starz Group, including the following:

 

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(i) all issued and outstanding capital stock or other equity interests of the Starz Entities that are owned by either Party or any members of its Group as of immediately prior to the Separation Effective Time;

(ii) except as otherwise set forth in this Section 2.2(a), all Assets of any Party or any members of its Group included or reflected as assets of the Starz Group on the Starz Balance Sheet, subject to any dispositions of such Assets subsequent to the date of the Starz Balance Sheet; provided, that the amounts set forth on the Starz Balance Sheet with respect to any Assets shall not be treated as minimum amounts or limitations on the amount of such Assets that are included in the definition of Starz Assets pursuant to this clause (ii);

(iii) except as otherwise set forth in this Section 2.2(a), all Assets of any Party or any of the members of its Group as of immediately prior to the Separation Effective Time that are of a nature or type that would have resulted in such Assets being included as Assets of Starz or members of the Starz Group on a pro forma combined balance sheet of the Starz Group or any notes or subledgers thereto as of immediately prior to the Separation Effective Time (were such balance sheet, notes and subledgers to be prepared on a basis consistent with the determination of the Assets included on the Starz Balance Sheet), it being understood that (x) the Starz Balance Sheet shall be used to determine the types of, and methodologies used to determine, those Assets that are included in the definition of Starz Assets pursuant to this clause (iii); and (y) the amounts set forth on the Starz Balance Sheet with respect to any Assets shall not be treated as minimum amounts or limitations on the amount of such Assets that are included in the definition of Starz Assets pursuant to this clause (iii);

(iv) all Assets of any Party or any of the members of its Group as of immediately prior to the Separation Effective Time that are expressly identified by any provision of this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement as Assets to be transferred to or owned by Starz or any other member of the Starz Group;

(v) all rights and benefits under the Starz Contracts as of immediately prior to the Separation Effective Time and all rights, interests or claims of any Party or any of the members of its Group thereunder as of immediately prior to the Separation Effective Time;

(vi) any and all Starz Accounts Receivable;

(vii) any and all finished goods inventory, supplies, components, packaging materials and other inventories, including any inventory in-transit and other inventories being held by third parties pursuant to consignment and used inventory, and all valuation-related adjustments relating thereto (including those relating to warranty, prompt pay discounts, royalties and other items), in each case, to the extent related to the Starz Business as of immediately prior to the Separation Effective Time;

(viii) any and all Starz Books and Records in the possession of any Party or any member of its Group as of immediately prior to the Separation Effective Time; provided, that New Lionsgate shall be permitted to continue to use and, if applicable, retain copies of, (A) any Starz Books and Records that as of the Separation Effective Time are used in or necessary for the operation or conduct of the LG Studios Business, (B) any Starz Books and Records that New Lionsgate is required by Law to retain (and if copies are not provided to Starz, then, to the extent permitted by Law, such copies will be made available to Starz upon Starz’s reasonable request), (C) one (1) copy of any Starz Books and Records to the extent required to demonstrate compliance with applicable Law or pursuant to internal compliance procedures or related to any New Lionsgate Assets or New Lionsgate’s and/or its Affiliates’ obligations under this Agreement or any of the Ancillary Agreements and (D) “back-up” electronic tapes of such Starz Books and Records maintained by New Lionsgate in the ordinary course of business, and such copies described in clauses (A) through (D) shall be considered “New Lionsgate Assets”; (ix) all Starz Intellectual Property Rights, together with the right to sue for any past, present or future infringement, misappropriation or other violation of any Starz Intellectual Property Rights, and to seek, recover and retain damages due or accrued for any such past, present or future infringement, misappropriation or violation thereof;

 

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(x) all Starz Audio/Visual Works (provided that the foregoing shall not limit the rights of any member of the New Lionsgate Group with respect to any such Starz Audio/Visual Works pursuant to agreements that survive the Arrangement Effective Time pursuant to Section 2.11);

(xi) all Starz Information Technology;

(xii) all Starz Domains and Social Media;

(xiii) all Starz Permits as of immediately prior to the Separation Effective Time and all rights, interests or claims of any Party or any of the members of its Group thereunder as of immediately prior to the Separation Effective Time;

(xiv) all cash and cash equivalents of Starz or any members of the Starz Group as of immediately prior to the Separation Effective Time, except for any cash or cash equivalents withdrawn from Starz Accounts in accordance with Section 2.13(d);

(xv) all Starz Real Property as of immediately prior to the Separation Effective Time;

(xvi) all Tangible Personal Property to the extent related to the Starz Business;

(xvii) all rights to and benefits and proceeds from insurance policies in the name of any Party or member of its Group for claims declared to the policy prior to the Separation Effective Time to the extent related to the Starz Business or a Starz Asset, subject to Section 4.3;

(xviii) any and all Assets set forth on Schedule 2.2(a)(xviii);

(xix) other than with respect to the matters set forth on Schedule 3.6, all rights to causes of action, lawsuits, judgments, claims (including, subject to Section 4.3, claims against third party insurance providers as may be required pursuant to Section 2.2(a)(xvii)), counterclaims, demands or enforcement rights of any kind of New Lionsgate, its Affiliates, or any member of the New Lionsgate Group against a Person to the extent such causes of action, lawsuits, judgments, claims, counterclaims, demands or enforcement rights relate to the Starz Business, a Starz Asset or a Starz Liability, including all claims made as of the Separation Effective Time; provided, that the Party (or member of its Group) to which any such causes of action, lawsuits, judgments, claims, counterclaims, demands or enforcement rights primarily relate shall control the applicable proceedings unless such Party agrees in writing that the other Party shall control such proceedings;

(xx) the right to enforce the confidentiality or assignment provisions of any confidentiality, non-disclosure or other similar contracts to the extent related to the confidential information of the Starz Business;

(xxi) any Tax assets allocated to Starz or member of its Group pursuant to the Tax Matters Agreement;

(xxii) any employee-related assets allocated to Starz or member of its Group pursuant to the Employee Matters Agreement; and

(xxiii) the benefits of all prepaid expenses, including prepaid leases and prepaid rentals, trade accounts and other accounts, deferred charges and advance payments to the extent related to a Starz Asset.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Parties hereby acknowledge and agree that (A) while a single asset may fall within more than one of the clauses (i) through (xx) in this Section 2.2(a), such fact does not imply that (x) such asset shall be transferred more than once or (y) any duplication of such asset is required, and (B) the Starz Assets shall not in any event include any Asset or applicable portion thereof (to the extent used or contemplated to be used or held for use) referred to in clauses (i) through (xviii) of Section 2.2(b).

 

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(b) New Lionsgate Assets. For the purposes of this Agreement, “New Lionsgate Assets” shall mean all Assets of any Party or the members of its Group as of immediately prior to the Separation Effective Time, other than the Starz Assets. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the New Lionsgate Assets shall include:

(i) all issued and outstanding capital stock or other equity interests of the New Lionsgate Entities that are owned by either Party or any members of its Group as of immediately prior to the Separation Effective Time;

(ii) all Assets that are expressly contemplated by this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement (or the Schedules hereto or thereto) as Assets to be retained by New Lionsgate or any other member of the New Lionsgate Group;

(iii) all contracts and agreements of any Party or any of the members of its Group as of immediately prior to the Separation Effective Time other than the Starz Contracts;

(iv) any and all books and records other than the Starz Books and Records (collectively, “New Lionsgate Books and Records”) in the possession of any Party or any member of its Group as of immediately prior to the Separation Effective Time; provided, that, Starz shall be permitted to continue to use and if applicable, retain copies of, (A) any New Lionsgate Books and Records that as of the Separation Effective Time are used in or necessary for the operation or conduct of the Starz Business, (B) any New Lionsgate Books and Records that Starz is required by Law to retain (and if copies are not provided to New Lionsgate, then, to the extent permitted by Law, such copies will be made available to New Lionsgate upon New Lionsgate’s reasonable request), (C) one (1) copy of any New Lionsgate Books and Records to the extent required to demonstrate compliance with applicable Law or pursuant to internal compliance procedures or related to any Starz Assets or Starz’s and/or its Affiliates’ obligations under this Agreement or any of the Ancillary Agreements and (D) “back-up” electronic tapes of such New Lionsgate Books and Records maintained by Starz in the ordinary course of business, and such copies described in clauses (A) through (D) shall be considered “Starz Assets”;

(v) all New Lionsgate Intellectual Property Rights, together with the right to sue for any past, present or future infringement, misappropriation or other violation of any New Lionsgate Intellectual Property Rights, and to seek, recover and retain damages due or accrued for any such past, present or future infringement, misappropriation or violation thereof;

(vi) all Information Technology, other than Starz Information Technology, owned by any Party or any member of its Group as of immediately prior to the Separation Effective Time;

(vii) the Domains and Social Media set forth on Schedule 2.2(b)(vii), and all other Domains and Social Media other than Starz Domains and Social Media;

(viii) all Accounts Receivable, other than the Starz Accounts Receivable;

(ix) all Permits of any Party or any of the members of its Group as of immediately prior to the Separation Effective Time (other than the Starz Permits) and all rights, interests or claims of any Party or any of the members of its Group thereunder as of immediately prior to the Separation Effective Time;

(x) all Real Property of any Party or any of the members of its Group as of immediately prior to the Separation Effective Time (other than the Starz Real Property);

(xi) all cash and cash equivalents of any Party or any of the members of its Group as of immediately prior to the Separation Effective Time (other than cash and cash equivalents of Starz or any other member of the Starz Group as of immediately prior to the Separation Effective Time, except for any cash or cash equivalents withdrawn from Starz Accounts in accordance with Section 2.13(d)); and

 

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(xii) all rights to causes of action, lawsuits, judgments, claims (including, subject to Section 4.3, claims against third party insurance providers as may be required pursuant to Section 2.2(b)(xvii)), counterclaims, demands or enforcement rights of any kind of Starz, its Affiliates, or any member of the Starz Group against a Person to the extent such causes of action, lawsuits, judgments, claims, counterclaims, demands or enforcement rights relate to the LG Studios Business, a New Lionsgate Asset or a New Lionsgate Liability, including all claims made as of the Separation Effective Time; provided, that the Party (or member of its Group) to which any such causes of action, lawsuits, judgments, claims, counterclaims, demands or enforcement rights primarily relate shall control the applicable proceedings unless such Party agrees in writing that the other Party shall control such proceedings;

(xiii) the right to enforce the confidentiality or assignment provisions of any confidentiality, non-disclosure or other similar contracts to the extent related to the confidential information of the LG Studios Business;

(xiv) the benefits of all prepaid expenses, including prepaid leases and prepaid rentals, trade accounts and other accounts, deferred charges and advance payments to the extent related to a New Lionsgate Asset;

(xv) any Tax assets allocated to New Lionsgate or member of its Group pursuant to the Tax Matters Agreement;

(xvi) any employee-related assets allocated to New Lionsgate or member of its Group pursuant to the Employee Matters Agreement; and

(xvii) all rights to and benefits and proceeds from insurance policies in the name of any Party or member of its Group for claims declared to the policy prior to the Separation Effective Time to the extent related to the LG Studios Business or a New Lionsgate Asset, subject to Section 4.3; and

(xviii) any and all Assets set forth on Schedule 2.2(b)(xviii).

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Parties hereby acknowledge and agree that (A) while a single asset may fall within more than one of the clauses (i) through (xiv) in this Section 2.2(a), such fact does not imply that (x) such asset shall be transferred more than once or (y) any duplication of such asset is required, and (B) the New Lionsgate Assets shall not in any event include any Asset or applicable portion thereof (to the extent used or contemplated to be used or held for use) referred to in clauses (i) through (xviii) of Section 2.2(b).

2.3 Starz Liabilities; New Lionsgate Liabilities.

(a) Starz Liabilities. For the purposes of this Agreement, “Starz Liabilities” shall mean the following Liabilities of any Party or any of the members of its Group:

(i) any and all Liabilities included or reflected as liabilities or obligations of Starz or the members of the Starz Group on the Starz Balance Sheet, subject to any discharge of such Liabilities subsequent to the date of the Starz Balance Sheet; provided, that the amounts set forth on the Starz Balance Sheet with respect to any Liabilities shall not be treated as minimum amounts or limitations on the amount of such Liabilities that are included in the definition of Starz Liabilities pursuant to this clause (i);

(ii) any and all Liabilities as of immediately prior to the Separation Effective Time that are of a nature or type that would have resulted in such Liabilities being included or reflected as liabilities or obligations of Starz or the members of the Starz Group on a pro forma combined balance sheet of the Starz Group or any notes or subledgers thereto as of immediately prior to the Separation Effective Time (were such balance sheet, notes and subledgers to be prepared on a basis consistent with the determination of the Liabilities included on the Starz Balance Sheet) except as otherwise allocated to New Lionsgate or any member of the New Lionsgate Group listed on Section 2.3(b), it being understood that (x) the Starz Balance Sheet shall be used to determine the types of, and methodologies used to determine, those Liabilities that are included in the definition of Starz Liabilities pursuant to this clause (ii) and (y) the amounts set forth on the Starz Balance Sheet with respect to any Liabilities shall not be treated as minimum amounts or limitations on the amount of such Liabilities that are included in the definition of Starz Liabilities pursuant to this clause (ii);

 

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(iii) any and all Starz Accounts Payable;

(iv) any Tax liabilities allocated to Starz or member of its Group pursuant to the Tax Matters agreement;

(v) any employee-related liabilities allocated to Starz or member of its Group pursuant to the Employee Matters agreement;

(vi) any and all Liabilities that are expressly provided by this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement (or the Schedules hereto or thereto) as Liabilities to be assumed by Starz or any other member of the Starz Group, and all agreements, obligations and Liabilities of any member of the Starz Group under this Agreement or any of the Ancillary Agreements;

(vii) any and all Liabilities, relating to, arising out of or resulting from the actions, inactions, events, omissions, conditions, facts or circumstances occurring or existing prior to, at or after the Separation Effective Time (whether or not such Liabilities cease being contingent, mature, become known, are asserted or foreseen, or accrue, in each case before, at or after the Separation Effective Time), in each case to the extent that such Liabilities relate to, arise out of or result from (and only such portion relating to, arising out of or resulting from) the Starz Business or a Starz Asset; and

(viii) any and all Liabilities (x) arising out of any matter set forth on Schedule 2.3(a)(viii) or (y) arising out of any claims made by any Third Party (including New Lionsgate’s or Starz’s respective directors, officers, shareholders, employees and agents, in each case in their respective capacities as such) against any member of the New Lionsgate Group or the Starz Group to the extent relating to, arising out of or resulting from (and only such portion relating to, arising out of or resulting from) the Starz Business or the Starz Assets, or the other business, operations, activities or Liabilities referred to in clauses (i) through (vi) above, including for the avoidance of doubt the claims set forth on Schedule 2.3(a)(viii) and excluding for the avoidance of doubt the Liabilities set forth on Schedule 2.3(b)(v).

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Parties hereby acknowledge and agree that (A) while a single Liability may fall within more than one of the clauses (i) through (vii) in this Section 2.3(a), such fact does not imply that (x) such Liability shall be transferred more than once or (y) any duplication of such Liability is required, (B) the Starz Liabilities shall not in any event include any Liability referred to in clauses (i) through (vii) of Section 2.3(b), and (C) the Starz Liabilities shall not include claims brought by New Lionsgate’s directors, officers, shareholders, employees and agents, in each case in their respective capacities as such, against any member of the New Lionsgate Group.

(b) New Lionsgate Liabilities. For the purposes of this Agreement, “New Lionsgate Liabilities” shall mean the Liabilities of any Party or members of its Group other than the Starz Liabilities. Without limiting the foregoing, the New Lionsgate Liabilities shall include:

(i) any and all Accounts Payable, other than the Starz Accounts Payable;

(ii) the New Lionsgate Debt Assumption and the obligations thereof;

(iii) any and all Liabilities relating to, arising out of or resulting from actions, inactions, events, omissions, conditions, facts or circumstances occurring or existing prior to, at or after the Separation Effective Time (whether or not such Liabilities cease being contingent, mature, become known, are asserted or foreseen, or accrue, in each case before, at or after the Separation Effective Time) of any member of the New Lionsgate Group, and, prior to the Separation Effective Time, any member of the Starz Group, in each case, to the extent that such Liabilities are not Starz Liabilities;

(iv) any and all Liabilities that are expressly provided by this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement (or the Schedules hereto or thereto) as Liabilities to be assumed by New Lionsgate or any other member of the New Lionsgate Group, and all agreements, obligations and Liabilities of any member of the New Lionsgate Group under this Agreement or any of the Ancillary Agreements;

 

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(v) any and all Liabilities (x) arising out of any matter set forth on Schedule 2.3(b)(v) or (y) arising out of any claims made by any Third Party (including New Lionsgate’s or Starz’s respective directors, officers, shareholders, employees and agents, in each case in their respective capacities as such) against any member of the New Lionsgate Group or the Starz Group to the extent relating to, arising out of or resulting from (and only such portion relating to, arising out of or resulting from) the Starz Business or the New Lionsgate Assets, or the other business, operations, activities or Liabilities referred to in clauses (i) through (iii) above, including for the avoidance of doubt the claims set forth on Schedule 2.3(b)(v), in each case, to the extent that such Liabilities are not Starz Liabilities;

(vi) any Tax liabilities allocated to New Lionsgate or member of its Group pursuant to the Tax Matters Agreement;

(vii) any employee-related liabilities allocated to New Lionsgate or member of its Group pursuant to the Employee Matters Agreement; and

(viii) any and all Liabilities set forth on Schedule 2.3(b)(viii).

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Parties hereby acknowledge and agree that (A) while a single Liability may fall within more than one of the clauses (i) through (vii) in this Section 2.3(a), such fact does not imply that (x) such Liability shall be transferred more than once or (y) any duplication of such Liability is required, (B) the New Lionsgate Liabilities shall not in any event include any Liability referred to in clauses (i) through (vii) of Section 2.3(b), and (C) the New Lionsgate Liabilities shall not include claims brought by Starz directors, officers, shareholders, employees and agents, in each case in their respective capacities as such, against any member of the Starz Group.

2.4 Arrangement Effective Time. Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, the Transactions shall be consummated pursuant to the terms of the Plan of Arrangement at a closing to be held at the offices of Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz, 51 West 52nd Street, New York, New York 10019 on the Arrangement Effective Date (as defined in the Arrangement Agreement) or at such other place or on such other date as Lionsgate and LG Studios may mutually agree upon in writing. To the extent that documents and signatures are required to be executed or provided at or prior to the Arrangement Effective Time such matters shall be dealt with by way of a virtual closing through electronic exchange of documents and signatures.

2.5 Changes to the Transactions; Cooperation.

(a) Lionsgate and LG Studios currently intend to effect the Transactions pursuant to the Arrangement; provided, however, that the Lionsgate Board and the LG Studios Board may, upon mutual agreement and subject to the provisions of the Interim Orders, the Final Order, the Plan of Arrangement and applicable law, amend, modify or supplement the Arrangement Agreement, including to determine the Arrangement Effective Time, or otherwise terminate the Transactions.

(b) The Parties shall cooperate to accomplish the Transactions and promptly take any and all actions necessary or desirable to effect the Transactions, including the registration under the Securities Act of the New Lionsgate New Common Shares and Starz Common Shares. Lionsgate shall select any investment bank or manager in connection with the Transactions, as well as any Agent, financial printer, solicitation and/or exchange agent and financial, legal, accounting and other advisors for Lionsgate. Lionsgate and LG Studios, as the case may be, will provide to the Agent all share certificates and any information required in order to complete the Transactions.

 

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2.6 Actions Prior to the Transactions. Prior to the Arrangement Effective Date and subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein and in the Arrangement Agreement, the Parties shall take, or cause to be taken, the following actions in connection with the Transactions:

(a) Registration Statements. Lionsgate and New Lionsgate shall prepare and file the Form S-4, and such amendments or supplements thereto, and use their respective reasonable best efforts to cause the same to become and remain effective and to obtain the applicable acceleration of effectiveness from the SEC, respectively, as required by Law, including filing such amendments to the Form S-4 as may be required by the SEC or federal, state, provincial or foreign securities Laws. Lionsgate and New Lionsgate shall also cooperate in preparing, filing with the SEC and causing to become effective registration statements, and any amendments thereof, which are required to reflect the establishment of, or amendments to, any employee benefit and other plans necessary or appropriate in connection with the Transactions or the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the Ancillary Agreements, as well as take all necessary steps in regards to such employee benefit and other plans necessary or appropriate in connection with the Transactions or the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the Ancillary Agreements.

(b) Directors and Officers. On or prior to the Arrangement Effective Date, Lionsgate and New Lionsgate shall take all necessary actions so that, as of the completion of the Transactions, the directors and executive officers of Starz and the directors and executive officers of New Lionsgate shall be those set forth in the Form S-4, unless otherwise agreed by the Parties.

(c) Stock Exchange Listings. Lionsgate shall prepare, file and use reasonable best efforts to seek to make effective, an application for listing of the New Lionsgate New Common Shares on the NYSE and the Starz Common Shares on the NASDAQ, as applicable, to be issued in the Transactions, subject to official notice of issuance.

(d) The Agent. New Lionsgate shall enter into an exchange agent agreement and a transfer agent services agreement with the Agent or otherwise provide instructions to the Agent regarding the Transactions, and Lionsgate will enter into an exchange agent agreement and a transfer agent services agreement with the Agent, or will cause the existing Lionsgate agreement to be modified, and Lionsgate may otherwise provide instructions to the Agent regarding Starz and Starz common shares in connection with the Transactions.

(e) Stock-Based Employee Benefit Plan. New Lionsgate and Starz shall take all actions as may be necessary to approve the grants of adjusted equity awards by New Lionsgate (in respect of New Lionsgate New Common Shares) and Starz (in respect of Starz Common Shares) in connection with the Transactions in order to satisfy the requirements of Rule 16b-3 under the Exchange Act and applicable Canadian securities laws.

(f) Interim Orders. Lionsgate and LG Studios shall take all action necessary in accordance with applicable Law and the Arrangement Agreement to obtain the LGEC Interim Order and the Studios Interim Order.

(g) Shareholders Meetings; Other Approvals. Lionsgate and LG Studios shall take all action necessary in accordance with applicable Law, the Interim Orders and the applicable constating documents to set a record date for, duly give notice of, convene and, following the mailing of the applicable meeting materials to shareholders, hold each applicable meeting of shareholders necessary to obtain the approvals required by the Interim Orders, including the LGEC Meeting and the Studios Meeting. Lionsgate and LG Studios shall cooperate in accordance with the Arrangement Agreement to obtain or make, as applicable, any other Approvals or Notifications that may be required in connection with the Arrangement Agreement.

(h) Final Order. Lionsgate and LG Studios shall take the actions set forth in the Arrangement Agreement with respect to obtaining the Final Order.

 

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(i) Shareholders Meetings, Interim Order and Final Order Costs. All third-party costs, fees and expenses relating to the LGEC Meeting, the LGEC Interim Order and the Final Order, including all of the costs of producing, printing, mailing and otherwise distributing the Meeting Materials in respect of the LGEC Meeting shall be borne by each of Lionsgate and New Lionsgate equally, except as set forth on Schedule 9.9. LG Studios shall pay all third-party costs, fees and expenses relating to the Studios Meeting and the Studios Interim Order, including all of the costs of producing, printing, mailing and otherwise distributing the Meeting Materials in respect of the Studios Meeting.

2.7 Conditions to the Transactions.

(a) The consummation of the Transactions will be subject to the satisfaction, or waiver by Lionsgate and LG Studios pursuant to Section 2.7(b) (to the extent such waiver is permitted by applicable Law), of the following conditions:

(i) The transfer of the Starz Assets (other than any Delayed Starz Asset) and Starz Liabilities (other than any Delayed Starz Liability) contemplated to be transferred from New Lionsgate to Starz at or prior to the Separation Effective Time shall have occurred as contemplated by Section 2.1, and the transfer of the New Lionsgate Assets (other than any Delayed New Lionsgate Asset) and New Lionsgate Liabilities (other than any Delayed New Lionsgate Liability) contemplated to be transferred from Starz to New Lionsgate at or prior to the Separation Effective Time shall have occurred as contemplated by Section 2.1, in each case, pursuant to the Transactions Step Plan in a manner reasonably satisfactory to the Parties.

(ii) The Form S-4 shall have been filed and declared effective by the SEC, and there shall be no stop-order in effect with respect thereto, and no proceeding for that purpose shall have been instituted or threatened by the SEC.

(iii) Lionsgate shall have received the U.S. Tax Opinion on terms consistent with the Arrangement Agreement, and such U.S. Tax Opinion shall not have been withdrawn or rescinded.

(iv) All Governmental Approvals necessary to consummate the Transactions shall have been obtained and be in full force and effect.

(v) The LGEC Arrangement Approval shall have been obtained.

(vi) The Studios Arrangement Approval shall have been obtained.

(vii) The Interim Orders and the Final Order shall have been obtained on terms consistent with the Arrangement Agreement.

(viii) The Transactions and related transactions shall have been approved by the Lionsgate Board.

(ix) The Transactions and related transactions shall have been approved by the LG Studios Board.

(x) An independent appraisal firm acceptable to the Lionsgate Board shall have delivered one or more opinions to the Lionsgate Board confirming the solvency and financial viability of Starz after consummation of the Transactions, and such opinions shall be acceptable to the Lionsgate Board in form and substance in the Lionsgate Board’s sole discretion and such opinion(s) shall not have been withdrawn or rescinded.

(xi) The actions and filings necessary or appropriate under applicable U.S. federal, U.S. state, Canadian, or other securities Laws or blue sky laws and the rules and regulations thereunder in connection with the Transactions, if any, shall have been taken or made, and, where applicable, have become effective or been accepted by the applicable Governmental Authority.

(xii) No order, injunction or decree issued by any Governmental Authority of competent jurisdiction or other legal restraint or prohibition preventing the consummation of the Transactions or any of the transactions related thereto shall be in effect, and no other event outside the control of the Parties shall have occurred or failed to occur that prevents the consummation of the Transactions or any related transactions.

 

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(xiii) The other conditions set forth in Article 4.1 of the Arrangement Agreement shall have been satisfied or waived.

(xiv) Each of the Ancillary Agreements shall have been duly executed and delivered, subject to the occurrence of the Separation Effective Time, by the applicable parties thereto.

(xv) No other events or developments shall exist or shall have occurred that, in the judgment of the Lionsgate Board or the LG Studios Board makes it inadvisable to effect the Transactions or the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement or any the Ancillary Agreements.

(b) The foregoing conditions are for the benefit of Lionsgate and LG Studios and shall not give rise to or create any duty on the part of Lionsgate, LG Studios, the Lionsgate Board or the LG Studios Board to waive or not waive any such condition or in any way limit Lionsgate’s or LG Studio’s right to terminate this Agreement as set forth in Article VIII or alter the consequences of any such termination from those specified in such Article. Any determination made, upon mutual agreement, by the Lionsgate Board and the LG Studios Board prior to the Transactions concerning the satisfaction or waiver of any or all of the conditions set forth in Section 2.7(a) shall be conclusive and binding on the Parties.

2.8 Approvals and Notifications.

(a) Approvals and Notifications for Starz Assets and Liabilities. To the extent that the transfer or assignment of any Starz Asset, the assumption of any Starz Liability or the Transactions requires any Approvals or Notifications, the Parties shall use their commercially reasonable efforts to obtain or make such Approvals or Notifications as soon as reasonably practicable and within any time periods required by such Approvals or Notifications; provided, however, that, except to the extent expressly provided in this Agreement or any of the Ancillary Agreements or as otherwise agreed between New Lionsgate and Starz, neither New Lionsgate nor Starz shall be obligated to contribute capital or pay any consideration in any form (including providing any letter of credit, guaranty or other financial accommodation or agreeing to any amended contract terms) to any Person in order to obtain or make such Approvals or Notifications.

(b) Delayed Starz Transfers. If and to the extent that the valid, complete and perfected transfer or assignment to the Starz Group of any Starz Asset or assumption by the Starz Group of any Starz Liability in connection with the Transactions would be a violation of applicable Law or require any Approvals or Notifications that have not been obtained or made by the Separation Effective Time, then, unless the Parties mutually shall otherwise determine, the transfer or assignment to the Starz Group of such Starz Assets or the assumption by the Starz Group of such Starz Liabilities, as the case may be, shall be automatically deemed deferred and any such purported transfer, assignment or assumption shall be null and void until such time as all legal impediments are removed or such Approvals or Notifications have been obtained or made. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any such Starz Assets or Starz Liabilities shall continue to constitute Starz Assets and Starz Liabilities for all other purposes of this Agreement.

(c) Treatment of Delayed Starz Assets and Delayed Starz Liabilities. If any transfer or assignment of any Starz Asset (or a portion thereof) or any assumption of any Starz Liability (or a portion thereof) intended to be transferred, assigned or assumed hereunder, as the case may be, is not consummated at or prior to the Separation Effective Time, whether as a result of the provisions of Section 2.8(b) or for any other reason (any such Starz Asset (or a portion thereof), a “Delayed Starz Asset” and any such Starz Liability (or a portion thereof), a “Delayed Starz Liability”), then, insofar as reasonably possible and subject to applicable Law, the member of the New Lionsgate Group retaining such Delayed Starz Asset or such Delayed Starz Liability, as the case may be, shall thereafter hold such Delayed Starz Asset or Delayed Starz Liability, as the case may be, for the use and benefit (or the performance and obligation, in the case of a Liability) of the member of the Starz Group entitled thereto (at the expense of the member of the Starz Group entitled thereto), and such member of the Starz Group shall be afforded all the benefits and burdens of such Delayed Starz Asset or Delayed Starz Liability, as applicable.

 

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In addition, the member of the New Lionsgate Group retaining such Delayed Starz Asset or such Delayed Starz Liability shall, insofar as reasonably possible and to the extent permitted by applicable Law, treat such Delayed Starz Asset or Delayed Starz Liability in the ordinary course of business in accordance with Starz Group past practice and take such other actions as may be reasonably requested by the member of the Starz Group to whom such Delayed Starz Asset is to be transferred or assigned, or which will assume such Delayed Starz Liability, as the case may be, in order to place such member of the Starz Group in a substantially similar position as if such Delayed Starz Asset or Delayed Starz Liability had been contributed, transferred, assigned or assumed as contemplated hereby and so that all the benefits and burdens relating to such Delayed Starz Asset or Delayed Starz Liability, as the case may be, including use, risk of loss, potential for gain and dominion, control and command over such Delayed Starz Asset or Delayed Starz Liability, as the case may be, and all costs and expenses related thereto, shall inure from and after the Separation Effective Time (and from any earlier time provided for in a Transfer Document until the Separation Effective Time) to the Starz Group. Each of New Lionsgate and Starz shall, and shall cause the members of its Group to, (i) treat for all Tax purposes any Delayed Starz Asset or Delayed Starz Liability as an Asset owned by, and/or a Liability of, as applicable, Starz or the applicable member(s) of the Starz Group, not later than the Separation Effective Time, and (ii) neither report nor take any Tax position (on a Tax Return or otherwise) inconsistent with such treatment (unless required by applicable Law). For the avoidance of doubt, New Lionsgate shall not dispose of, pledge, sell or otherwise transfer any Delayed Starz Asset without the prior written consent of Starz.

(d) Transfer of Delayed Starz Assets and Delayed Starz Liabilities. If and when the Approvals or Notifications, the absence of which caused the deferral of transfer or assignment of any Delayed Starz Asset or the deferral of assumption of any Delayed Starz Liability pursuant to Section 2.8(b), are obtained or made, and, if and when any other legal impediments to the transfer or assignment of any Delayed Starz Asset or the assumption of any Delayed Starz Liability have been removed, the transfer or assignment of the applicable Delayed Starz Asset or the assumption of the applicable Delayed Starz Liability, as the case may be, shall be effected in accordance with the terms of this Agreement and/or the applicable Ancillary Agreement.

(e) Costs for Delayed Starz Assets and Delayed Starz Liabilities. Except as otherwise agreed in writing between the Parties, any member of the New Lionsgate Group retaining a Delayed Starz Asset or Delayed Starz Liability due to the deferral of the transfer or assignment of such Delayed Starz Asset or the deferral of the assumption of such Delayed Starz Liability, as the case may be, shall not be obligated, in connection with the foregoing, to expend any money unless the necessary funds are advanced (or otherwise made available) by Starz or the member of the Starz Group entitled to the Delayed Starz Asset or Delayed Starz Liability, other than reasonable out-of-pocket expenses, attorneys’ fees and recording or similar fees, all of which shall be promptly reimbursed by Starz or the member of the Starz Group entitled to such Delayed Starz Asset or Delayed Starz Liability; provided, however, that the New Lionsgate Group shall not knowingly allow the loss or diminution in value of any Delayed Starz Asset without first providing the Starz Group commercially reasonable notice of such potential loss or diminution in value and affording the Starz Group commercially reasonable opportunity to take action to prevent such loss or diminution in value.

(f) Approvals and Notifications for New Lionsgate Assets and Liabilities. To the extent that the transfer or assignment of any New Lionsgate Asset, the assumption of any New Lionsgate Liability or the Transactions requires any Approvals or Notifications, the Parties shall use their commercially reasonable efforts to obtain or make such Approvals or Notifications as soon as reasonably practicable and within any time periods required by such Approvals or Notifications; provided, however, that, except to the extent expressly provided in this Agreement or any of the Ancillary Agreements or as otherwise agreed between New Lionsgate and Starz, neither New Lionsgate nor Starz shall be obligated to contribute capital or pay any consideration in any form (including providing any letter of credit, guaranty or other financial accommodation or agreeing to any amended contract terms) to any Person in order to obtain or make such Approvals or Notifications.

 

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(g) Delayed New Lionsgate Transfers. If and to the extent that the valid, complete and perfected transfer or assignment to the New Lionsgate Group of any New Lionsgate Asset or assumption by the New Lionsgate Group of any New Lionsgate Liability in connection with the Transactions would be a violation of applicable Law or require any Approvals or Notifications that have not been obtained or made by the Separation Effective Time then, unless the Parties mutually shall otherwise determine, the transfer or assignment to the New Lionsgate Group of such New Lionsgate Assets or the assumption by the New Lionsgate Group of such New Lionsgate Liabilities, as the case may be, shall be automatically deemed deferred and any such purported transfer, assignment or assumption shall be null and void until such time as all legal impediments are removed or such Approvals or Notifications have been obtained or made. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any such New Lionsgate Assets or New Lionsgate Liabilities shall continue to constitute New Lionsgate Assets and New Lionsgate Liabilities for all other purposes of this Agreement.

(h) Treatment of Delayed New Lionsgate Assets and Delayed New Lionsgate Liabilities. If any transfer or assignment of any New Lionsgate Asset (or a portion thereof) or any assumption of any New Lionsgate Liability (or a portion thereof) intended to be transferred, assigned or assumed hereunder, as the case may be, is not consummated at or prior to the Separation Effective Time whether as a result of the provisions of Section 2.8(g) or for any other reason (any such New Lionsgate Asset (or a portion thereof), a “Delayed New Lionsgate Asset” and any such New Lionsgate Liability (or a portion thereof), a “Delayed New Lionsgate Liability”), then, insofar as reasonably possible and subject to applicable Law, the member of the Starz Group retaining such Delayed New Lionsgate Asset or such Delayed New Lionsgate Liability, as the case may be, shall thereafter hold such Delayed New Lionsgate Asset or Delayed New Lionsgate Liability, as the case may be, for the use and benefit (or the performance or obligation, in the case of a Liability) of the member of the New Lionsgate Group entitled thereto (at the expense of the member of the New Lionsgate Group entitled thereto), and such member of the New Lionsgate Group shall be afforded all the benefits and burdens of such Delayed New Lionsgate Asset or Delayed New Lionsgate Liability, as applicable. In addition, the member of the Starz Group retaining such Delayed New Lionsgate Asset or such Delayed New Lionsgate Liability shall, insofar as reasonably possible and to the extent permitted by applicable Law, treat such Delayed New Lionsgate Asset or Delayed New Lionsgate Liability in the ordinary course of business in accordance with New Lionsgate Group past practice and take such other actions as may be reasonably requested by the member of the New Lionsgate Group to which such Delayed New Lionsgate Asset is to be transferred or assigned, or which will assume such Delayed New Lionsgate Liability, as the case may be, in order to place such member of the New Lionsgate Group in a substantially similar position as if such Delayed New Lionsgate Asset or Delayed New Lionsgate Liability had been contributed, transferred, assigned or assumed as contemplated hereby and so that all the benefits and burdens relating to such Delayed New Lionsgate Asset or Delayed New Lionsgate Liability, as the case may be, including use, risk of loss, potential for gain, and dominion, control and command over such Delayed New Lionsgate Asset or Delayed New Lionsgate Liability, as the case may be, and all costs and expenses related thereto, shall inure from and after the Separation Effective Time (and from any earlier time provided for in a Transfer Document until the Separation Effective Time) to the New Lionsgate Group. Each of New Lionsgate and Starz shall, and shall cause the members of its Group to, (i) treat for all Tax purposes any Delayed New Lionsgate Asset or Delayed New Lionsgate Liability as an Asset owned by, and/or a Liability of, as applicable, New Lionsgate or the applicable member(s) of the New Lionsgate Group, not later than the Separation Effective Time, and (ii) neither report nor take any Tax position (on a Tax Return or otherwise) inconsistent with such treatment (unless required by applicable Law).

(i) Transfer of Delayed New Lionsgate Assets and Delayed New Lionsgate Liabilities. If and when the Approvals or Notifications, the absence of which caused the deferral of transfer or assignment of any Delayed New Lionsgate Asset or the deferral of assumption of any Delayed New Lionsgate Liability pursuant to Section 2.8(g), are obtained or made, and, if and when any other legal impediments to the transfer or assignment of any Delayed New Lionsgate Asset or the assumption of any Delayed New Lionsgate Liability have been removed, the transfer or assignment of the applicable Delayed New Lionsgate Asset or the assumption of the applicable Delayed New Lionsgate Liability, as the case may be, shall be effected in accordance with the terms of this Agreement and/or the applicable Ancillary Agreement.

 

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(j) Costs for Delayed New Lionsgate Assets and Delayed New Lionsgate Liabilities. Except as otherwise agreed in writing between the Parties, any member of the Starz Group retaining a Delayed New Lionsgate Asset or Delayed New Lionsgate Liability due to the deferral of the transfer or assignment of such Delayed New Lionsgate Asset or the deferral of the assumption of such Delayed New Lionsgate Liability, as the case may be, shall not be obligated, in connection with the foregoing, to expend any money unless the necessary funds are advanced (or otherwise made available) by New Lionsgate or the member of the New Lionsgate Group entitled to the Delayed New Lionsgate Asset or Delayed New Lionsgate Liability, other than reasonable out-of-pocket expenses, attorneys’ fees and recording or similar fees, all of which shall be promptly reimbursed by New Lionsgate or the member of the New Lionsgate Group entitled to such Delayed New Lionsgate Asset or Delayed New Lionsgate Liability; provided, however, that the Starz Group shall not knowingly allow the loss or diminution in value of any Delayed New Lionsgate Asset without first providing the New Lionsgate Group commercially reasonable notice of such potential loss or diminution in value and affording the New Lionsgate Group commercially reasonable opportunity to take action to prevent such loss or diminution in value.

2.9 Assignment and Novation of Liabilities.

(a) Assignment and Novation of Starz Liabilities.

(i) Prior to the Arrangement Effective Time or as soon as practicable thereafter, each of New Lionsgate and Starz, at the request of the other, shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to obtain, or to cause to be obtained, as soon as reasonably practicable, any consent, substitution, approval or amendment required to novate or assign all Starz Liabilities and obtain in writing the unconditional release of each member of the New Lionsgate Group that is a party to or otherwise obligated under any such arrangements, to the extent permitted by applicable Law, so that, in any such case, the members of the Starz Group shall be solely responsible for such Starz Liabilities; provided, however, that, except as otherwise expressly provided in this Agreement or any of the Ancillary Agreements, neither New Lionsgate nor Starz shall be obligated to contribute any capital or pay any consideration in any form (including providing any letter of credit, guaranty or other financial accommodation or agreeing to any amended contract terms) to any third (3rd) Person from whom any such consent, substitution, approval, amendment or release is requested. To the extent such substitution contemplated by the first sentence of this Section 2.9(a)(i) has been effected, the members of the New Lionsgate Group shall, from and after the Arrangement Effective Time, cease to have any obligation whatsoever arising from or in connection with such Starz Liabilities.

(ii) If New Lionsgate or Starz is unable to obtain, or to cause to be obtained, any such required consent, substitution, approval, amendment or release, and the applicable member of the New Lionsgate Group continues to be bound by such agreement, lease, license or other obligation or Liability (each, an “Unreleased Starz Liability”), Starz shall, to the extent not prohibited by Law, (A) use its commercially reasonable efforts (subject to the proviso set forth in Section 2.9(a)(i) above) to effect such consent, substitution, approval, amendment or release as soon as practicable following the Arrangement Effective Time, and (B) as indemnitor, guarantor, agent or subcontractor for such member of the New Lionsgate Group, as the case may be, (1) pay, perform and discharge fully all the obligations or other Liabilities of such member of the New Lionsgate Group that constitute Unreleased Starz Liabilities from and after the Arrangement Effective Time and (2) use its commercially reasonable efforts to effect such payment, performance or discharge prior to any demand for such payment, performance or discharge is permitted to be made by the obligee thereunder on any member of the New Lionsgate Group. If and when any such consent, substitution, approval, amendment or release shall be obtained or the Unreleased Starz Liabilities shall otherwise become assignable or able to be novated, New Lionsgate shall promptly assign, or cause to be assigned, and Starz or the applicable member of the Starz Group shall assume, such Unreleased Starz Liabilities without exchange of further consideration.

 

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(iii) If New Lionsgate or Starz is unable to obtain, or to cause to be obtained, any such required consent, substitution, approval, amendment or release as set forth in clause (ii) of this Section 2.9(a), Starz and any relevant member of its Group that has assumed the applicable Unreleased Starz Liability shall indemnify, defend and hold harmless New Lionsgate against or from such Unreleased Starz Liability in accordance with the provisions of Article III and shall, as agent or subcontractor for New Lionsgate, pay, perform and discharge fully all the obligations or other Liabilities of New Lionsgate thereunder.

(b) Assignment and Novation of New Lionsgate Liabilities.

(i) Prior to the Arrangement Effective Time or as soon as practicable thereafter, each of Starz and New Lionsgate, at the request of the other, shall use its commercially reasonable efforts (subject to the proviso set forth in Section 2.9(a)(i) above) to obtain, or to cause to be obtained, as soon as reasonably practicable, any consent, substitution, approval or amendment required to novate or assign all New Lionsgate Liabilities and obtain in writing the unconditional release of each member of the Starz Group that is a party to or otherwise obligated under any such arrangements, to the extent permitted by applicable Law, so that, in any such case, the members of the New Lionsgate Group shall be solely responsible for such New Lionsgate Liabilities; provided, however, that, except as otherwise expressly provided in this Agreement or any of the Ancillary Agreements, neither New Lionsgate nor Starz shall be obligated to contribute any capital or pay any consideration in any form (including providing any letter of credit, guaranty or other financial accommodation or agreeing to any amended contract terms) to any third (3rd) Person from whom any such consent, substitution, approval, amendment or release is requested. To the extent such substitution contemplated by the first sentence of this Section 2.9(b)(i) has been effected, the members of the Starz Group shall, from and after the Arrangement Effective Time, cease to have any obligation whatsoever arising from or in connection with such New Lionsgate Liabilities.

(ii) If New Lionsgate or Starz is unable to obtain, or to cause to be obtained, any such required consent, substitution, approval, amendment or release and the applicable member of the Starz Group continues to be bound by such agreement, lease, license or other obligation or Liability (each, an “Unreleased New Lionsgate Liability”), New Lionsgate shall, to the extent not prohibited by Law, (A) use its commercially reasonable effort (subject to the proviso set forth in Section 2.9(a)(i) above) to effect such consent, substitution, approval, amendment or release as soon as practicable following the Arrangement Effective Time, and (B) as indemnitor, guarantor, agent or subcontractor for such member of the Starz Group, as the case may be, (1) pay, perform and discharge fully all the obligations or other Liabilities of such member of the Starz Group that constitute Unreleased New Lionsgate Liabilities from and after the Arrangement Effective Time and (2) use its commercially reasonable efforts to effect such payment, performance or discharge prior to any demand for such payment, performance or discharge is permitted to be made by the obligee thereunder on any member of the Starz Group. If and when any such consent, substitution, approval, amendment or release shall be obtained or the Unreleased New Lionsgate Liabilities shall otherwise become assignable or able to be novated, Starz shall promptly assign, or cause to be assigned, and New Lionsgate or the applicable member of the New Lionsgate Group shall assume, such Unreleased New Lionsgate Liabilities without exchange of further consideration.

(iii) If Starz or New Lionsgate is unable to obtain, or to cause to be obtained, any such required consent, substitution, approval, amendment or release as set forth in clause (ii) of this Section 2.9(b), New Lionsgate and any relevant member of its Group that has assumed the applicable Unreleased New Lionsgate Liability shall indemnify, defend and hold harmless Starz against or from such Unreleased New Lionsgate Liability in accordance with the provisions of Article III and shall, as agent or subcontractor for Starz, pay, perform and discharge fully all the obligations or other Liabilities of Starz thereunder.

2.10 Release of Guarantees. In furtherance of, and not in limitation of, the obligations set forth in Section 2.9 and Section 2.17:

 

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(a) At or prior to the Arrangement Effective Time or as soon as practicable thereafter, each of New Lionsgate and Starz shall, at the request of the other Party and with the reasonable cooperation of such other Party and the applicable member(s) of such other Party’s Group, use commercially reasonable efforts (subject to the proviso set forth in Section 2.9(a)(i) above) to (i) have any member(s) of the New Lionsgate Group removed as guarantor of or obligor for any Starz Liability to the extent such guarantee or obligation relates to Starz Liabilities, including the removal of any Security Interest on or in any New Lionsgate Asset that may serve as collateral or security for any such Starz Liability; and (ii) have any member(s) of the Starz Group removed as guarantor of or obligor for any New Lionsgate Liability to the extent such guarantee or obligation relates to New Lionsgate Liabilities, including the removal of any Security Interest on or in any Starz Asset that may serve as collateral or security for any such New Lionsgate Liability.

(b) To the extent required to obtain a release from a guarantee of:

(i) any member of the New Lionsgate Group, Starz shall (or shall cause a member of the Starz Group to) execute a guarantee agreement in the form of the existing guarantee or such other form as is agreed to by the relevant parties to such guarantee agreement, which agreement shall include the removal of any Security Interest on or in any New Lionsgate Asset that may serve as collateral or security for any such Starz Liability, except to the extent that such existing guarantee contains representations, covenants or other terms or provisions either (x) with which Starz (or any member of the Starz Group) would be reasonably unable to comply or (y) which Starz (or any member of the Starz Group) would not reasonably be able to avoid breaching; and

(ii) any member of the Starz Group, New Lionsgate shall (or shall cause a member of the New Lionsgate Group to) execute a guarantee agreement in the form of the existing guarantee or such other form as is agreed to by the relevant parties to such guarantee agreement, which agreement shall include the removal of any Security Interest on or in any Starz Asset that may serve as collateral or security for any such New Lionsgate Liability, except to the extent that such existing guarantee contains representations, covenants or other terms or provisions either (x) with which New Lionsgate (or any member of the New Lionsgate Group) would be reasonably unable to comply or (y) which New Lionsgate (or any member of the New Lionsgate Group) would not reasonably be able to avoid breaching.

(c) If New Lionsgate or Starz is unable to obtain, or to cause to be obtained, any such required removal or release, or is expressly not required to do so, in each case as set forth in Section 2.10(a) and (b), as applicable, (i) the Party or the relevant member of its Group that is responsible pursuant to this Agreement for the Liability associated with such guarantee shall indemnify, defend and hold harmless the guarantor or obligor, as applicable, against or from any Liability arising from or relating thereto in accordance with the provisions of Article III and shall, as agent or subcontractor for such guarantor or obligor, pay, perform and discharge fully all the obligations or other Liabilities of such guarantor or obligor thereunder; and (ii) each of New Lionsgate and Starz, on behalf of itself and the other members of their respective Group, agrees not to renew or extend the term of, increase any obligations under, or transfer to a Third Party, any loan, guarantee, lease, contract or other obligation for which the other Party or a member of its Group is or may be liable unless all obligations of such other Party and the members of such other Party’s Group with respect thereto are thereupon terminated by documentation reasonably satisfactory in form and substance to such other Party.

2.11 Termination of Agreements.

(a) In furtherance of the releases and other provisions of Section 3.1, Starz and each member of the Starz Group, on the one hand, and New Lionsgate and each member of the New Lionsgate Group, on the other hand, hereby terminate the agreements set forth on Schedule 2.11(a), effective as of the Arrangement Effective Time, and no such terminated agreement, arrangement, commitment or understanding (including any provision thereof which purports to survive termination) shall be of any further force or effect after the Arrangement Effective Time. Any and all other agreements, arrangements, commitments or understandings, whether or not in writing, between or among Starz and/or any member of the Starz Group, on the one hand, and New Lionsgate and/or any member of the New Lionsgate Group, on the other hand, shall not be affected by the Transactions, except as otherwise provided in or expressly contemplated by this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement. Each Party shall, at the reasonable request of the other Party, take, or cause to be taken, such other actions as may be necessary to effect the foregoing.

 

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(b) Except as set forth on Schedule 2.11(b), all of the intercompany accounts receivable and accounts payable between any member of the New Lionsgate Group, on the one hand, and any member of the Starz Group, on the other hand, outstanding as of the Arrangement Effective Time and arising out of the contracts or agreements described in Schedule 2.11(a) shall be repaid or settled immediately prior to or as promptly as practicable after the Arrangement Effective Time. All other intercompany accounts receivable and accounts payable between any member of the New Lionsgate Group, on the one hand, and any member of the Starz Group, on the other hand, outstanding as of the Arrangement Effective Time shall be repaid or settled following the Arrangement Effective Time in the ordinary course of business or, if otherwise mutually agreed prior to the Arrangement Effective Time by duly authorized representatives of New Lionsgate and Starz, cancelled.

2.12 Treatment of Shared Contracts.

(a) Subject to applicable Law and without limiting the generality of the obligations set forth in Section 2.1, unless the Parties otherwise agree or the benefits of any contract, agreement, arrangement, commitment or understanding described in this Section 2.12 are expressly conveyed to the applicable Party pursuant to this Agreement or an Ancillary Agreement, any contract or agreement, a portion of which relates to matters that would be the subject of a Starz Asset, but the remainder of which relates to matters that would be the subject of a New Lionsgate Asset, or vice versa (any such contract or agreement, including those set forth on Schedule 2.12(a), a “Shared Contract”), shall be assigned in relevant part to the applicable member(s) of the applicable Group, if so assignable, or appropriately amended prior to, on or after the Arrangement Effective Time, so that each Party or the member of its Group shall, as of the Arrangement Effective Time, be entitled to the rights and benefits, and shall assume the related portion of any Liabilities, inuring to its respective businesses; provided, however, that (i) in no event shall any member of any Group be required to assign (or amend) any Shared Contract in its entirety or to assign a portion of any Shared Contract which is not assignable (or cannot be amended) by its terms (including any terms imposing consents or conditions on an assignment where such consents or conditions have not been obtained or fulfilled) and (ii) if any Shared Contract cannot be so partially assigned by its terms or otherwise, or cannot be amended or if such assignment or amendment would impair the benefit the parties thereto derive from such Shared Contract, then the Parties shall, and shall cause each of the members of their respective Groups to, take such other reasonable and permissible actions (including by providing prompt notice to the other Party with respect to any relevant claim of Liability or other relevant matters arising in connection with a Shared Contract so as to allow such other Party the ability to exercise any applicable rights under such Shared Contract) to cause a member of the Starz Group or the New Lionsgate Group, as the case may be, to receive the rights and benefits of that portion of each Shared Contract that relates to the Starz Business or the LG Studios Business, as the case may be (in each case, to the extent so related), as if such Shared Contract had been assigned to a member of the applicable Group (or amended to allow a member of the applicable Group to exercise applicable rights under such Shared Contract) pursuant to this Section 2.12, and to bear the burden of the corresponding Liabilities (including any Liabilities that may arise by reason of such arrangement), as if such Liabilities had been assumed by a member of the applicable Group pursuant to this Section 2.12.

(b) Each of New Lionsgate and Starz shall, and shall cause the members of its Group to, (i) treat for all Tax purposes the portion of each Shared Contract inuring to its respective businesses as an Asset owned by, and/or a Liability of, as applicable, such Party, or the members of its Group, as applicable, not later than the Arrangement Effective Time (or such earlier time as provided under a Transfer Document), and (ii) neither report nor take any Tax position (on a Tax Return or otherwise) inconsistent with such treatment (unless required by applicable Law).

(c) Nothing in this Section 2.12 shall require any member of any Group to make any non-de-minimis payment (except to the extent advanced, assumed or agreed in advance to be reimbursed by any member of the other Group), incur any non-de-minimis obligation or grant any non-de-minimis concession for the benefit of any member of any other Group in order to effect any transaction contemplated by this Section 2.12.

 

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2.13 Bank Accounts; Cash Balances.

(a) Each Party agrees to take, or cause the members of its Group to take, at the Arrangement Effective Time (or such earlier time as the Parties may agree), all actions necessary to amend all contracts or agreements governing each bank and brokerage account owned by Starz or any other member of the Starz Group (collectively, the “Starz Accounts”) and all contracts or agreements governing each bank or brokerage account owned by New Lionsgate or any other member of the New Lionsgate Group (collectively, the “New Lionsgate Accounts”) so that each such Starz Account and New Lionsgate Account, if currently linked (whether by automatic withdrawal, automatic deposit or any other authorization to transfer funds from or to, hereinafter “Linked”) to any New Lionsgate Account or Starz Account, respectively, is de-Linked from such New Lionsgate Account or Starz Account, respectively.

(b) It is intended that, following consummation of the actions contemplated by Section 2.13(a), there will be in place a cash management process pursuant to which the Starz Accounts will be managed and funds collected will be transferred into one (1) or more accounts maintained by Starz or a member of the Starz Group.

(c) It is intended that, following consummation of the actions contemplated by Section 2.13(a), there will continue to be in place a cash management process pursuant to which the New Lionsgate Accounts will be managed and funds collected will be transferred into one (1) or more accounts maintained by New Lionsgate or a member of the New Lionsgate Group.

(d) With respect to any outstanding checks issued or payments initiated by New Lionsgate, Starz, or any of the members of their respective Groups prior to the Arrangement Effective Time, such outstanding checks and payments shall be honored following the Arrangement Effective Time by the Person or Group owning the account on which the check is drawn or from which the payment was initiated, respectively.

(e) As between New Lionsgate and Starz, and the members of their respective Groups, all payments made and reimbursements, credits, returns or rebates received after the Arrangement Effective Time by any Party (or member of its Group) that relate to a business, Asset or Liability of another Party (or member of its Group), shall be held by such Party in trust for the use and benefit of the Party entitled thereto and, promptly following receipt by such Party of any such payment or reimbursement, credit, return or rebate such Party shall pay over, or shall cause the applicable member of its Group to pay over, to the applicable other Party the amount of such payment or reimbursement, credit, return or rebate without right of set-off.

2.14 Ancillary Agreements. Effective at or prior to the Arrangement Effective Time, each of the Parties will, or will cause the applicable members of their Groups to, execute and deliver all Ancillary Agreements to which it is a party.

2.15 Transition Committee. Upon or prior to the Arrangement Effective Time, the Parties shall establish a transition committee (the “Transition Committee”) that shall consist of two members from each of New Lionsgate and Starz. From and until the date that is two (2) years from the Arrangement Effective Time, the Transition Committee shall be responsible for monitoring and managing all matters related to any of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreements. From and after the Arrangement Effective Time, the Transition Committee shall have the authority to (a) establish one or more subcommittees from time to time as it deems appropriate or as may be described in any Ancillary Agreements, with each such subcommittee comprised of one or more members of the Transition Committee or one or more employees of any of the Parties or any members of their respective Groups, and each such subcommittee having such scope of responsibility as may be determined by the Transition Committee from time to time; (b) delegate to any such committee any of the monitoring and managing authority of the Transition Committee; and (c) combine, modify the scope of responsibility of, and disband any such subcommittees, and to modify or reverse any such delegations.

 

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The Transition Committee shall establish general procedures for managing the responsibilities delegated to it under this Section 2.15 and may modify such procedures from time to time. All decisions by the Transition Committee or any subcommittee thereof shall be effective only if mutually agreed by each of the applicable Parties. The Parties shall utilize the procedures set forth in Article VI to resolve any matters as to which the Transition Committee is not able to reach a decision.

2.16 Disclaimer of Representations and Warranties. EACH OF NEW LIONSGATE (ON BEHALF OF ITSELF AND EACH MEMBER OF THE NEW LIONSGATE GROUP) AND STARZ (ON BEHALF OF ITSELF AND EACH MEMBER OF THE STARZ GROUP) UNDERSTANDS AND AGREES THAT, EXCEPT AS EXPRESSLY SET FORTH HEREIN OR IN ANY ANCILLARY AGREEMENT, NO PARTY TO THIS AGREEMENT, ANY ANCILLARY AGREEMENT OR ANY OTHER AGREEMENT OR DOCUMENT CONTEMPLATED BY THIS AGREEMENT, ANY ANCILLARY AGREEMENT OR OTHERWISE, IS REPRESENTING OR WARRANTING IN ANY WAY AS TO THE ASSETS, BUSINESSES OR LIABILITIES TRANSFERRED OR ASSUMED AS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY OR THEREBY, AS TO ANY CONSENTS OR APPROVALS REQUIRED IN CONNECTION THEREWITH (INCLUDING GOVERNMENTAL APPROVALS OR PERMITS OF ANY KIND), AS TO THE VALUE OR FREEDOM FROM ANY SECURITY INTERESTS OF, OR ANY OTHER MATTER CONCERNING, ANY ASSETS OF SUCH PARTY, OR AS TO THE ABSENCE OF ANY DEFENSES OR RIGHT OF SETOFF OR FREEDOM FROM COUNTERCLAIM WITH RESPECT TO ANY CLAIM OR OTHER ASSET, INCLUDING ANY ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE, OF ANY PARTY, OR AS TO THE LEGAL SUFFICIENCY OF ANY ASSIGNMENT, DOCUMENT OR INSTRUMENT DELIVERED HEREUNDER TO CONVEY TITLE TO ANY ASSET OR THING OF VALUE UPON THE EXECUTION, DELIVERY AND FILING HEREOF OR THEREOF. EXCEPT AS MAY EXPRESSLY BE SET FORTH HEREIN OR IN ANY ANCILLARY AGREEMENT, ALL SUCH ASSETS ARE BEING TRANSFERRED ON AN “AS IS,” “WHERE IS” BASIS (AND, IN THE CASE OF ANY REAL PROPERTY, BY MEANS OF A QUITCLAIM OR SIMILAR FORM OF DEED OR CONVEYANCE) AND THE RESPECTIVE TRANSFEREES SHALL BEAR, WITHOUT LIMITATION, THE ECONOMIC AND LEGAL RISKS THAT (I) ANY CONVEYANCE WILL PROVE TO BE INSUFFICIENT TO VEST IN THE TRANSFEREE GOOD AND MARKETABLE TITLE, FREE AND CLEAR OF ANY SECURITY INTEREST, AND (II) ANY NECESSARY APPROVALS OR NOTIFICATIONS ARE NOT OBTAINED OR MADE OR THAT ANY REQUIREMENTS OF LAWS OR JUDGMENTS ARE NOT COMPLIED WITH.

2.17 Financing Arrangements.

(a) At or prior to the Arrangement Effective Time, (i) Starz and/or other members of the Starz Group shall enter into and/or assume or remain party to the financing arrangements set forth on Schedule 2.17(a)(i) (the “Starz Financing Arrangements”) and (ii) New Lionsgate and/or other members of the New Lionsgate Group shall enter into and/or assume or remain party to the financing arrangements set forth on Schedule 2.17(a)(ii) (the “Studios Financing Arrangements”).

(b) Each of New Lionsgate and Starz hereby agree to take all necessary actions to assure the full release and discharge of (x) New Lionsgate and the other members of the New Lionsgate Group from all obligations (including guarantees, if any) in connection with the Starz Financing Arrangements and (y) Starz and the other members of the Starz Group from all obligations (including guarantees, if any) in connection with the Studios Financing Arrangements. Each of New Lionsgate and Starz hereby further agree that (x) Starz or any other member of the Starz Group, as the case may be, and not New Lionsgate or any other member of the New Lionsgate Group, are and shall be responsible for all costs and expenses incurred in connection with the Starz Financing Arrangements and (y) New Lionsgate or any other member of the New Lionsgate Group, as the case may be, and not Starz or any other member of the Starz Group, are and shall be responsible for all costs and expenses incurred in connection with the Studios Financing Arrangements.

 

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(c) Prior to the Arrangement Effective Time, each of New Lionsgate and Starz shall cooperate in the preparation of all materials as may be necessary or advisable to execute each of the Starz Financing Arrangements and the Studios Financing Arrangements.

ARTICLE III

MUTUAL RELEASES; INDEMNIFICATION

3.1 Release of Pre-Transactions Claims.

(a) Starz Release of New Lionsgate. Except as provided in Section 3.1(c) and Section 3.1(d), effective as of the Arrangement Effective Time, Starz does hereby, for itself and each other member of the Starz Group, and their respective successors and assigns, and, to the extent permitted by Law, all Persons who at any time prior to the Arrangement Effective Time have been equityholders, directors, officers, agents or employees of any member of the Starz Group or have served as directors, officers, agents or employees of another Person at the request of any member of the Starz Group (in each case, in their respective capacities as such), remise, release and forever discharge (i) New Lionsgate and the members of the New Lionsgate Group and LG Studios and the members of the LG Studios Group, and their respective successors and assigns, and (ii) all Persons who at any time prior to the Arrangement Effective Time have been equityholders, directors, officers, agents or employees of any member of the New Lionsgate Group or the LG Studios Group or have served as directors, officers, agents or employees of another Person at the request of any member of the New Lionsgate Group or the LG Studios Group (in each case, in their respective capacities as such), who are not, as of immediately following the Arrangement Effective Time, equityholders, directors, officers, agents or employees of Starz or a member of the Starz Group (in each case, in their respective capacities as such), and their respective heirs, executors, administrators, successors and assigns, and (iii) all Persons who at any time prior to the Arrangement Effective Time are or have been equityholders, directors, officers, agents or employees of a Starz Entity or a wholly owned Subsidiary of a Starz Entity and who are not, as of immediately following the Arrangement Effective Time, directors, officers or employees of Starz or a member of the Starz Group (in each case, in their respective capacities as such), in each case from (A) all Starz Liabilities, (B) all Liabilities arising from or in connection with the Transactions and all other activities to implement the Transactions, in each case, excluding any indemnification or contribution obligations of the Parties set forth in this Agreement, any Ancillary Agreement, or as set forth in Schedule 3.6 and (C) all Liabilities arising from or in connection with actions, inactions, events, omissions, conditions, facts or circumstances occurring or existing prior to the Arrangement Effective Time (whether or not such Liabilities cease being contingent, mature, become known, are asserted or foreseen, or accrue, in each case before, at or after the Arrangement Effective Time), in each case to the extent relating to, arising out of or resulting from the Starz Business, the Starz Assets or the Starz Liabilities. The foregoing release includes a release of any rights and benefits conferred by or under California Civil Code Section 1542 or any applicable Law, which is similar, comparable, or equivalent to California Civil Code Section 1542, which provides:

A GENERAL RELEASE DOES NOT EXTEND TO CLAIMS THAT THE CREDITOR OR RELEASING PARTY DOES NOT KNOW OR SUSPECT TO EXIST IN HIS OR HER FAVOR AT THE TIME OF EXECUTING THE RELEASE AND THAT, IF KNOWN BY HIM OR HER, WOULD HAVE MATERIALLY AFFECTED HIS OR HER SETTLEMENT WITH THE DEBTOR OR RELEASED PARTY.

Starz hereby acknowledges that it is aware that factual matters now unknown to it may have given or may hereafter give rise to Liabilities that are presently unknown, unanticipated and unsuspected, and further agrees that this release has been negotiated and agreed upon in light of that awareness and nevertheless each Party expressly waives any and all rights which they may have under Section 1542 of the California Civil Code or any other state or federal statute or common law principle of similar effect.

(b) New Lionsgate and LG Studios Release of Starz.

 

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Except as provided in Section 3.1(c) and Section 3.1(d), effective as of the Arrangement Effective Time, each of New Lionsgate and LG Studios does hereby, for itself and each other member of the New Lionsgate Group and the LG Studios Group and their respective successors and assigns, and, to the extent permitted by Law, all Persons who at any time prior to the Arrangement Effective Time have been equityholders, directors, officers, agents or employees of any member of the New Lionsgate Group or the LG Studios Group or have served as directors, officers, agents or employees of another Person at the request of any member of the New Lionsgate Group or the LG Studios Group (in each case, in their respective capacities as such), remise, release and forever discharge (i) Starz and the members of the Starz Group and their respective successors and assigns, (ii) all Persons who at any time prior to the Arrangement Effective Time have been equityholders, directors, officers, agents or employees of any member of the Starz Group or have served as directors, officers, agents or employees of another Person at the request of any member of the New Lionsgate Group or the LG Studios Group (in each case, in their respective capacities as such) who are not, as of immediately following the Arrangement Effective Time, equityholders, directors, officers, agents or employees of New Lionsgate or a member of the New Lionsgate Group (in each case, in their respective capacities as such), and their respective heirs, executors, administrators, successors and assigns, and (iii) all Persons who at any time prior to the Arrangement Effective Time are or have been equityholders, directors, officers, agents or employees of a New Lionsgate Transferred Entity or a wholly owned Subsidiary of a New Lionsgate Transferred Entity and who are not, as of immediately following the Arrangement Effective Time, directors, officers or employees of New Lionsgate or a member of the New Lionsgate Group (in each case, in their respective capacities as such), in each case from (A) all New Lionsgate Liabilities, (B) all Liabilities arising from or in connection with the Transactions and all other activities to implement the Transactions, in each case, excluding any indemnification or contribution obligations of the Parties set forth in this Agreement, any Ancillary Agreement, or as set forth in Schedule 3.6 and (C) all Liabilities arising from or in connection with actions, inactions, events, omissions, conditions, facts or circumstances occurring or existing prior to the Arrangement Effective Time (whether or not such Liabilities cease being contingent, mature, become known, are asserted or foreseen, or accrue, in each case before, at or after the Arrangement Effective Time), in each case to the extent relating to, arising out of or resulting from the LG Studios Business, the New Lionsgate Assets or the New Lionsgate Liabilities. The foregoing release includes a release of any rights and benefits conferred by or under California Civil Code Section 1542 or any applicable Law, which is similar, comparable, or equivalent to California Civil Code Section 1542, which provides:

A GENERAL RELEASE DOES NOT EXTEND TO CLAIMS THAT THE CREDITOR OR RELEASING PARTY DOES NOT KNOW OR SUSPECT TO EXIST IN HIS OR HER FAVOR AT THE TIME OF EXECUTING THE RELEASE AND THAT, IF KNOWN BY HIM OR HER, WOULD HAVE MATERIALLY AFFECTED HIS OR HER SETTLEMENT WITH THE DEBTOR OR RELEASED PARTY.

New Lionsgate hereby acknowledges that it is aware that factual matters now unknown to it may have given or may hereafter give rise to Liabilities that are presently unknown, unanticipated and unsuspected, and further agrees that this release has been negotiated and agreed upon in light of that awareness and nevertheless each Party expressly waives any and all rights which they may have under Section 1542 of the California Civil Code or any other state or federal statute or common law principle of similar effect.

(c) Obligations Not Affected. Nothing contained in Section 3.1(a) or 3.1(b) shall impair any right of any Person to enforce this Agreement, any Ancillary Agreement or any agreements, arrangements, commitments or understandings that are specified in Section 2.11(a) or the applicable Schedules to this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement as not to terminate as of the Arrangement Effective Time, in each case in accordance with their respective terms. Nothing contained in Section 3.1(a) or 3.1(b) shall release any Person from:

(i) any Liability provided in or resulting from any agreement among any members of the New Lionsgate Group or any members of the Starz Group that is specified in Section 2.11(b) or the applicable Schedules to this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement as not to terminate as of the Arrangement Effective Time, or any other Liability specified in Section 2.11(b) as not to terminate as of the Arrangement Effective Time;

(ii) any Liability, contingent or otherwise, assumed, transferred, assigned or allocated to the Group of which such Person is a member in accordance with, or any other Liability of any member of any Group, including with respect to indemnification or contribution, under, this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement;

 

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(iii) any Liability for the sale, lease, construction or receipt of goods, property or services purchased, obtained or used in the ordinary course of business by a member of one Group from a member of the other Group prior to the Arrangement Effective Time;

(iv) any Liability for unpaid amounts for products or services or refunds owing on products or services due on a value received basis for work done by a member of one Group at the request or on behalf of a member of the other Group;

(v) any Liability provided in or resulting from any contract or understanding that is entered into after the Arrangement Effective Time between any Party (and/or a member of such Party’s Group), on the one hand, and any other Party (and/or a member of the other Party’s Group), on the other hand;

(vi) any Liability provided in or resulting from any agreement between any Person, who after the Arrangement Effective Time is an employee of the Starz Group, on the one hand, and any member of the New Lionsgate Group, on the other hand, including any Liability resulting from any obligation of any such Person in respect of confidentiality, non-competition, non-disparagement or assignment of rights;

(vii) any Liability provided in or resulting from any agreement between any Person, who after the Arrangement Effective Time is an employee of the New Lionsgate Group, on the one hand, and any member of the Starz Group, on the other hand, including any Liability resulting from any obligation of any such Person in respect of confidentiality, non-competition, non-disparagement or assignment of rights;

(viii) any Liability that the Parties may have with respect to any indemnification or contribution or other obligation pursuant to this Agreement, any Ancillary Agreement or otherwise for claims brought against the Parties by third Persons, which Liability shall be governed by the provisions of this Article III and Article IV and, if applicable, the appropriate provisions of the Ancillary Agreements;

(ix) any Liability arising out of agreements and understandings set forth on Schedule 3.6, other than to the extent set forth therein; or

(x) any Liability the release of which would result in the release of any Person other than a Person expressly contemplated to be released pursuant to this Section 3.1.

In addition, nothing contained in Section 3.1(a) shall release any member of the Lionsgate Group or LG Studios Group from honoring its existing obligations to indemnify any director, officer or employee of Starz who was a director, officer or employee of any member of the Lionsgate Group or LG Studios Group at or prior to the Arrangement Effective Time, to the extent such director, officer or employee is or becomes a named defendant in any Action with respect to which such director, officer or employee was entitled to such indemnification pursuant to such existing obligations; it being understood that, if the underlying obligation giving rise to such Action is a Starz Liability, Starz shall indemnify New Lionsgate for such Liability (including New Lionsgate’s costs to indemnify the director, officer or employee) in accordance with the provisions set forth in this Article III.

In addition, nothing contained in Section 3.1(b) shall release any member of the Starz Group from honoring its existing obligations to indemnify any director, officer or employee of New Lionsgate who was a director, officer or employee of any member of the Starz Group at or prior to the Arrangement Effective Time, to the extent such director, officer or employee is or becomes a named defendant in any Action with respect to which such director, officer or employee was entitled to such indemnification pursuant to such existing obligations; it being understood that, if the underlying obligation giving rise to such Action is a New Lionsgate Liability, New Lionsgate shall indemnify Starz for such Liability (including Starz’s costs to indemnify the director, officer or employee) in accordance with the provisions set forth in this Article III.

 

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(d) No Claims. Starz shall not make, and shall not permit any other member of the Starz Group to make, any claim or demand, or commence any Action asserting any claim or demand, including any claim of contribution or any indemnification, against New Lionsgate or any other member of the New Lionsgate Group, or any other Person released pursuant to Section 3.1(a), with respect to any Liabilities released pursuant to Section 3.1(a). New Lionsgate shall not make, and shall not permit any other member of the New Lionsgate Group to make, any claim or demand, or commence any Action asserting any claim or demand, including any claim of contribution or any indemnification, against Starz or any other member of the Starz Group, or any other Person released pursuant to Section 3.1(b), with respect to any Liabilities released pursuant to Section 3.1(b).

(e) Execution of Further Releases. At any time at or after the Arrangement Effective Time, at the request of any Party, the applicable Party shall cause each member of its Group to execute and deliver releases reflecting the provisions of this Section 3.1.

3.2 Indemnification by Starz. Except as otherwise specifically set forth in this Agreement or in any Ancillary Agreement, to the fullest extent permitted by Law, Starz shall, and shall cause the other members of the Starz Group to, indemnify, defend and hold harmless New Lionsgate, each member of the New Lionsgate Group and each of their respective past, present and future directors, officers, employees and agents, in each case in their respective capacities as such, and each of the heirs, executors, successors and assigns of any of the foregoing (collectively, the “New Lionsgate Indemnitees”), from and against any and all Liabilities of the New Lionsgate Indemnitees relating to, arising out of or resulting from, directly or indirectly, any of the following items (without duplication):

(a) any Starz Liability;

(b) any failure of Starz, any other member of the Starz Group or any other Person to pay, perform or otherwise promptly discharge any Starz Liabilities in accordance with their terms, whether prior to, on or after the Arrangement Effective Time;

(c) any breach by Starz or any other member of the Starz Group of this Agreement or any of the Ancillary Agreements (other than the Transition Services Agreement and Arrangement Agreement, of which indemnification obligations of the Parties are specified thereunder);

(d) except to the extent it relates to a New Lionsgate Liability, any guarantee, indemnification or contribution obligation, surety bond or other credit support agreement, arrangement, commitment or understanding for the benefit of any member of the Starz Group by any member of the New Lionsgate Group that survives following the Transactions; and

(e) any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact or omission or alleged omission to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, with respect to all information (i) contained in the Form S-4 or any prospectus (including in any amendments or supplements thereto) to the extent such information pertains to (x) any member of the Starz Group or (y) the Starz Business, (ii) contained in any public filings made by Starz with the SEC or the Canadian Securities Authorities following the date of the Transactions or (iii) provided by Starz to New Lionsgate specifically for inclusion in New Lionsgate’s annual or quarterly or current reports following the date of the Transactions to the extent (A) such information pertains to (x) a member of the Starz Group or (y) the Starz Business or (B) New Lionsgate has provided prior written notice to Starz that such information will be included in one or more annual or quarterly or current reports, specifying how such information will be presented, and the information is included in such annual or quarterly or current reports; provided, that this subclause (B) shall not apply to the extent that any such Liability arises out of or results from, or in connection with, any action or inaction of any member of the New Lionsgate Group, including as a result of any misstatement or omission of any information by any member of the New Lionsgate Group to Starz.

 

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3.3 Indemnification by New Lionsgate. Except as otherwise specifically set forth in this Agreement or in any Ancillary Agreement, to the fullest extent permitted by Law, New Lionsgate shall, and shall cause the other members of the New Lionsgate Group to, indemnify, defend and hold harmless Starz, each member of the Starz Group and each of their respective past, present and future directors, officers, employees or agents, in each case in their respective capacities as such, and each of the heirs, executors, successors and assigns of any of the foregoing (collectively, the “Starz Indemnitees”), from and against any and all Liabilities of the Starz Indemnitees relating to, arising out of or resulting from, directly or indirectly, any of the following items (without duplication):

(a) any New Lionsgate Liability;

(b) any failure of New Lionsgate, any other member of the New Lionsgate Group or any other Person to pay, perform or otherwise promptly discharge any New Lionsgate Liabilities in accordance with their terms, whether prior to, on or after the Arrangement Effective Time;

(c) any breach by New Lionsgate or any other member of the New Lionsgate Group of this Agreement or any of the Ancillary Agreements (other than the Transition Services Agreement and Arrangement Agreement, of which indemnification obligations of the Parties are specified thereunder);

(d) except to the extent it relates to a Starz Liability, any guarantee, indemnification or contribution obligation, surety bond or other credit support agreement, arrangement, commitment or understanding for the benefit of any member of the New Lionsgate Group by any member of the Starz Group that survives following the Transactions;

(e) any Liability set forth on Schedule 3.3(e); and

(f) any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact or omission or alleged omission to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, with respect to all information (i) contained in the Form S-4 or any prospectus (including in any amendments or supplements thereto) to the extent such information pertains to (x) any member of the New Lionsgate Group or (y) the LG Studios Business, (ii) contained in any public filings made by New Lionsgate with the SEC or the Canadian Securities Authorities following the date of the Transactions or (iii) provided by New Lionsgate to Starz specifically for inclusion in Starz’s annual or quarterly or current reports following the date of the Transactions to the extent (A) such information pertains to (x) a member of the New Lionsgate Group or (y) the LG Studios Business or (B) Starz has provided written notice to New Lionsgate that such information will be included in one or more annual or quarterly or current reports, specifying how such information will be presented, and the information is included in such annual or quarterly or current reports; provided, that this subclause (B) shall not apply to the extent that any such Liability arises out of or results from, or in connection with, any action or inaction of any member of the Starz Group, including as a result of any misstatement or omission of any information by any member of the Starz Group to New Lionsgate.

3.4 Indemnification Obligations Net of Insurance Proceeds and Other Amounts.

(a) The Parties intend that any Liability subject to indemnification, contribution or reimbursement pursuant to this Article III or Article IV (i) will be net of Insurance Proceeds or other amounts in each case actually recovered (net of any out-of-pocket costs or expenses incurred in the collection thereof) from any Person by or on behalf of the Indemnitee in respect of any indemnifiable Liability, and (ii) shall take into account (determined on a with and without basis) any Tax benefit realized in cash or a reduction in Taxes otherwise payable by the Person entitled to indemnification or contribution hereunder (an “Indemnitee”) and any Tax cost incurred by the Indemnitee arising from the incurrence or payment of the indemnifiable Liabilities.

 

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Accordingly, the amount which any Party (an “Indemnifying Party”) is required to pay to any Indemnitee will be reduced by any Insurance Proceeds or other amounts in each case actually recovered (net of any out-of-pocket costs or expenses incurred in the collection thereof) from any Person by or on behalf of the Indemnitee in respect of the related Liability. If an Indemnitee receives a payment (an “Indemnity Payment”) required by this Agreement from an Indemnifying Party in respect of any Liability and subsequently receives Insurance Proceeds or any other amounts in respect of such Liability, then within ten (10) calendar days of receipt of such Insurance Proceeds, the Indemnitee will pay to the Indemnifying Party an amount equal to the excess of the Indemnity Payment received over the amount of the Indemnity Payment that would have been due if the Insurance Proceeds or such other amounts (net of any out-of-pocket costs or expenses incurred in the collection thereof) had been received, realized or recovered before the Indemnity Payment was made.

(b) The Parties agree that an insurer that would otherwise be obligated to pay any claim shall not be relieved of the responsibility with respect thereto or, solely by virtue of any provision contained in this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement, have any subrogation rights with respect thereto, it being understood that no insurer or any other Third Party shall be entitled to a “windfall” (i.e., a benefit they would not be entitled to receive in the absence of the indemnification provisions) by virtue of the indemnification and contribution provisions hereof. Each Party shall, and shall cause the members of its Group to, use commercially reasonable efforts (taking into account the probability of success on the merits and the cost of expending such efforts, including attorneys’ fees and expenses) to collect or recover any Insurance Proceeds that may be collectible or recoverable respecting the Liabilities for which indemnification or contribution may be available under this Article III. Notwithstanding the foregoing, an Indemnifying Party may not delay making any indemnification payment required under the terms of this Agreement, or otherwise satisfying any indemnification obligation, pending the outcome of any Action to collect or recover Insurance Proceeds, and an Indemnitee need not attempt to collect any Insurance Proceeds prior to making a claim for indemnification or contribution or receiving any Indemnity Payment otherwise owed to it under this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement.

3.5 Procedures for Indemnification of Third-Party Claims.

(a) Notice of Claims. If, at or following the Arrangement Effective Time, an Indemnitee shall receive notice or otherwise learn of the assertion by a Person (including any Governmental Authority) who is not a member of the New Lionsgate Group or the Starz Group of any claim or of the commencement by any such Person of any Action (collectively, a “Third-Party Claim”) with respect to which an Indemnifying Party may be obligated to provide indemnification to such Indemnitee pursuant to Section 3.2 or 3.3, or any other Section of this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement, such Indemnitee shall give such Indemnifying Party written notice thereof as soon as practicable, but in any event within fourteen (14) days (or sooner if the nature of the Third-Party Claim so requires) after becoming aware of such Third-Party Claim. Any such notice shall describe the Third-Party Claim in reasonable detail, including the facts and circumstances giving rise to such claim for indemnification, and include copies of all material notices and documents (including court papers) received by the Indemnitee relating to the Third-Party Claim. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the failure of an Indemnitee to provide timely notice in accordance with this Section 3.5(a) shall not relieve an Indemnifying Party of its indemnification obligations under this Agreement, except to the extent to which the Indemnifying Party is actually prejudiced by the Indemnitee’s failure to provide notice in accordance with this Section 3.5(a).

(b) Control of Defense. Subject to any insurer’s rights pursuant to any Policies of any Party, an Indemnifying Party may elect to defend (and seek to settle or compromise), at its own expense and with its own counsel, any Third-Party Claim; provided, that, prior to the Indemnifying Party assuming and controlling the defense of such Third-Party Claim, it shall first confirm to the Indemnitee in writing that, assuming the facts presented to the Indemnifying Party by the Indemnitee are true, the Indemnifying Party shall indemnify the Indemnitee for any such damages to the extent resulting from, or arising out of, such Third-Party Claim.

 

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Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the Indemnifying Party assumes such defense and, in the course of defending such Third-Party Claim, (i) the Indemnifying Party discovers that the facts presented at the time the Indemnifying Party acknowledged its indemnification obligation in respect of such Third-Party Claim were not true in all material respects and (ii) such untruth provides a reasonable basis for asserting that the Indemnifying Party does not have an indemnification obligation in respect of such Third-Party Claim, then (A) the Indemnifying Party shall not be bound by such acknowledgment, (B) the Indemnifying Party shall promptly thereafter provide the Indemnitee written notice of its assertion that it does not have an indemnification obligation in respect of such Third-Party Claim and (C) the Indemnitee shall have the right to assume the defense of such Third-Party Claim. Within thirty (30) days after the receipt of a notice from an Indemnitee in accordance with Section 3.5(a) (or sooner, if the nature of the Third-Party Claim so requires), the Indemnifying Party shall provide written notice to the Indemnitee indicating whether the Indemnifying Party shall assume responsibility for defending the Third-Party Claim and specifying any reservations or exceptions to its defense. If an Indemnifying Party elects not to assume responsibility for defending any Third-Party Claim as provided in this Section 3.5(b) or fails to notify an Indemnitee of its election within thirty (30) days after receipt of the notice from an Indemnitee as provided in Section 3.5(a), then the Indemnitee that is the subject of such Third-Party Claim shall be entitled to continue to conduct and control the defense of such Third-Party Claim.

(c) Allocation of Defense Costs. If an Indemnifying Party has elected to assume the defense of a Third-Party Claim, whether with or without any reservations or exceptions with respect to such defense, then such Indemnifying Party shall be solely liable for all fees and expenses incurred by it in connection with the defense of such Third-Party Claim and shall not be entitled to seek any indemnification or reimbursement from the Indemnitee for any such fees or expenses incurred by the Indemnifying Party during the course of the defense of such Third-Party Claim by such Indemnifying Party, regardless of any subsequent decision by the Indemnifying Party to reject or otherwise abandon its assumption of such defense. If an Indemnifying Party elects not to assume responsibility for defending any Third-Party Claim or fails to notify an Indemnitee of its election within thirty (30) days after receipt of a notice from an Indemnitee as provided in Section 3.5(a), and the Indemnitee conducts and controls the defense of such Third-Party Claim and the Indemnifying Party has an indemnification obligation with respect to such Third-Party Claim, then the Indemnifying Party shall be liable for all reasonable and documented fees and expenses incurred by the Indemnitee in connection with the defense of such Third-Party Claim.

(d) Right to Monitor and Participate. An Indemnitee that does not conduct and control the defense of any Third-Party Claim, or an Indemnifying Party that does not elect or is not entitled to defend any Third-Party Claim as contemplated hereby, nevertheless shall have the right to employ separate counsel (including local counsel as reasonably necessary) of its own choosing to monitor and participate in (but not control) the defense of any Third-Party Claim for which it is a potential Indemnitee or Indemnifying Party, but the fees and expenses of such counsel shall be at the expense of such Indemnitee or Indemnifying Party, as the case may be, and the provisions of Section 3.5(c) shall not apply to such fees and expenses. Notwithstanding the foregoing, but subject to Sections 5.7 and 5.8, such Party shall cooperate with the Party entitled to conduct and control the defense of such Third-Party Claim in such defense and make available to the controlling Party, at the non-controlling Party’s expense, all witnesses, information and materials in such Party’s possession or under such Party’s custody or control relating thereto as are reasonably required by the controlling Party. In addition to the foregoing, if any outside legal counsel to the Indemnitee reasonably determines in good faith that such Indemnitee and the Indemnifying Party have actual or potential differing defenses or conflicts of interest between them that make joint representation inappropriate, then the Indemnitee shall have the right to employ separate counsel (including local counsel as reasonably necessary) and to participate in (but not control) the defense, compromise, or settlement thereof, and in such case the Indemnifying Party shall bear the reasonable and documented fees and expenses of such counsel for all Indemnitees.

(e) No Settlement. No Party may settle or compromise any Third-Party Claim for which any Party is seeking to be indemnified hereunder without the prior written consent of the other Party, which consent may not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed, unless such settlement or compromise is solely for monetary damages that are fully payable by the settling or compromising Party, does not involve any admission, finding or determination of wrongdoing or violation of Law by the other Party or another member of its Group or the Indemnitee and provides for a full, unconditional and irrevocable release of the other Party and any applicable members of its Group or the Indemnitee from all Liability in connection with the Third-Party Claim.

 

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The Parties hereby agree that if a Party presents the other Party with a written notice containing a proposal to settle or compromise a Third-Party Claim for which any Party is seeking to be indemnified hereunder and the Party receiving such proposal does not respond in any manner to the Party presenting such proposal within thirty (30) Business Days (or within any such shorter time period that may be required by applicable Law or court order) of receipt of such proposal, then the Party receiving such proposal shall be deemed to have consented to the terms of such proposal; provided that the Party presenting such proposal shall confirm that it intends to settle or compromise the applicable Third-Party Claim in a second notice sent at least five (5) Business Days (or within any such shorter time period that may be required by applicable Law or court order) prior to the expiration of such thirty (30) Business Day period.

(f) Tax Matters Agreement Coordination. The provisions of Section 3.2 through Section 3.10 hereof (other than Section 3.4(a)(ii) in respect of certain Tax benefits to the extent provided therein) do not apply with respect to Taxes or Tax matters (it being understood and agreed that claims with respect to Taxes and Tax matters, including the control of Tax-related proceedings, shall be governed by the Tax Matters Agreement to the extent provided therein). In the case of any conflict or inconsistency between this Agreement and the Tax Matters Agreement in relation to any matters addressed by the Tax Matters Agreement, the Tax Matters Agreement shall prevail.

3.6 Cost Sharing. Except as set forth on Schedule 3.6, New Lionsgate and Lionsgate agree that New Lionsgate will bear the costs (including legal fees and expenses) of the Transaction to the extent that those costs relate exclusively to the LG Studios Business, and Lionsgate will bear the costs of the Transaction to the extent those costs relates exclusively to the Starz Business.

3.7 Additional Matters.

(a) Timing of Payments. Indemnification or contribution payments in respect of any Liabilities for which an Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification or contribution under this Article III shall be paid reasonably promptly (but in any event within thirty (30) days of the final determination of the amount that the Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification or contribution under this Article III) by the Indemnifying Party to the Indemnitee as such Liabilities are incurred upon demand by the Indemnitee, including reasonably satisfactory documentation setting forth the basis for the amount of such indemnification or contribution payment, including documentation with respect to calculations made and consideration of any Insurance Proceeds that actually reduce the amount of such Liabilities. The indemnity and contribution provisions contained in this Article III shall remain operative and in full force and effect, regardless of (i) any investigation made by or on behalf of any Indemnitee, and (ii) the knowledge by the Indemnitee of Liabilities for which it might be entitled to indemnification hereunder.

(b) Notice of Direct Claims. Any claim for indemnification or contribution under this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement that does not result from a Third-Party Claim shall be asserted by written notice given by the Indemnitee to the applicable Indemnifying Party; provided, that the failure by an Indemnitee to so assert any such claim shall not prejudice the ability of the Indemnitee to do so at a later time except to the extent (if any) that the Indemnifying Party is actually prejudiced thereby. Such Indemnifying Party shall have a period of thirty (30) Business Days after the receipt of such notice within which to respond thereto. If such Indemnifying Party does not respond within such thirty (30) Business Day period, such specified claim shall be conclusively deemed a Liability of the Indemnifying Party under this Section 3.6(b) or, in the case of any written notice in which the amount of the claim (or any portion thereof) is estimated, on such later date when the amount of the claim (or such portion thereof) becomes finally determined; provided that the Indemnitee shall issue a second “reminder” notice at least five (5) Business Days prior to the expiration of such thirty (30) Business Day period. If such Indemnifying Party does not respond within such thirty (30)-day period or rejects such claim in whole or in part, such Indemnitee shall, subject to the provisions of Article VI, be free to pursue such remedies as may be available to such Party as contemplated by this Agreement and the Ancillary Agreements, as applicable, without prejudice to its continuing rights to pursue indemnification or contribution hereunder.

 

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(c) Pursuit of Claims Against Third Parties. If (i) a Party incurs any Liability arising out of this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement; (ii) an adequate legal or equitable remedy is not available for any reason against the other Party to satisfy the Liability incurred by the incurring Party; and (iii) a legal or equitable remedy may be available to the other Party against a Third Party for such Liability, then the other Party shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to cooperate with the incurring Party, at the incurring Party’s expense, to permit the incurring Party to obtain the benefits of such legal or equitable remedy against the Third Party.

(d) Subrogation. In the event of payment by or on behalf of any Indemnifying Party to any Indemnitee in connection with any Third-Party Claim, such Indemnifying Party shall be subrogated to and shall stand in the place of such Indemnitee as to any events or circumstances in respect of which such Indemnitee may have any right, defense or claim relating to such Third-Party Claim against any claimant or plaintiff asserting such Third-Party Claim or against any other Person. Such Indemnitee shall cooperate with such Indemnifying Party in a reasonable manner, and at the cost and expense of such Indemnifying Party, in prosecuting any subrogated right, defense or claim.

(e) Substitution. In the event of an Action in which the Indemnifying Party is not a named defendant, if either the Indemnitee or Indemnifying Party shall so request, the Parties shall endeavor to substitute the Indemnifying Party for the named defendant. If such substitution or addition cannot be achieved for any reason or is not requested, the named defendant shall allow the Indemnifying Party to manage the Action as set forth in Section 3.5 and this Section 3.6 and the Indemnifying Party shall fully indemnify the named defendant against all reasonable costs of defending the Action (including court costs, sanctions imposed by a court, attorneys’ fees, experts fees and all other external expenses), the costs of any judgment or settlement and the cost of any interest or penalties relating to any judgment or settlement.

3.8 Right of Contribution.

(a) Contribution. If any right of indemnification contained in Section 3.2 or Section 3.3 is held unenforceable or is unavailable for any reason, or is insufficient to hold harmless an Indemnitee in respect of any Liability for which such Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification hereunder, then the Indemnifying Party shall contribute to the amounts paid or payable by the Indemnitees as a result of such Liability (or actions in respect thereof) in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect the relative fault of the Indemnifying Party and the members of its Group, on the one hand, and the Indemnitees entitled to contribution, on the other hand, as well as any other relevant equitable considerations.

(b) Allocation of Relative Fault. Solely for purposes of determining relative fault pursuant to this Section 3.7: (i) any fault associated with the business conducted with the Delayed Starz Assets or Delayed Starz Liabilities (except for the gross negligence or intentional misconduct of a member of the New Lionsgate Group) or with the ownership, operation or activities of the Starz Business prior to the Arrangement Effective Time shall be deemed to be the fault of Starz and the other members of the Starz Group, and no such fault shall be deemed to be the fault of New Lionsgate or any other member of the New Lionsgate Group and (ii) any fault associated with the business conducted with Delayed New Lionsgate Assets or Delayed New Lionsgate Liabilities (except for the gross negligence or intentional misconduct of a member of the Starz Group) or with the ownership, operation or activities of the LG Studios Business prior to the Arrangement Effective Time shall be deemed to be the fault of New Lionsgate and the other members of the New Lionsgate Group, and no such fault shall be deemed to be the fault of Starz or any other member of the Starz Group.

3.9 Covenant Not to Sue. Each Party hereby covenants and agrees that none of it, the members of such Party’s Group or any Person claiming through it shall bring suit or otherwise assert any claim against any Indemnitee, or assert a defense against any claim asserted by any Indemnitee, before any court, arbitrator, mediator or administrative agency anywhere in the world, alleging that: (a) the retention or assumption (as applicable) of any Starz Liabilities by Starz or a member of the Starz Group on the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement and the Ancillary Agreements is void or unenforceable for any reason; (b) the retention or assumption (as applicable) of any New Lionsgate Liabilities by New Lionsgate or a member of the New Lionsgate Group on the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement and the Ancillary Agreements is void or unenforceable for any reason; or (c) the provisions of this Article III are void or unenforceable for any reason.

 

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3.10 Remedies Cumulative. The remedies provided in this Article III shall be cumulative and, subject to the provisions of Article VI, shall not preclude assertion by any Indemnitee of any other rights or the seeking of any and all other remedies against any Indemnifying Party.

3.11 Survival of Indemnities. The rights and obligations of each of New Lionsgate and Starz and their respective Indemnitees under this Article III shall survive (a) the sale or other transfer by any Party or any member of its Group of any Assets or businesses or the assignment by it of any Liabilities; or (b) any merger, consolidation, business combination, sale of all or substantially all of its Assets, restructuring, recapitalization, reorganization, spin-off or similar transaction involving any Party or any of the members of its Group.

ARTICLE IV

CERTAIN OTHER MATTERS

4.1 Starz Financial Information Certifications; Certain Audit Matters. Lionsgate’s disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting (as each is contemplated by the Exchange Act) are currently applicable to Starz as its Subsidiary. In order to enable the principal executive officer and principal financial officer of Starz to make the certifications required of them under Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 following the Arrangement Effective Date in respect of any quarterly or annual fiscal period of Starz that begins prior to the Arrangement Effective Date in respect of which financial statements are not included in the Form S-4 (a “Straddle Period”), New Lionsgate, on or before the date that is ten (10) days prior to the latest date on which Starz may file the periodic report pursuant to Section 13 of the Exchange Act for any such Straddle Period (not taking into account any possible extensions), shall provide Starz with one or more certifications with respect to such disclosure controls and procedures and the effectiveness thereof and whether there were any changes in the internal controls over financial reporting that have materially affected or are reasonably likely to materially affect the internal control over financing reporting, which certification(s) shall be (a) with respect to the applicable Straddle Period (it being understood that no certification need be provided with respect to any period or portion of any period after the Arrangement Effective Date) and (b) in substantially the same form as those that had been provided by officers or employees of Lionsgate in similar certifications delivered prior to the Arrangement Effective Date, with such changes thereto as New Lionsgate may reasonably determine. Such certification(s) shall be provided by New Lionsgate (and not by any officer or employee in their individual capacity). In addition, and without limiting the foregoing, the Parties agree to take the actions set forth on Schedule 4.1.

4.2 Reserved.

4.3 Insurance Matters.

(a) New Lionsgate and Starz agree to cooperate in good faith to provide for an orderly transition of insurance coverage from the date hereof through the Arrangement Effective Date. In no event shall New Lionsgate, any other member of the New Lionsgate Group or any New Lionsgate Indemnitee have any Liability or obligation whatsoever to any member of the Starz Group arising from the fact that (i) any insurance policy or insurance policy related contract shall be terminated or otherwise cease to be in effect for any reason, shall be unavailable or inadequate to cover any Liability of any member of the Starz Group for any reason or shall be cancelled or not be renewed or extended beyond the current expiration date or (ii) any insurer declines, denies, delays or obstructs any claim payment.

 

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(b) New Lionsgate and Starz acknowledge that, prior to the Arrangement Effective Date, New Lionsgate intends to take such action, in its sole discretion as it may deem necessary or desirable, to remove the members of the Starz Group and their respective employees, officers and directors as insured parties, or limit the coverage provided to such parties, under some or all Policies issued to the New Lionsgate Group. The date(s) on which New Lionsgate removes the members of the Starz Group and their respective employees, officers and directors as insured parties, or limits the coverage provided to such parties, under a particular Policy or Policies shall constitute the “Insurance Termination Time” for such Policy or Policies. Starz further acknowledges and agrees that, from and after the applicable Insurance Termination Time for a particular Policy, neither Starz nor any member of the Starz Group shall have any rights to or under such Policy other than as expressly provided in Section 4.3(d).

(c) At the applicable Insurance Termination Time, Starz shall use commercially reasonable efforts to place in effect all insurance programs required to comply with Starz’s contractual obligations and such other Policies required by Law or as reasonably necessary or appropriate for companies operating a business similar to Starz’s. With respect to such provided policies, if any, procured by Starz for the sole benefit of the Starz Group (“Starz Policies”), Starz shall use commercially reasonable efforts to continue to maintain such insurance coverage through the Arrangement Effective Date in a manner no less favorable than currently provided.

(d) From and after the applicable Insurance Termination Time for a particular Policy, with respect to any losses, damages and Liability incurred by any member of the Starz Group prior to such Insurance Termination Time only, New Lionsgate will provide Starz with access to, and Starz may make claims under, such New Lionsgate Group Policy in place immediately prior to the applicable Insurance Termination Time (and any extended reporting periods for claims-made Policies) and the New Lionsgate Group’s historical Policies, but solely to the extent that such Policies provided coverage for members of the Starz Group or the Starz Business prior to the applicable Insurance Termination Time; provided, that such access to, and the right to make claims under, such Policies shall be subject to the terms, conditions and exclusions of such Policies, including any limits on coverage or scope, any deductibles, self-insured retentions and other fees and expenses, and shall be subject to the following additional conditions:

(i) Starz shall notify New Lionsgate, as promptly as practicable, of any claim made by the Starz Group pursuant to this Section 4.3(d);

(ii) Starz and the members of the Starz Group shall indemnify, hold harmless and reimburse New Lionsgate and the members of the New Lionsgate Group for any deductibles, self-insured retention, fees, indemnity payments, settlements, judgments, legal fees, allocated claims expenses and claim handling fees, retrospective premiums, captive reinsurance, matching deductibles, collateral obligations, indemnity agreements, and other losses and expenses incurred by New Lionsgate or any members of the New Lionsgate Group to the extent resulting from any access to, or any claims made by Starz or any other members of the Starz Group under, any insurance (including any self-insured program) provided pursuant to this Section 4.3, whether such claims are made by Starz, its employees or third Persons; and

(iii) Starz shall exclusively bear (and neither New Lionsgate nor any members of the New Lionsgate Group shall have any obligation to repay or reimburse Starz or any member of the Starz Group for) and shall be liable for all excluded, uninsured, uncovered, unavailable or uncollectible amounts of all such claims made by Starz or any member of the Starz Group under the Policies as provided for in this Section 4.3. In the event an insurance policy aggregate is exhausted, or believed likely to be exhausted, due to noticed claims, the Starz Group, on the one hand, the New Lionsgate Group, on the other hand, shall be responsible for their pro rata portion of the reinstatement premium, if any, based upon the losses of such Group submitted to New Lionsgate’s insurance carrier(s) (including any submissions prior to the applicable Insurance Termination Time). To the extent that the New Lionsgate Group or the Starz Group is allocated more than its pro rata portion of such premium due to the timing of losses submitted to New Lionsgate’s insurance carrier(s), the other Party shall promptly pay the first Party an amount such that each Group has been properly allocated its pro rata portion of the reinstatement premium.

 

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Subject to the following sentence, a Party may elect not to reinstate the policy aggregate. In the event that a Party elects not to reinstate the policy aggregate, it shall provide prompt written notice to the other Party, and if the other Party elects to reinstate the policy aggregate, such other Party shall be responsible for all reinstatement premiums and other costs associated with such reinstatement.

In the event that any member of the New Lionsgate Group incurs any losses, damages or Liability prior to or in respect of the period prior to the applicable Insurance Termination Time for which such member of the New Lionsgate Group is entitled to coverage under Starz’s Policies, the same process pursuant to this Section 4.3(d) shall apply, substituting “New Lionsgate” for “Starz” and “Starz” for “New Lionsgate,” including for purposes of the first sentence of Section 4.3(e).

(e) Neither Starz nor any member of the Starz Group, in connection with making a claim under any insurance policy of New Lionsgate or any member of the New Lionsgate Group pursuant to Section 4.3(d), shall take any action that would be reasonably likely to (i) have a material and adverse impact on the then-current relationship between New Lionsgate or any member of the New Lionsgate Group, on the one hand, and the applicable insurance company, broker or third-party claims administrator, on the other hand; (ii) result in the applicable insurance company terminating or materially reducing coverage, or materially increasing the amount of any premium owed by New Lionsgate or any member of the New Lionsgate Group under the applicable insurance policy; or (iii) otherwise compromise, jeopardize or interfere in any material respect with the rights of New Lionsgate or any member of the New Lionsgate Group under the applicable insurance policy.

(f) All payments and reimbursements by Starz pursuant to Section 4.3(d) will be made within thirty (30) days after Starz’s receipt of an invoice therefor from New Lionsgate, unless otherwise agreed in writing by the Parties. If New Lionsgate incurs costs to enforce Starz’s obligations herein, Starz agrees to indemnify and hold harmless New Lionsgate for such enforcement costs, including reasonable attorneys’ fees, pursuant to Section 3.6(b). New Lionsgate shall retain the exclusive right to control its Policies and programs, including the right to exhaust, settle, release, commute, buy-back or otherwise resolve disputes with respect to any of its Policies and programs and to amend, modify or waive any rights under any such Policies and programs, notwithstanding whether any such Policies or programs apply to any Starz Liabilities and/or claims Starz has made or could make in the future, and no member of the Starz Group shall erode, exhaust, settle, release, commute, buyback or otherwise resolve disputes with New Lionsgate’s insurers with respect to any of New Lionsgate’s Policies and programs, or amend, modify or waive any rights under any such Policies and programs. Starz shall cooperate with New Lionsgate and share such information as is reasonably necessary in order to permit New Lionsgate to manage and conduct its insurance matters as New Lionsgate deems appropriate. Neither New Lionsgate nor any member of the New Lionsgate Group shall have any obligation to secure extended reporting for any claims under any Policies of New Lionsgate or any member of the New Lionsgate Group for any acts or omissions by any member of the Starz Group incurred prior to the applicable Insurance Termination Time. For the avoidance of doubt, without limiting Section 3.5(e), each Party and any member of its applicable Group has the sole right to settle or otherwise resolve third-party claims made against it or any member of its applicable Group covered under an applicable insurance Policy.

(g) This Agreement shall not be considered as an attempted assignment of any policy of insurance or as a contract of insurance and shall not be construed to waive any right or remedy of any member of the New Lionsgate Group in respect of any insurance policy or any other contract or policy of insurance.

(h) Starz does hereby, for itself and each other member of the Starz Group, agree that no member of the New Lionsgate Group shall have any Liability whatsoever as a result of the Policies and practices of New Lionsgate and the members of the New Lionsgate Group as in effect at any time, including as a result of the level or scope of any such insurance, the creditworthiness of any insurance carrier, the terms and conditions of any policy, or the adequacy or timeliness of any notice to any insurance carrier with respect to any claim or potential claim or otherwise.

 

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4.4 Late Payments. Except as expressly provided to the contrary in this Agreement or in any Ancillary Agreement, or as otherwise agreed in writing by the Parties, any amount not paid when due pursuant to this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement (and any amounts billed or otherwise invoiced or demanded and properly payable that are not paid within ninety (90) days of such bill, invoice or other demand) shall accrue interest at a rate per annum equal to the Prime Rate plus two (2%) percent; provided, that with respect to any disputed payments, no interest payment shall be due until such dispute is resolved and the interest which shall be payable thereon shall be based on the finally-resolved amount of such payment, calculated from the original date on which the disputed payment was due through the date on which payment is actually made.

4.5 Inducement. Starz acknowledges and agrees that New Lionsgate’s willingness to cause, effect and consummate the Transactions has been conditioned upon and induced by Starz’s covenants and agreements in this Agreement and the Ancillary Agreements, including Starz’s assumption of the Starz Liabilities pursuant to the Transactions and the provisions of this Agreement and Starz’s covenants and agreements contained in Article III and this Article IV. New Lionsgate acknowledges and agrees that Starz’s willingness to cause, effect and consummate the Transactions has been conditioned upon and induced by New Lionsgate’s covenants and agreements in this Agreement and the Ancillary Agreements, including New Lionsgate’s assumption of the New Lionsgate Liabilities pursuant to the Transactions and the provisions of this Agreement and New Lionsgate’s covenants and agreements contained in Article III and this Article IV.

4.6 Post-Arrangement Effective Time Conduct. The Parties acknowledge that, after the Arrangement Effective Time, each Party shall be independent of the other Party, with responsibility for its own actions and inactions and its own Liabilities relating to, arising out of or resulting from the conduct of its business, operations and activities following the Arrangement Effective Time, except as may otherwise be provided in any Ancillary Agreement, and each Party shall (except as otherwise provided in Article III) use commercially reasonable efforts to prevent such Liabilities from being inappropriately borne by the other Party.

ARTICLE V

EXCHANGE OF INFORMATION; CONFIDENTIALITY

5.1 Agreement for Exchange of Information. Subject to Section 5.9 and any other applicable confidentiality obligations, each of New Lionsgate and Starz, on behalf of itself and each member of its Group, agrees to use commercially reasonable efforts to provide or make available, or cause to be provided or made available, to the other Party and the members of such other Party’s Group, at any time before, on or after the Arrangement Effective Time, as soon as reasonably practicable after written request therefor is received by such Party’s legal department from the requesting Party’s legal department, any information (or a copy thereof) in the possession, custody or control of such Party or its Group which the requesting Party’s legal department requests (including any Starz Books and Records or New Lionsgate Books and Records, as applicable, and any information held by a third party on such Party’s or a member of its Group’s behalf) to the extent that (i) such information relates to the Starz Business, or any Starz Asset or Starz Liability, if Starz is the requesting Party, or to the LG Studios Business, or any New Lionsgate Asset or New Lionsgate Liability, if New Lionsgate is the requesting Party (including, for the avoidance of doubt, such information the requesting Party reasonably believes is relevant to the requesting Party’s claim or defense in ongoing or anticipated litigation or other legal proceeding and would be proportional to the needs of the matter); (ii) such information is required by the requesting Party to comply with its obligations under this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement; (iii) such information is required by the requesting Party to comply with any obligation, audit, inspection, inquiry, or request from any Governmental Authority; or (iv) such information is required by the requesting Party to comply with any obligation imposed by a court order or any other compulsory legal process; or (v) such information is required by the requesting Party in order to prepare and complete a tax return or other tax filing (if, but only to the extent that, the exchange of such information is not otherwise addressed in the Tax Matters Agreement); provided, however, that, in the event that the Party to whom the request has been made determines that any such provision of information could be detrimental to the Party providing the information, violate any Law or agreement, or waive any privilege available under applicable Law, including any attorney-client privilege, then the Parties shall use commercially reasonable efforts to permit compliance with such obligations to the extent and in a manner that avoids any such harm or consequence (including by way of redaction).

 

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The Party providing information pursuant to this Section 5.1 shall only be obligated to provide such information in the form, condition and format in which it then exists and in no event shall such Party be required to perform any improvement, modification, conversion, updating or reformatting of any such information, and nothing in this Section 5.1 shall expand the obligations of any Party under Section 5.4. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, until the end of Starz’s fiscal year during which the Arrangement Effective Date occurs (and for a reasonable period of time afterwards as required for each Party to prepare consolidated financial statements or complete a financial statement audit for the fiscal year during which the Arrangement Effective Date occurs), each Party shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to cooperate with the other Party’s information requests to enable (i) the other Party to meet its timetable for dissemination of its earnings releases, financial statements and management’s assessment of the effectiveness of its disclosure controls and procedures and its internal control over financial reporting in accordance with Items 307 and 308, respectively, of Regulation S-K promulgated under the Exchange Act; and (ii) the other Party’s accountants to timely complete their review of the quarterly financial statements and audit of the annual financial statements, including, to the extent applicable to such Party, its auditor’s audit of its internal control over financial reporting and management’s assessment thereof in accordance with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, the SEC’s and Public Company Accounting Oversight Board’s rules and auditing standards thereunder and any other applicable Laws.

5.2 Ownership of Information. The provision of any information pursuant to Section 5.1 or Section 5.7 shall not affect the ownership of such information (which shall be determined solely in accordance with the terms of this Agreement and the Ancillary Agreements), or constitute a grant of rights in or to any such information.

5.3 Compensation for Providing Information. The Party requesting information agrees to reimburse the other Party for the reasonable costs, if any, of creating, gathering, copying, transporting, redacting and otherwise complying with the request with respect to such information (including any reasonable costs and expenses incurred in any review of information for purposes of protecting the Privileged Information of the providing Party or in connection with the restoration of backup media for purposes of providing the requested information). Except as may be otherwise specifically provided elsewhere in this Agreement, any Ancillary Agreement or any other agreement between the Parties, such costs shall be computed in accordance with the providing Party’s standard methodology and procedures.

5.4 Record Retention.

(a) To facilitate the possible exchange of information pursuant to this Article V and other provisions of this Agreement after the Arrangement Effective Time, the Parties agree to use their commercially reasonable efforts, which shall be no less rigorous than those used for retention of such Party’s own information, to retain all information in their respective possession or control at the Arrangement Effective Time in substantial accordance with the policies of New Lionsgate as in effect at the Arrangement Effective Time or such other policies as may be adopted by Starz after the Arrangement Effective Time (provided that Starz notifies New Lionsgate in writing of any such change). Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Tax Matters Agreement will exclusively govern the retention of Tax-related records and the exchange of Tax-related information, and the Employee Matters Agreement will exclusively govern the retention of employment- and benefits-related records.

(b) Each Party shall preserve and keep all documents subject to a litigation hold as of the date of this Agreement until such Party has been notified that such litigation hold is no longer applicable.

5.5 Limitations of Liability. No Party shall have any Liability to any other Party arising from the fact that any information exchanged or provided pursuant to this Agreement is found to be inaccurate in the absence of gross negligence, bad faith, fraud or willful misconduct by the Party providing such information. No Party shall have any Liability to any other Party if any information is destroyed notwithstanding commercially reasonable efforts by such Party to comply with the provisions of Section 5.4.

 

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5.6 Other Agreements Providing for Exchange of Information.

(a) The rights and obligations granted under this Article V are subject to any specific limitations, qualifications or additional provisions on the sharing, exchange, retention, destruction or confidential treatment of information set forth in any Ancillary Agreement.

(b) Any Party that receives, pursuant to a request for information in accordance with this Article V, Tangible Information that is not relevant to its request shall, at the request of the providing Party, (i) return it to the providing Party or, at the providing Party’s request, destroy such Tangible Information; and (ii) deliver to the providing Party written confirmation that such Tangible Information was returned or destroyed, as the case may be, which confirmation shall be signed by an authorized representative of the requesting Party.

5.7 Production of Witnesses; Records; Cooperation.

(a) After the Arrangement Effective Time, except in the case of a Dispute between New Lionsgate and Starz, or any members of their respective Groups, each Party shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to make available to the other Party, upon written request, the former, current and future directors, officers, employees, other personnel and agents of the members of its Group as witnesses and any books, records or other documents within its possession, custody or control, or which it otherwise has the ability to make available without undue burden, to the extent that any such person (giving consideration to business demands of such directors, officers, employees, other personnel and agents) or books, records or other documents may reasonably be required in connection with any Action in which the requesting Party (or member of its Group) may from time to time be involved, regardless of whether such Action is a matter with respect to which indemnification may be sought hereunder. The requesting Party shall bear all costs and expenses in connection therewith.

(b) If an Indemnifying Party chooses to defend or to seek to compromise or settle any Third-Party Claim, the other Parties shall make available to such Indemnifying Party, upon written request, the former, current and future directors, officers, employees, other personnel and agents of the members of its Group as witnesses and any books, records or other documents within its possession, custody or control, to the extent that any such person (giving consideration to business demands of such directors, officers, employees, other personnel and agents) or books, records or other documents may reasonably be required in connection with such defense, settlement or compromise, or such prosecution, evaluation or pursuit, as the case may be, and shall otherwise cooperate in such defense, settlement or compromise, or such prosecution, evaluation or pursuit, as the case may be.

(c) Without limiting the foregoing, except in the case of a Dispute between New Lionsgate and Starz, or any members of their respective Groups, each Party shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to cooperate and consult to the extent reasonably necessary with respect to any Actions.

(d) Without limiting any provision of this Section 5.7, each of the Parties agrees to cooperate, and to cause each member of its Group to cooperate, with each other in the defense of any infringement or similar claim with respect to any Intellectual Property Rights and shall not claim to acknowledge, or permit any member of its Group to claim to acknowledge, the validity or infringing use of any Intellectual Property Rights of a third Person in a manner that would hamper or undermine the defense of such infringement or similar claim.

(e) The obligation of the Parties to provide witnesses pursuant to this Section 5.7 is intended to be interpreted in a manner so as to facilitate cooperation and shall include the obligation to provide as witnesses directors, officers, employees, other personnel and agents without regard to whether such Person or the employer of such Person could assert a possible business conflict (subject to the exception set forth in the first sentence of Section 5.7(a)).

 

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5.8 Privileged Matters.

(a) The Parties recognize that legal and other professional services that have been and will be provided prior to the Arrangement Effective Time have been and will be rendered for the collective benefit of each of the members of the New Lionsgate Group and the Starz Group, and that each of the members of the New Lionsgate Group and the Starz Group should be deemed to be the client with respect to such services for the purposes of asserting all privileges which may be asserted under applicable Law in connection therewith. The Parties recognize that legal and other professional services will be provided following the Arrangement Effective Time, which services will be rendered solely for the benefit of the New Lionsgate Group or the Starz Group, as the case may be. In furtherance of the foregoing, each Party shall authorize the delivery to and/or retention by the other Party of materials existing as of the Arrangement Effective Time that are necessary for such other Party to perform such services.

(b) The Parties agree as follows:

(i) New Lionsgate shall be entitled, in perpetuity, to control the assertion or waiver of all privileges and immunities in connection with any Privileged Information that relates solely to the LG Studios Business and not to the Starz Business, whether or not the Privileged Information is in the possession or under the control of any member of the New Lionsgate Group or any member of the Starz Group. New Lionsgate shall also be entitled, in perpetuity, to control the assertion or waiver of all privileges and immunities in connection with any Privileged Information that relates solely to any New Lionsgate Liabilities resulting from any Actions that are now pending or may be asserted in the future, whether or not the Privileged Information is in the possession or under the control of any member of the New Lionsgate Group or any member of the Starz Group;

(ii) Starz shall be entitled, in perpetuity, to control the assertion or waiver of all privileges and immunities in connection with any Privileged Information that relates solely to the Starz Business and not to the LG Studios Business, whether or not the Privileged Information is in the possession or under the control of any member of the Starz Group or any member of the New Lionsgate Group. Starz shall also be entitled, in perpetuity, to control the assertion or waiver of all privileges and immunities in connection with any Privileged Information that relates solely to any Starz Liabilities resulting from any Actions that are now pending or may be asserted in the future, whether or not the Privileged Information is in the possession or under the control of any member of the Starz Group or any member of the New Lionsgate Group; and

(iii) if the Parties do not agree as to whether certain information is Privileged Information, then such information shall be treated as Privileged Information, and the Party that believes that such information is Privileged Information shall be entitled to control the assertion or waiver of all privileges and immunities in connection with any such information unless the Parties otherwise agree. The Parties shall use the procedures set forth in Article VI to resolve any disputes as to whether any information relates solely to the LG Studios Business, solely to the Starz Business, or to both the LG Studios Business and the Starz Business.

(c) Subject to the remaining provisions of this Section 5.8, the Parties agree that they shall have a shared privilege or immunity with respect to all privileges and immunities not allocated pursuant to Section 5.8(b) and all privileges and immunities relating to any Actions or other matters that involve both Parties (or one or more members of their respective Groups) and in respect of which both Parties have Liabilities under this Agreement, and that no such shared privilege or immunity may be waived by any Party without the consent of the other Party.

(d) If any Dispute arises between the Parties or any members of their respective Groups regarding whether a privilege or immunity should be waived to protect or advance the interests of any Party and/or any member of their respective Groups, each Party agrees that it shall (i) negotiate with the other Party in good faith; (ii) endeavor to minimize any prejudice to the rights of the other Party; and (iii) not unreasonably withhold consent to any request for waiver by the other Party. Further, each Party specifically agrees that it shall not withhold its consent to the waiver of a privilege or immunity for any purpose except in good faith to protect its own legitimate interests.

 

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(e) Upon receipt by any Party, or by any member of its Group, of any subpoena, discovery or other request that may reasonably be expected to result in the production or disclosure of Privileged Information subject to a shared privilege or immunity or as to which another Party has the sole right hereunder to assert a privilege or immunity, or if any Party obtains knowledge that any of its, or any member of its Group’s, current or former directors, officers, agents or employees have received any subpoena, discovery or other requests that may reasonably be expected to result in the production or disclosure of such Privileged Information, such Party shall promptly notify the other Party of the existence of the request (which notice shall be delivered to such other Party no later than five (5) Business Days following the receipt of any such subpoena, discovery or other request) and shall provide the other Party a reasonable opportunity to review the Privileged Information and to assert any rights it or they may have under this Section 5.8 or otherwise, to prevent the production or disclosure of such Privileged Information.

(f) Any furnishing of, or access or transfer of, any information pursuant to this Agreement is made in reliance on the agreement of New Lionsgate and Starz set forth in this Section 5.8 and in Section 5.9 to maintain the confidentiality of Privileged Information and to assert and maintain all applicable privileges and immunities. The Parties agree that their respective rights to any access to information, witnesses and other Persons, the furnishing of notices and documents and other cooperative efforts between the Parties contemplated by this Agreement, and the transfer of Privileged Information between the Parties and members of their respective Groups as needed pursuant to this Agreement, shall not be deemed a waiver of any privilege or immunity that has been or may be asserted under this Agreement or otherwise.

(g) In connection with any matter contemplated by Section 5.7 or this Section 5.8, the Parties agree to, and to cause the applicable members of their Group to, use commercially reasonable efforts to maintain their respective separate and joint privileges and immunities, including by executing joint defense and/or common interest agreements where necessary or useful for this purpose.

5.9 Confidentiality.

(a) Confidentiality. Subject to Section 5.10, and without prejudice to any longer period that may be provided for in any of the Ancillary Agreements, from and after the Arrangement Effective Time until the five (5)-year anniversary of the Arrangement Effective Time, each of New Lionsgate and Starz, on behalf of itself and each member of its Group, agrees to hold, and to cause its respective Representatives to hold, in strict confidence, with at least the same degree of care that applies to such Party’s confidential and proprietary information pursuant to policies in effect as of the Arrangement Effective Time, all confidential and proprietary information concerning the other Party or any member of the other Party’s Group or their respective businesses (giving effect to the Transactions) that is either in its possession (including confidential and proprietary information in its possession prior to the date hereof) or furnished by any such other Party or any member of such Party’s Group or their respective Representatives at any time pursuant to this Agreement, any Ancillary Agreement or otherwise, and shall not use any such confidential and proprietary information other than for such purposes as shall be expressly permitted hereunder or thereunder, except, in each case, to the extent that such confidential and proprietary information has been (i) in the public domain or generally available to the public, other than as a result of a disclosure by such Party or any member of such Party’s Group or any of their respective Representatives in violation of this Agreement, (ii) later lawfully acquired from other sources by such Party (or any member of such Party’s Group) which sources are not, to the best of such Party’s knowledge, themselves bound by a confidentiality obligation or other contractual, legal or fiduciary obligation of confidentiality with respect to such confidential and proprietary information, or (iii) independently developed or generated without reference to or use of any proprietary or confidential information of the other Party or any member of such Party’s Group. Notwithstanding the foregoing five (5)-year period, New Lionsgate’s and Starz’s obligations with respect to confidential and proprietary information that constitutes trade secrets shall survive and continue for so long as such confidential and proprietary information retains its status as a trade secret.

 

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If any confidential and proprietary information of one Party or any member of its Group is disclosed to the other Party or any member of such other Party’s Group in connection with providing services to such first Party or any member of such first Party’s Group under this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement, then such disclosed confidential and proprietary information shall be used only as required to perform such services.

(b) No Release; Return or Destruction. Each Party agrees not to release or disclose, or permit to be released or disclosed, any information addressed in Section 5.9(a) to any other Person, except its Representatives who need to know such information in their capacities as such (who shall be advised of their obligations hereunder with respect to such information), and except in compliance with Section 5.10. Without limiting the foregoing, when any such information is no longer needed for the purposes contemplated by this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement, and is no longer subject to any legal hold or other document preservation obligation, each Party will promptly after request of the other Party either return to the other Party all such information in a tangible form (including all copies thereof and all notes, extracts or summaries based thereon) or notify the other Party in writing that it has destroyed such information (and such copies thereof and such notes, extracts or summaries based thereon); provided, that the Parties may retain electronic back-up versions of such information maintained on routine computer system backup tapes, disks or other backup storage devices; provided further, that any such information so retained shall remain subject to the confidentiality provisions of this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement.

(c) Third-Party Information; Privacy or Data Protection Laws. Each Party acknowledges that it and members of its Group may presently have and, following the Arrangement Effective Time, may gain access to or possession of confidential or proprietary information of, or legally protected personal information relating to, Third Parties (i) that was received under privacy policies or notices and/or confidentiality or non-disclosure agreements entered into between such Third Parties, on the one hand, and the other Party or members of such other Party’s Group, on the other hand, prior to the Arrangement Effective Time; or (ii) that, as between the two Parties, was originally collected by the other Party or members of such other Party’s Group and that may be subject to and protected by privacy policies or notices, as well as privacy, data protection or other applicable Laws. Each Party agrees that it shall hold, protect and use, and shall cause the members of its Group and its and their respective Representatives to hold, protect and use, in strict confidence the confidential and proprietary information of, or legally protected personal information relating to, Third Parties in accordance with privacy policies or notices and privacy, data protection or other applicable Laws and the terms of any agreements that were either entered into before the Arrangement Effective Time or affirmative commitments or representations that were made before the Arrangement Effective Time by, between or among the other Party or members of the other Party’s Group, on the one hand, and such Third Parties, on the other hand.

5.10 Protective Arrangements. In the event that a Party or any member of its Group either determines on the advice of its counsel that it is required to disclose any information pursuant to applicable Law or receives any request or demand under lawful process or from any Governmental Authority to disclose or provide information of the other Party (or any member of the other Party’s Group) that is subject to the confidentiality provisions hereof, such Party shall notify the other Party (to the extent legally permitted) as promptly as practicable under the circumstances prior to disclosing or providing such information and shall cooperate, at the expense of the other Party, in seeking any appropriate protective order requested by the other Party. In the event that such other Party fails to receive such appropriate protective order in a timely manner and the Party receiving the request or demand reasonably determines that its failure to disclose or provide such information shall actually prejudice the Party receiving the request or demand, then the Party that received such request or demand may thereafter disclose or provide information to the extent required by such Law (as so advised by its counsel) or by lawful process or such Governmental Authority or to the extent necessary for such Party to not be so prejudiced, and the disclosing Party shall promptly provide the other Party with a copy of the information so disclosed, in the same form and format so disclosed, together with a list of all Persons to whom such information was disclosed, in each case to the extent legally permitted.

 

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ARTICLE VI

DISPUTE RESOLUTION

6.1 Good Faith Officer Negotiation. Subject to Section 6.4, any Party seeking resolution of any dispute, controversy or claim arising out of or relating to this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement (other than the Tax Matters Agreement), including regarding whether any Assets are Starz Assets or New Lionsgate Assets, any Liabilities are Starz Liabilities or New Lionsgate Liabilities or the validity, interpretation, breach or termination of this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement (other than the Tax Matters Agreement) (a “Dispute”), which dispute could not be resolved by the Transition Committee, shall provide written notice thereof to the other Party (the “Officer Negotiation Request”). Within thirty (30) days of the delivery of the Officer Negotiation Request, the Parties shall attempt to resolve the Dispute through good faith negotiation. All such negotiations shall be conducted by executives who hold, at a minimum, the title of Senior Vice President (or a position substantially equivalent thereto) and who have authority to settle the Dispute. All such negotiations shall be confidential and shall be treated as compromise and settlement negotiations for purposes of applicable rules of evidence. If the Parties are unable for any reason to resolve a Dispute within thirty (30) days of receipt of the Officer Negotiation Request, and such thirty (30)-day period is not extended by mutual written consent of the Parties, the Chief Executive Officers of the Parties shall engage in good-faith negotiations in accordance with Section 6.2.

6.2 Good-Faith Negotiation; Mediation.

(a) If any Dispute is not resolved pursuant to Section 6.1, the Party that delivered the Officer Negotiation Request shall provide written notice of such Dispute to the Chief Executive Officer of each Party (a “CEO Negotiation Request”). As soon as reasonably practicable following receipt of a CEO Negotiation Request, the Chief Executive Officers of the Parties shall begin conducting good-faith negotiations with respect to such Dispute. All such negotiations shall be confidential and shall be treated as compromise and settlement negotiations for purposes of applicable rules of evidence.

(b) If the Chief Executive Officers of the Parties are unable for any reason to resolve a Dispute within thirty (30) days of receipt of a CEO Negotiation Request, and such thirty (30)-day period is not extended by mutual written consent of the Parties, then any Party shall initiate a non-binding mediation by providing written notice (a “Mediation Notice”) to the other Party within five (5) Business Days following the expiration of such thirty (30) day period.

(c) Upon receipt of a Mediation Notice, the applicable Dispute shall be submitted within five (5) Business Days following such receipt of such Mediation Notice for non-binding mediation conducted in accordance with the Commercial Mediation Rules of the American Arbitration Association (“Arbitration Association”), and the Parties agree to bear equally the costs of such mediation (including any fees or expenses of the applicable mediator); provided that each Party shall bear its own costs in connection with participating in such mediation. The Parties agree to participate in good faith in such mediation for a period of thirty (30) days or such longer period as the Parties may mutually agree following receipt of such Mediation Notice (the “Mediation Period”).

(d) In connection with such mediation, the Parties shall cooperate with the Arbitration Association and with one another in selecting a neutral mediator with relevant industry experience and in scheduling the mediation proceedings during the applicable Mediation Period. If the Parties are unable to agree on a neutral mediator within five (5) Business Days of submitting a Dispute for mediation pursuant to Section 6.2(c), application shall be made by the Parties to the Arbitration Association for the Arbitration Association to select and appoint a neutral mediator on the Parties’ behalf in accordance with the Commercial Mediation Rules of the Arbitration Association.

(e) The Parties further agree that all information, whether oral or written, provided in the course of any such mediation by any Party or their Representatives, and by the applicable mediator and any employees of the mediation service, is confidential, privileged, and inadmissible for any purpose, including impeachment, in any Action involving the Parties; provided that any such information that is otherwise admissible or discoverable shall not be rendered inadmissible or non-discoverable as a result of its use in such mediation.

 

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(f) If the Parties are unable to resolve a Dispute for any reason, on and following the expiration of the Mediation Period, the Dispute shall be submitted to arbitration in accordance with Section 6.3.

6.3 Arbitration.

(a) In the event that a Dispute has not been resolved within thirty (30) days of the receipt of a CEO Negotiation Request in accordance with Section 6.2, or within such longer period as the Parties may agree to in writing, then such Dispute shall, upon the written request of a Party (the “Arbitration Request”) be submitted to be finally resolved by binding arbitration in accordance with the then-current JAMS Comprehensive Arbitration Rules and Procedures (“JAMS Rules”), except as modified herein. The arbitration shall be held in (i) Los Angeles, California, or (ii) such other place as the Parties may mutually agree in writing. Unless otherwise agreed by the Parties in writing, any Dispute to be decided pursuant to this Section 6.3 will be decided (i) before a sole arbitrator if the amount in dispute, inclusive of all claims and counterclaims, totals less than $1 (one) million; or (ii) by a panel of three (3) arbitrators if the amount in dispute, inclusive of all claims and counterclaims, totals $1 (one) million or more.

(b) The panel of three (3) arbitrators will be chosen as follows: (i) within thirty (30) days from the date of the receipt of the Arbitration Request, each Party will name an arbitrator; and (ii) the two (2) Party-appointed arbitrators will thereafter, within thirty (30) days from the date on which the second of the two (2) arbitrators was named, name a third independent arbitrator who will act as chairperson of the arbitral tribunal. In the event that any Party fails to name an arbitrator within thirty (30) days from the date of receipt of the Arbitration Request, then upon written application by any Party, that arbitrator shall be appointed pursuant to the JAMS Rules. In the event that the two (2) Party-appointed arbitrators fail to appoint the third, then the third independent arbitrator will be appointed pursuant to the JAMS Rules. If the arbitration will be before a sole independent arbitrator, then the sole independent arbitrator will be appointed by agreement of the Parties within thirty (30) days of the date of receipt of the Arbitration Request. If the Parties cannot agree to a sole independent arbitrator during such thirty (30) day period, then upon written application by any Party, the sole independent arbitrator will be appointed pursuant to the JAMS Rules.

(c) The arbitrator(s) will have the right to award, on a preliminary or interim basis, or include in the final award, any relief that it/they deem proper in the circumstances, including money damages (with interest on unpaid amounts from the due date), injunctive relief (including specific performance) and attorneys’ fees and costs; provided, that the arbitrator(s) will not award any relief not specifically requested by the Parties nor any relief not permitted by the terms of any commercial or other applicable agreement between the Parties and, in any event, will not award any indirect, punitive, exemplary, remote, speculative or similar damages in excess of compensatory damages (other than any such Liability arising from a payment actually made to a Third Party with respect to a Third-Party Claim). Upon selection of the arbitrator(s) following any grant of interim relief by a special arbitrator or court pursuant to Section 6.4, the arbitrator(s) may affirm or disaffirm that relief, and the Parties will seek modification or rescission of the order entered by the court as necessary to accord with the decision of the arbitrator(s). The award of the arbitrator(s) shall be final and binding on the Parties, and may be enforced in any court of competent jurisdiction. The initiation of arbitration pursuant to this Article VI will toll the applicable statute of limitations for the duration of any such proceedings. Notwithstanding applicable state Law, the arbitration and this agreement to arbitrate shall be governed by the Federal Arbitration Act, 9 U.S.C. § 1, et seq.

6.4 Litigation and Unilateral Commencement of Arbitration. Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Article VI, (a) a Party may seek preliminary provisional or injunctive judicial relief with respect to a Dispute (unless, but only to the extent, such relief is not permitted by the terms of any commercial or other applicable agreement between the Parties) without first complying with the procedures set forth in Section 6.1, Section 6.2 and Section 6.3 if such action is reasonably necessary to avoid irreparable damage (it being understood that such initiating Party may, at its election, pursue arbitration, including seeking arbitral relief on a preliminary or interim basis, in lieu of such judicial relief) and (b) any Party may initiate arbitration before the expiration of the periods specified in Section 6.1, Section 6.2 and/or Section 6.3 if such Party has submitted an Officer Negotiation Request, a CEO Negotiation Request and/or an Arbitration Request, as applicable, and the applicable other Party has failed to comply with Section 6.1, Section 6.2 and/or Section 6.3, as applicable, in good faith with respect to such negotiation and/or the commencement and engagement in arbitration.

 

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In the circumstances contemplated by clause (b) of the immediately preceding sentence, the other Party may commence and prosecute such arbitration unilaterally in accordance with the JAMS Rules.

6.5 Conduct During Dispute Resolution Process. Unless otherwise agreed in writing, the Parties shall, and shall cause the respective members of their Groups to, continue to honor all commitments under this Agreement and each Ancillary Agreement to the extent required by such agreements during the course of dispute resolution pursuant to the provisions of this Article VI, unless such commitments are the specific subject of the Dispute at issue.

ARTICLE VII

FURTHER ASSURANCES AND ADDITIONAL COVENANTS

7.1 Further Assurances.

(a) In addition to the actions specifically provided for elsewhere in this Agreement, except as otherwise expressly provided in this Agreement or any of the Ancillary Agreements, each of the Parties shall use its reasonable best efforts, prior to, on and after the Arrangement Effective Time, to take, or cause to be taken, all actions, and to do, or cause to be done, all things, reasonably necessary, proper or advisable under applicable Laws, regulations and agreements to consummate and make effective the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the Ancillary Agreements.

(b) Without limiting the foregoing, prior to, on and after the Arrangement Effective Time, each Party hereto shall cooperate with the other Party, and without any further consideration, but at the expense of the requesting Party, to execute and deliver, or use its reasonable best efforts to cause to be executed and delivered, all instruments, including instruments of conveyance, assignment and transfer, and to make all filings with, and to obtain all Approvals or Notifications of, any Governmental Authority or any other Person under any permit, license, agreement, indenture or other instrument (including any consents or Governmental Approvals), and to take all such other actions as such Party may reasonably be requested to take by the other Party from time to time, consistent with the terms of this Agreement and the Ancillary Agreements, in order to effectuate the provisions and purposes of this Agreement and the Ancillary Agreements and the transfers of the Starz Assets and the New Lionsgate Assets and the assignment and assumption of the Starz Liabilities and the New Lionsgate Liabilities and the other transactions contemplated hereby and thereby. Without limiting the foregoing, each Party will, at the reasonable request, cost and expense of the other Party, take such other actions as may be reasonably necessary to vest in such other Party good and marketable title to the Assets allocated to such Party under this Agreement or any of the Ancillary Agreements, free and clear of any Security Interest, if and to the extent it is practicable to do so.

(c) At or prior to the Arrangement Effective Time, New Lionsgate and Starz, in their respective capacities as direct and indirect shareholders of the members of their Groups, shall each ratify any actions which are reasonably necessary or desirable to be taken by New Lionsgate, Starz or any of the members of their respective Groups, as the case may be, to effectuate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the Ancillary Agreements.

 

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ARTICLE VIII

TERMINATION

8.1 Termination. This Agreement may not be terminated, except by an agreement in writing signed by a duly authorized officer of each of the Parties or as otherwise required by applicable Law.

8.2 Effect of Termination. In the event of any termination of this Agreement prior to the Arrangement Effective Date, this Agreement shall become null and void and no Party (nor any of its directors, officers or employees) shall have any Liability or further obligation to the other Party or any member of the other Party’s Group by reason of this Agreement or the Ancillary Agreements.

ARTICLE IX

MISCELLANEOUS

9.1 Counterparts; Entire Agreement; Corporate Power.

(a) This Agreement and each Ancillary Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, all of which shall be considered one and the same agreement, and shall become effective when one or more counterparts have been signed by each of the Parties or the parties thereto, respectively, and delivered to the other Party or other parties thereto, respectively.

(b) This Agreement, the Ancillary Agreements and the Exhibits, Schedules and appendices hereto and thereto contain the entire agreement between the Parties with respect to the subject matter hereof, supersede all previous agreements, negotiations, discussions, writings, understandings, commitments and conversations with respect to such subject matter, and there are no agreements or understandings between the Parties other than those set forth or referred to herein or therein. This Agreement and the Ancillary Agreements together govern the arrangements in connection with the Transactions and would not have been entered into independently.

(c) Each Party represents on behalf of itself and each other member of its Group, as follows:

(i) each such Person has the requisite corporate or other power and authority and has taken all corporate or other action necessary in order to execute, deliver and perform this Agreement and each Ancillary Agreement to which it is a party and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby; and

(ii) this Agreement and each Ancillary Agreement to which it is a party has been duly executed and delivered by it and constitutes a valid and binding agreement of it enforceable in accordance with the terms thereof.

(d) Each Party acknowledges that it and each other Party is executing this Agreement and certain of the Ancillary Agreements by facsimile, stamp or mechanical signature, and that delivery of an executed counterpart of a signature page to this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement (whether executed by manual, stamp or mechanical signature) by facsimile or by e-mail in portable document format (PDF) shall be effective as delivery of such executed counterpart of this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement. Each Party expressly adopts and confirms each such facsimile, stamp or mechanical signature (regardless of whether delivered in person, by mail, by courier, by facsimile or by e-mail in portable document format (PDF)) made in its name as if it were a manual signature delivered in person, agrees that it will not assert that any such signature or delivery is not adequate to bind such Party to the same extent as if it were signed manually and delivered in person and agrees that, at the reasonable request of the other Party at any time, it will as promptly as reasonably practicable cause each such Ancillary Agreement to be manually executed (any such execution to be as of the date of the initial date thereof) and delivered in person, by mail or by courier.

 

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9.2 Governing Law. This Agreement and, unless expressly provided therein, each Ancillary Agreement (and any claims or disputes arising out of or related hereto or thereto or to the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby or to the inducement of any party to enter herein and therein, whether for breach of contract, tortious conduct or otherwise and whether predicated on common law, statute or otherwise) shall be governed by and construed and interpreted in accordance with the Laws of the State of Delaware irrespective of the choice of laws principles of the State of Delaware including all matters of validity, construction, effect, enforceability, performance and remedies. For clarity, all matters relating to the duties of the directors and officer of New Lionsgate and Lionsgate shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of British Columbia, Canada, and the federal laws of Canada applicable therein.

9.3 Assignability. Except as set forth in any Ancillary Agreement, this Agreement and each Ancillary Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Parties and the parties thereto, respectively, and their respective successors and permitted assigns; provided, however, that no Party nor any such party thereto may assign its rights or delegate its obligations under this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement without the express prior written consent of the other Party hereto or other parties thereto, as applicable (whether pursuant to a merger, by operation of Law or otherwise). Notwithstanding the foregoing, no such consent shall be required for the assignment of a Party’s rights and obligations under this Agreement and the Ancillary Agreements (except as may be otherwise provided in any such Ancillary Agreement) in whole (i.e., the assignment of a Party’s rights and obligations under this Agreement and all Ancillary Agreements all at the same time) in connection with a Change of Control of a Party so long as the resulting, surviving or transferee Person assumes all the obligations of the relevant Party hereto or relevant party thereto, as applicable, by operation of Law or pursuant to an agreement in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the other Party or other Party thereto, as applicable.

9.4 Third-Party Beneficiaries. Except for the indemnification rights under this Agreement and each Ancillary Agreement of any New Lionsgate Indemnitee or Starz Indemnitee in their respective capacities as such, (a) the provisions of this Agreement and each Ancillary Agreement are solely for the benefit of the Parties and the parties thereto, respectively, and are not intended to confer upon any Person except the Parties and the parties thereto any rights or remedies hereunder or thereunder, and (b) there are no third-party beneficiaries of this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement and neither this Agreement nor any Ancillary Agreement shall provide any third person with any remedy, claim, Liability, reimbursement, claim of action or other right in excess of those existing without reference to this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement.

9.5 Notices. All notices, requests, claims, demands or other communications under this Agreement and, to the extent, applicable and unless otherwise provided therein, under each of the Ancillary Agreements shall be in writing and shall be given or made (and, except as otherwise provided herein, shall be deemed to have been duly given or made upon receipt) by delivery in person, by overnight courier service, by certified mail, return receipt requested, or by electronic mail so long as confirmation of receipt thereof is requested and received, to the respective Parties at the following addresses (or at such other address for a Party as shall be specified in a notice given in accordance with this Section 9.5):

If to Lionsgate (prior to the Arrangement Effective Time), to:

Lions Gate Entertainment Corp.

2700 Colorado Avenue

Santa Monica, CA 90404

Attention: James W. Barge

E-mail: jbarge@lionsgate.com

If to Starz (after the Arrangement Effective Time), to:

Starz Entertainment Corp.

1647 Stewart Street

Santa Monica, CA 90404

 

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Attention: General Counsel

E-mail: Audrey.Lee@starz.com

If to LG Studios (prior to the Arrangement Effective Time) or New Lionsgate (after the Arrangement Effective Time), to:

Lionsgate Studios Corp.

2700 Colorado Avenue

Santa Monica, CA 90404

Attention: Bruce Tobey

E-mail: btobey@lionsgate.com

A Party may, by notice to the other Party, change the address to which such notices are to be given.

9.6 Severability. If any provision of this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement or the application thereof to any Person or circumstance is determined by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, void or unenforceable, the remaining provisions hereof or thereof, or the application of such provision to Persons or circumstances or in jurisdictions other than those as to which it has been held invalid or unenforceable, shall remain in full force and effect and shall in no way be affected, impaired or invalidated thereby. Upon such determination, the Parties shall negotiate in good faith in an effort to agree upon a suitable and equitable provision to effect the original intent of the Parties.

9.7 Force Majeure. No Party shall be deemed in default of this Agreement or, unless otherwise expressly provided therein, any Ancillary Agreement for any delay or failure to fulfill any obligation (other than a payment obligation) hereunder or thereunder so long as and to the extent to which any delay or failure in the fulfillment of such obligation is prevented, frustrated, hindered or delayed as a consequence of circumstances of Force Majeure. In the event of any such excused delay, the time for performance of such obligations (other than a payment obligation) shall be extended for a period equal to the time lost by reason of the delay. A Party claiming the benefit of this provision shall, as soon as reasonably practicable after the occurrence of any such event, (a) provide written notice to the other Party of the nature and extent of any such Force Majeure condition; and (b) use commercially reasonable efforts to remove any such causes and resume performance under this Agreement and the Ancillary Agreements, as applicable, as soon as reasonably practicable.

9.8 No Set-Off. Except as expressly set forth in any Ancillary Agreement or as otherwise mutually agreed to in writing by the Parties, no Party nor any member of such Party’s Group shall have any right of set-off or other similar rights with respect to (a) any amounts received pursuant to this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement; or (b) any other amounts claimed to be owed to the other Party or any member of its Group arising out of this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement.

9.9 Expenses. Except as otherwise expressly set forth in this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement, or as otherwise agreed to in writing by the Parties, all third-party fees, costs and expenses, and all other fees, costs and expenses, in each case incurred at or prior to the Arrangement Effective Time in connection with the preparation, execution, delivery and implementation of this Agreement, including the Transactions, and any Ancillary Agreement, the Form S-4, the Meeting Materials, the Plan of Arrangement, and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby will be borne by the Party or its applicable Subsidiary incurring such fees, costs or expenses. Except as otherwise expressly set forth in this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement, or as otherwise agreed to in writing by the Parties, all third-party fees, costs and expenses, and all other fees, costs and expenses, in each case incurred after the Arrangement Effective Time in connection with the Transactions and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby will be borne by the Party or its applicable Subsidiary incurring such fees, costs or expenses. The Parties agree that certain specified costs and expenses shall be allocated between the Parties, and borne and be the responsibility of the applicable Party, as set forth on Schedule 3.6.

 

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9.10 Headings. The article, section and paragraph headings contained in this Agreement and in the Ancillary Agreements are for reference purposes only and shall not affect in any way the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement.

9.11 Survival of Covenants. Except as expressly set forth in this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement, the covenants, representations and warranties contained in this Agreement and each Ancillary Agreement, and Liability for the breach of any obligations contained herein, shall survive the Transactions and shall remain in full force and effect.

9.12 Waivers of Default. Waiver by a Party of any default by the other Party of any provision of this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement shall not be deemed a waiver by the waiving Party of any subsequent or other default, nor shall it prejudice the rights of the other Party. No failure or delay by a Party in exercising any right, power or privilege under this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement shall operate as a waiver thereof, nor shall a single or partial exercise thereof prejudice any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right, power or privilege.

9.13 Specific Performance. Subject to the provisions of Article VI, and except as otherwise set forth in any applicable Ancillary Agreement, in the event of any actual or threatened default in, or breach of, any of the terms, conditions and provisions of this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement, the Party or Parties who are, or are to be, thereby aggrieved shall have the right to specific performance and injunctive or other equitable relief in respect of its or their rights under this Agreement or such Ancillary Agreement, in addition to any and all other rights and remedies at law or in equity, and all such rights and remedies shall be cumulative. The Parties agree that the remedies at law for any breach or threatened breach, including monetary damages, are inadequate compensation for any loss and that any defense in any Action for specific performance that a remedy at law would be adequate is waived. Any requirements for the securing or posting of any bond with such remedy are waived by each of the Parties.

9.14 Amendments. No provisions of this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement shall be deemed waived, amended, supplemented or modified by a Party, unless such waiver, amendment, supplement or modification is in writing and signed by the authorized representative of the Party against whom it is sought to enforce such waiver, amendment, supplement or modification.

9.15 Interpretation. In this Agreement and any Ancillary Agreement, (a) words in the singular shall be deemed to include the plural and vice versa and words of one gender shall be deemed to include the other genders as the context requires; (b) the terms “hereof,” “herein,” and “herewith” and words of similar import shall, unless otherwise stated, be construed to refer to this Agreement (or the applicable Ancillary Agreement) as a whole (including all of the Schedules, Exhibits and Appendices hereto and thereto) and not to any particular provision of this Agreement (or such Ancillary Agreement); (c) Article, Section, Schedule, Exhibit and Appendix references are to the Articles, Sections, Schedules, Exhibits and Appendices to this Agreement (or the applicable Ancillary Agreement) unless otherwise specified; (d) unless otherwise stated, all references to any agreement (including this Agreement and each Ancillary Agreement) shall be deemed to include the exhibits, schedules and annexes (including all Schedules, Exhibits and Appendices) to such agreement; (e) the word “including” and words of similar import when used in this Agreement (or the applicable Ancillary Agreement) shall mean “including, without limitation,” unless otherwise specified; (f) the word “or” need not be exclusive; (g) unless otherwise specified in a particular case, the word “days” refers to calendar days; (h) references herein to this Agreement or any other agreement contemplated herein shall be deemed to refer to this Agreement or such other agreement as of the date on which it is executed and as it may be amended, modified or supplemented thereafter, unless otherwise specified; (i) unless expressly stated to the contrary in this Agreement or in any Ancillary Agreement, all references to “the date hereof,” “the date of this Agreement” and words of similar import shall all be references to May 6, 2025; and (j) the word “extent” and the phrase “to the extent” shall mean the degree (if any) to which a subject or other thing extends, and such word or phrase shall not merely mean “if”.

 

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9.16 Limitations of Liability. Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, neither Starz or any member of the Starz Group, on the one hand, nor New Lionsgate or any member of the New Lionsgate Group, on the other hand, shall be liable under this Agreement to the other for any indirect, punitive, exemplary, remote, speculative or similar damages in excess of compensatory damages of the other arising in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby (other than any such Liability actually paid or payable in respect of a Third-Party Claim).

9.17 Performance. New Lionsgate will cause to be performed, and hereby guarantees the performance of, all actions, agreements and obligations set forth in this Agreement or in any Ancillary Agreement to be performed by any member of the New Lionsgate Group. Starz will cause to be performed, and hereby guarantees the performance of, all actions, agreements and obligations set forth in this Agreement or in any Ancillary Agreement to be performed by any member of the Starz Group. Each Party (including its permitted successors and assigns) further agrees that it will (a) give timely notice of the terms, conditions and continuing obligations contained in this Agreement and any applicable Ancillary Agreement to all of the other members of its Group and (b) cause all of the other members of its Group not to take any action or fail to take any such action inconsistent with such Party’s obligations under this Agreement, any Ancillary Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby.

9.18 Mutual Drafting. This Agreement and the Ancillary Agreements shall be deemed to be the joint work product of the Parties and any rule of construction that a document shall be interpreted or construed against a drafter of such document shall not be applicable.

9.19 Conflict Among Ancillary Agreements. In the event of any conflict or inconsistency between the terms of this Agreement and the terms of the Transition Services Agreement, the Tax Matters Agreement, the Employee Matters Agreement or the Amendment to the Tax Matters Agreement (each, a “Specified Ancillary Agreement”), the terms of the applicable Specified Ancillary Agreement shall control with respect to the subject matter addressed by such Specified Ancillary Agreement to the extent of such conflict or inconsistency. In the event of any conflict or inconsistency between the terms of this Agreement or any Specified Ancillary Agreement, on the one hand, and any Transfer Document, on the other hand, including with respect to the allocation of Assets and Liabilities as among the Parties or the members of their respective Groups, this Agreement or such Specified Ancillary Agreement shall control. In the event of any conflict or inconsistency between the terms of this Agreement and the terms of the Arrangement Agreement, the terms of the Arrangement Agreement shall control solely as it relates to the Arrangement or the Plan of Arrangement.

[Remainder of page intentionally left blank]

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have caused this Separation Agreement to be executed by their duly authorized representatives as of the date first written above.

 

LIONSGATE STUDIOS HOLDING CORP.

By:

 

/s/ Adrian Kuzycz

 

Name: Adrian Kuzycz

 

Title: Chief Executive Officer, Principal Executive Officer, President and Secretary

LIONSGATE STUDIOS CORP.

By:

 

/s/ Bruce Tobey

 

Name: Bruce Tobey

 

Title: General Counsel

LG SIRIUS HOLDINGS ULC

By:

 

/s/ Adrian Kuzycz

 

Name: Adrian Kuzycz

 

Title: President

LIONS GATE ENTERTAINMENT CORP.

By:

 

/s/ James W. Barge

 

Name: James W. Barge

 

Title: Chief Financial Officer

 

 

[Signature Page to Separation Agreement]

EX-10.2 5 d944901dex102.htm EX-10.2 EX-10.2

Exhibit 10.2

TRANSITION SERVICES AGREEMENT

This Transition Services Agreement (this “Agreement”), dated as of May 6, 2025 (the “Effective Date”), is by and between Starz Entertainment, LLC, a Colorado limited liability company (“Starz”), and Lions Gate Entertainment Inc., a Delaware corporation (“LG”). Starz and LG may be referred to individually herein as a “Party” and collectively as the “Parties”.

RECITALS

WHEREAS, Lionsgate Studios Corp. and Lions Gate Entertainment Corp. (to be renamed Starz Entertainment Corp.), inter alia, contemplate entering into a Separation Agreement (“Separation Agreement”) pursuant to which Lionsgate Studios Corp. and Starz Entertainment Corp. will each become an independent, separately traded public company (the “Spin-Off”) as of the Effective Date (as defined in the Separation Agreement) (the “Spin-Off Date”); and

WHEREAS, in connection with the Spin-Off, and in order to provide for an orderly transition under the separation agreement and the arrangement agreement, it will be necessary for each of the Parties to provide to the other the Services described herein for a transitional period.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing recitals, the mutual agreements contained herein and other good and valuable consideration, the sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, the Parties hereto, intending to be bound legally, agree as follows:

ARTICLE I

ENGAGEMENT AND SERVICES

1.01 LG-Provided Services. Beginning on the Spin-Off Date and continuing for the duration as set forth in Schedule 1, LG shall provide to Starz, or shall cause its Performing Personnel (as defined below), subject to Section 1.04(d), to provide to Starz (a) the services set forth on Schedule 1 attached hereto (the “Initial LG Services”), (b) upon request by Starz, in the event that Starz determines after the Effective Date that there are services that are not listed on Schedule 1 that were provided to Starz for at least four months during the twelve (12) month period prior to the Effective Date by LG or its Affiliates (each, an “Historical LG Service”), such Historical LG Services in accordance with the standards set forth in Section 1.04(a) of this Agreement as soon as reasonably practicable for a period to be mutually agreed to by the Parties, negotiating in good faith, and otherwise in accordance with this Agreement, and at a cost to be mutually negotiated in good faith, and (c) upon request by Starz, any additional services mutually agreed to by the Parties (each, an “Additional LG Service”, and together with the Initial LG Services and the Historical LG Services, the “LG-Provided Services”) at a cost and on such other terms and conditions as may be mutually agreed to by the Parties. Schedule 1 will be amended by the Parties to reflect the provision of any such Additional LG Services and/or Historical LG Services in accordance with this Section 1.01.

1.02 Starz-Provided Services. Beginning on the Spin-Off Date and continuing for the duration as set forth in Schedule 2, Starz shall provide to LG, or shall cause its Performing Personnel, subject to Section 1.04(d), to provide to LG (a) the services set forth on Schedule 2 attached hereto (the “Initial Starz Services”), (b) upon request by LG, in the event that LG determines after the Effective Date that there are services that are not listed on Schedule 2 that were provided to LG for at least four months during the twelve (12) month period prior to the Effective Date by Starz or its Affiliates (each, an “Historical Starz Service”), such Historical Starz Services in accordance with the standards set forth in Section 1.04(a) of this Agreement as soon as reasonably practicable for

a period to be mutually agreed to by the Parties, negotiating in good faith, and otherwise in accordance with this Agreement, and at a cost to be mutually negotiated in good faith, and (c) upon request by LG, any additional services mutually agreed to by the Parties (each, an “Additional Starz Service”, and together with the Initial LG Services and the Historical LG Services, the “Starz-Provided Services”) at a cost and on such other terms and conditions as may be mutually agreed to by the Parties. Schedule 2 will be amended by the Parties to reflect the provision of any such Additional Starz Services and/or Historical Services in accordance with this Section 1.02.

1.03 Affiliates, Services, Performing Party and Receiving Party. For purposes of this Agreement,

 

  (a)

“Affiliate” means, with respect to any Party, any other person, corporation, limited liability company, partnership, trust, unincorporated organization, association or other entity controlled by such first Person, with “control” for such purpose meaning the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of a Party, whether through the ownership of voting securities or voting interests, by contract, or otherwise.

 

  (b)

“Receiving Party” means the Party receiving the Services, as the context requires.

 

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  (c)

“Performing Party” means the Party performing the Services, as the context requires.

 

  (d)

“Services” means, with respect to LG, the LG-Provided Services and, with respect to Starz, the Starz-Provided Services, as the context requires.

1.04 Performance, Responsibilities, Privilege.

 

  (a)

Each Performing Party shall perform, or cause to be performed, its Services in good faith in substantially the same manner (including degree of care, skill and diligence) as the historical provision of such Services by such Performing Party or any of its Affiliates (to the extent such Services were performed by such Performing Party or any of its Affiliates prior to the Spin-Off Date) and otherwise in a commercially reasonable manner. Without limiting and in addition to the foregoing, the Performing Party shall perform its Services promptly and in an accurate, complete, professional and workmanlike manner.

 

  (b)

Each Performing Party shall promptly notify the Receiving Party of any material problems that have occurred or are reasonably anticipated to occur that would reasonably be expected to materially adversely affect such Performing Party’s ability to provide its corresponding Services and in such case the Parties shall work together in good faith (including, on the part of such Performing Party, using commercially reasonable efforts) to remedy any such problems. The Parties will use good faith, commercially reasonable efforts to cooperate with each other in all matters relating to the provision and receipt of the Services.

 

  (c)

Except as expressly provided in Article II, each Performing Party shall be solely responsible for all expenses incurred in connection with performing its respective Services or otherwise performing its obligations under this Agreement. Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement (including Article II and Section 4.04), each Party shall be solely responsible for all costs, expenses and liabilities of any nature whatsoever suffered or incurred in connection with its business operations.

 

  (d)

All personnel employed, engaged or otherwise furnished by each Performing Party in connection with performing its Services will be the employees, agents, or subcontractors of the Performing Party or its Affiliates, as the case may be (the “Performing Personnel”). To the extent that the Performing Party uses subcontractors, the Performing Party shall generally use (as necessary) the subcontractors utilized by the Performing Party at any time in the 12 months prior to the Spin-Off Date in connection with its own business or in connection with providing services to the Receiving Party. However, the Performing Party may add, remove, or change subcontractors, or specific technology or configurations if such changes are necessary to provide consistent high-quality service to itself and the Receiving Party, provided that (i) prior to any such changes, the Performing Party shall use reasonable efforts to provide written notice to the Receiving Party, (ii) if the Out-of-Pocket Costs associated with such changes are anticipated to exceed the historical costs of such subcontracted Services to the recipient thereof in the twelve (12) months prior to the Spin-Off Date, then the Performing Party will discuss such situation with the Receiving Party in good faith, (iii) such changes will not materially affect the nature, quality, frequency and standard of care at which the Services are provided and (iv) the Receiving Party may, for legitimate business purposes (e.g., confidentiality concerns, a pending or past commercial dispute, etc.), object to the use of a particular subcontractor by Performing Party if such subcontractor was not engaged in providing services to the Receiving Party prior to the Spin-Off Date, and if Receiving Party does so object then the Parties will work together to identity a different suitable subcontractor. As between the Parties, the Performing Party will be responsible for the performance, compensation and supervision of its Performing Personnel and for any breach by the Performing Personnel of the terms of this Agreement. None of the Performing Personnel is entitled to or eligible for, and the Receiving Party shall not provide, any benefits that the Receiving Party may make available to its employees, including without limitation health insurance benefits, workers’ compensation, paid vacation, profit-sharing, retirement, or any other fringe benefits. Because the Performing Party is an independent contractor, the Receiving Party shall not withhold or make payments for social security, make unemployment insurance or disability insurance contributions, or obtain workers’ compensation insurance on behalf of any of the Performing Personnel.

 

  (e)

Each Receiving Party hereby acknowledges and agrees that the obligations of the Performing Party hereunder are exclusively the Performing Party’s obligations and are not guaranteed directly or indirectly by the Performing Party’s stockholders, members, directors, managers, officers, Affiliates, managers, agents or any other person. Subject to the terms of this Agreement, the Receiving Party agrees to look solely to the Performing Party for the enforcement of performance of any obligations hereunder and covenants not to sue or otherwise seek to enforce this Agreement against any party other than (i) the Performing Party, (ii) the Performing Personnel, but solely to the extent of damages caused by willful misconduct, property damage or bodily injury or (iii) the Performing Party’s successors or assigns.

 

  (f)

With respect to any Services that Performing Personnel who are attorneys render to the Receiving Party pursuant to this Agreement, the Parties agree it is their mutual intention that (i) each such attorney who renders such Services shall be acting as counsel to the Receiving Party with respect to such Services, (ii) any communications between any such attorney and the Receiving Party in connection with such Services shall, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, be confidential and privileged communications and (iii) the Receiving Party shall be entitled, in perpetuity, to control the assertion or waiver of

 

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  all privileges and immunities in connection with any confidential and privileged communications in connection with such Services.

1.05 Books and Records. Through the five (5) years following the expiration or earlier termination of this Agreement, each Performing Party will maintain books and records, in reasonable detail in accordance with its standard business practices, with respect to the provision of its Services pursuant to this Agreement, including records supporting Out-of-Pocket Costs as set forth in Section 2.01(a) below (collectively, “Supporting Records”). Each Party will provide to the other and its respective duly authorized representatives, agents, and attorneys, reasonable access to all of their respective Supporting Records during business hours upon request after reasonable advance notice in connection with such Services.

1.06 Ownership of IP. Each Party shall retain exclusive ownership of, and all right, title, and interest in and to any Intellectual Property (as defined below), information technology or other technology and any and all data or content that such Party supplies to any other Party or such other Party’s Affiliates in connection with this Agreement, and each Party shall hold such information of the other Party in confidence and only use such information as necessary to fulfill its obligations or exploit its rights hereunder. Other than as set forth in Section 1.07, nothing in this Agreement shall be deemed to convey to a Party any rights in or to the Intellectual Property of the other Party or its Affiliates. “Intellectual Property” means all intellectual property and proprietary rights arising from any of the following, as they exist anywhere in the world, whether registered or unregistered: (a) all patents, patentable inventions and other patent rights, including all reissues, divisions, divisionals, provisionals, continuations and continuations-in-part, renewals, extensions, reexaminations, utility models, design patents, certificates of invention and all documents and filings claiming priority to or serving as a basis for priority thereof, (b) all trademarks, service marks, trade names, service names, brand names, trade dress rights, logos, designs, corporate names, trade styles and other source or business identifiers, together with the goodwill associated with any of the foregoing, (c) all copyrights, copyrightable works, works of authorship and all other rights corresponding thereto, (d) all computer programs and other software, firmware and middleware, including software implementations of algorithms, models, and methodologies, whether in source code, object code or other form, including libraries, subroutines and other components thereof, together with input and output formats, (e) all trade secrets, know-how, industrial designs, business methods, technical and business data, improvements, processes, techniques, manuals, blueprints, plans, procedures, subscriber lists, distributor lists, supplier lists, confidential information and proprietary information and rights (whether or not patentable, reduced to practice or subject to copyright or trade secret protection), (f) all Internet domain names, (g) all other intellectual property and proprietary rights of any kind, nature or description, and (h) all issuances, registrations, applications, extensions and renewals of any of the foregoing

1.07 Third Party Support and Warranty. The Performing Party hereby passes through to the Receiving Party, and Receiving Party will have the benefit of, all rights the Performing Party obtains under representations, warranties, service agreements and indemnities given by its third party service providers in connection with any Services provided by the Performing Party pursuant to this Agreement to the extent permitted by the applicable third party service providers. To the extent that such representations, warranties, service agreements and indemnities are not capable of being passed through by the Performing Party, upon written request by the Receiving Party, the Performing Party will take commercially reasonable actions requested by the Receiving Party to enforce such warranties, representations, service agreements, and indemnities on behalf of the Receiving Party.

1.08 IP License. Each Party hereby grants, and shall cause its Affiliates to grant, to the other Party and its Affiliates a worldwide, non-exclusive, non-transferable (except as provided in Section 5.03), non-sublicensable (except to service providers in connection with the provision or receipt of the Services, as applicable), royalty-free license (or sublicense, as applicable) under (a) the Intellectual Property owned by such Party or its Affiliates, and (b) any Intellectual Property owned by any third party and licensed to such Party or any of its Affiliates (subject to the receipt of any required consents from such third parties), in each case, solely to the extent required or useful to provide, receive or use the Services, as applicable, during the Term.

1.09 IT Systems. Each Party shall (and shall cause its respective agents, subcontractors, employees or representatives to): (a) not attempt to obtain access to, use, copy or interfere with any information technology systems of the other Party, or any data owned, used or processed by the other Party (including any personally identifiable information collected or in the possession of the other Party), except to the extent required to do so to provide or receive the Services; (b) maintain at least industry standard security measures in accordance with their written policies to protect the systems of the other Party to which it has access pursuant to this Agreement from access by unauthorized third parties, and from any “back door”, “time bomb”, “Trojan Horse”, “worm”, “drop dead device”, “virus” or other computer software routine intended or designed to disrupt, disable, harm or otherwise impede in any manner the operation of such systems; (c) not permit access or use of information technology systems of the other Party by a third party (other than the Performing Personnel) except as otherwise authorized by such other Party; (d) not disable, damage or erase or disrupt or impair the normal operation of the information technology systems of the other Party and (e) comply with the reasonable written security policies and procedures of the other Party (as may be updated from time to time in the ordinary course of business) that are provided to such Party and that such other Party considers reasonably necessary to protect their information technology systems, in each case, to the extent such policies are generally applicable and do not preclude or materially adversely impact the availability of Services agreed to be provided hereunder. Each Party shall reasonably cooperate with the other Party to investigate any possible data breaches or other incidents and to provide reasonable access, as necessary, to its information technology systems to the other Parties’ personnel, experts or consultants as needed for the investigation of any such incidents.

 

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1.10 Data Transfer Compliance. The Performing Party agrees to implement appropriate controls and security measures to protect the security of the Receiving Party’s data, and the Parties hereby incorporate the Global Data Transfer Agreement attached hereto as Schedule 3.

ARTICLE II

COMPENSATION

2.01 Fees, Invoices and Payments. In consideration of each Performing Party’s respective provision of the Services, on a calendar quarter basis (pro-rated for any partial quarter), each Performing Party shall invoice the Receiving Party for such Services and the Receiving Party shall pay (or cause to be paid) to the Performing Party an amount equal to (a) all reasonable and documented out-of-pocket costs and expenses not contemplated by the corresponding Schedule (which, for the avoidance of doubt, shall not include any mark-up, administrative costs or overhead expenses such as salaries, rent and other general or administrative overhead expenses or fee of any kind imposed by the Performing Party) to the extent incurred by the Performing Party (and its Affiliates) and paid to any third party on the Receiving Party’s behalf in connection with the provision of the Services (“Out-of-Pocket Costs”), including reasonable and documented third-party costs and expenses such as professional fees and insurance premiums (and which may also include an allocation consistent with past practice to the Receiving Party of a portion of such reasonable and documented third party costs and expenses, fees and premiums that the Performing Party incurs on behalf of its own business and of which a portion of such are incurred on behalf of (and/or allocated to) the Receiving Party and/or related to Services provided), provided that any Out-of-Pocket Costs during any calendar quarter in excess of $37,500, individually, must be approved in advance by the Receiving Party; and (b) the fees for the Services as set forth on the corresponding Schedule (i.e., Schedule 1 for LG-Provided Services and Schedule 2 for Starz-Provided Services) (for each Party, respectively, the “Services Fee” and together with the Out-of-Pocket Costs for the benefit of a Party, the “Fee”).

2.02 Payment Procedures. All invoices for a calendar quarter shall be delivered in arrears within thirty (30) days following the end of such calendar quarter, and all Fees due by each Receiving Party shall be payable within thirty (30) calendar days after the receipt of the invoice relating thereto. The Parties shall use commercially reasonable efforts to resolve any disputes as to amounts due on an invoice as soon as reasonably practical following the Receiving Party notifying the Performing Party of such dispute. All payments will be by wire payment in accordance with instructions from the Performing Party.

2.03 Taxes. Based on the originally contracting Parties and the Services contemplated by this Agreement, the Parties do not anticipate that any sales, use, excise, value-added, business, services, consumption, or other similar taxes (collectively, “Sales Taxes”) or withholding tax will be imposed with respect to the receipt of the Services provided or payment of the Fees hereunder. In the event that any Sales Tax or any withholding tax would be imposed in connection with the Services provided or payment of the Out-of-Pocket Costs and/or Fees hereunder, the Parties shall discuss whether any means are reasonably available to eliminate or reduce the amount of such tax and shall take any such steps that can reasonably be taken to eliminate or reduce the amount of such tax. Each Party (or their applicable Affiliates) shall provide to the other any sales tax exemption, treaty certification or other information reasonably requested by such other Party in connection herewith, or in connection with any tax information reporting requirements to which a Party may be subject. Except as may otherwise be specifically provided herein, in the event that the Parties jointly determine that Sales Taxes are properly imposed with respect to the receipt of the Services provided or payment of the Out-of-Pocket Costs and/or Fees hereunder, such Sales Taxes shall be collected by the Performing Party and be borne by the party on which the tax is imposed pursuant to applicable law, and shall not be deducted from, or an offset against, the Fees due under this Agreement. In the event that the Performing Party has the sole or primary liability to collect and remit the applicable Sales Taxes under applicable law, such Performing Party (i) shall be responsible for filing all tax returns and submitting all

payments to any federal, state, local, or foreign tax authority arising from the payment of fees to such Performing Party under this Agreement, and (ii) agrees to do so in a timely manner. The Receiving Party (or its applicable subsidiary) shall not be responsible for any (a) employment taxes or property taxes of the Performing Party, (b) income taxes imposed on (or measured by) the net income or gross receipts of the Performing Party (or any Affiliate, agent or subcontractor of the Performing Party), or (c) capital taxes and franchise (or similar) taxes imposed on the Performing Party (or any Affiliate, agent or subcontractor of the Performing Party) in lieu of income taxes pursuant to the laws of the jurisdiction in which such person is organized or pursuant to the laws of a jurisdiction in which it maintains an office. If any payment made under this Agreement is subject to a withholding tax under applicable law, the Receiving Party (or its applicable subsidiary) shall (x) withhold and remit to the appropriate governmental authorities all such amounts, (y) comply with applicable laws and otherwise reasonably cooperate to obtain and furnish to the Performing Party on a timely basis official receipts or other government certificates in the Performing Party’s name evidencing all such amounts, and (z) reasonably cooperate with the Performing Party to enable the Performing Party to claim any allowable reduced tax rates. If applicable, the Receiving Party will report the Fees paid to the Performing Party under this Agreement by filing Form 1099-MISC or other appropriate form with the Internal Revenue Service as required by law.

 

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2.04 Survival. The terms and conditions of this Article II will survive the expiration or earlier termination of this Agreement.

ARTICLE III

TERM

3.01 Term. This Agreement will commence on the Effective Date and will continue until the end of the Services provided hereunder (the “Term”). This Agreement is subject to termination prior to the end of the Term in accordance with Section 3.03.

3.02 Discontinuance of Services. At any time during the Term, on not less than 30 days’ prior written notice to the Performing Party, the Receiving Party may elect to discontinue obtaining any of the Services from the Performing Party either service-by-service or collectively; provided however, if it would reasonably take the Performing Party longer to wind down the provision of such Services to the Receiving Party (as reasonably determined by the Performing Party), then the notice period shall be such longer period. In such event, the Performing Party’s obligation to provide Services that have been discontinued pursuant to this Section 3.02, and the obligation of Receiving Party to compensate the Performing Party for such discontinued Service(s) (other than as described below), will cease as of the end of the applicable notice period (or such date as may be agreed by the Parties), and this Agreement will remain in effect for the remainder of the Term with respect to those Services that have not been so discontinued. To the extent the discontinued Services relate to only a portion of a line item set forth in Schedule 1 or Schedule 2, the Parties will promptly evaluate the Services Fee allocated to such line item for reasonableness following the discontinuance and will negotiate in good faith to reach agreement on any appropriate adjustment thereto. The Receiving Party will remain liable for any required payment or performance in respect of any discontinued Services accrued prior to (regardless of whether first invoiced prior to or after) the effective date of the termination of such Services under this Section 3.02. Prior to the termination of any Service pursuant to this Section 3.02, the Parties shall work together in good faith to ensure a smooth transition of Services to the Receiving Party and/or to the successor services provider selected by the Receiving Party.

3.03 Termination. This Agreement will be terminated prior to the expiration of the Term in the following events:

 

  (a)

immediately by a Party upon written notice if the other Party defaults in the performance of any of its material obligations under this Agreement, and such default continues and has not been remedied for a period of 30 days after a Party has given written notice specifying such default and requiring it to be remedied;

 

  (b)

immediately by a Party upon written notice if the other Party experiences a Bankruptcy Event. For purposes of this Agreement, a “Bankruptcy Event” will be deemed to have occurred with respect to a Party upon such Party’s insolvency, general assignment for the benefit of creditors, such Party’s voluntary commencement of any case, proceeding, or other action seeking reorganization, arrangement, adjustment, liquidation, dissolution, or consolidation of such Party’s debts under any law relating to bankruptcy, insolvency, or reorganization, or relief of debtors, or seeking appointment of a receiver, trustee, custodian, or other similar official for such Party or for all or any substantial part of such Party’s assets (each, a “Bankruptcy Proceeding”), or the involuntary filing against such Party of any Bankruptcy Proceeding that is not stayed within 60 days after such filing; or

 

  (c)

such other date as agreed to in writing by the Parties.

3.04 Effect of Termination. Expiration or other termination of this Agreement shall not: (i) relieve the Parties of any liability or obligation which accrued hereunder prior to the effective date of such termination; (ii) preclude either Party from pursuing any rights and remedies it may have hereunder or at law or in equity with respect to any breach of this Agreement prior to the effective date of such termination; or (iii) prejudice either Party’s right to obtain performance of any obligation that accrued hereunder prior to the effective date of such termination or that, by the terms of this Agreement, survives such termination.

ARTICLE IV

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

4.01 Representations and Warranties. Each Party represents and warrants to the other Party that:

 

  (a)

It is a company validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the state of incorporation or formation. It has the power and the authority necessary for it to own, lease or otherwise hold its properties and assets and conduct its businesses as presently conducted, except where the failure to be so qualified and in good standing would not reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on (i) the ability of such Party to perform its obligations under this Agreement; (ii) the enforceability of this Agreement; or (iii) the rights and remedies against such Party, if any, of the other Party hereto.

 

  (b)

It has the full right, power, and authority to enter into this Agreement and to carry out the transactions contemplated hereby. No waiver or consent of any person is required in connection with the execution, delivery, and performance by such Party of this Agreement.

 

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  (c)

This Agreement, when executed and delivered by such Party, will constitute a valid and binding obligation of such Party, enforceable in accordance with its terms, except as limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium and other laws of general application affecting enforcement of creditors’ rights generally, and (ii) subject to Section 5.02 below, if and to the extent such enforcement is limited, restricted or prohibited by applicable law.

4.02 No Other Representation or Warranty. EXCEPT AS SET FORTH IN THIS AGREEMENT, THE PERFORMING PARTY MAKES NO REPRESENTATIONS OR WARRANTIES WITH RESPECT TO THE SERVICES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING ANY WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PARTICULAR PURPOSE, OR AS TO THE QUALITY, SUITABILITY OR ADEQUACY OF THE SERVICES FOR ANY PURPOSE OR USE, AND THE PERFORMING PARTY HEREBY DISCLAIMS THE SAME.

4.03 Limitation on Damages. NOTWITHSTANDING ANY OTHER PROVISION OF THIS AGREEMENT TO THE CONTRARY, OTHER THAN INDEMNIFICATION LIABILITY ARISING UNDER SECTION 4.04, AND OTHER THAN TO THE EXTENT THAT THE LIABILITY IS CAUSED BY THE OTHER PARTY’S WILLFUL MISCONDUCT OR FRAUD, NEITHER PARTY SHALL BE LIABLE TO THE OTHER PARTY FOR ANY SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, INDIRECT, EXEMPLARY, CONSEQUENTIAL OR PUNITIVE

DAMAGES, ANY LOST BUSINESS OR LOST PROFITS, OR ANY INTERRUPTION OF BUSINESS, HOWEVER CAUSED AND ON ANY THEORY OF LIABILITY, IN CONNECTION WITH OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT, ANY SERVICES, OR ANY CLAIM OR DAMAGES ARISING HEREUNDER.

4.04 Indemnification.

 

  (a)

The Performing Party shall defend, indemnify, save and hold harmless the Receiving Party and its Affiliates and its and their respective directors, officers, members, employees, and successors and assigns from and against any and all liabilities, losses, claims, damages, assessments, fines, penalties, costs and expenses (including reasonable and documented outside attorneys’, accountants’, investigators’ and experts’ fees and expenses) arising from Third Party Claims (as defined below) (collectively, “Losses”) incurred or suffered by any of them resulting from or based upon or arising out of: (i) fraud, reckless or willful misconduct or negligence of the Performing Party or any Performing Personnel in rendering the Services hereunder, (ii) any material breach by the Performing Party or any Performing Personnel of its obligations or covenants contained in this Agreement, or (iii) any claim that any Services or materials provided by the Performing Party to the Receiving Party hereunder or any elements thereof infringe or misappropriate any Intellectual Property or other proprietary right of any other person or entity; provided, however, that the Performing Party’s indemnification obligations under this Section 4.04 shall not apply to the extent that the applicable Loss is subject to the Receiving Party’s indemnification obligations under this Section 4.04.

 

  (b)

The Receiving Party shall defend, indemnify, save and hold harmless the Performing Party and its Affiliates and its and their respective directors, officers, members, employees, and successors and assigns and the Performing Personnel from and against any and all Losses incurred or suffered by any of them resulting from or based upon or arising out of: (i) any inaccuracy in any materials or information provided to the Performing Party or any Performing Personnel by or on behalf of the Receiving Party or its Affiliates in connection with this Agreement, (ii) any material breach by the Receiving Party of its obligations or covenants contained in this Agreement, or (iii) any claim that any materials provided by or on behalf of the Receiving Party or its Affiliates to the Performing Party or any Performing Personnel in connection with this Agreement or any elements thereof infringe or misappropriate any Intellectual Property or other proprietary right of any other person or entity.

4.05 Indemnification Procedures.

 

  (a)

In connection with any indemnification provided for in Section 4.04, the Party seeking indemnification (the “Indemnitee”) will give the Party from which indemnification is sought (the “Indemnitor”) (i) prompt notice whenever it comes to the attention of the Indemnitee that the Indemnitee has suffered or incurred, or may suffer or incur, any Losses for which it is entitled to indemnification under Section 4.04 and, (ii) if and when known, the facts constituting the basis for such claim, in each case in reasonable detail. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, in the case of any Action commenced by a third party for which indemnification is being sought (a “Third-Party Claim”), such notice will be given no later than ten business days following receipt by the Indemnitee of written notice of such Third-Party Claim. Failure by any Indemnitee to so notify the Indemnitor will not affect the rights of such Indemnitee hereunder except to the extent that such failure has a material prejudicial effect on the defenses or other rights available to the Indemnitor with respect to such Third-Party Claim. The Indemnitee will deliver to the Indemnitor as promptly as practicable, and in any event within five business days after Indemnitee’s receipt, copies of all notices, court papers and other documents received by the Indemnitee relating to any Third-Party Claim. “Action” means any demand, action, claim, suit, countersuit, litigation, arbitration, prosecution, proceeding (including any civil, criminal, administrative, investigative or appellate proceeding), hearing, inquiry, audit,

 

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  examination or investigation commenced, brought, conducted or heard by or before, or otherwise involving, any court, grand jury or other governmental authority or any arbitrator or arbitration panel.

 

  (b)

After receipt of a notice pursuant to Section 4.05(a) with respect to any Third-Party Claim, the Indemnitor will be entitled, if it so elects, to take control of the defense and investigation with respect to such Third-Party Claim and to employ and engage attorneys to handle and defend such claim, at the Indemnitor’s cost, risk and expense, upon written notice to the Indemnitee of such election, which notice acknowledges the Indemnitor’s obligation to provide indemnification under this Agreement with respect to any Losses arising out of or relating to such Third-Party Claim. The Indemnitor will not settle any Third-Party Claim that is the subject of indemnification without the written consent of the Indemnitee, which consent will not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed; provided, however, that, after reasonable notice, the Indemnitor may settle a claim without the Indemnitee’s consent if such settlement (i) makes no admission or acknowledgment of Liability or culpability with respect to the Indemnitee, (ii) includes a complete release of the Indemnitee and (iii) does not seek any relief against the Indemnitee other than the payment of money damages to be borne by the Indemnitor. The Indemnitee will cooperate in all reasonable respects with the Indemnitor and its attorneys in the investigation, trial and defense of any lawsuit or action with respect to such claim and any appeal arising therefrom (including the filing in the Indemnitee’s name of appropriate cross-claims and counterclaims). The Indemnitee may, at its own cost, participate in any investigation, trial and defense of any Third-Party Claim controlled by the Indemnitor and any appeal arising therefrom, including participating in the process with respect to the potential settlement or compromise thereof. If the Indemnitee has been advised by its counsel that there may be one or more legal defenses available to the Indemnitee that conflict with those available to the Indemnitor (“Separate Legal Defenses”), or that there may be actual or potential differing or conflicting interests between the Indemnitor and the Indemnitee in the conduct of the defense of such Third-Party Claim, the Indemnitee will have the right, at the expense of the Indemnitor, to engage separate counsel reasonably acceptable to the Indemnitor to handle and defend such Third-Party Claim, provided, that, if such Third-Party Claim can be reasonably separated between those portion(s) for which Separate Legal Defenses are available (“Separable Claims”) and those for which no Separate Legal Defenses are available, the Indemnitee will instead have the right, at the expense of the Indemnitor, to engage separate counsel reasonably acceptable to the Indemnitor to handle and defend the Separable Claims, and the Indemnitor will not have the right to control the defense or investigation of such Third-Party Claim or such Separable Claims, as the case may be (and, in which latter case, the Indemnitor will have the right to control the defense or investigation of the remaining portion(s) of such Third-Party Claim). “Liability” means any and all debts, liabilities, commitments and obligations, whether or not fixed, contingent or absolute, matured or unmatured, direct or indirect, liquidated or unliquidated, accrued or unaccrued, known or unknown, and whether or not required by generally accepted accounting principles to be reflected in financial statements or disclosed in the notes thereto (other than taxes).

 

  (c)

If, after receipt of a notice pursuant to Section 4.05(a) with respect to any Third-Party Claim as to which indemnification is available hereunder, the Indemnitor does not undertake to defend the Indemnitee against such Third-Party Claim, whether by not giving the Indemnitee timely notice of its election to so defend or otherwise, the Indemnitee may, but will have no obligation to, assume its own defense, at the expense of the Indemnitor (including reasonable outside attorneys’ fees and costs), it being understood that the Indemnitee’s right to indemnification for such Third-Party Claim shall not be adversely affected by its assuming the defense of such Third-Party Claim. The Indemnitor will be bound by the result obtained with respect thereto by the Indemnitee; provided, that the Indemnitee may not settle any lawsuit or action with respect to which the Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification hereunder without the consent of the Indemnitor, which consent will not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed; provided further, that such consent shall not be required if (i) the Indemnitor had the right under this Section 4.05 to undertake control of the defense of such Third-Party Claim and, after notice, failed to do so within thirty (30) days of receipt of such notice (or such lesser period as may be required by court proceedings in the event of a litigated matter), or (ii) (x) the Indemnitor does not have the right to control the defense of the entirety of such Third-Party Claim pursuant to Section 4.05(b) or (y) the Indemnitor does not have the right to control the defense of any Separable Claim pursuant to Section 4.05(b) (in which case such settlement may only apply to such Separable Claims), the Indemnitee provides reasonable notice to Indemnitor of the settlement, and such settlement (A) makes no admission or acknowledgment of Liability or culpability with respect to the Indemnitor, (B) does not seek any relief against the Indemnitor and (C) does not seek any relief against the Indemnitee for which the Indemnitor is responsible other than the payment of money damages.

 

  (d)

The Indemnitor and the Indemnitee shall use commercially reasonable efforts to avoid production of confidential information, and to cause all communications among employees, counsel and others representing any party with respect to a Third-Party Claim to be made so as to preserve any applicable attorney-client or work-product privilege.

 

  (e)

The Indemnitor shall pay all amounts payable pursuant to this Section 4.05 by wire transfer of immediately available funds, reasonably promptly following receipt from an Indemnitee of a bill, together with all accompanying reasonably detailed backup documentation, for any Losses that are the subject of indemnification hereunder, unless the Indemnitor in good faith disputes the amount of such Losses or whether such Losses are covered by the Indemnitor’s indemnification obligation in which event the Indemnitor shall promptly so notify the Indemnitee. In any event, the Indemnitor shall pay to the

 

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  Indemnitee, by wire transfer of immediately available funds, the amount of any Losses for which it is liable hereunder no later than thirty (30) days following any final determination of the amount of such Losses and the Indemnitor’s liability therefor or such earlier date (following such final determination) for which payment to the third party is due pursuant to such final determination. A “final determination” shall exist when (i) the parties to the dispute have reached an agreement in writing or (ii) a court of competent jurisdiction shall have entered a final order or judgment for the underlying third-party claim that becomes non-appealable or, if later and to the extent that the Indemnitor has disputed whether Losses are covered by Indemnitor’s indemnification obligation hereunder, a final order or judgment finding that such Losses are covered by Indemnitor’s indemnification obligation hereunder.

 

  (f)

If the indemnification provided for in this Section 4.05 shall, for any reason, be unavailable or insufficient to hold harmless an Indemnitee in respect of any Losses for which it is entitled to indemnification hereunder, then the Indemnitor shall contribute to the amount paid or payable by such Indemnitee as a result of such Losses, in such proportion as shall be appropriate to reflect the relative benefits received by and the relative fault of the Indemnitor on the one hand and the Indemnitee on the other hand with respect to the matter giving rise to such Losses.

 

  (g)

To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, the Indemnitor will indemnify the Indemnitee against any and all reasonable fees, costs and expenses (including outside attorneys’ fees), incurred in connection with asserting, preserving or enforcing his, her or its rights under this Article IV.

 

  (h)

The remedies provided in this Section 4.05 shall be cumulative and shall not preclude assertion by any Indemnitee of any other rights or the seeking of any and all other remedies against an Indemnitor, subject to Section 4.05(b).

 

  (i)

The terms and conditions of this Section 4.05 will survive the expiration or termination of this Agreement.

ARTICLE V

MISCELLANEOUS

5.01 Notices. Except as otherwise specified in this Agreement, all notices (including other communications required or permitted) under this Agreement must be in writing and must be delivered: (a) in person; (b) by a generally recognized courier (including Federal Express or UPS) or messenger service that provides written acknowledgement of receipt by the addressee; or (c) by email with a verification of delivery and receipt (if receipt is not confirmed via return email, the effective date of notice is the date of the original email; provided

that notice is provided by alternative means on the next day);, in each case, to the Party for whom it is intended at the address set forth below. Notices are deemed delivered when delivered in accordance with the terms in the preceding sentence. Except as provided in the following sentence, notices to each Party must be given at the address set forth below. The address of a Party to which notices or demands are to be given may be changed from time to time by that Party by notice served as provided above. Delivery of notice to the copied Parties below (if any) is not notice to any Party.

If to LG:

Lions Gate Entertainment Inc.

2700 Colorado Avenue

Santa Monica, CA 90404

Attention: General Counsel

If to Starz:

Starz Entertainment, LLC

1647 Stewart Street

Santa Monica, CA 90404

Attention: General Counsel

5.02 Severability. If any provision of this Agreement is determined to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the remaining provisions of this Agreement, to the extent permitted by applicable law, will remain in full force and effect; provided that the intent and purpose of the Parties are not frustrated thereby. In the event of any such determination, the Parties agree to negotiate in good faith to modify this Agreement to fulfill as closely as possible the original intents and purposes hereof. To the extent permitted by applicable law, the Parties hereby to the same extent waive any provision of law that renders any provision hereof prohibited or unenforceable in any respect.

5.03 Assignment. No Party may assign its respective rights or delegate its respective obligations under this Agreement without the express prior written consent of the other Party and any purported assignment or other transfer without such consent shall be void and unenforceable; provided, that, subject to Section 1.04(d), the Performing Party may delegate its obligations under this Agreement to any Affiliate thereof or to a subcontractor so long as the Performing Party remains fully responsible for the performance of its obligations under this Agreement.

 

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5.04 Successors and Assigns; No Third Party Beneficiaries. This Agreement is binding upon and will inure to the benefit of each Party and its successors or assigns, and nothing in this Agreement, express or implied, is intended to confer upon any other person any rights or remedies of any nature whatsoever under or by reason of this Agreement.

5.05 Amendment and Waiver. This Agreement may be amended only by an agreement in writing signed by the Parties. Any Party hereto may, only by an instrument in writing, waive compliance by any other Party hereto with any term or provision hereof on the part of such other Party hereto to be performed or complied with. Subject to any limitation period imposed by law, no failure or delay of any Party in exercising any right or remedy hereunder shall operate as a waiver thereof, nor will any single or partial exercise of any right or power, or any abandonment, or discontinuance of steps to enforce such right or power, preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right or power. The waiver by any Party hereto of a breach of any term or provision hereof shall not be construed as a waiver of any subsequent breach. Except as expressly provided herein, the rights and remedies of the Parties hereunder are cumulative and are not exclusive of any rights or remedies of that they would otherwise have hereunder.

5.06 Governing Law; Waiver of Jury. Each of the Parties hereto hereby agrees this Agreement shall be governed by and shall be construed in accordance with the laws of the State of California, excluding any conflict-of-laws rule or principle that might refer the governance or the construction of this Agreement to the law of another jurisdiction. EACH PARTY HEREBY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ANY RIGHT IT MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY LEGAL PROCEEDING DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT (WHETHER BASED ON CONTRACT, TORT OR ANY OTHER THEORY). EACH PARTY (A) CERTIFIES THAT NO REPRESENTATIVE, AGENT OR ATTORNEY OF ANY OTHER PARTY HAS REPRESENTED, EXPRESSLY OR OTHERWISE, THAT SUCH OTHER PARTY WOULD NOT, IN THE EVENT OF LITIGATION, SEEK TO ENFORCE THE FOREGOING WAIVER AND (B) ACKNOWLEDGES THAT IT AND THE OTHER PARTIES HAVE BEEN INDUCED TO ENTER INTO THIS AGREEMENT BY, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THE MUTUAL WAIVERS AND CERTIFICATIONS IN THIS SECTION 5.06. THE SCOPE OF THIS WAIVER IS INTENDED TO BE ALL-ENCOMPASSING OF ANY AND ALL DISPUTES THAT MAY BE FILED IN ANY COURT AND THAT RELATE TO THE SUBJECT MATTER OF THIS AGREEMENT, INCLUDING CONTRACT CLAIMS, TORT CLAIMS, BREACH OF DUTY CLAIMS AND ALL OTHER COMMON LAW AND STATUTORY CLAIMS. EACH PARTY HERETO FURTHER REPRESENTS AND WARRANTS THAT IT HAS REVIEWED THIS WAIVER WITH ITS LEGAL COUNSEL AND THAT IT KNOWINGLY AND VOLUNTARILY WAIVES ITS JURY RIGHTS FOLLOWING CONSULTATION WITH LEGAL COUNSEL.

5.07 Dispute Resolution. The Parties agree that any and all disputes or controversies of any nature between them arising, regarding or relating to any aspect of this Agreement’s formation, meaning, performance or breach, or arising from or relating to, in any way, this Agreement, shall be determined in accordance with the mediation and arbitration rules of JAMS (or, with the agreement of the Parties, ADR Services) before a single neutral mediator (for the mediation) (“Mediator”) and a single neutral arbitrator (for the arbitration) with such proceedings to be conducted in Los Angeles, California. The Parties hereto shall endeavor first to resolve the controversy or claim through mediation administered by JAMS and conducted before a mutually agreeable Mediator before commencing any arbitration. All arbitration proceedings shall be closed to the public and confidential and all records relating thereto shall be permanently sealed, except as necessary to obtain court confirmation of the arbitration award. The Parties intend that the provisions to arbitrate set forth herein be valid, enforceable and irrevocable, and any award rendered by the arbitrator shall be final and binding on the Parties. The Parties hereby waive any right to trial de novo or appeal, other than for the purpose of confirming the arbitration award. The terms of this provision shall supersede any inconsistent terms of any prior agreement between the Parties.

5.08 Equitable Relief. Each of the Parties hereto agrees that irreparable damage may occur in the event that the provisions of this Agreement were not performed in accordance with their specific terms. Accordingly, it is hereby agreed that the Parties shall be entitled to seek an injunction or injunctions to enforce specifically the terms and provisions hereof, this being in addition to any other remedy to which they are entitled at law or equity, and for such purpose, each of the Parties hereby submits to the exclusive jurisdiction of the state and federal courts located in the County of Los Angeles, State of California. However, it is agreed that in no event shall either Party seek to enjoin or otherwise restrain the development, production, advertising, promotion, distribution, exhibition, or other exploitation of any motion picture or other content of the other Party or its Affiliates in connection with the exercise of remedies under this Agreement except to the extent such claim is based on a breach of Intellectual Property rights.

5.09 Counterparts. This Agreement and any amendment hereto or any other agreement (or document) delivered pursuant hereto may be executed in one or more counterparts and by different Parties in separate counterparts, including by DocuSign e-signature. All of such counterparts will constitute one and the same agreement (or other document) and will become effective (unless otherwise provided therein) when one or more counterparts have been signed by each Party and delivered to the other Party. This Agreement may be executed and delivered by electronic means, including “.pdf” or “.tiff” files, and any electronic signature shall constitute an original for all purposes.

 

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5.10 Headings. The descriptive headings of the articles, sections and subsections of this Agreement are for convenience only and do not constitute a part of this Agreement.

5.11 Relationship. Nothing contained in this Agreement will constitute or be construed to be or create a partnership or joint venture between the Parties or any of their respective Affiliates, successors or assigns. The Parties understand and agree that this Agreement does not make either of them an agent or legal representative of the other for any purpose whatsoever. No Party is granted by this Agreement any right or authority to assume or create any obligation or responsibilities, express or implied, on behalf of or in the name of any other Party, or to bind any other Party in any manner whatsoever except in the context of providing the Services. The Parties expressly acknowledge that the Performing Party is an independent contractor with respect to the Receiving Party with respect to this Agreement, including with respect to the provision of the Services.

5.12 Exhibits; Integration. Each schedule and exhibit delivered pursuant to the terms of this Agreement will be in writing and will constitute a part of this Agreement. This Agreement, together with such schedules and exhibits, constitute the entire agreement among the Parties pertaining to the subject matter hereof and supersede all prior agreements and understandings of the Parties in connection therewith.

5.13 Further Assurances. Each Party will execute and deliver such further certificates, agreements and other documents and take such other actions as the other Party may reasonably request to evidence and reflect the provision or receipt of Services set forth herein, to ensure compliance with applicable laws and to carry into effect the intents and purposes of this Agreement.

5.14 Representation by Counsel. Each of the Parties acknowledges that it has been represented by counsel in connection with this Agreement. Accordingly, any rule of law or any legal decision that would require interpretation of any claimed ambiguities in this Agreement against the Party that drafted it has no application and is expressly waived. The provisions of this Agreement will be interpreted in a reasonable manner to effect the intent of the Parties.

5.15 Interpretation. For all purposes of this Agreement and the schedules delivered pursuant to this Agreement: (a) all references in this Agreement to designated “Sections”, “Articles” and other subdivisions are to the designated Sections, Articles, and other subdivisions of the body of this Agreement; (b) pronouns of either gender or neuter will include, as appropriate, the other pronoun forms; (c) the words “herein,” “hereof” and “hereunder” and other words of similar import refer to this Agreement as a whole and not to any particular Section or other subdivision; (d) the word “will” shall be construed to have the same meaning and effect as the word “shall”; (e) “or” is not exclusive; (f) “including” and “includes” will be deemed to be followed by “but not limited to” and “but is not limited to,” respectively; and (g) “may not” is prohibitive and not permissive. This Agreement does not amend or supplant any other contract, nor shall it be used to interpret any other agreement between the Parties.

5.16 Confidentiality. Neither Party hereto shall issue any press release or statement with regard to the terms and provisions of this Agreement without the consent of the other Party, nor shall either Party disclose to any third party, any Information (as defined below), except: (a) to the extent necessary to comply with the law, a governmental entity or a valid court order of a court with competent jurisdiction, in which event the Party making such disclosure shall so notify the other Party as promptly as is practicable (if possible, prior to making such disclosure) and shall not oppose any efforts of the other Party to seek confidential treatment of such information; (b) to the extent necessary to comply with the disclosure requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission or similar entities; (c) (i) to its employees, directors and officers, in their capacity as such, on a reasonable need-to-know basis, and (ii) to its respective parent, subsidiary or other Affiliates, and its or their investors, financiers, banks, auditors, attorneys, employees, directors and officers, in each case, on a reasonable need-to-know basis in connection with this Agreement (collectively, its “Permitted Recipients”) (provided, that the disclosing Party shall be liable in the event that any of its Permitted Recipients disclose any information that the disclosing Party would be prohibited from disclosing pursuant to this provision); (d) in order to enforce its rights pursuant to this Agreement; and (e) to a bona fide prospective or an actual buyer or financier as well as the Permitted Recipients thereof (provided, that any such buyer or financier first executes a written confidentiality agreement with the disclosing Party pursuant to which such buyer or financier agree(s) to be bound by the provisions of this Section 5.16 or a similar undertaking of confidentiality at least as restrictive as the provisions of this Section 5.16). “Information” means the terms of this Agreement and all information received from or on behalf of either of the Parties or any Performing Personnel relating to such Party or its business, as applicable, other than any such information that (a) is publicly available or publicly known other than through a breach of this Section 5.16, (b) was known to the applicable Party from a source other than the disclosing Party, as applicable, that is not subject to a confidentiality obligation, or (c) is independently developed after the Effective Date by or on behalf of the Party or any Performing Personnel, as applicable, without use or reference to the Information of the other Party. With respect to the Information of a Party hereto, the other Party shall use the same degree of care in safeguarding such Information as it uses to safeguard its own confidential Information and otherwise, in a commercially reasonable manner. Each Party acknowledges and agrees that in the event of a breach by it of any of the

 

10


provisions of this Section 5.16, monetary damages may not constitute a sufficient remedy. Consequently, in the event of any such breach, the disclosing Party and/or its successors or assigns may, in addition to any other rights and remedies existing in its favor, apply to any court of law or equity of competent jurisdiction for specific performance and/or injunctive or other relief in order to enforce or prevent any violations of the provisions hereof, in each case without the requirement of proving actual damages. However, it is agreed that in no event shall either Party seek to enjoin or otherwise restrain the development, production, advertising, promotion, distribution, exhibition, or other exploitation of any motion picture or other content of the other Party or its Affiliates in connection with the exercise of remedies under this Agreement except to the extent such claim is based on a breach of Intellectual Property rights. For the avoidance of doubt, each Party shall be required to inform its members, managers, officers, employees, contractors and agents of the obligations hereunder and cause them to comply therewith.

[Signature Page Follows]

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the Parties has caused this Agreement to be duly executed on its behalf by its duly authorized individual as of the date first written above.

 

LIONS GATE ENTERTAINMENT INC.

By

 

/s/ James W. Barge

  Name: James W. Barge
  Title: Chief Financial Officer

 

STARZ ENTERTAINMENT, LLC

By

 

/s/ Audrey Lee

  Name: Audrey Lee
  Title: Executive Vice President and General Counsel

 

12

EX-10.3 6 d944901dex103.htm EX-10.3 EX-10.3

Exhibit 10.3

EMPLOYEE MATTERS AGREEMENT

BY AND BETWEEN

LIONSGATE STUDIOS HOLDING CORP.,

LIONSGATE STUDIOS CORP.,

LG SIRIUS HOLDINGS ULC,

AND

LIONS GATE ENTERTAINMENT CORP.

 

 

Dated as of May 6, 2025


TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

         Page  
ARTICLE I

 

DEFINITIONS

 

Section 1.01

  Certain Definitions      4  
ARTICLE II

 

GENERAL PRINCIPLES FOR ALLOCATION OF LIABILITIES

 

Section 2.01

  Allocation of Employee-Related Liabilities      9  

Section 2.02

  Service Credit      11  

Section 2.03

  Adoption and Transfer and Assumption of Benefit Plans      11  
ARTICLE III

 

EMPLOYEES; EMPLOYMENT AND

 

COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENTS

 

Section 3.01

  Assignment and Transfer of Employees      12  

Section 3.02

  At-Will Status      13  

Section 3.03

  Individual Agreements      13  

Section 3.04

  Assignment of Specified Rights      14  

Section 3.05

  Consultation with Labor Representatives; Labor Agreements      14  

Section 3.06

  Sponsored Employees      14  

Section 3.07

  Transfer-Related Termination Liabilities      15  
ARTICLE IV

 

TREATMENT OF OUTSTANDING EQUITY AWARDS

 

Section 4.01

  Generally      15  

Section 4.02

  Equity Incentive Awards      15  

Section 4.03

  Non-Equity Incentive Practices and Plans      19  

Section 4.04

  Director Compensation      19  
ARTICLE V

 

RETIREMENT PLANS

 

Section 5.01

  Starz 401(k) Plan      20  

Section 5.02

  Starz Deferred Compensation Plan      21  

Section 5.03

  Non-U.S. Retirement or Deferred Compensation Plans      21  
ARTICLE VI

 

US WELFARE BENEFIT PLANS

 

Section 6.01

  Welfare Plans      21  

Section 6.02

  Vacation, Holidays and Leaves of Absence      22  

Section 6.03

  Workers’ Compensation      22  

Section 6.04

  U.S. Employees and Non-U.S. Employees      22  
ARTICLE VII

 

GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE

 

Section 7.01

  Sharing of Information      22  

Section 7.02

  Transfer of Personnel Records and Authorization      22  

Section 7.03

  Access to Records      22  

Section 7.04

  Maintenance of Records      22  

Section 7.05

  Cooperation      23  

Section 7.06

  Confidentiality      23  

Section 7.07

  Preservation of Rights to Amend      23  

 

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Section 7.08

  Fiduciary Matters      23  

Section 7.09

  Further Assurances      23  

Section 7.10

  Reimbursement of Costs and Expenses      23  

Section 7.11

  No Third-Party Beneficiaries      24  

Section 7.12

  Dispute Resolution      24  

Section 7.13

  Miscellaneous      24  

 

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EMPLOYEE MATTERS AGREEMENT

This EMPLOYEE MATTERS AGREEMENT, dated as of May 6, 2025 (this “Agreement”), is by and between Lionsgate Studios Holding Corp., a corporation organized under the laws of the Province of British Columbia, Canada (“New Lionsgate”), Lionsgate Studios Corp., a corporation organized under the laws of the Province of British Columbia, Canada (“LG Studios”), LG Sirius Holdings ULC, an unlimited liability company organized under the laws of the Province of British Columbia, Canada, (“LG Sirius”) and Lions Gate Entertainment Corp., a corporation organized under the laws of the Province of British Columbia, Canada (“Lionsgate” prior to the Separation Effective Time and “Starz” at and from the Separation Effective Time). In this Agreement the legal entity currently named Lions Gate Entertainment Corp. may be referred to as ‘Lionsgate’ prior to the Separation Effective Time and as ‘Starz’ at and from the Separation Effective Time, with covenants, obligations, representations, and warranties of that entity, and other terms of this Agreement applicable to the entity, having the same force and effect regardless of the entity’s legal name at any point in time, or the name used in any part of this Agreement.

R E C I T A L S

WHEREAS, the board of directors of Lionsgate (the “Lionsgate Board”) has determined that it is advisable and in the best interests of Lionsgate and its stakeholders, including its shareholders and creditors, to create two publicly traded companies to separately operate the Starz Business and the LG Studios Business, respectively; and

WHEREAS, in furtherance of the foregoing, the Parties have entered into this Agreement, which is an Ancillary Agreement to the Separation Agreement by and between the Parties, dated as of May 6, 2025 (the “Separation Agreement”) to govern the rights and obligations of the Parties with respect to employment, compensation, employee benefits and related matters in connection with the Transactions, as set forth herein.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual agreements, provisions and covenants contained in this Agreement, the Parties, intending to be legally bound, hereby agree as follows:

ARTICLE I

DEFINITIONS

Section 1.01 Certain Definitions. Capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the meaning ascribed to them in the Separation Agreement. For purposes of this Agreement, the following terms shall have the following meanings:

“Agreement” shall mean this Employee Matters Agreement, including all of the schedules and exhibits hereto, as may be amended from time to time in accordance with its terms.

“Applicable New Lionsgate Ratio” shall mean the New Lionsgate Ratio for Class A with respect to the adjustment of Lionsgate Awards that relate to LGEC Class A Shares and the New Lionsgate Ratio for Class B with respect to the adjustment of Lionsgate Awards that relate to LGEC Class B Shares.

“Applicable Starz Ratio” shall mean the Starz Ratio for Class A with respect to the adjustment of Lionsgate Awards that relate to LGEC Class A Shares and the Starz Ratio for Class B with respect to the adjustment of Lionsgate Awards that relate to LGEC Class B Shares.

“Arrangement Agreement” shall have the meaning set forth in the Separation Agreement.

 

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“Benefit Plan” shall mean any contract, agreement, policy, practice, program, plan, trust, commitment or arrangement providing for benefits, perquisites or compensation of any nature from an employer to any Employee or Former Employee, or to any family member, dependent, or beneficiary of any such Employee or Former Employee, including cash or deferred arrangement plans, profit-sharing plans, post-employment programs, pension plans, supplemental pension plans, welfare plans, stock purchase, stock option, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units, performance stock units, other equity-based compensation and contracts, agreements, policies, practices, programs, plans, trusts, commitments and arrangements providing for terms of employment, fringe benefits, severance benefits, change in control protections or benefits, life, accidental death and dismemberment, disability and accident insurance, tuition reimbursement, adoption assistance, travel reimbursement, vacation, sick, paid time off, personal or bereavement days, leaves of absences and holidays; provided, however, that the term “Benefit Plan” does not include any government-sponsored benefits, such as workers’ compensation, unemployment or any similar plans, programs or policies or Individual Agreements. When immediately preceded by Starz, Benefit Plan means any Benefit Plan sponsored, maintained, or contributed to by a member of the Starz Group or any Benefit Plan to which a member of a Starz Group is a party. When immediately preceded by New Lionsgate, Benefit Plan means any Benefit Plan sponsored, maintained, or contributed to by a member of the New Lionsgate Group or any Benefit Plan to which a member of a New Lionsgate Group is a party. No Benefit Plan can be both a New Lionsgate Benefit Plan and a Starz Benefit Plan, and to the extent that a Benefit Plan could reasonably fall within the definition of New Lionsgate Benefit Plan or Starz Benefit Plan, the context shall determine the applicable classification.

“Canadian Lionsgate RSU Award” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 4.02(c).

“Dual Director” shall mean each individual who served on the Lionsgate Board immediately prior to the Separation Effective Time who is serving as both a New Lionsgate nonemployee director and as a Starz nonemployee director as of immediately after the Separation Effective Time.

“Employee” shall mean any New Lionsgate Group Employee or Starz Group Employee.

“ERISA” shall mean the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended, together with the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.

“Former Employees” shall mean former employees of the New Lionsgate Group or the Starz Group.

“Former New Lionsgate Group Employee” shall mean any Former Employee whose final employment with either the New Lionsgate Group or the Starz Group was with a member of the New Lionsgate Group.

“Former Starz Group Employee” shall mean any Former Employee who is not a Former New Lionsgate Group Employee.

“Group” shall mean either the Starz Group or the New Lionsgate Group, as the context requires.

“HIPAA” shall mean the health insurance portability and accountability requirements for “group health plans” under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996, as amended, together with the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.

“Income Tax Act (Canada)” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 4.02(c).

“Individual Agreement” shall mean any individual (a) employment contract or offer letter, (b) retention, severance or change in control agreement (including any ongoing commitment to provide severance pay or benefits to a Former Employee), (c) expatriate (including any international assignee) contract or agreement (including agreements and obligations regarding repatriation, relocation, equalization of Taxes and living standards in the host country), or (d) other agreement containing restrictive covenants (including confidentiality, noncompetition and non-solicitation provisions), as in effect immediately prior to the Separation Effective Time.

 

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“Labor Agreement” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.01(a).

“LGEC Class A Shares” shall have the meaning set forth in the Arrangement Agreement.

“LGEC Class B Shares” shall have the meaning set forth in the Arrangement Agreement.

“LGEC Shares” shall mean LGEC Class A Shares and/or LGEC Class B Shares.

“Lions Gate 401(k) Plan” shall mean the Lions Gate Entertainment, Inc. 401(k) Plan.

“Lions Gate Deferred Compensation Plan” shall mean the Lions Gate Entertainment Inc. Deferred Compensation Plan.

“Lionsgate Board” shall have the meaning set forth in the Recitals.

“Lionsgate Compensation Committee” shall mean the Compensation Committee of the Lionsgate Board.

“Lionsgate Equity Plan” shall mean any equity compensation plan sponsored or maintained by Lionsgate immediately prior to the Separation Effective Time, including the Lions Gate Entertainment Corp. 2023 Performance Incentive Plan (as amended and restated July 7, 2023), Lions Gate Entertainment Corp. 2019 Performance Incentive Plan (as amended and restated July 19, 2021), the Lions Gate Entertainment Corp. 2017 Performance Incentive Plan(as amended), the Lions Gate Entertainment Corp. 2012 Performance Incentive Plan (as amended) (or, in all cases, any predecessor plan thereto).

“Lionsgate Option Award” shall mean an award of options to purchase LGEC Shares granted pursuant to a Lionsgate Equity Plan that is outstanding as of immediately prior to the Separation Effective Time.

“Lionsgate PSU Award” shall mean an award of restricted share units with respect to LGEC Shares granted pursuant to a Lionsgate Equity Plan subject to performance-based vesting conditions that is outstanding immediately prior to the Separation Effective Time.

“Lionsgate RSU Award” shall mean an award of restricted share units with respect to LGEC Shares granted pursuant to a Lionsgate Equity Plan that is not subject to performance conditions that is outstanding immediately prior to the Separation Effective Time.

“Lionsgate SAR Award” shall mean an award of stock appreciation rights with respect to LGEC Shares granted under a Lionsgate Equity Plan that is outstanding immediately prior to the Separation Effective Time.

“NASDAQ” shall mean the Nasdaq Global Market.

“New Lionsgate” shall have the meaning set forth in the Preamble hereto.

“New Lionsgate Awards” shall mean, collectively, the New Lionsgate Option Awards, the New Lionsgate PSU Awards, the New Lionsgate RSU Awards and the New Lionsgate SAR Awards.

“New Lionsgate Benefit Plan” shall have the definition set forth in the definition of Benefit Plan.

“New Lionsgate Director” shall mean each New Lionsgate nonemployee director as of immediately after the Separation Effective Time who served on the Lionsgate Board immediately prior to the Separation Effective Time, other than a Dual Director.

“New Lionsgate Equity Plan” shall mean the Lionsgate Studios Holding Corp. 2025 Performance Incentive Plan as established by New Lionsgate no later than the Separation Effective Time pursuant to Section 4.01.

 

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“New Lionsgate Group Employees” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.01(a).

“New Lionsgate New Common Shares” shall mean Post-Separation shares of common stock of New Lionsgate.

“New Lionsgate Option Award” shall mean an award of options to purchase New Lionsgate New Common Shares that is granted in accordance with Section 4.02(a).

“New Lionsgate PSU Award” shall mean an award of restricted share units with respect to New Lionsgate New Common Shares that is subject to performance conditions and granted in accordance with Section 4.02(d).

“New Lionsgate Ratio for Class A” shall mean the quotient, rounded to four decimal places, obtained by dividing (a) the Pre-Separation Lionsgate Stock Value (with respect to LGEC Class A Shares) by (b) the Post-Separation New Lionsgate Stock Value.

“New Lionsgate Ratio for Class B” shall mean the quotient, rounded to four decimal places, obtained by dividing (a) the Pre-Separation Lionsgate Stock Value (with respect to LGEC Class B Shares) by (b) the Post-Separation New Lionsgate Stock Value.

“New Lionsgate RSU Award” shall mean an award of restricted share units with respect to shares of New Lionsgate New Common Shares that is not subject to performance conditions and is granted in accordance with Section 4.02(c).

“New Lionsgate SAR Award” shall mean an award of stock appreciation rights with respect to shares of New Lionsgate New Common Shares that is granted in accordance with Section 4.02(b).

“New Lionsgate Specified Rights” shall mean any and all rights to enjoy, benefit from or enforce any and all restrictive covenants, including covenants relating to non-disclosure, non-solicitation, non-competition, confidentiality or Intellectual Property, pursuant to any Benefit Plan covering or with any New Lionsgate Group Employee and to which any member of the Starz Group or New Lionsgate Group is a party (other than Starz Specified Rights).

“New Lionsgate Welfare Plan” shall mean any New Lionsgate Benefit Plan that is a Welfare Plan.

“NYSE” shall mean the New York Stock Exchange.

“Parties” shall mean the Parties to this Agreement.

“Plan of Arrangement” shall have the meaning set forth in the Separation Agreement.

“Post-Separation New Lionsgate Stock Value” shall mean the simple average of the volume-weighted average per share price of New Lionsgate New Common Shares trading on the NYSE during each of the three consecutive full regular trading sessions occurring immediately after the Separation Effective Time.

“Pre-Separation Lionsgate Stock Value” shall mean the simple average of the volume-weighted average per share price of the applicable class of LGEC Shares trading on the NYSE during the last full regular trading session immediately prior to the Separation Effective Time.

“Requesting Party” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 7.10.

“Separation Agreement” shall have the meaning set forth in the Recitals.

 

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“Sponsored New Lionsgate Group Employee” means any New Lionsgate Group Employee working on a visa or work permit sponsored by a member of the Starz Group as of immediately prior to the Separation Effective Time.

“Sponsored Starz Group Employee” means any Starz Group Employee working on a visa or work permit sponsored by a member of the New Lionsgate Group as of immediately prior to the Separation Effective Time.

“Starz” shall have the meaning set forth in the Preamble.

“Starz 401(k) Plan” shall mean any Starz Benefit Plan that is a defined contribution plan intended to qualify under Section 401(a) of the Code and related trust intended to be exempt under Section 501(a) of the Code.

“Starz 401(k) Trust” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 5.01(a).

“Starz Awards” shall mean the Starz Option Awards, the Starz PSU Awards, the Starz RSU Awards and Starz SAR Awards.

“Starz Benefit Plan” shall have the definition set forth in the definition of Benefit Plan.

“Starz Board” shall have the meaning set forth in the Recitals.

“Starz Deferred Compensation Plan” shall mean the Starz Deferred Compensation Plan to be adopted by Starz prior to or on the Arrangement Effective Date, as described in Section 5.02.

“Starz Director” shall mean each Starz nonemployee director as of immediately after the Separation Effective Time who served on the Lionsgate Board immediately prior to the Separation Effective Time, other than a Dual Director.

“Starz Equity Plan” shall mean the Starz Entertainment Corp. 2025 Performance Incentive Plan as established by Starz no later than the Separation Effective Time pursuant to Section 4.01.

“Starz Group Employees” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.01(a).

“Starz Option Award” shall mean an award of stock options granted in accordance with Section 4.02(a).

“Starz PSU Award” shall mean an award of restricted stock units that is subject to performance-based vesting conditions and granted in accordance with Section 4.02(d).

“Starz Ratio for Class A” shall mean the quotient, rounded to four decimal places, obtained by dividing (a) the Pre-Separation Lionsgate Stock Value (with respect to LGEC Class A Shares) by (b) the Starz Stock Value.

“Starz Ratio for Class B” shall mean the quotient, rounded to four decimal places, obtained by dividing (a) the Pre-Separation Lionsgate Stock Value (with respect to LGEC Class B Shares) by (b) the Starz Stock Value.

“Starz RSU Award” shall mean an award of restricted stock units that is not subject to performance-based vesting conditions and is granted in accordance with Section 4.02(c).

“Starz SAR Award” shall mean an award of stock appreciation rights granted in accordance with Section 4.02(b).

 

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“Starz Specified Rights” shall mean any and all rights to enjoy, benefit from or enforce any and all restrictive covenants, including covenants relating to non-disclosure, non-solicitation, non-competition, confidentiality or Intellectual Property, pursuant to any Benefit Plan covering or with any Starz Group Employee and to which any member of the Starz Group or New Lionsgate Group is a party.

“Starz Stock Value” shall mean the simple average of the volume-weighted average per share price of Starz Common Shares trading on the NASDAQ during each of the three consecutive full regular trading sessions occurring immediately after the Separation Effective Time.

“Starz Welfare Plan” shall mean any Starz Benefit Plan that is a Welfare Plan.

“Transactions” shall have the meaning set forth in the Separation Agreement.

“U.S.” shall mean the United States of America.

“Welfare Plan” shall mean any “welfare plan” (as defined in Section 3(1) of ERISA) or a “cafeteria plan” under Section 125 of the Code, and any benefits offered thereunder, and any other plan offering health benefits (including medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, mental health, substance abuse and retiree health), disability benefits, or life, accidental death and dismemberment, and business travel insurance, pre-Tax premium conversion benefits, dependent care assistance programs, employee assistance programs, paid time off programs, contribution funding toward a health savings account, flexible spending accounts or severance.

ARTICLE II

GENERAL PRINCIPLES FOR ALLOCATION OF LIABILITIES

Section 2.01 Allocation of Employee-Related Liabilities.

(a) All provisions herein shall be subject to the requirements of all applicable Law and any collective bargaining, works council or similar agreement or arrangement with any labor union, works council or other labor representative (each, a “Labor Agreement”). Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, if the terms of a Labor Agreement or applicable Law require that any Assets or Liabilities be retained or assumed by, or transferred to, a Party in a manner that is different than what is set forth in this Agreement, such retention, assumption or transfer shall be made in accordance with the terms of such Labor Agreement and applicable Law and shall not be made as otherwise set forth in this Agreement; provided that, in such case, the Parties shall take all necessary action to preserve the economic terms of the allocation of Assets and Liabilities contemplated by this Agreement. The provisions of this Agreement shall apply in respect of all jurisdictions.

(b) Acceptance and Assumption of Starz Liabilities. Except as otherwise provided by this Agreement, on or prior to the Separation Effective Time, Starz and certain members of the Starz Group designated by Starz shall accept, assume and agree faithfully to perform, discharge and fulfill all of the following Liabilities in accordance with their respective terms (each of which shall be considered a Starz Liability), regardless of when or where such Liabilities arose or arise, or whether the facts on which they are based occurred prior to, at or subsequent to the Separation Effective Time, regardless of where or against whom such Liabilities are asserted or determined (including any Liabilities arising out of claims made by New Lionsgate’s or Starz’s respective directors, officers, Employees, Former Employees, agents, Subsidiaries or Affiliates against any member of the New Lionsgate Group or the Starz Group) or whether asserted or determined prior to the date hereof, and regardless of whether arising from or alleged to arise from negligence, recklessness, violation of Law, fraud or misrepresentation by any member of the New Lionsgate Group or the Starz Group, or any of their respective directors, officers, Employees, Former Employees, agents, Subsidiaries or Affiliates:

(i) any and all wages, salaries, incentive compensation, equity compensation, commissions, bonuses and any other employee compensation or benefits payable to or on behalf of any Starz Group Employees and Former Starz Group Employees, without regard to when such wages, salaries, incentive compensation, equity compensation, commissions, bonuses or other employee compensation or benefits are or may have been awarded or earned;

 

9


(ii) any and all Liabilities whatsoever with respect to claims under a Starz Benefit Plan, taking into account any corresponding New Lionsgate Benefit Plan’s assumption of Liabilities with respect to New Lionsgate Group Employees and Former New Lionsgate Group Employees that were originally the Liabilities of such Starz Benefit Plan with respect to periods prior to the Separation Effective Time;

(iii) any and all Liabilities arising out of, relating to or resulting from the employment, or termination of employment of all Starz Group Employees and Former Starz Group Employees; and

(iv) any and all Liabilities expressly assumed or retained by any member of the Starz Group pursuant to this Agreement.

(c) Acceptance and Assumption of New Lionsgate Liabilities. Except as otherwise provided by this Agreement, on or prior to the Separation Effective Time, New Lionsgate and certain members of the New Lionsgate Group designated by New Lionsgate shall accept, assume and agree faithfully to perform, discharge and fulfill all of the following Liabilities in accordance with their respective terms (each of which shall be considered a New Lionsgate Liability), regardless of when or where such Liabilities arose or arise, or whether the facts on which they are based occurred prior to, at or subsequent to the Separation Effective Time, regardless of where or against whom such Liabilities are asserted or determined (including any Liabilities arising out of claims made by New Lionsgate’s or Starz’s respective directors, officers, Employees, Former Employees, agents, Subsidiaries or Affiliates against any member of the New Lionsgate Group or the Starz Group) or whether asserted or determined prior to the date hereof, and regardless of whether arising from or alleged to arise from negligence, recklessness, violation of Law, fraud or misrepresentation by any member of the New Lionsgate Group or the Starz Group, or any of their respective directors, officers, Employees, Former Employees, agents, Subsidiaries or Affiliates:

(i) any and all wages, salaries, incentive compensation, equity compensation, commissions, bonuses and any other employee compensation or benefits payable to or on behalf of any New Lionsgate Group Employees and Former New Lionsgate Group Employees, without regard to when such wages, salaries, incentive compensation, equity compensation, commissions, bonuses or other employee compensation or benefits are or may have been awarded or earned;

(ii) any and all Liabilities whatsoever with respect to claims under a New Lionsgate Benefit Plan, taking into account any corresponding Starz Benefit Plan’s assumption of Liabilities with respect to Starz Group Employees and Former Starz Group Employees that were originally the Liabilities of such New Lionsgate Benefit Plan with respect to periods prior to the Separation Effective Time;

(iii) any and all Liabilities arising out of, relating to or resulting from the employment, or termination of employment of all New Lionsgate Group Employees and Former New Lionsgate Group Employees; and

(iv) any and all Liabilities expressly assumed or retained by any member of the New Lionsgate Group pursuant to this Agreement.

(d) Unaddressed Liabilities. To the extent that this Agreement does not address particular Liabilities and the Parties later determine that they should be allocated in connection with the Transactions, the Parties shall agree in good faith on the allocation, taking into account the handling of comparable Liabilities under this Agreement.

 

10


(e) Non-U.S. Employees. Starz Group Employees and Former Starz Group Employees who are residents outside of the U.S. or otherwise are subject to non-U.S. Law and their related benefits and Liabilities shall be treated in the same manner as the Starz Group Employees and Former Starz Group Employees, respectively, who are residents of the U.S. and are not subject to non-U.S. Law. New Lionsgate Group Employees and Former New Lionsgate Group Employees who are residents outside of the U.S. or otherwise are subject to non-U.S. Law and their related benefits and Liabilities shall be treated in the same manner as the New Lionsgate Group Employees and Former New Lionsgate Group Employees, respectively, who are residents of the U.S. and are not subject to non-U.S. Law. Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, all actions taken with respect to non-U.S. Employees or U.S. Employees working in non-U.S. jurisdictions, including any action under a Benefit Plan, shall be subject to and accomplished in accordance with applicable Law in the custom of the applicable jurisdictions and New Lionsgate and Starz may make such changes, modifications or amendments to the New Lionsgate Benefit Plans and Starz Benefit Plans, respectively, as may be required by applicable Law, vendor limitations or as are necessary to reflect the Transactions.

Section 2.02 Service Credit. As of the Separation Effective Time, the Starz Benefit Plans shall, and Starz shall cause each member of the Starz Group to, recognize each Starz Group Employee’s and each Former Starz Group Employee’s full service with Lionsgate or any of its Subsidiaries or predecessor entities at or before the Separation Effective Time, to the same extent that such service was recognized by Lionsgate or any of its Subsidiaries for similar purposes prior to the Separation Effective Time as if such full service had been performed for a member of the Starz Group, for purposes of eligibility, vesting and determination of level of benefits under any Starz Benefit Plans. As of the Separation Effective Time, the New Lionsgate Benefit Plans shall, and New Lionsgate shall cause each member of the New Lionsgate Group to, recognize each New Lionsgate Group Employee’s and each Former New Lionsgate Group Employee’s full service with the Starz Group or predecessor entities at or before the Separation Effective Time, to the same extent that such service was recognized by a member of the Starz Group for similar purposes prior to the Separation Effective Time as if such full service had been performed for a member of New Lionsgate Group, for purposes of eligibility, vesting and determination of level of benefits under any New Lionsgate Benefit Plans.

Section 2.03 Adoption and Transfer and Assumption of Benefit Plans.

(a) Adoption of Benefit Plans.

(i) New Lionsgate Benefit Plans. As of no later than the Separation Effective Time, New Lionsgate shall, or shall cause the members of the New Lionsgate Group to, adopt or retain Benefit Plans (and related trusts, if applicable) as contemplated and in accordance with the terms of this Agreement, which Benefit Plans are generally intended to contain terms substantially similar in all material respects to those of the corresponding New Lionsgate Benefit Plans as in effect immediately prior to the Separation Effective Time, with such changes, modifications or amendments to the New Lionsgate Benefit Plans as may be required by applicable Law or to reflect the Transactions, including limiting participation in any such New Lionsgate Benefit Plan to New Lionsgate Group Employees and Former New Lionsgate Group Employees who participated in the corresponding Benefit Plan immediately prior to the Separation Effective Time.

(ii) Starz Benefit Plans. As of no later than the Separation Effective Time, Starz shall, or shall cause the members of the Starz Group to, adopt or retain Benefit Plans (and related trusts, if applicable) as contemplated and in accordance with the terms of this Agreement, which Benefit Plans are generally intended to contain terms substantially similar in all material respects to those of the corresponding New Lionsgate Benefit Plans as in effect immediately prior to the Separation Effective Time, with such changes, modifications or amendments to the Starz Benefit Plans as may be required by applicable Law or to reflect the Transaction, including limiting participation in any such Starz Benefit Plan to Starz Group Employees and Former Starz Group Employees who participated in the corresponding Benefit Plan immediately prior to the Separation Effective Time.

 

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(b) Plans Not Required to Be Adopted. With respect to any Benefit Plan not otherwise addressed in this Agreement, the Parties shall agree in good faith on the treatment of such plan and the Liabilities thereunder, taking into account the handling of any comparable plan under this Agreement and, notwithstanding that neither Starz nor New Lionsgate shall have an obligation to continue to maintain any such plan with respect to the provision of future benefits from and after the Separation Effective Time, Starz shall remain obligated to pay or provide any previously accrued or incurred benefits to the Starz Group Employees and Former Starz Group Employees consistent with Section 2.01(b) of this Agreement and New Lionsgate shall remain obligated to pay or provide any previously accrued or incurred benefits to the New Lionsgate Group Employees and Former New Lionsgate Group Employees consistent with Section 2.01(c) of this Agreement.

(c) Information, Elections and Beneficiary Designations. Each Party shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to provide the other Party with information describing each Benefit Plan election made by an Employee or Former Employee that may have application to such Party’s Benefit Plans from and after the Separation Effective Time, and each Party shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to administer its Benefit Plans using those elections, including any beneficiary designations. Each Party shall, upon reasonable request, use its commercially reasonable efforts to provide the other Party and the other Party’s respective Affiliates, agents, and vendors all information reasonably necessary to the other Party’s operation or administration of its Benefit Plans.

(d) No Duplication or Acceleration of Benefits. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, the Separation Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement, no participant in any Benefit Plan shall receive service credit or benefits or recognition of compensation or other factors to the extent that receipt of such service credit or benefits or recognition of compensation or other factors would result in duplication of benefits provided to such participant by the corresponding Benefit Plan or any other plan, program or arrangement sponsored or maintained by a member of the Group that sponsors the corresponding Benefit Plan. Furthermore, unless expressly provided for in this Agreement, the Separation Agreement or in any Ancillary Agreement or required by applicable Law, no provision in this Agreement shall be construed to (i) create any right to accelerate vesting, distributions or entitlements under any Benefit Plan sponsored or maintained by a member of the New Lionsgate Group or member of the Starz Group on the part of any Employee or Former Employee, or (ii) limit the ability of a member of the New Lionsgate Group or Starz Group to amend, merge, modify, eliminate, reduce or otherwise alter in any respect any benefit under any Benefit Plan sponsored or maintained by a member of the New Lionsgate Group or Starz Group, respectively, or any trust, insurance policy or funding vehicle related thereto.

(e) Transition Services. The Parties acknowledge that the New Lionsgate Group or the Starz Group may provide administrative services for certain of the other Party’s compensation and benefit programs for a transitional period under the terms of a Transition Services Agreement. The Parties agree to enter into a business associate agreement (if required by HIPAA or other applicable health information privacy Laws) in connection with such Transition Services Agreement.

(f) Beneficiaries. References to New Lionsgate Group Employees, Former New Lionsgate Group Employees, Starz Group Employees, Former Starz Group Employees, and current and former nonemployee directors of either New Lionsgate or Starz shall be deemed to refer to their beneficiaries, dependents, survivors and alternate payees, as applicable.

ARTICLE III

EMPLOYEES; EMPLOYMENT AND

COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENTS

Section 3.01 Assignment and Transfer of Employees.

 

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(a) Effective as of no later than the Separation Effective Time and except as otherwise agreed to by the Parties, the Parties shall have taken such actions as are necessary to ensure that (i) each individual who is intended to be an employee of the Starz Group as of the Separation Effective Time (including any such individual who is not actively working as of the Separation Effective Time as a result of an illness, injury or an approved leave of absence) (collectively, the “Starz Group Employees”) is employed by a member of the Starz Group as of the Separation Effective Time, and (ii) each individual who is intended to be an employee of the New Lionsgate Group as of the Separation Effective Time (including any such individual who is not actively working as of the Separation Effective Time as a result of an illness, injury or an approved leave of absence) (collectively, the “New Lionsgate Group Employees”) is employed by a member of the New Lionsgate Group as of the Separation Effective Time. Each of the Parties agrees to execute, and to seek to have the applicable Employees execute, such documentation, if any, as may be necessary to reflect such assignment and/or transfer.

(b) In the event that the Parties reasonably determine following the Separation Effective Time that (i) any individual employed outside of the U.S. who is not a Starz Group Employee has inadvertently become employed by a member of the Starz Group or continues to be employed by a member of the Starz Group (due to the operation of transfer of undertakings or similar applicable Law), the Parties shall cooperate and take such actions as may be reasonably necessary in order to cause the employment of such individual to be promptly transferred to a member of the New Lionsgate Group, and New Lionsgate shall reimburse the applicable members of the Starz Group for all compensation, benefits, severance and other employment-related costs incurred by the Starz Group members in employing and transferring such individuals or (ii) any individual employed outside the U.S. who is not a New Lionsgate Group Employee has inadvertently become employed by, a member of the New Lionsgate Group or continued to be employed by a member of the New Lionsgate Group (due to the operation of transfer of undertakings or similar applicable Law), the Parties shall cooperate and take such actions as may be reasonably necessary in order to cause the employment of such individual to be promptly transferred to a member of the Starz Group, and Starz shall reimburse the applicable members of the New Lionsgate Group for all compensation, benefits, severance and other employment-related costs incurred by New Lionsgate Group members in employing and transferring such individuals.

Section 3.02 At-Will Status. Nothing in this Agreement shall create any obligation on the part of any member of the New Lionsgate Group or any member of the Starz Group to (a) change the employment status of any Employee from “at-will,” to the extent that such Employee is an “at-will” employee under applicable Law or (b) continue the employment of any Employee or permit the return from a leave of absence for any period after the date of this Agreement (except as required by applicable Law) . Except as provided in this Agreement, this Agreement shall not limit the ability of the New Lionsgate Group or the Starz Group to change the position, compensation or benefits of any Employees for performance-related, business or any other reason.

Section 3.03 Individual Agreements.

(a) Except as agreed between New Lionsgate and Starz, with respect to any Individual Agreement with any Starz Group Employees or Former Starz Group Employees to which a member of the Starz Group is not a party, or which do not otherwise transfer to a Starz Group member by operation of applicable Law (including pursuant to any applicable automatic transfer regulations), the Parties shall use reasonable best efforts to assign, effective as of the Separation Effective Time, the applicable agreement, as applicable, to a member of the Starz Group, and Starz shall, or shall cause a member of the Starz Group to assume responsibility for, and perform and honor, such agreement in accordance with its terms, in each case as if originally entered into by such applicable member of the Starz Group, and the New Lionsgate Group shall cease to have any Liabilities or responsibilities with respect thereto; provided, however, that to the extent that assignment of any such Individual Agreement is not permitted by the terms of such agreement or by applicable Law, effective as of the Separation Effective Time, each member of the Starz Group shall be considered to be a successor to each member of the New Lionsgate Group for purposes of, and a third-party beneficiary with respect to, such Individual Agreement, such that each member of the Starz Group shall enjoy all the rights and benefits under such agreement (including rights and benefits as a third-party beneficiary); provided, further, that in no event shall New Lionsgate be permitted to enforce an Individual Agreement (including any agreement containing non-competition or non-solicitation covenants) against a Starz Employee for actions taken in such individual’s capacity as a Starz Employee other than on behalf of Starz as requested by the Starz Group in its capacity as third-party beneficiary.

 

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(b) Except as agreed between New Lionsgate and Starz, with respect to any Individual Agreement with New Lionsgate Group Employees or Former New Lionsgate Group Employees to which a member of the New Lionsgate Group is not a party, or which do not otherwise transfer to a New Lionsgate Group member by operation of applicable Law (including pursuant to any applicable automatic transfer regulations), the Parties shall use reasonable best efforts to assign, effective on or before the Separation Effective Time, the applicable agreement to a member of the New Lionsgate Group, and New Lionsgate shall, or shall cause a member of the New Lionsgate Group to assume responsibility for, and perform and honor, such agreement in accordance with its terms, in each case as if originally entered into by such applicable member of the New Lionsgate Group, and the Starz Group shall cease to have any Liabilities or responsibilities with respect thereto; provided, however, that to the extent that assignment of any such Individual Agreement is not permitted by the terms of such agreement or by applicable Law, effective as of the Separation Effective Time, each member of the New Lionsgate Group shall be considered to be a successor to each member of the Starz Group for purposes of, and a third-party beneficiary with respect to, such Individual Agreement, such that each member of the New Lionsgate Group shall enjoy all the rights and benefits under such agreement (including rights and benefits as a third-party beneficiary); provided, further, that in no event shall Starz be permitted to enforce an Individual Agreement (including any agreement containing non-competition or non-solicitation covenants) against a New Lionsgate Employee for actions taken in such individual’s capacity as a New Lionsgate Employee other than on behalf of New Lionsgate as requested by the New Lionsgate Group in its capacity as third-party beneficiary.

Section 3.04 Assignment of Specified Rights. To the extent permitted by applicable Law and the applicable agreement, if any, effective as of the Separation Effective Time, (a) New Lionsgate hereby assigns, to the maximum extent possible, on behalf of itself and the New Lionsgate Group, the Starz Specified Rights, to Starz (and Starz shall be a third-party beneficiary with respect thereto), and (b) Starz hereby assigns, to the maximum extent possible, on behalf of itself and the Starz Group, the New Lionsgate Specified Rights, to New Lionsgate (and New Lionsgate shall be a third-party beneficiary with respect thereto).

Section 3.05 Consultation with Labor Representatives; Labor Agreements. The Parties shall cooperate to notify, inform and/or consult with any labor union, works council or other labor representative regarding the Transactions to the extent required by Law or a Labor Agreement. No later than as of immediately before the Separation Effective Time, Starz shall have taken, or caused another member of the Starz Group to take, all actions that are necessary (if any) for Starz or another member of the Starz Group to (a) assume any Labor Agreements in effect with respect to Starz Group Employees and Former Starz Group Employees (excluding obligations thereunder with respect to any New Lionsgate Group Employees or Former New Lionsgate Group Employees, to the extent applicable), and (b) unless otherwise provided in this Agreement, assume and honor any obligations of the New Lionsgate Group under any Labor Agreements as such obligations relate to Starz Group Employees and Former Starz Group Employees. No later than as of immediately before the Separation Effective Time, New Lionsgate shall have taken, or caused another member of the New Lionsgate Group to take, all actions that are necessary (if any) for New Lionsgate or another member of the New Lionsgate Group to (i) assume any Labor Agreements in effect with respect to New Lionsgate Group Employees and Former New Lionsgate Group Employees (excluding obligations thereunder with respect to any Starz Group Employees, or Former Starz Group Employees, to the extent applicable), and (ii) assume and honor any obligations of the Starz Group under any Labor Agreements as such obligations relate to New Lionsgate Group Employees and Former New Lionsgate Group Employees. For the avoidance of doubt, any withdrawal liability that is imposed on any member of the New Lionsgate Group at or after the Separation Effective Time by a multiemployer pension plan and that relates to the obligation, or cessation of the obligation, of a member of the Starz Group to contribute to such plan, shall be a Liability of Starz and any withdrawal liability that is imposed on any member of the Starz Group at or after the Separation Effective Time by a multiemployer pension plan and that relates to the obligation, or cessation of the obligation, of a member of the New Lionsgate Group to contribute to such plan, shall be a Liability of New Lionsgate.

Section 3.06 Sponsored Employees.

 

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Each of Starz and New Lionsgate shall, and shall cause the members of the Starz Group and the New Lionsgate Group, respectively, to, cooperate in good faith with each other and the applicable Governmental Authorities with respect to the process of obtaining work authorization for each Sponsored Starz Group Employee to work with a member of the Starz Group and for each Sponsored New Lionsgate Group Employee to work with a member of the New Lionsgate Group, including, but not limited to, petitioning the applicable Governmental Authorities for the transfer of the applicable employee’s (as well as any spouse or dependent thereof, as applicable) visa or work permit, or the grant of a new visa or work permit, to the Starz Group or New Lionsgate Group, as applicable. In the event that it is not legally permissible for a Sponsored Starz Group Employee to continue work with the Starz Group from and after the Arrangement Effective Date, or for a Sponsored New Lionsgate Group Employee to continue work with the New Lionsgate Group from and after the Arrangement Effective Date, the Parties shall reasonably cooperate to provide for the services of the applicable employee to be made available exclusively to the Starz Group or New Lionsgate Group, whichever was the intended employer, under an employee secondment or similar arrangement, with costs incurred (including those relating to compensation and benefits in respect of such employee) to be borne by such intended employer.

Section 3.07 Transfer-Related Termination Liabilities.

(a) None of the Transactions, or any assignment, transfer or continuation of the employment of any employees as contemplated by this Article III (or any other Ancillary Agreement) shall be deemed a termination of employment or service of any New Lionsgate Group Employee or Starz Group Employee for purposes of this Agreement, any New Lionsgate Benefit Plan, any Starz Benefit Plan or any employment, severance, retention, change in control, consulting or similar agreements, plans, policies or arrangements.

(b) Without limiting the generality of Section 3.07(a), in the event that any severance or other termination-related payments become payable as a result of the Transactions or the transfer of the employment of (i) a Starz Group Employee contemplated by this Article III, the Starz Group shall be solely responsible for all such severance and termination-related payments, and such amounts shall constitute Starz Liabilities, or (ii) a New Lionsgate Group Employee contemplated by this Article III, the New Lionsgate Group shall be solely responsible for all such severance and termination-related payments and such amounts shall constitute New Lionsgate Liabilities.

ARTICLE IV

TREATMENT OF OUTSTANDING EQUITY AWARDS

Section 4.01 Generally. Except as specified below, each Lionsgate Award that is outstanding as of immediately prior to the Separation Effective Time shall be adjusted as described below; provided, however, that, prior to the Separation Effective Time, the Lionsgate Compensation Committee may provide for different adjustments with respect to some or all Lionsgate Awards to the extent that the Lionsgate Compensation Committee deems such adjustments necessary and appropriate. Any adjustments made by the Lionsgate Compensation Committee pursuant to the foregoing sentence shall be deemed incorporated by reference herein as if fully set forth below and shall be binding on the Parties and their respective Affiliates. No later than the Separation Effective Time, the Starz Equity Plan and New Lionsgate Equity Plan shall be established, with such terms as are necessary to permit the implementation of the provisions of Section  4.02.

Section 4.02 Equity Incentive Awards. In adjusting each Lionsgate Award under the formulas set forth in this Section 4.02, to the extent such award relates to either LGEC Class A Shares or LGEC Class B Shares, such Award shall be converted into a New Lionsgate Award or a Starz Award, as provided below and such adjustment shall be made using the Applicable New Lionsgate Ratio (New Lionsgate Ratio for Class A or New Lionsgate Ratio for Class B) or Applicable Starz Ratio (Starz Ratio for Class A or Starz Ratio for Class B) for such share class. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, in respect of each Lionsgate Award subject to any performance-based vesting conditions, such vesting conditions may be modified in a manner determined by the Lionsgate Compensation Committee (or, following the Separation Effective Time, in the case of a Starz Award, the compensation committee of the Board of Directors of Starz or in the case of a New Lionsgate Award, the compensation committee of the Board of Directors of New Lionsgate, as applicable).

 

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(a) Option Awards. Each Lionsgate Option Award that is outstanding immediately prior to the Separation Effective Time shall be converted as of the Separation Effective Time into either a New Lionsgate Option Award or a Starz Option Award as described below:

(i) Each Lionsgate Option Award held by a New Lionsgate Group Employee or by a Former Employee shall be converted as of the Separation Effective Time, through an adjustment thereto, into a New Lionsgate Option Award and shall, except as otherwise provided in this Section 4.02, be subject to the same terms and conditions (including with respect to vesting and expiration) after the Separation Effective Time as applicable to such Lionsgate Option Award immediately prior to the Separation Effective Time. From and after the Separation Effective Time:

(A) the number of New Lionsgate New Common Shares subject to such New Lionsgate Option Award, rounded down to the nearest whole number of shares, shall be equal to the product obtained by multiplying (1) the number of LGEC Shares subject to the corresponding Lionsgate Option Award immediately prior to the Separation Effective Time, by (2) the Applicable New Lionsgate Ratio; and

(B) the per share exercise price of such New Lionsgate Option Award, rounded up to the nearest cent, shall be equal to the quotient obtained by dividing (1) the per share exercise price of the corresponding Lionsgate Option Award as of immediately prior to the Separation Effective Time, by (2) the Applicable New Lionsgate Ratio.

(ii) Each Lionsgate Option Award held by a Starz Group Employee shall be converted as of the Separation Effective Time into a Starz Option Award, and shall, except as otherwise provided in this Section 4.02, be subject to the same terms and conditions (including with respect to vesting and expiration) after the Separation Effective Time as applicable to such Lionsgate Option Award immediately prior to the Separation Effective Time. From and after the Separation Effective Time:

(A) the number of Starz Common Shares subject to such Starz Option Award, rounded down to the nearest whole number of shares, shall be equal to the product obtained by multiplying (1) the number of LGEC Shares subject to the corresponding Lionsgate Option Award immediately prior to the Separation Effective Time, by (2) the Applicable Starz Ratio; and

(B) the per share exercise price of such Starz Option Award, rounded up to the nearest cent, shall be equal to the quotient obtained by dividing (1) the per share exercise price of the corresponding Lionsgate Option Award as of immediately prior to the Separation Effective Time, by (2) the Applicable Starz Ratio.

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Section 4.02(a), the exercise price, the number of shares of New Lionsgate New Common Shares and Starz Common Shares subject to each New Lionsgate Option Award and Starz Option Award, respectively, and the terms and conditions of exercise of such options, shall be determined in a manner consistent with the requirements of Section 409A of the Code.

(b) SAR Awards. Each Lionsgate SAR Award that is outstanding as of immediately prior to the Separation Effective Time shall be converted as of the Separation Effective Time into either a New Lionsgate SAR Award or a Starz SAR Award as described below:

(i) If the holder is a New Lionsgate Group Employee or a Former Employee, such award shall be converted, as of the Separation Effective Time, into a New Lionsgate SAR Award and shall, except as otherwise provided in this Section 4.02, be subject to the same terms and conditions (including with respect to vesting and expiration) after the Separation Effective Time as were applicable to such Lionsgate SAR Award immediately prior to the Separation Effective Time; provided, however, that from and after the Separation Effective Time:

 

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(A) the number of New Lionsgate New Common Shares underlying such New Lionsgate SAR Award shall be equal to the product, rounded down to the nearest whole share, of (1) the number of LGEC Shares underlying the corresponding Lionsgate SAR Award immediately prior to the Separation Effective Time, multiplied by (2) the Applicable New Lionsgate Ratio; and

(B) the per-share exercise price of such New Lionsgate SAR Award shall be equal to the quotient, rounded up to the nearest cent, of (1) the per-share exercise price of the corresponding Lionsgate SAR Award immediately prior to the Separation Effective Time, divided by (2) the Applicable New Lionsgate Ratio.

(ii) If the holder is a Starz Group Employee, such award shall be converted, as of the Separation Effective Time, into a Starz SAR Award, and shall, except as otherwise provided in this Section 4.02, be subject to the same terms and conditions (including with respect to vesting and expiration) after the Separation Effective Time as were applicable to such Lionsgate SAR Award immediately prior to the Separation Effective Time; provided, however, that from and after the Separation Effective Time:

(A) the number of Starz Common Shares underlying such Starz SAR Award shall be equal to the product, rounded down to the nearest whole share, of (1) the number of LGEC Shares subject to the corresponding Lionsgate SAR Award immediately prior to the Separation Effective Time, multiplied by (2) the Applicable Starz Ratio; and

(B) the per-share exercise price of such Starz SAR Award shall be equal to the quotient, rounded up to the nearest cent, of (1) the per-share exercise price of the corresponding Lionsgate SAR Award immediately prior to the Separation Effective Time, divided by (2) the Applicable Starz Ratio.

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Section 4.02(b), the exercise price, the number of shares of New Lionsgate New Common Shares and New Starz Common Shares subject to each New Lionsgate SAR Award and Starz SAR Award, respectively, and the terms and conditions of exercise of such awards shall be determined in a manner consistent with the requirements of Section 409A of the Code.

(c) RSU Awards. Each Lionsgate RSU Award that is outstanding as of immediately prior to the Separation Effective Time (including each Canadian Lionsgate RSU Award (as defined below)) shall be treated as follows:

(i) If the holder is a New Lionsgate Group Employee, Former Employee or New Lionsgate Director, such award shall be converted, as of the Separation Effective Time, into a New Lionsgate RSU Award, and shall, except as otherwise provided in this Section 4.02, be subject to the same terms and conditions (including with respect to vesting) after the Separation Effective Time as were applicable to such Lionsgate RSU Award immediately prior to the Separation Effective Time; provided, however, that from and after the Separation Effective Time, the number of New Lionsgate New Common Shares subject to such New Lionsgate RSU Award shall be equal to the product, rounded to the nearest whole number of shares, obtained by multiplying (A) the number of LGEC Shares subject to the corresponding Lionsgate RSU Award immediately prior to the Separation Effective Time, by (B) the Applicable New Lionsgate Ratio; provided further, however, that the conversion of any Lionsgate RSU Award by a holder thereof who for the purposes of the Income Tax Act (Canada) (the “Tax Act”) is a resident of Canada (a “Canadian Lionsgate RSU Award”) for a New Lionsgate RSU Award shall be adjusted as necessary in order to comply with the requirements of paragraph 7(1.4)(c) of the Tax Act and shall occur immediately before the time that is immediately before the Separation Effective Time provided that, for all other purposes of this Agreement, each such Canadian Lionsgate RSU Award shall be considered as if it were outstanding as of immediately prior to the Separation Effective Time.

 

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(ii) If the holder is a Starz Group Employee, or a Starz Director, such award shall be converted, as of the Separation Effective Time, into a Starz RSU Award, and shall, except as otherwise provided in this Section 4.02, be subject to the same terms and conditions (including with respect to vesting) after the Separation Effective Time as were applicable to such Lionsgate RSU Award immediately prior to the Separation Effective Time; provided, however, that from and after the Separation Effective Time, the number of Starz Common Shares subject to such Starz RSU Award shall be equal to the product, rounded to the nearest whole number of shares, obtained by multiplying (A) the number of LGEC Shares subject to the corresponding Lionsgate RSU Award immediately prior to the Separation Effective Time, by (B) the Applicable Starz Ratio.

(iii) If the holder is a Dual Director, such award shall be converted, as of the Separation Effective Time, into an New Lionsgate RSU Award and a Starz RSU Award, each of which shall, except as otherwise provided in this Section 4.02, be subject to the same terms and conditions (including with respect to vesting) after the Separation Effective Time as were applicable to such Lionsgate RSU Award immediately prior to the Separation Effective Time; provided, however, that from and after the Separation Effective Time, the number of Starz Common Shares and the number of shares of New Lionsgate New Common Shares that shall be subject to each such New Lionsgate RSU Award and each Starz RSU Award shall be the number of Starz Common Shares and the number of New Lionsgate Common Shares, respectively, that would have been received as of the Separation Effective Time pursuant to the Plan of Arrangement had such Dual Director held the number of LGEC Shares subject to such Lionsgate RSU Award immediately prior to the Separation Effective Time.

(d) PSU Awards. Each Lionsgate PSU Award that is outstanding as of immediately prior to the Separation Effective Time shall be treated as follows:

(i) If the holder is a New Lionsgate Group Employee, such award shall be converted, as of the Separation Effective Time, into an New Lionsgate PSU Award, and shall, except as otherwise provided in this Section 4.02, be subject to the same terms and conditions (including with respect to time-based vesting) after the Separation Effective Time as were applicable to such PSU Award immediately prior to the Separation Effective Time; provided, however, that from and after the Separation Effective Time, the number of New Lionsgate New Common Shares subject to such New Lionsgate PSU Award shall be equal to the product, rounded to the nearest whole number of shares, obtained by multiplying (A) the number of LGEC Shares subject to the corresponding Lionsgate PSU Award immediately prior to the Separation Effective Time, by (B) the Applicable New Lionsgate Ratio.

(ii) If the holder is a Starz Group Employee, such award shall be converted, as of the Separation Effective Time, into a Starz PSU Award, and shall, except as otherwise provided in this Section 4.02, be subject to the same terms and conditions (including with respect to time-based vesting) after the Separation Effective Time as were applicable to such Lionsgate PSU Award immediately prior to the Separation Effective Time; provided, however, that from and after the Separation Effective Time, the number of Starz Common Shares subject to such Starz PSU Award shall be equal to the product, rounded to the nearest whole number of shares, obtained by multiplying (A) the number of LGEC Shares subject to the corresponding Lionsgate PSU Award immediately prior to the Separation Effective Time, by (B) the Applicable Starz Ratio.

(e) Miscellaneous Award Terms. None of the Transactions or any employment transfer described in Section 3.01 shall constitute a termination of employment for any Employee or termination of service for any non-employee director for purposes of any New Lionsgate Award or any Starz Award. After the Separation Effective Time, for any award adjusted under this Section 4.02, any reference to a “change in control,” “change of control” or similar definition in an award agreement, employment agreement or New Lionsgate Equity Plan applicable to such award (x) with respect to Adjusted New Lionsgate Awards, shall be deemed to refer to a “change in control,” “change of control” or similar definition as set forth in the applicable award agreement, employment agreement or New Lionsgate Equity Plan, and (y) with respect to Starz Awards, shall be deemed to refer to a “Change in Control” as defined in the Starz Equity Plan.

 

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(f) Registration and Other Regulatory Requirements. Starz agrees to file the appropriate registration statements with respect to, and to cause to be registered pursuant to the Securities Act, shares authorized for issuance under the Starz Equity Plan, as required pursuant to the Securities Act, as soon as practicable following the Separation Effective Time and in any event before the date of issuance of any shares pursuant to the Starz Equity Plan. New Lionsgate agrees to file the appropriate registration statements with respect to, and to cause to be registered pursuant to the Securities Act, shares authorized for issuance under the New Lionsgate Equity Plan, as required pursuant to the Securities Act, as soon as practicable following the Separation Effective Time and in any event before the date of issuance of any shares pursuant to the New Lionsgate Equity Plan. The Parties shall take such additional actions as are deemed necessary or advisable to effectuate the foregoing provisions of this Section 4.02(f), including, to the extent applicable, compliance with securities Laws and other legal requirements associated with equity compensation awards in affected non-U.S. jurisdictions.

Section 4.03 Non-Equity Incentive Practices and Plans.

(a) Allocation of Liabilities.

(i) The Starz Group shall be responsible for determining all bonus awards that would otherwise be payable under non-equity cash incentive to Starz Group Employees or Former Starz Group Employees for any performance periods that are open when the Separation Effective Time occurs. The Starz Group shall also determine for Starz Group Employees or Former Starz Group Employees (A) the extent to which established performance criteria (as interpreted by the Starz Group, in its sole discretion) have been met, and (B) the payment level for each Starz Group Employee or Former Starz Group Employee. The Starz Group shall retain (or assume as necessary) all Liabilities with respect to any such bonus awards payable to Starz Group Employees or Former Starz Group Employees for any performance periods that are open when the Separation Effective Time occurs and thereafter, and no member of the New Lionsgate Group shall have any obligations with respect thereto.

(ii) The New Lionsgate Group shall be responsible for determining all bonus awards that would otherwise be payable under non-equity cash incentive plans to New Lionsgate Group Employees or Former New Lionsgate Group Employees for any performance periods that are open when the Separation Effective Time occurs. The New Lionsgate Group shall also determine for New Lionsgate Group Employees or Former New Lionsgate Group Employees (A) the extent to which established performance criteria (as interpreted by the New Lionsgate Group, in its sole discretion) have been met, and (B) the payment level for each New Lionsgate Group Employee or Former New Lionsgate Group Employee. The New Lionsgate Group shall retain (or assume as necessary) all Liabilities with respect to any such bonus awards payable to New Lionsgate Group Employees or Former New Lionsgate Group Employees for any performance periods that are open when the Separation Effective Time occurs and thereafter, and no member of the Starz Group shall have any obligations with respect thereto.

(b) Non-Equity Incentive Plans. Without limiting the generality of Section 4.03(a):

(i) No later than the Separation Effective Time, the New Lionsgate Group shall continue to retain (or assume as necessary) any cash incentive plan for the exclusive benefit of New Lionsgate Group Employees and Former New Lionsgate Group Employees, whether or not sponsored by the New Lionsgate Group, and, from and after the Separation Effective Time, shall be solely responsible for all Liabilities thereunder.

(ii) No later than the Separation Effective Time, the Starz Group shall continue to retain (or assume as necessary) any cash incentive plan for the exclusive benefit of Starz Group Employees and Former Starz Group Employees, whether or not sponsored by the Starz Group, and, from and after the Separation Effective Time, shall be solely responsible for all Liabilities thereunder.

Section 4.04 Director Compensation. New Lionsgate shall be responsible for the payment of any fees for service on the New Lionsgate Board that are earned at, before, or after the Separation Effective Time, and Starz shall not have any responsibility for any such payments.

 

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With respect to any Starz nonemployee director, Starz shall be responsible for the payment of any fees for service on the Starz Board that are earned at any time on or after the Separation Effective Time, and New Lionsgate shall not have any responsibility for any such payments . For the avoidance of doubt, with respect to the compensation for any period prior to the Separation Effective Time, for any non-employee director of Lionsgate, Lionsgate shall be responsible for the payment of director’s fees for the period up to the Separation Effective Time (with New Lionsgate assuming responsibility for any such payment(s), if and to the extent any then remain outstanding, immediately after the Separation Effective Time). For Dual Directors, each of New Lionsgate and Starz shall be responsible for the payment of director’s fees for the period on or after the Separation Effective Time with respect to service on the applicable board of directors.

ARTICLE V

RETIREMENT PLANS

Section 5.01 Starz 401(k) Plan.

(a) Establishment of Plan. Effective on or before the Arrangement Effective Date, Starz shall or shall cause the members of the Starz Group to, adopt and establish a Starz 401(k) Plan and a related trust (the “Starz 401(k) Trust”), which shall be intended to meet the tax qualification requirements of Section 401(a) of the Code, the tax exemption requirement of Section 501(a) of the Code, and the requirements described in Sections 401(k) and (m) of the Code and which shall have substantially the similar terms in all material respects as of immediately prior to the Arrangement Effective Date as the Lions Gate 401(k) Plan. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Starz or another member of the Starz Group may make such changes, modifications or amendments to the Starz 401(k) Plan as may be required by applicable Law or as are necessary and appropriate to reflect the Transactions or which result from vendor limitations or as the members of the Starz Group otherwise determine to be advisable. A member of the Starz Group will be solely responsible for taking all necessary, reasonable, and appropriate actions to establish, maintain and administer the Starz 401(k) Plan so that it is qualified under Section 401(a) of the Code and that the related trust thereunder is exempt under Section 501(a) of the Code.

(b) Transfer of Account Balances. No later than thirty (30) days following the Separation Effective Time (or such other times as mutually agreed to by the Parties), New Lionsgate shall cause the trustee of the Lions Gate 401(k) Plan to transfer from the trust which forms a part of the Lions Gate 401(k) Plan to the corresponding Starz 401(k) Trust, the account balances of Starz Group Employees and Former Starz Group Employees under the New Lionsgate 401(k) Plan, determined as of the date of the transfer. Unless otherwise agreed by the Parties, such transfers shall be made in kind, including promissory notes evidencing the transfer of outstanding loans. Any Asset and Liability transfers pursuant to this Section 5.01 shall comply in all respects with Sections 414(l) and 411(d)(6) of the Code and, if required, shall be made not less than thirty (30) days after New Lionsgate shall have filed the notice under Section 6058(b) of the Code with respect to the applicable Lions Gate 401(k) Plan. The Parties agree that to the extent that the Parties agree that any Assets are not to be transferred in kind, the assets transferred will be mapped into an appropriate investment vehicle.

(c) Transfer of Liabilities. Effective as of the Separation Effective Time but subject to the Asset transfer specified in Section 5.01(b) above, the Starz 401(k) Plan shall assume and be solely responsible for all the Liabilities for or relating to Starz Group Employees and Former Starz Group Employees under the Lions Gate 401(k) Plan. Starz shall be responsible for all ongoing rights of or relating to Starz Group Employees for future participation (including the right to make payroll deductions) in the Starz 401(k) Plan.

(d) Plan Fiduciaries. For all periods at and after the Separation Effective Time, the Parties agree that the applicable fiduciaries of the Starz 401(k) Plan and the Lions Gate 401(k) Plan, respectively, shall have the authority with respect to the Starz 401(k) Plan and the Lions Gate 401(k) Plans, respectively, to determine the investment alternatives, the terms and conditions with respect to those investment alternatives and such other matters as are within the scope of their duties under ERISA and the terms of the applicable plan documents.

 

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Section 5.02 Starz Deferred Compensation Plan

(a) Establishment of Starz Deferred Compensation Plan. Effective as of no later than the Separation Effective Time, (i) the Starz Group shall establish the Starz Deferred Compensation Plan, which shall have substantially the same terms as of immediately prior to the Separation Effective Time as the Lions Gate Deferred Compensation Plan; and (ii) Starz shall and shall cause the Starz Deferred Compensation Plan to assume, as of no later than the Separation Effective Time, all Liabilities under the Lions Gate Deferred Compensation Plan related to the Starz Group Employees and Former Starz Group Employees and the Lions Gate Deferred Compensation Plan shall have no further obligations related to the Starz Group Employees and Former Starz Group Employees from and following the Separation Effective Time. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Starz or another member of the Starz Group may make such changes, modifications or amendments to the Starz Deferred Compensation Plan as may be required by applicable Law or as are necessary and appropriate to reflect the Transactions or as a member of the Starz Group otherwise determines to be advisable, including freezing benefits and participation.

(b) Distributions. The parties acknowledge that none of the Transactions contemplated by this Agreement or the Separation Agreement will trigger a payment or distribution of compensation under the Starz Deferred Compensation Plan or the Lions Gate Deferred Compensation Plan.

Section 5.03 Non-U.S. Retirement or Deferred Compensation Plans. The Parties shall reasonably cooperate in good faith to effect the provisions of this Agreement with respect to any Benefit Plans that are deferred compensation, defined contribution retirement plans and any defined benefit pension plans (including any statutory plans or arrangements), in each case the primary purposes of which is to provide benefits for Employees or Former Employees who are or were employed by a non-U.S. entity of either the New Lionsgate Group or Starz Group as of immediately prior to the Separation Effective Time consistent with the general approach and philosophy regarding the allocation of Assets and Liabilities as set forth in this Agreement (including with respect to the creation of any “mirror” plans and the transfer of any accounts, Liabilities and related Assets).

ARTICLE VI

US WELFARE BENEFIT PLANS

Section 6.01 Welfare Plans.

(a) Long-Term Disability. New Lionsgate Group shall assume and retain all Liabilities for providing long-term disability benefits under a New Lionsgate Welfare Plan with respect to any Starz LTD Recipient (as defined below) and with respect to any Starz Group Employee (who is on short-term disability at the Separation Effective Time) or Former Starz Group Employee who subsequently becomes eligible to receive long-term disability benefits under a New Lionsgate Welfare Plan that provides long-term disability benefits but only with respect to benefits arising from long-term disability claims incurred by any Starz Group Employee or Former Starz Group Employee prior to the Separation Effective Time and only to the extent such individual is entitled to such benefit. For this purpose, a disability claim shall be considered incurred on the date of the occurrence of the event or condition giving rise to disability under the applicable New Lionsgate Welfare Plan. For the avoidance of doubt, if at the Separation Effective Time, a Starz Group Employee is on short-term disability due to an event or condition that occurred prior to the Separation Effective Time, such Employee shall remain a Starz Group Employee and to the extent such Starz Group Employee becomes entitled to long-term disability benefits under a New Lionsgate Welfare Plan, New Lionsgate shall be liable to provide long-term disability benefits under the New Lionsgate Welfare Plan but only to the extent such individual is entitled to such benefit. Except as provided in this Section 6.01(a), the Starz Group shall assume and retain all Liabilities for long-term disability benefits with respect to any Starz Group Employee or Former Starz Group Employee. Starz LTD Recipient shall mean any individual who is otherwise a Starz Group Employee or Former Starz Group Employee but is receiving long-term disability benefits under a New Lionsgate Welfare Plan at the Separation Effective Time. For the avoidance of doubt, in the case of any Starz LTD Recipient who is able to return to employment following the commencement of long-term disability benefits under a New Lionsgate Welfare Plan, Starz shall comply with any requirements relating to such employment rights of such Starz LTD Recipient and such obligations and any related Liabilities shall be obligations and related Liabilities of the Starz Group.

 

21


Section 6.02 Vacation, Holidays and Leaves of Absence. Effective as of no later than the Separation Effective Time, the Starz Group shall assume all Liabilities of the Starz Group with respect to vacation, holiday, annual leave or other leave of absence, and required payments related thereto, for each Starz Group Employee and Former Starz Group Employees, unless otherwise required by applicable Law. The New Lionsgate Group shall retain all Liabilities with respect to vacation, holiday, annual leave or other leave of absence, and required payments related thereto, for each New Lionsgate Group Employee and Former New Lionsgate Group Employee.

Section 6.03 Workers’ Compensation. The treatment of workers’ compensation claims shall be governed by Section  4.3 of the Separation Agreement.

Section 6.04 U.S. Employees and Non-U.S. Employees. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, the preceding provisions of this Article VI shall apply only to U.S. Employees and U.S. Former Employees. For the avoidance of doubt, the treatment of welfare benefits for any non-U.S. Employees or non-U.S. Former Employee, including any action under a Benefit Plan, shall be subject to the provisions of Section 2.01(e).

ARTICLE VII

GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE

Section 7.01 Sharing of Information. Subject to any limitations imposed by applicable Law, each of New Lionsgate and Starz (acting directly or through members of the New Lionsgate Group or the Starz Group, respectively) shall provide to the other Party and its authorized agents and vendors all information necessary (including information for purposes of determining benefit eligibility, participation, vesting, calculation of benefits) on a timely basis under the circumstances for the Party to perform its duties under this Agreement. To the extent that such information is maintained by a third-party vendor, each Party shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to require the third-party vendor to provide the necessary information and assist in resolving discrepancies or obtaining missing data.

Section 7.02 Transfer of Personnel Records and Authorization. Subject to any limitation imposed by applicable Law and to the extent that it has not done so before the Separation Effective Time, New Lionsgate shall transfer to Starz any and all employment records (including any Form I-9, Form W-2 or other IRS forms) with respect to Starz Group Employees and Former Starz Group Employees and other records reasonably required by Starz to enable Starz properly to carry out its obligations under this Agreement, and Starz shall transfer to New Lionsgate any and all employment records (including any Form I-9, Form W-2 or other IRS forms) with respect to New Lionsgate Group Employees and Former Lionsgate Group Employees and other records reasonably required by New Lionsgate to enable New Lionsgate properly to carry out its obligations under this Agreement. Such transfer of records generally shall occur as soon as administratively practicable at or after the Separation Effective Time. Each Party shall permit the other Party reasonable access to its Employee records, to the extent reasonably necessary for such accessing Party to carry out its obligations hereunder.

Section 7.03 Access to Records. To the extent not inconsistent with this Agreement, the Separation Agreement or any applicable privacy protection Laws or regulations, reasonable access to Employee-related and Benefit Plan related records after the Separation Effective Time shall be provided to members of the New Lionsgate Group and members of the Starz Group pursuant to the terms and conditions of Article V of the Separation Agreement.

Section 7.04 Maintenance of Records. With respect to retaining, destroying, transferring, sharing, copying and permitting access to all Employee-related information, New Lionsgate and Starz shall comply with all applicable Laws, regulations and internal policies, and shall indemnify and hold harmless each other from and against any and all Liability, Actions, and damages that arise from a failure (by the indemnifying Party or its Subsidiaries or their respective agents) to so comply with all applicable Laws, regulations and internal policies applicable to such information.

 

22


Section 7.05 Cooperation. Each Party shall use commercially reasonable efforts to cooperate and work together to unify, consolidate and share (to the extent permissible under applicable privacy/data protection Laws) all relevant documents, resolutions, government filings, data, payroll, employment and Benefit Plan information on regular timetables and cooperate as needed with respect to (a) any claims under or audit of or litigation with respect to any employee Benefit Plan, policy or arrangement contemplated by this Agreement, (b) efforts to seek a determination letter, private letter ruling or advisory opinion from the IRS or U.S. Department of Labor on behalf of any employee Benefit Plan, policy or arrangement contemplated by this Agreement, (c) any filings that are required to be made or supplemented to the IRS, U.S. Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation, U.S. Department of Labor or any other Governmental Authority, and (d) any audits by a Governmental Authority or corrective actions, relating to any Benefit Plan, labor or payroll practices; provided, however, that requests for cooperation must be reasonable and not interfere with daily business operations.

Section 7.06 Confidentiality. Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, all confidential records and data relating to Employees to be shared or transferred pursuant to this Agreement shall be subject to Section 5.9 of the Separation Agreement and the requirements of applicable Law.

Section 7.07 Preservation of Rights to Amend. Except as specifically set forth in this Agreement, the rights of each member of the New Lionsgate Group and each member of the Starz Group to amend, waive, or terminate any plan, arrangement, agreement, program, or policy referred to herein shall not be limited in any way by this Agreement.

Section 7.08 Fiduciary Matters. New Lionsgate and Starz each acknowledges that actions required to be taken pursuant to this Agreement may be subject to fiduciary duties or standards of conduct under ERISA or other applicable Law, and no Party shall be deemed to be in violation of this Agreement if it fails to comply with any provisions hereof based upon its good faith determination (as supported by advice from counsel experienced in such matters) that to do so would violate such a fiduciary duty or standard. Each Party shall be responsible for taking such actions as are deemed necessary and appropriate to comply with its own fiduciary responsibilities and shall fully release and indemnify the other Party for any Liabilities caused by the failure to satisfy any such responsibility.

Section 7.09 Further Assurances. Each Party hereto shall take, or cause to be taken, any and all reasonable actions, including the execution, acknowledgment, filing and delivery of any and all documents and instruments that any other Party hereto may reasonably request in order to effect the intent and purpose of this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby.

Section 7.10 Reimbursement of Costs and Expenses. The Parties shall promptly reimburse one another, upon reasonable request of the Party requesting reimbursement (the “Requesting Party”) as soon as practicable, but in any event within 30 days of receipt of an invoice detailing all costs, expenses and other Liabilities paid or incurred by the Requesting Party (or any of its Affiliates), and any other substantiating documentation as the other Party shall reasonably request, that are, or have been made pursuant to this Agreement, the responsibility of the other Party (or any of its Affiliates).. Each Party shall provide 30 days’ notice if it anticipates sending an invoice hereunder. For the avoidance of doubt, and notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement or any other Ancillary Agreement, neither New Lionsgate nor Starz shall be required to reimburse the other party for any amounts under this Agreement if and to the extent that such party (or an applicable member of its Group) has otherwise previously reimbursed the other party (or an applicable member of its Group) for such amounts pursuant to any other Ancillary Agreement (including, for the avoidance of doubt, the Transition Services Agreement), as applicable.

 

23


Section 7.11 No Third-Party Beneficiaries. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, nothing in this Agreement shall: (a) create any obligation on the part of any member of the Starz Group or any member of the New Lionsgate Group to retain the employment or services of any current or former employee, director, independent contractor or other service provider; (b) be construed to create any right, or accelerate entitlement, to any compensation or benefit whatsoever on the part of any future, present, or former employee or service provider of any member of the New Lionsgate Group or the Starz Group (or any beneficiary or dependent thereof) under this Agreement, the Separation Agreement, any New Lionsgate Benefit Plan or Starz Benefit Plan or otherwise; (c) preclude any Starz Group member (or, in each case, any successor thereto), at any time after the Separation Effective Time, from amending, merging, modifying, terminating, eliminating, reducing, or otherwise altering in any respect any Starz Benefit Plan, any benefit under any Starz Benefit Plan or any trust, insurance policy, or funding vehicle related to any Starz Benefit Plan (in each case in accordance with the terms of the applicable arrangement); (d) preclude New Lionsgate or any New Lionsgate Group member (or, in each case, any successor thereto), at any time after the Separation Effective Time, from amending, merging, modifying, terminating, eliminating, reducing, or otherwise altering in any respect any New Lionsgate Benefit Plan, any benefit under any New Lionsgate Benefit Plan or any trust, insurance policy, or funding vehicle related to any New Lionsgate Benefit Plan (in each case in accordance with the terms of the applicable arrangement); or (e) confer any rights or remedies (including any third-party beneficiary rights) on any Employee or Former Employee or service provider of any member of the New Lionsgate Group or the Starz Group or any other Person.

Section 7.12 Dispute Resolution. The provisions of Article VI of the Separation Agreement shall apply, mutatis mutandis, to all disputes, controversies, or claims (whether arising in contract, tort, or otherwise) that may arise out of or relate to, or arise under or in connection with, this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby.

Section 7.13 Miscellaneous. The provisions of Article IX of the Separation Agreement (other than Section 9.4 (Third Party Beneficiaries) of the Separation Agreement) are hereby incorporated by reference into and deemed part of this Agreement and shall apply, mutatis mutandis, as if fully set forth in this Agreement.

[Signature Page Follows]

 

24


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have caused this Agreement to be executed by their duly authorized representatives as of the date first above written.

 

LIONSGATE STUDIOS HOLDING CORP.

By:

 

/s/ Adrian Kuzycz

  Name: Adrian Kuzycz
  Title: Chief Executive Officer, Principal Executive Officer, President and Secretary
LIONSGATE STUDIOS CORP.

By:

 

/s/ Bruce Tobey

  Name: Bruce Tobey
  Title: General Counsel
LG SIRIUS HOLDINGS ULC

By:

 

/s/ Adrian Kuzycz

  Name: Adrian Kuzycz
  Title: President
LIONS GATE ENTERTAINMENT CORP.

By:

 

/s/ James W. Barge

  Name: James W. Barge
  Title: Chief Financial Officer

[Signature Page to Employee Matters Agreement]

EX-10.5 7 d944901dex105.htm EX-10.5 EX-10.5

Exhibit 10.5

AMENDMENT TO

TAX MATTERS AGREEMENT

dated as of

May 6, 2025

among

LIONS GATE ENTERTAINMENT CORP.,

LIONSGATE STUDIOS HOLDING CORP.,

and

LIONSGATE STUDIOS CORP.


AMENDMENT TO TAX MATTERS AGREEMENT

This AMENDMENT TO TAX MATTERS AGREEMENT (this “Amendment”) dated as of May 6, 2025 is made by and among Lions Gate Entertainment Corp., a corporation organized under the laws of the Province of British Columbia, Canada (“LG Parent”), Lionsgate Studios Holding Corp., a corporation organized under the laws of the Province of British Columbia, Canada (the “New Lionsgate”), and Lionsgate Studios Corp., a corporation organized under the laws of the Province of British Columbia, Canada (“LG Studios”) (collectively the “Parties”).

WITNESSETH:

WHEREAS, on May 9, 2024, LG Parent consummated a business combination (the “Business Combination”) resulting in LG Studios becoming a publicly-traded company and majority-owned subsidiary of LG Parent and, in connection therewith, LG Parent and LG Studios entered into a Tax Matters Agreement dated as of May 9, 2024 (the “Agreement”), to allocate among themselves liabilities for Taxes arising prior to and subsequent to the Separation and to provide for and agree upon other matters relating to Taxes (capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the meanings set forth in the Agreement);

WHEREAS, following the Business Combination, the board of directors of LG Parent (the “LG Parent Board”) determined that it is advisable and in the best interests of LG Parent and its stakeholders, including its shareholders and creditors, to create two publicly traded companies to separately operate the Starz Business (as defined in the Separation Agreement (as defined below)) and the LG Studios Business (as defined in the Separation Agreement (as defined below)), respectively;

WHEREAS, the LG Parent Board, together with the board of directors of LG Studios (the “LG Studios Board”), with respect to the shareholders of LG Studios, have further determined that it is appropriate and desirable to have (i) shareholders of LG Parent exchange all of their LGEC Shares (as defined in the Separation Agreement (as defined below)) for New Lionsgate New Common Shares (as defined in the Separation Agreement (as defined below)) and Starz Common Shares (as defined in the Separation Agreement (as defined below)), and (ii) shareholders of the LG Studios exchange all of their LG Studios Shares (as defined in the Separation Agreement) for New Lionsgate New Common Shares (as defined in the Separation Agreement (as defined below)), in each case, by way of a plan of arrangement under applicable corporate law, on a pro rata basis and as more fully described in the Separation Agreement dated as of the date hereof, by and between the LG Studios, New Lionsgate, LG Parent and LG Sirius Holdings ULC (the “Separation Agreement”); and

WHEREAS, in connection with the Separation Agreement and the consummation of the Transactions (as defined in the Separation Agreement) and pursuant to Section 15.12 of the Agreement, the Parties desire to amend the Agreement, effective as of the Separation Effective Time (as defined in the Separation Agreement).

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the covenants and agreements contained herein, the Parties hereto agree as follows:

1. Addition of New Lionsgate. New Lionsgate hereby agrees to the provisions of, and hereby joins as a party to, the Agreement, mutatis mutandis, and all references to “LG Studios” and “Pubco” in the Agreement shall hereby be deemed to refer to New Lionsgate, as applicable. By executing below, New Lionsgate is hereby deemed to have executed the Agreement with the same force and effect as if originally named a party thereto and hereby assumes all of the obligations of “LG Studios” and “Pubco” under the Agreement.

2. Other Amendments. The Agreement is hereby amended in its entirety as follows:

All references to “Studio Group” are removed and replaced with “LG Studios Group.”

3. No Other Changes. All terms, covenants, agreements, conditions and other provisions of the Agreement, except as amended by this Amendment, remain in full force and effect.

[Signature Pages Follow]

 

1


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Amendment to be duly executed by their respective authorized officers as of the day and year first above written.

 

LIONS GATE ENTERTAINMENT CORP.

By:

 

/s/ James W. Barge

 

Name: James W. Barge

 

Title: Chief Financial Officer

LIONSGATE STUDIOS CORP.

By:

 

/s/ Bruce Tobey

 

Name: Bruce Tobey

 

Title: General Counsel

LIONSGATE STUDIOS HOLDING CORP.

By:

 

/s/ Adrian Kuzycz

 

Name: Adrian Kuzycz

 

Title: Chief Executive Officer, Principal Executive Officer, President and Secretary

[Signature Page to Amendment to Tax Matters Agreement]

EX-10.6 8 d944901dex106.htm EX-10.6 EX-10.6

Exhibit 10.6

Final Form

FORM OF SPONSOR OPTION AGREEMENT

THIS SPONSOR OPTION AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”), dated as of [•], 2024, is made by and among Screaming Eagle Acquisition Corp., a Cayman Islands exempted company (the “Issuer”), Eagle Equity Partners V, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the “Sponsor”) and SEAC II Corp., a Cayman Islands exempted company (“New SEAC”).

WHEREAS, capitalized terms used but not otherwise defined in this Agreement shall have the meanings ascribed to such terms in that certain Business Combination Agreement, dated as of December 22, 2023 (as it may be amended or supplemented from time to time, the “Business Combination Agreement”), by and among the Issuer, New SEAC, SEAC MergerCo, a Cayman Islands exempted company, 1455941 B.C. Unlimited Liability Company, a British Columbia unlimited liability company, Lions Gate Entertainment Corp., a British Columbia corporation, LG Sirius Holdings ULC, a British Columbia unlimited liability company and LG Orion Holdings ULC, a British Columbia unlimited liability company;

WHEREAS, the Business Combination Agreement contemplates the following occurring subject to the terms and conditions therein:

 

  (i.)

one (1) Business Day prior to the Closing Date (which shall also be the calendar day immediately prior to the Closing Date), immediately prior to the Class B Conversion and subject to the terms and conditions of the Business Combination Agreement, (i) all then issued and outstanding SEAC Class B Ordinary Shares held by the Sponsor in excess of 1,800,000 SEAC Class B Ordinary Shares shall be repurchased by SEAC for an aggregate price consisting of (A) US$1.00 and (B) the SEAC Sponsor Options;

 

  (ii.)

as of the SEAC Merger Effective Time, each SEAC Sponsor Option that is issued and outstanding immediately prior to the SEAC Merger Effective Time will convert automatically, on a one-for-one basis, into one (1) New SEAC (Cayman) Sponsor Option;

 

  (iii.)

concurrently with and as part of the New SEAC Domestication, each New SEAC (Cayman) Sponsor Option issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Reclassification will become, without any further act by the holder thereof, one (1) New SEAC (BC) Sponsor Option;

 

  (iv.)

on the Closing Date, in connection with the SEAC Amalgamation, and subject to the terms and conditions of the Business Combination Agreement, each New SEAC (BC) Sponsor Option issued and outstanding immediately prior to the SEAC Amalgamation will become, without any further act by the holder thereof, one (1) SEAC Amalco Sponsor Option;

 

  (v.)

on the Closing Date, in connection with the StudioCo Amalgamation, each SEAC Amalco Sponsor Option issued and outstanding immediately prior to the StudioCo Amalgamation will become, without any further act by the holder thereof, one (1) PubCo Sponsor Option;

WHEREAS, in connection with the transactions contemplated by the Business Combination Agreement, and in view of the valuable consideration to be received by the parties thereunder, the Sponsor and the Issuer have entered into that certain Share Repurchase Agreement, dated as of the date hereof, pursuant to which the Issuer has repurchased all of the issued and outstanding SEAC Class B Ordinary Shares held by the Sponsor in excess of 1,800,000 SEAC Class B Ordinary Shares for an aggregate price consisting of (A) $1.00 and (B) the SEAC Sponsor Options;

WHEREAS, in connection with such repurchase, the Issuer and the Sponsor desire to enter into this Agreement, pursuant to which the Sponsor shall receive the SEAC Sponsor Options (being the “Options” as defined in this Agreement) on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Agreement.


NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and the covenants of the parties contained in this Agreement, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto, for themselves and their successors and assigns, hereby agree as follows:

1. Certain Definitions. For purposes of this Agreement, the following terms have the meanings set forth below:

“Change of Control” means, with respect to any Person (the “Target Person”), (i) any transaction or series of related transactions (whether by way of merger, share purchase or exchange, consolidation, license, lease, asset sale, disposition, business combination, tender offer, share transfer or similar transaction or otherwise) that results in another Person or group (within the meaning of Section 13(d)(3) or 14(d)(2) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) other than by any Person who, prior to such transaction or series of related transactions, is an Affiliate of the Target Person, acquiring, directly or indirectly, beneficial ownership of a majority of (x) the issued and outstanding securities of the Target Person (or any direct or indirect parent company) or (y) the securities entitled to elect the board of directors or equivalent governing body of the Target Person (or any direct or indirect parent company) or (ii) any sale, transfer or other disposition, directly or indirectly, to another Person or group (within the meaning of Section 13(d)(3) or 14(d)(2) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) of all or more than 50% of the assets (by value), or assets generating more than 50% of the gross revenues or net income, of the Target Person and its Subsidiaries, taken together as a whole. For the avoidance of doubt, from and after the Closing, a Change of Control with respect to the Studio Entities and their Subsidiaries (taken as a whole) or Studio Business (including a sale or disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of Studio Entities and their Subsidiaries (taken as a whole) or the Studio Business) shall be deemed a Change of Control of PubCo. For the avoidance of doubt, a Change of Control with respect to PubCo shall include any merger or consolidation of PubCo with any Person if immediately after the consummation of such merger or consolidation, the holders of 100% of PubCo Common Shares outstanding immediately prior to such merger or consolidation do not hold or have a right to receive voting securities representing in the aggregate more than 50% of the combined voting power of all of the outstanding voting securities of the Person resulting from such merger or consolidation or, if the surviving company is a subsidiary, the ultimate parent company thereof immediately after such merger or consolidation. For the avoidance of doubt, any spin-off, separation, distribution, share purchase or exchange, consolidation, business combination, license, lease, asset sale, disposition, tender or exchange offer, share transfer, plan of arrangement, merger, amalgamation or similar transaction that results in the then current equity holders of Lions Gate Entertainment Corp., or its successor (“LGEC”) receiving equity interests in the Issuer or its successor, including by way of a transfer of securities or assets to an entity that will become an independent, separately traded public company from LGEC and where the equity interests of such public company are held solely (other than for immaterial holdings by other parties) by the then current equity holders of LGEC or the Issuer, in each case, will not constitute a Change of Control or a Transaction hereunder.

“Lock-Up Period” shall mean the period beginning on the Closing Date and ending on the earliest of (i) the date upon which the Stock Price Hurdle occurs (including through the occurrence of a Transaction) and (ii) the date that is five (5) years after the Closing Date.

“Permitted Transferee” shall mean any Person to whom the Sponsor is permitted to Transfer the Options prior to the expiration of the Lock-Up Period pursuant to Section 6(b).

“Short Sales” means all “short sales” as defined in Rule 200 promulgated under Regulation SHO under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), and all types of direct and indirect stock pledges, forward sale contracts, options, puts, calls, swaps and similar arrangements (including on a total return basis), and sales and other transactions through non-US broker dealers or foreign regulated brokers.

“Trading Price” shall mean the daily closing price of the Shares (as adjusted for share splits, share dividends, reorganizations, recapitalizations and the like) for any twenty (20) trading days within a period of thirty (30) consecutive trading days commencing after the Closing.

 

2


“Transfer” shall mean the (i) sale or assignment of, offer to sell, contract or agreement to sell, hypothecation, pledge, grant of any option to purchase or other disposal of or agreement to dispose of; directly or indirectly, or establishment or increase of a put equivalent position or liquidation or decrease of a call equivalent position within the meaning of Section 16 of the Exchange Act with respect to, any security, (ii) entry into any swap or other arrangement that transfers to another Person, in whole or in part, any of the economic consequences of ownership of any security, whether any such transaction is to be settled by delivery of such securities, in cash or otherwise, or engagement in any Short Sales, or (iii) public announcement of any intention to effect any transaction specified in clause (i) or (ii).

2. The Options. The Issuer hereby grants to the Sponsor, as partial consideration for the repurchase of SEAC Class B Ordinary Shares as described above, 2,200,000 options (with respect to each Share, an “Option” and collectively, the “Options”) to purchase one (1) SEAC Class A Ordinary Share per Option (collectively, the “Shares”), on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Agreement. The Options shall not be separately certificated and shall be deemed to exist due to the existence of and be governed pursuant to the terms of this Agreement.

3. Option Price; Settlement.

(a) Option Price. The option price, being the price at which the Sponsor shall be entitled to purchase the Shares upon the exercise of all or any of the Options, shall be US$0.0001 per Share (the “Option Price”).

(b) Payment of the Option Price. Each Vested Option may be exercised (but, for the avoidance of doubt, exercise may be made only with respect to whole Shares, not fractional shares) by written notice delivered in person or by mail in accordance with Section 12(g) and accompanied by payment of the Option Price (a “Notice of Exercise”). The aggregate Option Price shall be payable in cash by wire transfer of immediately available funds or such other method consented to in writing by the Issuer (acting reasonably).

(c) Settlement. Upon receipt of the applicable aggregate Option Price in full (or deemed exercise of Options pursuant to Section 8), the Issuer shall deliver, or cause to be delivered, the applicable Shares to the Sponsor within two (2) Business Days of delivery of such Notice of Exercise.

(d) Capital. On the issuance of Shares pursuant to the exercise or deemed exercise of Options, the amount added to the capital in respect of the Shares will be the amount, if any, paid for such shares on the exercise or deemed exercise of the Options.

(e) Lock-Up on Shares. For the avoidance of doubt, the applicable Shares issued to the Sponsor upon an exercise or deemed exercise of Options hereunder will not be subject to the Sponsor Lock-Up Period if, at the time of such exercise, the Sponsor Lock-Up Period has expired with respect to such Shares in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Lock-Up Agreement.

4. Vesting. Except as may otherwise be provided herein, the Options shall only become exercisable (any Options that shall have become exercisable pursuant to this Section 4, “Vested Options”) (i) on or after the date on which the Trading Price of a Share equals or exceeds an amount, per share, equal to the Closing Share Price plus 50% of the Closing Share Price (as adjusted for share splits, share dividends, reorganizations, recapitalizations and the like) (such stock price hurdle, the “Stock Price Hurdle”) or (ii) in accordance with the provisions set forth in Section 8.

5. Expiration. The Options shall automatically terminate and shall become null and void, be unexercisable and be of no further force and effect, unless they become Vested Options, on the date that is five (5) years after the Closing Date. For the avoidance of doubt, in the event any Options remain subject to vesting conditions upon the date that is five (5) years after the Closing Date (i.e., Options that are not Vested Options), such Options will be automatically terminated, and the Sponsor shall not have any rights with respect thereto or the Shares underlying such Options.

 

3


For the avoidance of doubt, any Vested Options that remain unexercised upon the date that is five (5) years after the Closing Date shall continue with full force and effect and shall not terminate or become null, void or unexercisable.

6. Lock-Up Provisions.

(a) Subject to Section 6(b), the Sponsor agrees that it shall not Transfer any Options until the end of the Lock-Up Period.

(b) Notwithstanding the provisions set forth in Section 6(a), the Sponsor or its respective Permitted Transferees may Transfer the Options during the Lock-Up Period (i) to any affiliates of the Sponsor, any related investment funds or vehicles controlled or managed by such Persons or their respective affiliates, any officer, director or manager of the Sponsor or any of its affiliates, or any affiliate or family member of any of the Sponsor’s or any of its affiliates’ officers, directors or managers; (ii) in the case of an individual, by gift to a member of such individual’s immediate family or to a trust, the beneficiary of which is such individual or a member of such individual’s immediate family or an affiliate of such Person, or to a charitable organization; (iii) in the case of an individual, by virtue of laws of descent and distribution upon death of such individual; (iv) in the case of an individual, pursuant to a qualified domestic relations order, divorce settlement, divorce decree or separation agreement; (v) by virtue of the laws of the Cayman Islands or the Sponsor’s limited liability company agreement upon dissolution of the Sponsor; (vi) to a nominee or custodian of a Person to whom a Transfer would be permitted under clauses (i) through (v) above; (vii) to the Issuer; provided, however, that such Permitted Transferees must enter into a duly executed joinder to this Agreement in the form of Exhibit A hereto; provided, further, that no filing by the Sponsor under the Exchange Act or other public announcement shall be made (including voluntarily) in connection with such Transfer except as otherwise compelled or required to comply with applicable law or legal process or any request by a Governmental Entity or the rules of any securities exchange, foreign securities exchange, futures exchange, commodities exchange or contract market; provided, further, that any Transfer pursuant to this Section 6(b) shall not involve a disposition for value.

7. Non-Assignability. Except as expressly permitted herein, this Agreement may not be assigned, alienated, pledged, attached, sold, or otherwise transferred or encumbered by the Sponsor, whether directly or indirectly or by means of a trust or partnership or otherwise, and any purported assignment, alienation, pledge, attachment, sale, transfer, or encumbrance not in accordance with this Agreement shall be void and unenforceable against the Issuer, its Subsidiaries, and its Affiliates; provided that the designation of a beneficiary shall not constitute an assignment, alienation, pledge, attachment, sale, transfer, or encumbrance.

8. Change of Control.

(a) If, prior to the expiration of the Options pursuant to Section 5, there is a transaction (including a Change of Control) (such transaction, a “Transaction”) that will result in the holders of Shares receiving a per share price (based on the value of the cash, securities or in-kind consideration being delivered in respect of such Shares and after giving effect to the issuance of any Shares pursuant to this Section 8 in connection with and as part of such Change of Control transaction) (such per share price, the “Transaction Share Price”) equal to or in excess of the Stock Price Hurdle, then immediately prior to the consummation of such Transaction (i) the applicable triggers for the Options to become exercisable as set forth in Section 4 that have not previously occurred shall be deemed to have occurred and (ii) the Options will be deemed to be exercised, the Issuer shall issue the applicable Shares to the Sponsor, and the Sponsor shall be eligible to participate in such Transaction in respect of such applicable Shares.

9. Representations and Warranties. Each party hereto hereby represents and warrants to the other as follows: (i) such party is duly organized, validly existing and in good standing (or equivalent status, to the extent that such concept exists) under the laws of the jurisdiction of its formation, (ii) such party has full power and authority to enter into this Agreement, and (iii) this Agreement, when executed and delivered by such party and the other party will constitute the valid and legally binding obligation of such first party, enforceable against it in accordance with its terms, except (x) as limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium, fraudulent conveyance and any other laws of general application affecting enforcement of creditors’ rights generally, or (y) as limited by laws relating to the availability of specific performance, injunctive relief or other equitable remedies.

 

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The Issuer hereby represents and warrants that any Shares issued upon the exercise of the Options will be duly and validly authorized and issued, fully paid and nonassessable and free from all liens (other than liens under applicable securities laws or those imposed by the applicable recipient).

10. Replacement of Options Upon Reorganization, etc.

(a) In case of any stock dividend, subdivision, recapitalization, split (including reverse stock split), reclassification, reorganization, share capitalization, consolidation, combination or exchange of shares, tender offer or exchange offer, or any other similar event, of the issued and outstanding shares of capital stock of the Issuer, or in the case of any merger, amalgamation, consolidation of the Issuer with or into another entity, conversion of the Issuer as another entity or any other similar event, or in the case of any sale or conveyance to another corporation or entity of the assets or other property of the Issuer as an entirety or substantially as an entirety in connection with which the Issuer is dissolved or any other similar event, or if the Issuer, directly or indirectly, in one or more related transactions consummates a stock or share purchase agreement or other business combination (including, without limitation, a reorganization, recapitalization, spin-off or scheme of arrangement) with another Person or group of Persons whereby such other Person or group acquires more than 50% of the outstanding shares of capital stock of the Issuer (each of the foregoing, a “Fundamental Transaction”), the Options shall thereafter become exercisable, upon the terms and conditions specified in this Agreement and in lieu of the Shares immediately theretofore receivable upon the exercise of the Options, for the kind and amount of shares of stock or other securities or property (including cash) receivable upon such Fundamental Transaction that the Sponsor would have received had the Sponsor exercised its Options immediately prior to such Fundamental Transaction. Without limiting the foregoing, if a Fundamental Transaction occurs with respect to the Shares or shares of capital stock of the Issuer, as applicable, then any number, value (including dollar value) or amount contained herein which is based upon the number of Shares or shares of capital stock of the Issuer, as applicable, will be appropriately adjusted to provide to the Sponsor the same economic effect as contemplated by this Agreement prior to such event.

(b) From and after the Closing, the Issuer shall cause any successor entity in a Fundamental Transaction in which the Issuer is not the survivor (the “Successor Entity”) to assume in writing all of the obligations of the Issuer under this Agreement in accordance with the provisions of this Section 10 pursuant to written agreements in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Sponsor (without unreasonable delay) prior to such Fundamental Transaction and shall, at the option of the Sponsor, deliver to the Sponsor in exchange for this Agreement a security of the Successor Entity evidenced by a written instrument substantially similar in form and substance to this Agreement which is exercisable for a corresponding number of shares of capital stock of such Successor Entity (or its parent entity) equivalent to the Shares acquirable and receivable upon exercise of the Options prior to such Fundamental Transaction, and with an exercise price which applies the exercise price hereunder to such shares of capital stock (but taking into account the relative value of the shares of capital stock of the Issuer pursuant to such Fundamental Transaction and the value of such shares of capital stock, such number of shares of capital stock and such exercise price being for the purpose of preserving and not increasing the economic value of the Options immediately prior to the consummation of such Fundamental Transaction). From and after the Closing, until such time as such obligations are assumed by the Successor Entity pursuant to the immediately preceding sentence, upon the occurrence of any such Fundamental Transaction, the Successor Entity shall succeed to, and be substituted for (so that from and after the date of such Fundamental Transaction, the provisions of this Agreement referring to the “Issuer” shall refer instead to the Successor Entity), and may exercise every right and power of the Issuer and shall assume all of the obligations of the Issuer under this Agreement with the same effect as if such Successor Entity had been named as an Issuer herein.

(c) The provisions of this Section 10 shall similarly apply to successive Fundamental Transactions.

 

5


(d) If the Issuer takes any action affecting the Shares, other than action described in this Section 10, which in the opinion of the board of directors of the Issuer would materially adversely affect the exercise rights of the Sponsor, the Option Price for the Options and/or the number of Shares received upon exercise of the Options may be adjusted, to the extent permitted by law, in such manner, if any, and at such time, as the board of directors of the Issuer may determine in good faith to be equitable in the circumstances; provided, however, that in no event shall any adjustment have the effect of increasing the Option Price or decreasing the number of Shares for which the Options may be exercised.

(e) For the avoidance of doubt, notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, the parties hereto expressly acknowledge and agree that (i) as of the SEAC Merger Effective Time, the Options will become exercisable for New SEAC Class A Ordinary Shares, (ii) concurrently with and as part of the Entrance Step, the Options will become exercisable for New SEAC Class A Common Shares, (iii) on the Closing Date, in connection with the SEAC Amalgamation, the Options will become exercisable for SEAC Amalco Common Shares, and (iv) on the Closing Date, in connection with the StudioCo Amalgamation, the Options will become exercisable for PubCo Common Shares, in each case, subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement.

11. Reservation of Shares.

(a) The Issuer shall at all times reserve and keep available out of its authorized but unissued shares of capital stock for the purpose of issuance upon the exercise of the Options, a number of shares of capital stock equal to the aggregate Shares issuable upon the exercise of the Options. The Issuer shall use commercially reasonable efforts to take all such actions as may be necessary to assure that all such Shares may be so issued without violating the Issuer’s governing documents.

(b) The Issuer covenants that it will make such actions as may be necessary or appropriate in order that all Shares issued upon exercise of the Options will, upon issuance in accordance with the terms of this Agreement, be duly and validly authorized and issued, fully paid and non-assessable, and free from any and all (i) security interests created by or imposed upon the Issuer and (ii) liens with respect to the issuance thereof, other than liens under applicable securities laws or those imposed by the applicable recipient. If at any time the number and kind of authorized but unissued shares of the Issuer’s capital stock shall not be sufficient to permit exercise in full of the Options, the Issuer will as promptly as practicable take such corporate action as may, in the opinion of its counsel, be reasonably necessary to increase its authorized but unissued shares to such number of shares as shall be sufficient for such purposes. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Issuer will not increase the stated or par value per share, if any, of the Shares above the Option Price.

12. Miscellaneous.

(a) Governing Law. This Agreement, and all claims or causes of action (whether in contract or tort) that may be based upon, arise out of or relate to this Agreement or the negotiation, execution or performance of this Agreement (including any claim or cause of action based upon, arising out of or related to any representation or warranty made in or in connection with this Agreement) will be governed by and construed in accordance with the internal laws of the State of Delaware applicable to agreements executed and performed entirely within such State, except to the extent mandatorily governed by the laws of the Province of British Columbia and the federal laws of Canada applicable therein.

(b) Securities Laws. If the Issuer is required, under Canadian securities laws, to file a report of exempt distribution in connection with the issuance of the Options or the issuance of a PubCo Common Share upon the exercise of any Option, the Sponsor will provide its consent to the filing and information to the Issuer that is necessary for the Issuer to complete any such filing.

(b) Consent to Jurisdiction and Service of Process.

 

6


ANY PROCEEDING OR ACTION BASED UPON, ARISING OUT OF OR RELATED TO THIS AGREEMENT OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY MUST BE BROUGHT IN THE COURT OF CHANCERY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE (OR, ONLY TO THE EXTENT SUCH COURT DOES NOT HAVE SUBJECT MATTER JURISDICTION, THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE OR, IF IT HAS OR CAN ACQUIRE JURISDICTION, IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE DISTRICT OF DELAWARE), AND EACH OF THE PARTIES IRREVOCABLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY (I) CONSENTS AND SUBMITS TO THE EXCLUSIVE JURISDICTION OF EACH SUCH COURT IN ANY SUCH PROCEEDING OR ACTION, (II) WAIVES ANY OBJECTION IT MAY NOW OR HEREAFTER HAVE TO PERSONAL JURISDICTION, VENUE OR TO CONVENIENCE OF FORUM, (III) AGREES THAT ALL CLAIMS IN RESPECT OF SUCH PROCEEDING OR ACTION SHALL BE HEARD AND DETERMINED ONLY IN ANY SUCH COURT AND (IV) AGREES NOT TO BRING ANY PROCEEDING OR ACTION ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY IN ANY OTHER COURT. SERVICE OF PROCESS WITH RESPECT THERETO MAY BE MADE UPON ANY PARTY TO THIS AGREEMENT BY MAILING A COPY THEREOF BY REGISTERED OR CERTIFIED MAIL, POSTAGE PREPAID, TO SUCH PARTY AT ITS ADDRESS AS PROVIDED IN SECTION 10(g), WITHOUT LIMITING THE RIGHT OF A PARTY TO SERVE PROCESS IN ANY OTHER MATTER PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAWS.

(c) Waiver of Jury Trial. EACH PARTY HERETO HEREBY ACKNOWLEDGES AND AGREES THAT ANY CONTROVERSY WHICH MAY ARISE UNDER THIS AGREEMENT IS LIKELY TO INVOLVE COMPLICATED AND DIFFICULT ISSUES, AND THEREFORE EACH SUCH PARTY HEREBY IRREVOCABLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY WAIVES ANY RIGHT SUCH PARTY MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN RESPECT OF ANY LITIGATION DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED BY THIS AGREEMENT. EACH PARTY CERTIFIES AND ACKNOWLEDGES THAT (I) NO REPRESENTATIVE, AGENT OR ATTORNEY OF ANY OTHER PARTY HAS REPRESENTED, EXPRESSLY OR OTHERWISE, THAT SUCH OTHER PARTY WOULD NOT, IN THE EVENT OF LITIGATION, SEEK TO ENFORCE THE FOREGOING WAIVER, (II) EACH SUCH PARTY UNDERSTANDS AND HAS CONSIDERED THE IMPLICATIONS OF THIS WAIVER, (III) EACH SUCH PARTY MAKES THIS WAIVER VOLUNTARILY, AND (IV) EACH SUCH PARTY HAS BEEN INDUCED TO ENTER INTO THIS AGREEMENT BY, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THE MUTUAL WAIVERS AND CERTIFICATIONS IN THIS SECTION 10(c).

(d) Assignment; Third Parties. This Agreement and all of the provisions hereof will be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective heirs, successors and permitted assigns (including, for the avoidance of doubt, to PubCo as the successor and assign of New SEAC following the Amalgamations). This Agreement and all obligations of the Sponsor are personal to the Sponsor and may not be transferred or delegated at any time, except in accordance with Section 6. Nothing contained in this Agreement shall be construed to confer upon any person who is not a signatory hereto any rights or benefits, as a third party beneficiary or otherwise. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, the parties hereto acknowledge and agree that from and after the SEAC Merger Effective Time: (i) the rights and obligations hereunder of Screaming Eagle Acquisition Corp., as the Issuer, shall automatically, without any further action by any party, be assigned and transferred to, and be assumed by, New SEAC, and (ii) all references in this Agreement to the Issuer shall be deemed to refer to New SEAC as the Issuer with the same effect as if New SEAC had been named as the Issuer herein. No assignment (whether pursuant to a merger, by operation of Law, change of control or otherwise) will relieve the assigning Party of any of its obligations hereunder.

(e) Specific Performance. Each party hereto acknowledges that its obligations under this Agreement are unique, recognizes and affirms that in the event of a breach of this Agreement by such party hereto, money damages will be inadequate and the other party hereto will have no adequate remedy at law, and agrees that irreparable damage would occur in the event that any of the provisions of this Agreement were not performed by such party hereto in accordance with their specific terms or were otherwise breached. Accordingly, each party hereto shall be entitled to an injunction or restraining order to prevent breaches of this Agreement by the other party hereto and to enforce specifically the terms and provisions hereof, without the requirement to post any bond or other security or to prove that money damages would be inadequate, this being in addition to any other right or remedy to which such party may be entitled under this Agreement, at law or in equity.

 

7


(f) Interpretation. The titles and subtitles used in this Agreement are for convenience only and are not to be considered in construing or interpreting this Agreement. In this Agreement, unless the context otherwise requires: (i) any pronoun used in this Agreement shall include the corresponding masculine, feminine or neuter forms, and the singular form of nouns, pronouns and verbs shall include the plural and vice versa; (ii) “including” (and with correlative meaning “include”) means including without limiting the generality of any description preceding or succeeding such term and shall be deemed in each case to be followed by the words “without limitation”; (iii) the words “herein,” “hereto,” and “hereby” and other words of similar import in this Agreement shall be deemed in each case to refer to this Agreement as a whole and not to any particular section or other subdivision of this Agreement; and (iv) the term “or” means “and/or”. The parties have participated jointly in the negotiation and drafting of this Agreement. Consequently, in the event an ambiguity or question of intent or interpretation arises, this Agreement shall be construed as if drafted jointly by the parties hereto, and no presumption or burden of proof shall arise favoring or disfavoring any party by virtue of the authorship of any provision of this Agreement.

(g) Notices. All notices and other communications among the parties hereto shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given (i) when delivered in person, (ii) when delivered after posting in the United States mail having been sent registered or certified mail return receipt requested, postage prepaid, (iii) when delivered by FedEx or other nationally recognized overnight delivery service, or (iv) by email, addressed as follows:

if to the Sponsor:

c/o Eagle Equity Partners V, LLC

21600 W Oxnard St.

Woodland Hills, CA 91367

Attention: Gerry Hribal

Email: roconnor@eaglesinvest.com

if to SEAC or New SEAC prior to the Closing:

Screaming Eagle Acquisition Corp.

21600 W Oxnard St.

Woodland Hills, CA 91367

Attention: Gerry Hribal

Email: roconnor@eaglesinvest.com

with a copy to:

White & Case LLP

1221 Avenue of the Americas

New York, NY 10020

  Attention:

Joel Rubinstein

 

Jonathan Rochwarger

 

Morton Pierce

 

Neeta Sahadev

  Email:

joel.rubinstein@whitecase.com

 

jonathan.rochwarger@whitecase.com

 

morton.pierce@whitecase.com

 

neeta.sahadev@whitecase.com

 

8


if to the Issuer from and after the Closing:

c/o Lions Gate Entertainment Corp.

2700 Colorado Avenue

Santa Monica, California 90404

  Attention:

Bruce Tobey

 

Adrian Kuzycz

  Email:

btobey@lionsgate.com

 

akuzycz@lionsgate.com

with a copy to:

Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz

51 West 52nd Street

New York, NY 10019

  Attention:

David E. Shapiro

 

Helen A. Diagama

  Email:

DEShapiro@wlrk.com

 

HADiagama@wlrk.com

(h) Severability. If any provision of this Agreement is held invalid or unenforceable by any court of competent jurisdiction, the other provisions of this Agreement will remain in full force and effect. Any provision of this Agreement held invalid or unenforceable only in part or degree will remain in full force and effect to the extent not held invalid or unenforceable.

(i) Entire Agreement. This Agreement constitutes the full and entire understanding and agreement among the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof, and any other written or oral agreement relating to the subject matter hereof existing between the parties is expressly canceled. Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing in this Agreement shall limit any of the rights, remedies or obligations of the Issuer, New SEAC or the Sponsor under any other agreement among the Sponsor, New SEAC and/or the Issuer, and nothing in any other agreement, certificate or instrument shall limit any of the rights, remedies or obligations of the Sponsor, New SEAC and the Issuer under this Agreement.

(j) Counterparts. The undersigned hereby consents to receipt of this Agreement in electronic form and understands and agrees that this Agreement may be signed electronically. In the event that any signature is delivered by facsimile transmission, electronic mail or otherwise by electronic transmission evidencing an intent to sign this Agreement, such facsimile transmission, electronic mail or other electronic transmission shall create a valid and binding obligation of the undersigned with the same force and effect as if such signature were an original. Execution and delivery of this Agreement by facsimile transmission, electronic mail or other electronic transmission is legal, valid and binding for all purposes.

(k) Amendment. This Agreement may be amended by the parties hereto at any time by execution of an instrument in writing signed by the parties hereto.

[Signature Page Follows]

 

9


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of the date first written above.

 

Screaming Eagle Acquisition Corp.
By:  

    

  Name:
  Title:
Eagle Equity Partners V, LLC
By:  

   

  Name:
  Title:
SEAC II Corp.
By:  

    

  Name:
  Title:

[Signature Page to Sponsor Option Agreement]

 

10


EXHIBIT A

FORM OF JOINDER TO SPONSOR OPTION AGREEMENT

Reference is made to the Sponsor Option Agreement, dated as of [•], by and among [Issuer], a [•] and Eagle Equity Partners V, LLC (as amended from time to time, the “Sponsor Option Agreement”). Capitalized terms used but not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings ascribed to such terms in the Sponsor Option Agreement.

Each of the Issuer and each undersigned party (each, a “New Party”) agrees that this Joinder to the Sponsor Option Agreement (this “Joinder”) is being executed and delivered for good and valuable consideration.

Each undersigned New Party hereby agrees to and does become party to the Sponsor Option Agreement as a party. This Joinder shall serve as a counterpart signature page to the Sponsor Option Agreement and by executing below each undersigned New Party is deemed to have executed the Sponsor Option Agreement with the same force and effect as if originally named a party thereto.

This Joinder may be executed in multiple counterparts, including by means of facsimile or electronic signature, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute the same instrument.

[Remainder of Page Intentionally Left Blank.]

 

11


[Exhibit B]

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned have duly executed this Joinder as of the date first set forth above.

 

[NEW PARTY]
By:  

    

  Name:
  Title:
[ISSUER]
By:  

    

  Name:
  Title:

 

12

EX-10.7 9 d944901dex107.htm EX-10.7 EX-10.7

Exhibit 10.7

AMENDMENT TO

SPONSOR OPTION AGREEMENT

dated as of

May 6, 2025

among

LIONSGATE STUDIOS CORP.,

LIONSGATE STUDIOS HOLDING CORP. ,

and

EAGLE EQUITY PARTNERS V, LLC


AMENDMENT TO SPONSOR OPTION AGREEMENT

This AMENDMENT TO SPONSOR OPTION AGREEMENT (this “Amendment”) dated as of May 6, 2025 is made by and among Lionsgate Studios Corp., a corporation organized under the laws of the Province of British Columbia, Canada (the “Issuer”), Lionsgate Studios Holding Corp., a corporation organized under the laws of the Province of British Columbia (the “New Lionsgate”) and Eagle Equity Partners V, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the “Sponsor”) (collectively the “Parties”).

W I T N E S S E T H :

WHEREAS, on May 13, 2024, Lions Gate Entertainment Corp., a corporation organized under the laws of the Province of British Columbia, Canada (“Lionsgate”) consummated a business combination (the “Business Combination”) resulting in the Issuer becoming a publicly-traded company and majority-owned subsidiary of Lionsgate and, in connection therewith, Screaming Eagle Acquisition Corp., SEAC II Corp. (each of the foregoing entities as predecessors in interest to the Issuer) and the Sponsor entered into a Sponsor Option Agreement dated as of May 10, 2024 (the “Agreement”) (capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the meanings set forth in the Agreement);

WHEREAS, following the Business Combination, the board of directors of Lionsgate (the “Lionsgate Board”) determined that it is advisable and in the best interests of Lionsgate and its stakeholders, including its shareholders and creditors, to create two publicly traded companies to separately operate the Starz Business (as defined in the Separation Agreement (as defined below)) and the LG Studios Business (as defined in the Separation Agreement (as defined below)), respectively;

WHEREAS, the Lionsgate Board, together with the board of directors of the Issuer (the “Issuer Board”) with respect to the shareholders of the Issuer, have further determined that it is appropriate and desirable to have (i) shareholders of Lionsgate exchange all of their LGEC Shares (as defined in the Separation Agreement (as defined below)) for New Lionsgate New Common Shares (as defined in the Separation Agreement (as defined below)) and Starz Common Shares (as defined in the Separation Agreement (as defined below)), and (ii) shareholders of the Issuer exchange all of their shares for New Lionsgate New Common Shares (as defined in the Separation Agreement (as defined below)), in each case, by way of a plan of arrangement under applicable corporate law, on a pro rata basis and as more fully described in the Separation Agreement dated as of May 6, 2025, by and between the Issuer, New Lionsgate, Lionsgate and LG Sirius Holdings ULC (the “Separation Agreement”); and

WHEREAS, in connection with the Separation Agreement and the consummation of the Transactions (as defined in the Separation Agreement) and pursuant to Section 10 of the Agreement, the Parties desire to amend the Agreement, effective as of the Separation Effective Time (as defined in the Separation Agreement).

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the covenants and agreements contained herein, the Parties hereto agree as follows:

1. Addition of New Lionsgate. New Lionsgate hereby agrees to the provisions of, and hereby joins as a party to, the Agreement, mutatis mutandis, and all references to “Issuer” in the Agreement shall hereby be deemed to refer to New Lionsgate, as applicable (it being understood that, Lionsgate Studios Corp. shall hereby cease to be the “Issuer” under the Agreement ). By executing below, New Lionsgate is hereby deemed to have executed the Agreement with the same force and effect as if originally named a party thereto and hereby assumes all of the obligations of the Issuer under the Agreement in accordance with Section 10 thereof. The Sponsor hereby acknowledges and agrees that this Amendment shall be deemed to satisfy all of the adjustments contemplated by Section 10 of the Agreement and other actions to be taken by Issuer and/or New Lionsgate pursuant to Section 10 of the Agreement, in each case solely with respect to the Transactions (as defined in the Separation Agreement) (and not, for the avoidance of doubt, with respect to any other Fundamental Transaction that may later occur), and, effective as of the Separation Effective Time (as defined in the Separation Agreement), no Options shall be exercisable for the securities of any person other than New Lionsgate (for clarity, without limiting in any way the rights of the Sponsor with respect to any other Fundamental Transaction that may later occur).


2. Fundamental Transaction. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the Agreement, each Option shall hereby become exercisable, upon the terms and conditions specified in the Agreement and this Amendment and in lieu of the Shares immediately theretofore receivable upon the exercise of the Options, for a number of common shares, without par value, of New Lionsgate (such shares, the “New Shares”, it being understood that all references to Shares in the Agreement shall hereby be deemed to refer to the New Shares) equal to 2,177,191 (for clarity, such that the 2,200,000 Options shall be exercisable, upon the terms and conditions specified in the Agreement and this Amendment, in the aggregate, for 2,177,191 New Shares).

3. Other Amendments. Section 12(d) is hereby amended and restated in its entirety as follows:

Assignment; Third Parties. This Agreement and all of the provisions hereof will be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective heirs, successors and permitted assigns (including, for the avoidance of doubt, to New Lionsgate as the successor and assign of the Issuer following the consummation of the Transactions (as defined in the Separation Agreement)). This Agreement and all obligations of the Sponsor are personal to the Sponsor and may not be transferred or delegated at any time, except in accordance with Section 6. Nothing contained in this Agreement shall be construed to confer upon any person who is not a signatory hereto any rights or benefits, as a third party beneficiary or otherwise. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, the parties hereto acknowledge and agree that from and after the consummation of the Transactions (as defined in the Separation Agreement): (i) the rights and obligations hereunder of Lionsgate Studios Corp., as the Issuer, shall automatically, without any further action by any party, be assigned and transferred to, and be assumed by, Lionsgate Studios Holding Corp., and (ii) all references in this Agreement to the Issuer shall be deemed to refer to New Lionsgate as the Issuer with the same effect as if New Lionsgate had been named as the Issuer herein. No assignment (whether pursuant to a merger, by operation of Law, change of control or otherwise) will relieve the assigning Party of any of its obligations hereunder.

4. No Other Changes. All terms, covenants, agreements, conditions and other provisions of the Agreement, except as amended by this Amendment, remain in full force and effect.

[Signature Pages Follow]


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Amendment to be duly executed by their respective authorized officers as of the day and year first above written.

 

LIONSGATE STUDIOS CORP.
By:   /s/ Bruce Tobey
 

Name: Bruce Tobey

 

Title: General Counsel

LIONSGATE STUDIOS HOLDING CORP.
By:   /s/ Adrian Kuzycz
 

Name: Adrian Kuzycz

 

Title: Chief Executive Officer, Principal Executive Officer, President and Secretary

EAGLE EQUITY PARTNERS V, LLC
By:   /s/ Eli Baker
 

Name: Eli Baker

 

Title: Managing Member

 

[Signature Page to Amendment to Sponsor Option Agreement]

EX-99.1 10 d944901dex991.htm EX-99.1 EX-99.1

Exhibit 99.1

 

LOGO

Lions Gate Entertainment Corp. Separates its Studio and STARZ Businesses into Two Independent, Publicly-Traded Companies

Separation Creates One of the World’s Leading Independent Pure Play Content Companies

Lionsgate To Begin Trading Under the Ticker Symbol LION on the NYSE

Dual Share Structure Has Been Collapsed into Single Class of Stock

SANTA MONICA, CA, and VANCOUVER, BC, May 7, 2025 – Lions Gate Entertainment Corp. has completed the full separation of its Studio and STARZ businesses into two standalone, publicly-traded companies. Lionsgate will begin trading on the New York Stock Exchange today under the ticker symbol LION. The separation was approved by an overwhelming majority of shareholders at a special shareholder meeting on April 23rd, with over 99% of both classes of shareholders who voted approving the separation. As part of the separation, the former dual share structure has been collapsed into a single class of stock.

The separation is designed to unlock incremental value by creating two pure play, standalone companies able to pursue their own strategic, financial and operational priorities and attract investors drawn to the strengths of their respective businesses. Lionsgate becomes one of the world’s leading independent publicly-traded content companies, releasing 30 to 40 films a year, including a dozen wide theatrical releases, creating more than 100 shows spanning its scripted and unscripted television businesses, shepherding a portfolio of valuable brands and franchises, managing a 20,000-plus title film and television library, and operating a world-class talent management and production company at 3 Arts Entertainment.

“We began our journey 25 years ago as a new and different kind of studio, committed to bold, original content, agnostic to distribution platform, disciplined in our execution and powered by a deep library and an agile and entrepreneurial culture,” said Lionsgate CEO Jon Feltheimer. “Today we’re launching an exciting new chapter as a leading pure play content company, adapting our proven strengths, embracing our emerging opportunities, and bringing our unique and not-easily-replicable portfolio of assets to bear on our mission of creating significant incremental value for our partners, audiences and shareholders. I want to thank our colleagues at STARZ for their many contributions to the Lionsgate family over the past eight years. We look forward to continuing to collaborate closely with them, and we are confident in their success as a standalone company.”


About Lionsgate

Lionsgate (NYSE: LION) is one of the world’s leading standalone, pure play, publicly traded content companies. It brings together diversified motion picture and television production and distribution businesses, a world-class portfolio of valuable brands and franchises, a talent management and production powerhouse and a more than 20,000-title film and television library, all driven by the studio’s bold and entrepreneurial culture.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Peter D. Wilkes

310-255-3726

pwilkes@lionsgate.com