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As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 4, 2011
Registration No. 333-_________
UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
Form S-4
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
Vector Group Ltd.
(Exact name of registrant issuer as specified in its charter)
See Table of Registrant Guarantors for information regarding additional Registrants
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Delaware
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2111
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65-0949535 |
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
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(Primary Standard Industrial
Classification Code Number)
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(I.R.S. Employer
Identification Number) |
100 S.E. Second Street
Miami, Florida 33131
(305) 579-8000
(Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of registrants principal executive offices)
Marc N. Bell
Vice President & General Counsel
Vector Group Ltd.
100 S.E. Second Street
Miami, Florida 33131
(305) 579-8000
(Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of agent for service)
With a copy to:
James P. Barri, Esq.
Goodwin Procter LLP
Exchange Place
Boston, Massachusetts 02109
(617) 570-1105
Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to the public: As soon as practicable after
the effective date of this registration statement.
If the securities being registered on this Form are being offered in connection with the
formation of a holding company and there is compliance with General Instruction G, check the
following box: o
If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering pursuant to Rule
462(b) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration
statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. o
If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(d) under the Securities
Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the
earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated
filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of large
accelerated filer, accelerated filer and smaller reporting company in Rule 12b-2 of the
Exchange Act. (Check one):
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Large accelerated filer þ
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Accelerated filer o
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Non-accelerated filer o
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Smaller reporting company o |
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(Do not check if a smaller reporting company) |
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If applicable, place an X in the box to designate the appropriate rule provision relied upon in conducting this transaction:
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Exchange Act Rule 13e-4(i) (Cross-Border Issuer Tender Offer)
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Exchange Act Rule 14d-1(d) (Cross-Border Third-Party Tender Offer)
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CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
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Proposed Maximum |
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Proposed maximum |
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Amount of |
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Title of Each Class of |
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Amount to be |
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Offering Price per |
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Aggregate Offering |
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Registration |
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Securities to be Registered |
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Registered |
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Security(1) |
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Price(1) |
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Fee |
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11% Senior Secured Notes due 2015 |
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$90,000,000(2) |
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100% |
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$90,000,000 |
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$10,449.00 |
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Guarantees of 11% Senior Secured
Notes due 2015 |
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(3) |
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(1) |
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Estimated solely for purposes of determining the registration fee pursuant to Section
457(f)(2) under the Securities Act. |
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(2) |
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Represents the aggregate principal amount of the 11% Senior Secured Notes due 2015 issued by
Vector Group Ltd. |
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Pursuant to Rule 457(n), no additional registration fee is payable with respect to the note
guarantees. |
The Registrant hereby amends this Registration Statement on such date or dates as may be
necessary to delay its effective date until the Registrant shall file a further amendment that
specifically states that this Registration Statement shall thereafter become effective in
accordance with Section 8(a) of the Securities Act of 1933 or until this Registration Statement
shall become effective on such date as the Commission, acting pursuant to said Section 8(a), may
determine.
TABLE OF REGISTRANT GUARANTORS
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Primary Standard |
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I.R.S. |
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Industrial |
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Employer |
Exact Name of Registrant Guarantor as |
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State of Incorporation |
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Classification Code |
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Identification |
Specified in its Charter(1) |
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or Organization |
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Number |
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Number |
100 Maple LLC |
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Delaware |
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6519 |
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65-0960238 |
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Accommodations Acquisition Corporation |
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Delaware |
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6799 |
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27-2795835 |
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Eve Holdings Inc. |
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Delaware |
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6794 |
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56-1703877 |
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Liggett & Myers Holdings Inc. |
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Delaware |
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6799 |
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51-0413146 |
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Liggett & Myers Inc. |
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Delaware |
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2111 |
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56-1110146 |
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Liggett Group LLC |
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Delaware |
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2111 |
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56-1702115 |
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Liggett Vector Brands LLC |
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Delaware |
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8900 |
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74-3040463 |
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V.T. Aviation LLC |
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Delaware |
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7350 |
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51-0405537 |
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Vector Research LLC |
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Delaware |
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8731 |
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65-1058692 |
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Vector Tobacco Inc. |
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Virginia |
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2111 |
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54-1814147 |
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VGR Aviation LLC |
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Delaware |
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7350 |
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65-0949535 |
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VGR Holding LLC |
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Delaware |
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8741 |
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65-0949536 |
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(1) |
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The address and phone number of each Registrant Guarantor is as follows: |
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Vector Group Ltd., 100 S.E. Second Street, 32nd Floor, Miami, FL 33131, (305) 579-8000 |
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100 Maple LLC, c/o Liggett Vector Brands LLC, 3800 Paramount Parkway, Suite 250, PO Box 2010,
Morrisville, NC 27560, (919) 990-3500 |
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Accommodations Acquisition Corporation, 100 S.E. Second Street, 32nd Floor, Miami, FL 33131,
(305) 579-8000 |
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Eve Holdings Inc., 1105 N. Market Street; Suite 617, Wilmington, DE 19801, (302) 478-6160 |
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Liggett & Myers Holdings Inc., 100 S.E. Second Street, 32nd Floor, Miami, FL 33131, (305)
579-8000 |
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Liggett & Myers Inc., 3800 Paramount Parkway, Suite 250, PO Box 2010, Morrisville, NC 27560,
(919) 990-3500 |
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Liggett Group LLC, c/o Liggett Vector Brands LLC, 3800 Paramount Parkway, Suite 250, PO Box
2010, Morrisville, NC 27560, (919) 990-3500 |
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Liggett Vector Brands LLC, 3800 Paramount Parkway, Suite 250, PO Box 2010, Morrisville, NC
27560, (919) 990-3500 |
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V.T. Aviation LLC, 3800 Paramount Parkway, Suite 250, PO Box 2010, Morrisville, NC 27560, (919)
990-3500 |
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Vector Research LLC, c/o Liggett Vector Brands LLC, 3800 Paramount Parkway, Suite 250, PO Box
2010, Morrisville, NC 27560, (919) 990-3500 |
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Vector Tobacco Inc., c/o Liggett Vector Brands LLC, 3800 Paramount Parkway, Suite 250, PO Box
2010, Morrisville, NC 27560, (919) 990-3500 |
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VGR Aviation LLC, 3800 Paramount Parkway, Suite 250, PO Box 2010, Morrisville, NC 27560, (919)
990-3500 |
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VGR Holding LLC, 100 S.E. Second Street, 32nd Floor, Miami, FL 33131, (305) 579-8000 |
The information in this prospectus is not complete and may be changed. We may
not sell these securities until the registration statement filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission is effective. This prospectus is not an
offer to sell these securities and it is not soliciting an offer to buy these
securities in any state where the offer or sale is not permitted.
SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, DATED APRIL 4, 2011
PROSPECTUS
Vector Group Ltd.
Exchange Offer for
Up to $90,000,000 Principal Amount Outstanding
of 11% Senior Secured Notes due 2015
for a Like Principal Amount of
Registered 11% Senior Secured Notes due 2015
We hereby offer, upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this
prospectus and the accompanying letter of transmittal (which together constitute the Exchange
Offer), to exchange up to $90,000,000 principal amount of our registered 11% Senior Secured Notes
due 2015 (the New Notes) and the guarantees thereof for a like principal amount of our
outstanding unregistered 11% Senior Secured Notes due 2015 and the guarantees thereof, each of
which were issued on December 3, 2010 (the Original Notes and together with the New Notes, the
notes). Subject to specified conditions, the New Notes will be free of the transfer restrictions
that apply to our outstanding unregistered Original Notes that you currently hold, but will
otherwise be identical in all material respects to the Original Notes. Subject to release as
described in the indenture governing the notes, the notes will be fully and unconditionally
guaranteed on a joint and several basis by all of our wholly owned domestic subsidiaries that are
engaged in the conduct of our tobacco businesses and certain of our other wholly owned domestic
subsidiaries. The notes will not be guaranteed by any of our subsidiaries engaged in our real
estate businesses conducted through our subsidiary New Valley LLC.
Interest on the New Notes will accrue at the rate of 11% per annum from the most recent date
to which interest on the Original Notes has been paid and will be payable semi-annually in arrears
on February 15 and August 15, commencing on August 15, 2011. We will deem the right to receive any
interest accrued but unpaid on the Original Notes waived by you if we accept your Original Notes
for exchange.
We will exchange any and all Original Notes that are validly tendered and not validly
withdrawn prior to 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on , 2011, unless we extend it.
We have not applied, and do not intend to apply, for listing of the New Notes on any national
securities exchange or automated quotation system.
Each broker-dealer that receives New Notes for its own account pursuant to this Exchange Offer
must acknowledge that it will deliver a prospectus in connection with any resale of such New Notes.
The letter of
transmittal accompanying this prospectus states that by so acknowledging and by
delivering a prospectus, a broker-dealer will not be deemed to admit that it is an underwriter
within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the Securities Act). This
prospectus, as it may be amended or supplemented from time to time, may be used by a broker-dealer
in connection with resales of New Notes received in exchange for outstanding Original Notes where
such outstanding Original Notes were acquired by such broker-dealer as a result of market-making
activities or other trading activities. See Plan of Distribution.
See Risk Factors beginning on page 5 to read about important factors you should consider
in connection with this Exchange Offer.
Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC) nor any state securities commission
has approved or disapproved of these securities or determined if this prospectus is truthful or
complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
Prospectus dated , 2011.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Ex-5.1 Opinion of Goodwin Procter LLP
Ex-12 Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges
Ex-23.2 Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Ex-23.3 Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Ex-23.4 Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Ex-23.5 Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Ex-25.1 Statement of Eligibility on Form T-1
Ex-99.1 Form of Letter of Transmittal
Ex-99.2 Form of Notice Guaranteed Delivery
Ex-99.3 Form of Notice of Withdrawal of Tender
Ex-99.4 Form of Letter to Brokers, Dealers
Ex-99.5 Form of Letter to Clients
Ex-99.6 Form of Guidelines for Certification
You should rely only on the information contained or incorporated by reference in this
prospectus. We are not making an offer of these securities in any state where the offer is not
permitted. You should not assume that the information contained in this prospectus is accurate as
of any date other than the date of this document, or that any information we have incorporated by
reference in this prospectus is accurate as of any date other than the date of the document
incorporated by reference regardless of the time of delivery of this prospectus. Our business,
financial condition, results of operations and prospects may have changed since those dates.
MARKET DATA
We use market and industry data throughout this prospectus and the documents incorporated by
reference herein that we have obtained from market research, publicly available information and
industry publications. These sources generally state that the information that they provide has
been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but that the accuracy and completeness of such
information is not guaranteed. The market and industry data is often based on industry surveys and
the preparers experience in the industry. Similarly, although we believe that the surveys and
market research that others have performed are reliable, we have not independently verified this
information.
WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION
We are subject to the informational reporting requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934, as amended (the Exchange Act), and file reports, proxy statements and other information
with the SEC. You can read and copy all of this information at the Public Reference Room
maintained by the SEC at its principal office at 100 F Street, NE, Washington, D.C. 20549. You may
obtain information on the operation of the Public Reference Room by calling the SEC at
1-800-SEC-0330. In addition, the SEC maintains a web site that contains reports, proxy
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statements and other information regarding issuers, like us, that file such material
electronically with the SEC. The address of this web site is: http://www.sec.gov. Our common
stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol VGR.
In addition, we make available on our web site at http://www.vectorgroupltd.com our annual
reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K (and any
amendments to those reports) filed pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act as soon
as practicable after they have been electronically filed with the SEC. Unless otherwise specified,
information contained on our web site, available by hyperlink from our web site or on the SECs web
site, is not incorporated into the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part.
INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE
We are incorporating by reference in this prospectus certain information that we file with the
SEC, which means that we are disclosing important information to you in those documents. The
information incorporated by reference in this prospectus is an important part of this prospectus,
and the information that we subsequently file with the SEC will automatically update and supersede
information in this prospectus and in our other filings with the SEC. We incorporate by reference
the documents listed below, which we have already filed with the SEC, and any future filings we
make with the SEC under Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14, or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, prior to the
termination of the offering under this prospectus. We are not, however, incorporating by reference
any documents or portions thereof, whether specifically listed below or filed in the future, that
are not deemed filed with the SEC, including our compensation committee report (included in our
Proxy Statement) and performance graph (included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K) or any
information furnished pursuant to Items 2.02 or 7.01 of Form 8-K or certain exhibits furnished
pursuant to Item 9.01 of Form 8-K.
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Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010, filed on February 25,
2011. |
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Proxy Statement for our 2011 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, filed on April 4, 2011. |
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Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on January 20, 2011. |
Any statement contained in this prospectus, or in a document all or a portion of which is
incorporated by reference in this prospectus, will be deemed to be modified or superseded for
purposes of this prospectus to the extent that a statement contained in this prospectus modifies or
supersedes the statement. Any such statement or document so modified or superseded will not be
deemed, except as so modified or superseded, to constitute a part of this prospectus.
You may request a copy of these filings, at no cost, by writing or telephoning us at the
following address and telephone number:
Vector Group Ltd.
100 S.E. Second Street
Miami, Florida 33131
Attn: Investor Relations
Telephone: (305) 579-8000
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
In addition to historical information, this prospectus contains forward-looking statements
within the meaning of the federal securities law. Forward-looking statements include information
relating to our intent, belief or current expectations, primarily with respect to, but not limited
to:
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economic outlook; |
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capital expenditures; |
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cost reduction; |
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new legislation; |
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cash flows; |
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operating performance; |
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litigation; |
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impairment charges and cost savings associated with restructurings of our tobacco
operations; and |
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related industry developments (including trends affecting our business, financial
condition and results of operations). |
We identify forward-looking statements in this prospectus by using words or phrases such as
anticipate, believe, estimate, expect, intend, may be, objective, plan, seek,
predict, project, and will be and similar words or phrases or their negatives.
The forward-looking information involves important risks and uncertainties that could cause
our actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from our anticipated results,
performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Factors that
could cause actual results to differ materially from those suggested by the forward-looking
statements include, without limitation, the following:
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general economic and market conditions and any changes therein, including due to acts of
war and terrorism or otherwise; |
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impact of current crises in capital and credit markets, including any worsening; |
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governmental regulations and policies; |
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effects of industry competition; |
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impact of business combinations, including acquisitions and divestitures, both
internally for us and externally in the tobacco industry; |
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impact of restructurings on our tobacco business and our ability to achieve any
increases in profitability estimated to occur as a result of these restructurings; |
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impact of new legislation on our and our competitors payment obligations, results of
operations and product costs, i.e., the impact of recent federal legislation eliminating
the federal tobacco quota system and providing for regulation of tobacco products by the
United States Food and Drug Administration (the FDA); |
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impact of substantial increases in federal, state and local excise taxes; |
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uncertainty related to product liability litigation including the Engle progeny cases
pending in Florida; and |
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potential additional payment obligations for us under the Master Settlement Agreement
and other settlement agreements with the states. |
Further information on the risks and uncertainties that we face include the risks discussed
below under Risk Factors and the information included elsewhere in this prospectus and in the
documents incorporated by
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reference herein, including our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31,
2010, as updated by our subsequent filings under the Exchange Act.
Although we believe the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are based
on reasonable assumptions, there is a risk that these expectations will not be attained and that
any deviations will be material. The forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are
made.
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PROSPECTUS SUMMARY
This summary highlights information contained elsewhere in this prospectus. Because it is a
summary, it does not contain all of the information that you should consider before determining
whether to participate in the exchange offered hereby, and it is qualified in its entirety by the
more detailed information and historical financial statements (including the notes to those
financial statements) that are included elsewhere herein or that are incorporated by reference in
this prospectus. You should read the entire prospectus carefully, including the Risk Factors
section, the financial statements and the notes to those statements and the documents we have
incorporated by reference. As used in this prospectus, the terms Vector Group, we, our and
us and similar terms refer to Vector Group Ltd. and all of its consolidated subsidiaries,
including VGR Holding LLC (VGR Holding), Liggett Group LLC (Liggett Group or Liggett), Vector
Tobacco Inc. (Vector Tobacco) and New Valley LLC (New Valley), except with respect to the
section entitled Description of Notes and where it is clear that these terms mean only Vector
Group Ltd.
Business
Our Company
We are a holding company and are engaged principally in:
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the manufacture and sale of cigarettes in the United States through our Liggett
Group LLC (Liggett) and Vector Tobacco Inc. (Vector Tobacco) subsidiaries; and |
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the real estate business through our New Valley LLC subsidiary, which is seeking
to acquire additional operating companies and real estate properties. New Valley
owns 50% of Douglas Elliman Realty, LLC, which operates the largest residential
brokerage company in the New York metropolitan area. |
Our principal executive offices are located at 100 S.E. Second Street, Miami, Florida 33131.
Our telephone number is (305) 579-8000. Information contained on our web site or that can be
accessed through our web site is not incorporated by reference in this prospectus. You should not
consider information contained on our web site or that can be accessed through our web site to be
part of this prospectus.
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Summary of the Terms of the Exchange Offer
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Background
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On December 3, 2010, we completed a private placement of
$90,000,000 aggregate principal amount of the Original Notes. In
connection with that private placement, we entered into a
registration rights agreement in which we agreed to, among other
things, complete an exchange offer of the New Notes for the
Original Notes. |
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The Exchange Offer
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We are offering to exchange our New Notes which have been
registered under the Securities Act for a like principal amount
of our outstanding, unregistered Original Notes. Original Notes
may only be tendered in an amount equal to $1,000 in principal
amount or in integral multiples of $1,000 in excess thereof. See
The Exchange Offer Terms of the Exchange. |
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Resale of New Notes
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Based upon the position of the staff of the SEC as described in
previous no-action letters, we believe that New Notes issued
pursuant to the Exchange Offer in exchange for Original Notes may
be offered for resale, resold and otherwise transferred by you
without compliance with the registration and prospectus delivery
provisions of the Securities Act, provided that: |
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you are acquiring the New Notes in the ordinary course of
your business; |
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you have not engaged in, do not intend to engage in, and
have no arrangement or understanding with any person to
participate in a distribution of the New Notes; and |
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you are not our affiliate as defined under Rule 405 of
the Securities Act. |
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We do not intend to apply for listing of the New Notes on any
securities exchange or to seek approval for quotation through an
automated quotation system. Accordingly, there can be no
assurance that an active market will develop upon completion of
the Exchange Offer or, if developed, that such market will be
sustained or as to the liquidity of any market. Each
broker-dealer that receives New Notes for its own account in
exchange for Original Notes, where such Original Notes were
acquired by such broker-dealer as a result of market-making
activities or other trading activities, must acknowledge that it
will deliver a prospectus in connection with any resale of New
Notes during the 180 days after the expiration of this Exchange
Offer. See Plan of Distribution. |
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Consequences If You Do Not
Exchange Your Original Notes
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Original Notes that are not tendered in the Exchange Offer or are
not accepted for exchange will continue to bear legends
restricting their transfer. You will not be able to offer or
sell such Original Notes unless: |
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you are able to rely on an exemption from the
requirements of the Securities Act; or |
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the Original Notes are registered under the Securities
Act. |
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After the Exchange Offer is closed, we will no longer have an
obligation to register the Original Notes, except under certain
limited circumstances. See Risk Factors If you fail to
exchange your Original Notes, they will continue to be restricted
securities and may become less liquid. |
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Expiration Date
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The Exchange Offer will expire at 5:00 p.m., New York City time,
on ____________, 2011, unless we extend the Exchange Offer. See
The Exchange Offer Expiration Date; Extensions; Amendments. |
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Issuance of New Notes
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We will issue New Notes in exchange for Original Notes tendered
and accepted in the Exchange Offer promptly following the
Expiration Date. See The Exchange Offer Terms of the
Exchange. |
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Certain Conditions to the
Exchange Offer
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The Exchange Offer is subject to certain customary conditions,
which we may amend or waive without your consent to the extent
permitted by law. See The Exchange Offer Conditions to the
Exchange Offer. |
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Special Procedures for
Beneficial Holders
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If you beneficially own Original Notes which are registered in
the name of a broker, dealer, commercial bank, trust company or
other nominee and you wish to tender in the Exchange Offer, you
should contact such registered holder promptly and instruct such
person to tender on your behalf. If you wish to tender in the
Exchange Offer on your own behalf, you must, prior to completing
and executing the letter of transmittal and delivering your
Original Notes, either arrange to have the Original Notes
registered in your name or obtain a properly completed bond power
from the registered holder. The transfer of registered ownership
may take a considerable time. See The Exchange Offer
Procedures for Tendering. |
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Withdrawal Rights
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You may withdraw your tender of Original Notes at any time before
the Exchange Offer expires. See The Exchange Offer
Withdrawal of Tenders. |
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Accounting Treatment
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We will not recognize any gain or loss for accounting purposes
upon the completion of the Exchange Offer. See The Exchange
Offer Accounting Treatment. |
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Federal Income Tax Consequences
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The exchange pursuant to the Exchange Offer generally will not be
a taxable event for U.S. federal income tax purposes. See
Material United States Federal Income Tax Considerations. |
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Use of Proceeds
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We will not receive any proceeds from the issuance of New Notes
pursuant to the Exchange Offer. |
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Exchange Agent
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U.S. Bank National Association is serving as exchange agent in
connection with the Exchange Offer. |
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Summary of the Terms of the New Notes
Other than the restrictions on transfer and registration rights, the New Notes will have the
same financial terms and covenants as the Original Notes, which are as follows:
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Issuer
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Vector Group Ltd. |
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Securities Offered
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$90,000,000 aggregate principal amount of 11% Senior Secured Notes
due 2015. |
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Maturity Date
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August 15, 2015. |
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Interest Rate
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The New Notes will bear interest at the rate of 11% per annum. |
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Interest
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Interest will be payable semi-annually in arrears on February 15 and
August 15 of each year. Interest will accrue from the most recent
date to which interest on the Original Notes has been paid. We will
deem the right to receive any interest accrued but unpaid on the
Original Notes waived by you if we accept your Original Notes for
exchange. |
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Ranking
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The New Notes: |
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will be our general obligations; |
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will be pari passu in right of payment with all of our
existing and future senior indebtedness, including the Original
Notes, the 2007 Notes, the 2009 Notes and the 2010 Notes; and |
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will be senior in right of payment to all of our future
subordinated indebtedness, if any. |
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Guarantees
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The New Notes, along with the Original Notes, the $165,000,000 of 11%
Senior Secured Notes due 2015 that we issued in 2007 (together with
the related exchange notes, the 2007 Notes), the $85,000,000 of 11%
Senior Secured Notes due 2015 that we issued in 2009 (together with
the related exchange notes, the 2009 Notes) and the $75,000,000 of
11% Senior Secured Notes due 2015 that we issued in 2010 (together
with the related exchange notes, the 2010 Notes), will be fully and
unconditionally guaranteed on a joint and several basis on the issue
date by all of our wholly owned domestic subsidiaries that are
engaged in the conduct of our cigarette business (New Valley and its
subsidiaries will not guarantee the notes) and certain of our other
wholly owned domestic subsidiaries. |
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Each guarantee of the New Notes will be: |
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a general obligation of the guarantor; |
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pari passu in right of payment with all other existing and
future senior indebtedness of the guarantor, including the
indebtedness of Liggett Group and 100 Maple LLC (which we refer to
together as the Liggett Guarantors) under the Liggett secured
revolving credit facility and the guarantors of the Original Notes,
the 2007 Notes, the 2009 Notes and the 2010 Notes; |
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senior in right of payment to all future subordinated
indebtedness of the guarantor, if any; and |
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effectively subordinated to indebtedness that is secured by a
higher priority lien than the lien securing the guarantee, if any, to
the extent of the value of the collateral securing such indebtedness. |
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Security Interest
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The New Notes will not be secured by any of our assets. |
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Only Liggett Group, 100 Maple LLC, Vector Tobacco, and VGR Holding
will provide security for their guarantees of the New Notes. |
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Each guarantee by Liggett Group and 100 Maple LLC of the New Notes
will be and each guarantee by Liggett Group and 100 Maple LLC of the
Original Notes, the 2007 Notes, the 2009 Notes and the 2010 Notes is: |
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secured on a second priority basis, equally and ratably with
all obligations of a Liggett guarantor under existing and future
parity lien debt, by liens on certain assets of a Liggett guarantor,
subject in priority to the liens securing first priority debt under
the Liggett secured revolving credit facility and permitted prior
liens; and |
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effectively junior, to the extent of the value of assets
securing a Liggett guarantors first priority debt obligations under
the Liggett secured revolving credit facility, which is secured on a
first priority basis by the same assets of that Liggett guarantor
that secure the New Notes, Original Notes, 2007 Notes, 2009 Notes and
the 2010 Notes and by certain other assets of that Liggett guarantor
that do not secure such notes. |
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The guarantee of the New Notes by Vector Tobacco will be and the
guarantee of the Original Notes, the 2007 Notes, the 2009 Notes and
the 2010 Notes by Vector Tobacco is secured on a first priority
basis, equally and ratably with all of its obligations under future
parity lien debt, by liens on certain assets, subject in priority to
permitted prior liens. |
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The guarantee of the New Notes by VGR Holding will be and the
guarantee of the Original Notes, the 2007 Notes, the 2009 Notes and
the 2010 Notes by VGR Holding is secured by a first priority pledge
of the capital stock of each of Liggett Group and Vector Tobacco. |
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See Description of Notes Security for additional information. |
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Intercreditor Agreement
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Pursuant to an intercreditor agreement, the liens securing the
guarantees of the Liggett guarantors will be second in priority to
the liens that secure obligations under the Liggett secured revolving
credit facility up to a maximum capped amount as described under
Description of Notes Intercreditor Agreement. |
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Pursuant to the intercreditor agreement, the second-priority liens
securing the note guarantees may not be enforced for a standstill
period of up to 180 days when any obligations secured by the
first-priority liens are outstanding. |
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Optional Redemption
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Prior to August 15, 2011, we may redeem some or all of the New Notes
at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount plus a
make-whole premium, plus accrued and unpaid interest and liquidated
damages, if any, to the redemption date. See Description of Notes
Optional Redemption. |
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On or after August 15, 2011, we may redeem all or a part of the New
Notes at the redemption prices set forth under Description of Notes
Optional Redemption. |
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Mandatory Offers to Repurchase
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If we sell certain assets and do not apply the proceeds as required
or we experience specific kinds of changes of control, we must offer
to repurchase the New Notes at the prices listed in the section
entitled Description of Notes. |
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Certain Covenants
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The indenture governing the New Notes contains certain covenants
that, among other things, limit our and the guarantors ability to: |
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pay dividends, redeem or repurchase capital stock or
subordinated indebtedness or make other restricted payments; |
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incur additional indebtedness or issue certain preferred
stock; |
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create or incur liens; |
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incur dividend or other payment restrictions; |
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consummate a merger, consolidation or sale of all or
substantially all of our assets; |
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enter into certain transactions with affiliates; and |
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transfer or sell assets, including the equity interests of
the guarantors, or use asset sale proceeds. |
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These covenants are subject to a number of important exceptions and
qualifications. See Description of Notes. |
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Part of Existing Series
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The Original Notes and the New Notes form a part of the same series
as our 2007 Notes, our 2009 Notes and our 2010 Notes. The New Notes
will have the same CUSIP number as the registered 2007 Notes and
registered 2010 Notes and, although there can be no assurance in this
regard, we intend that the New Notes will be fungible with the
registered 2007 Notes and registered 2010 Notes. |
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No Public Market
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The New Notes will not be listed on any securities exchange or
included in any automated quotation system. Jefferies & Company,
Inc., the initial purchaser in the private offering of the Original
Notes, is not obligated to make a market in the New Notes, and any
such market may be discontinued by the initial purchaser in its
discretion at any time without notice. |
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Risk Factors
You should consider carefully the information set forth in the section entitled Risk Factors
and all other information included or incorporated by reference into this prospectus before
determining whether to participate in the exchange offered hereby.
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RISK FACTORS
Before you decide to participate in this Exchange Offer, and in consultation with your own
financial and legal advisors, you should carefully consider, among other matters, the following
risk factors, as well as those incorporated by reference in this prospectus from our most recent
annual report on Form 10-K under the headings Risk Factors and Managements Discussion and
Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and other filings we may make from time
to time with the SEC. Please also refer to the section entitled Forward-Looking Statements in
this prospectus. We refer to the Original Notes, the New Notes, the 2007 Notes, the 2009 Notes and
the 2010 Notes collectively as the notes.
Risks Related to the Notes and the Exchange Offer
If you fail to exchange your Original Notes, they will continue to be restricted securities
and may become less liquid.
Original Notes that you do not tender or we do not accept will, following the Exchange Offer,
continue to be restricted securities, and you may not offer to sell them except pursuant to an
exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the Securities Act and applicable state
securities law. We will issue New Notes in exchange for the Original Notes pursuant to the
Exchange Offer only following the satisfaction of the procedures and conditions set forth in The
Exchange Offer Procedures for Tendering. These procedures and conditions include timely receipt
by the exchange agent of such Original Notes (or a confirmation of book-entry transfer) and of a
properly completed and duly executed letter of transmittal (or an agents message from The
Depository Trust Company).
Because we anticipate that most holders of Original Notes will elect to exchange their
Original Notes, we expect that the liquidity of the market for any Original Notes remaining after
the completion of the Exchange Offer will be substantially limited. Any Original Notes tendered
and exchanged in the Exchange Offer will reduce the aggregate principal amount of the Original
Notes outstanding. Following the Exchange Offer, if you do not tender your Original Notes you
generally will not have any further registration rights, and your Original Notes will continue to
be subject to certain transfer restrictions. Accordingly, the liquidity of the market for the
Original Notes could be adversely affected.
Our high level of debt may adversely affect our ability to satisfy our obligations under the
notes.
We cannot assure you that we will be able to meet our debt service obligations. A default in
our debt obligations, including a breach of any restrictive covenant imposed by the terms of our
indebtedness, could result in the acceleration of the notes or other indebtedness. In such a
situation, it is unlikely that we would be able to fulfill our obligations under the notes or other
indebtedness or that we would otherwise be able to repay the accelerated indebtedness or make other
required payments. Even in the absence of an acceleration of our indebtedness, a default under the
terms of our indebtedness could have an adverse impact on our ability to satisfy our debt service
obligations and on the trading price of the notes.
Our high level of indebtedness could have important consequences to you. For example, it
could:
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make it more difficult for us to satisfy our other obligations with respect to the
notes, including our repurchase obligation upon the occurrence of specified change of
control events; |
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increase our vulnerability to general adverse economic and industry conditions; |
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limit our ability to obtain additional financing; |
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require us to dedicate a substantial portion of our cash flow from operations to
payments on our indebtedness, reducing the amount of our cash flow available for other
general corporate purposes; |
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require us to sell other securities or to sell some or all of our assets, possibly
on unfavorable terms, to meet payment obligations; |
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restrict us from making strategic acquisitions, investing in new capital assets or
taking advantage of business opportunities; |
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limit our flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes in our business and
industry; and |
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place us at a competitive disadvantage compared to competitors that have less debt. |
Vector Group, the issuer of the notes, is a holding company and its ability to make any
required payment on the notes is dependent on the operations of, and the distribution of
funds from, its subsidiaries.
Vector Group, the issuer of the notes, is a holding company and depends on dividends and other
distributions from its subsidiaries to generate the funds necessary to meet its obligations,
including its required obligations under the notes. Each of our subsidiaries is a legally distinct
entity, and while certain of our wholly owned domestic subsidiaries have guaranteed the notes, such
guarantees are subject to risks. See Federal and state statutes allow courts, under specific
circumstances, to void guarantees and require holders of notes to return payments received from
guarantors. The ability of our subsidiaries to pay dividends and make distributions to Vector
Group are subject to, among other things, (i) the terms of Liggetts secured revolving credit
facility with Wachovia Bank, N.A. (Wachovia), certain terms of which, including terms relating to
Liggetts ability to distribute funds to Vector Group, Wachovia has the unilateral discretion to
modify, if acting in good faith, (ii) any other debt instruments of our subsidiaries then in
effect, and (iii) applicable law. If distributions from our subsidiaries to us were eliminated,
delayed, reduced or otherwise impaired, our ability to make payments on the notes would be
substantially impaired.
A significant portion of the collateral securing the note guarantees is subject to
first-priority liens and your right to receive payments on the notes pursuant to such note
guarantees are subordinated to the obligations secured by first priority liens, including
the Liggett Credit Agreement, to the extent of the value of the assets securing that
indebtedness.
The collateral securing the guarantees of the Liggett Guarantors is subject to a
first-priority claim to secure the Liggett Guarantors indebtedness under the senior secured
revolving credit facility with Wachovia (which we refer to as the Liggett Credit Agreement),
which must be paid in full up to a principal amount of loans of $65.0 million, plus $5.0 million of
hedging obligations, $5.0 million of cash management obligations and interest, costs, fees and
indemnity obligations (the Maximum Priority ABL Debt), before the collateral can be used to
fulfill any payment obligations pursuant to their guarantee of the notes. Indebtedness under the
Liggett Credit Agreement is secured by a first-priority lien on substantially all of the tangible
and intangible assets of the Liggett Guarantors, with certain exceptions, while the note guarantees
by the Liggett Guarantors are secured by second priority liens on some but not all of those same
assets. The value of those excluded assets could be significant, and the notes effectively rank
junior to indebtedness secured by liens on, and to the extent of, those excluded assets. In the
event of a bankruptcy, liquidation, dissolution, reorganization or similar proceeding against such
guarantors, those assets that are pledged as collateral securing both the first-priority claims and
the guarantee of the notes must first be used to pay the first-priority claims in full up to the
Maximum Priority ABL Debt before making any payments on the notes pursuant to the note guarantees.
See Description of Notes Intercreditor Agreement for a detailed description of the components
of Maximum Priority ABL Debt.
Such guarantors entered into an intercreditor agreement with Wachovia and the collateral agent
on behalf of the note holders that limits the rights of the collateral agent and the note holders
to exercise remedies under the indenture. Under the intercreditor agreement, for a period of up to
180 days following notice from the collateral agent for the notes or the note holders to Wachovia
(1) of an event of default under the indenture and (2) that demand for repayment of the notes has
been made, the trustee and collateral agent under the indenture and the note holders may not
exercise certain remedies under the indenture and may not proceed against any collateral securing
the notes until the expiration of such 180-day period. The lender under the Liggett Credit
Agreement is permitted to complete foreclosure and enforce judgments if it commences such actions
during the 180-day period. If the note holders are prohibited from exercising remedies, the value
of the collateral to the note holders could be impaired. Because of the restrictions placed on the
collateral agents enforcement of its security interests by the intercreditor agreement, there may
be significant delays in any enforcement of the collateral agents security interests, and after
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Wachovia has enforced its claims, the holders of the notes may be left with undersecured
obligations, given the amount of shared collateral.
None of the guarantees are secured by all of the assets of any guarantor that is providing
security for its guarantee, and the value of the collateral securing such note guarantees
may not be sufficient to pay all amounts owed under the notes if an event of default occurs.
As of the date of their issuance, only the guarantees of the notes of the Liggett Guarantors,
Vector Tobacco and VGR Holding are secured and certain of those guarantees are secured only by a
second priority lien on certain assets of such guarantors. None of the guarantees are secured by
all of the assets of any guarantor providing security for its guarantee, and the collateral
securing such guarantees omits significant categories of collateral typically found in all assets
financings. For more information regarding the collateral for the note guarantees, see
Description of Notes Security. No appraisals of any of the collateral for the note guarantees
have been prepared in connection with this offering. The value of the collateral at any time will
depend on market and other economic conditions, including the availability of suitable buyers for
the collateral. By its nature, some or all of the collateral may be illiquid and may have no
readily ascertainable market value. Some of the collateral may have no significant independent
value apart from the other pledged assets. The value of the assets pledged as collateral for the
note guarantees could be impaired in the future as a result of changing economic conditions,
competition or other future trends or uncertainties.
Additionally, the lender under the Liggett Credit Agreement has rights and remedies with
respect to the collateral that, if exercised, could adversely affect the value of the collateral.
In the event of a foreclosure, liquidation, bankruptcy or similar proceeding, the collateral may
not be sufficient to pay all or any of our obligations under the notes.
Accordingly, there may not be sufficient collateral to pay any or all of the amounts due on
the notes. With respect to any claim for the difference between the amount, if any, realized by
the holders of the notes from the sale of the collateral securing the notes and the obligations
under the notes, holders of the notes will participate ratably with all our other unsecured
unsubordinated indebtedness and other obligations, including trade payables.
To service our indebtedness, including the notes, we will require a significant amount of
cash. The ability to generate cash depends on many factors beyond our control.
Our ability to repay or to refinance our obligations with respect to our indebtedness,
including the notes, and to fund planned capital expenditures will depend on our future financial
and operating performance. This, to a certain extent, is subject to general economic, financial,
competitive, business, legislative, regulatory and other factors that are beyond our control.
We cannot assure you that our business will generate sufficient cash flow from operations or
that future borrowings will be available to us in an amount sufficient to enable us to pay our
indebtedness, including the notes, or to fund our other liquidity needs. We may need to refinance
all or a portion of our indebtedness, including the notes, at or before maturity. We cannot assure
you that we will be able to refinance any of our indebtedness, including the notes, on commercially
reasonable terms or at all.
Despite our substantial level of indebtedness, we may still incur significantly more debt,
which could exacerbate any or all of the risks described above.
We may be able to incur substantial additional indebtedness in the future. Although the
indenture governing the notes and the Liggett Credit Agreement limit our ability and the ability of
our subsidiaries to incur additional indebtedness, these restrictions are subject to a number of
qualifications and exceptions and, under certain circumstances, debt incurred in compliance with
these restrictions could be substantial. In addition, the indenture governing the notes and the
Liggett Credit Agreement do not prevent us from incurring obligations that do not constitute
indebtedness. See the section entitled Description of Notes. To the extent that we incur
additional indebtedness or such other obligations, the risks associated with our substantial
leverage described above, including our possible inability to service our debt, would increase.
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The indenture governing the notes contains restrictive covenants that limit our operating
flexibility.
The indenture governing the notes contains covenants that, among other things, restrict our
and the guarantors ability to take specific actions, even if we believe them to be in our best
interest, including restrictions on our and the guarantors ability to:
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pay dividends, redeem or repurchase capital stock or subordinated indebtedness or
make other restricted payments; |
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incur or guarantee additional indebtedness or issue certain preferred stock; |
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create or incur liens with respect to our and the guarantors assets; |
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make investments, loans or advances; |
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incur dividend or other payment restrictions; |
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consummate a merger, consolidation or sale of all or substantially all of our
assets; |
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enter into certain transactions with affiliates; and |
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transfer or sell assets, including the equity interests of the guarantors, or use
asset sale proceeds. |
In addition, the Liggett Credit Agreement requires us to meet specified financial ratios.
These covenants may restrict our ability to expand or fully pursue our business strategies. Our
ability to comply with these and other provisions of the indenture governing the notes and the
Liggett Credit Agreement may be affected by changes in our operating and financial performance,
changes in general business and economic conditions, adverse regulatory developments or other
events beyond our control. The breach of any of these covenants, including those contained in
Liggetts credit facility and the indenture governing the notes, could result in a default under
our indebtedness, which could cause those and other obligations to become due and payable. If any
of our indebtedness is accelerated, we may not be able to repay it.
The restrictive covenants in the indenture governing the notes may be less protective than
those typically found in covenant packages for non-investment grade debt securities.
Although the notes contain restrictive covenants, these covenants are less protective than is
customary for non-investment grade debt securities and are subject to a number of important
exceptions and qualifications. In particular, there are no restrictions on our ability to pay
certain dividends or make other restricted payments or enter into transactions with affiliates if
our Consolidated EBITDA (as defined under Description of Notes) is $50 million or more for the
four quarters prior to such transaction. Our Consolidated EBITDA for the four quarters ending
December 31, 2010 exceeds $50 million. See Description of Notes for a more detailed description
of these covenants and the exceptions to these covenants.
The notes and note guarantees will be structurally subordinated to creditors, including
trade creditors, of our subsidiaries that are not guarantors of the notes.
The notes will not be guaranteed by New Valley or its subsidiaries and certain of our existing
and future other subsidiaries. As a result, claims of creditors of non-guarantor subsidiaries,
including trade creditors, secured creditors and creditors holding debt and guarantees issued by
those non-guarantor subsidiaries will have priority with respect to the assets and earnings of
those non-guarantor subsidiaries over the claims of our creditors and the creditors of our
guarantors, including holders of the notes. There are no covenant restrictions in the indenture on
any existing or future non-guarantor subsidiaries and they may incur debt and take other actions
that guarantors will be prohibited from taking.
We currently have and are permitted to create unrestricted subsidiaries, which are not
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the covenants in the indenture, and we may not be able to rely on the cash flow or assets of
those unrestricted subsidiaries to pay our indebtedness.
Unrestricted subsidiaries, including the New Valley subsidiaries and those we are permitted to
create pursuant to the terms of the indenture, will not be subject to the covenants under the
indenture, and their assets will not be available as security for the notes. Unrestricted
subsidiaries may enter into financing arrangements that limit their ability to pay dividends to us
and make loans or other payments to fund payments in respect of the notes. Accordingly, we may not
be able to rely on the cash flow or assets of unrestricted subsidiaries to pay any of our
indebtedness, including the notes. The indenture contains very limited provisions that would
prohibit the creation of unrestricted subsidiaries and only subsidiaries that are obligors under
the Liggett Credit Agreement or that are engaged in our cigarette business are required to become
guarantors. Only subsidiaries that are guarantors are subject to the restrictive covenants in the
indenture.
Holders of notes will not control decisions regarding collateral.
The holders of first priority claims against the collateral securing their claims will control
substantially all matters related to that collateral. The holders of first priority claims may
foreclose on or take other actions with respect to such shared collateral with which holders of the
notes may disagree or that may be contrary to the interests of holders of the notes. To the extent
such shared collateral is released from securing first priority claims to satisfy such claims, the
liens securing the notes will also automatically be released without any further action by the
trustee, collateral agent or the holders of the notes. There is no requirement that the holders of
first priority claims foreclose or otherwise take any action with respect to excluded collateral
before releasing or otherwise taking action with respect to the collateral shared with the notes.
See Description of Notes Security.
Rights of holders of notes in the collateral may be adversely affected by bankruptcy
proceedings.
The right of the collateral agent for the notes to repossess and dispose of the collateral
securing the notes upon acceleration is likely to be significantly impaired by federal bankruptcy
law if bankruptcy proceedings are commenced by or against us prior to or possibly even after the
collateral agent has repossessed and disposed of the collateral. Under the U.S. Bankruptcy Code, a
secured creditor, such as the collateral agent for the notes, is prohibited from repossessing its
collateral from a debtor in a bankruptcy case, or from disposing of collateral repossessed from a
debtor, without court approval. Moreover, bankruptcy law permits the debtor to continue to retain
and to use collateral, and the proceeds, products, rents, or profits of the collateral, even though
the debtor is in default under the applicable debt instruments, provided that the secured creditor
is provided adequate protection. The meaning of the term adequate protection may vary according
to circumstances, but it is intended in general to protect the value of the secured creditors
interest in the collateral and may include cash payments or the granting of additional security, if
and at such time as the court in its discretion determines, for any diminution in the value of the
collateral as a result of the automatic stay of repossession or disposition or any use of the
collateral by the debtor during the pendency of the bankruptcy case. In view of the broad
discretionary powers of a bankruptcy court, it is impossible to predict how long payments under the
notes could be delayed following commencement of a bankruptcy case, whether or when the collateral
agent might be permitted to repossess or dispose of the collateral, or whether or to what extent
holders of the notes would be compensated for any delay in payment or loss of value of the
collateral through the requirements of adequate protection. Furthermore, in the event the
bankruptcy court determines that all amounts due on or under the notes exceed the value of the
collateral, the holders of the notes would have undersecured claims for the difference. Federal
bankruptcy laws generally do not permit the payment or accrual of post-petition interest, costs,
and attorneys fees for undersecured claims during a debtors bankruptcy case.
Rights of holders of notes in the collateral may be adversely affected by the failure to
perfect liens on certain collateral acquired in the future.
The liens securing the notes cover certain assets which may be acquired in the future.
Applicable law requires that certain property and rights acquired after the grant of a general
security interest or lien can only be perfected at the time such property and rights are acquired
and identified. There can be no assurance that the trustee or the collateral agent will monitor,
or that we will inform the trustee or the collateral agent of, the future acquisition of property
and rights that constitute collateral, and that the necessary action will be taken to properly
perfect the
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lien on such after acquired collateral. The collateral agent for the notes has no obligation
to monitor the acquisition of additional property or rights that constitute collateral or the
perfection of any security interests therein. Such failure may result in the loss of the practical
benefits of the lien thereon or of the priority of the lien securing the notes.
Our ability to purchase the notes with cash at your option upon a change of control may be
limited.
Holders of notes may require us to purchase all or a portion of their notes for cash upon the
occurrence of specific circumstances involving the events described under Description of Notes
Repurchase at the Option of Holders Change of Control. We cannot assure you that, if required,
we would have sufficient cash or other financial resources at that time or would be able to arrange
sufficient financing necessary to pay the purchase price for all notes tendered by holders thereof.
In addition, our ability to repurchase notes in the event of a change of control may be prohibited
or limited by law, by regulatory authorities, by the other agreements related to our indebtedness
and by indebtedness and agreements that we or our subsidiaries may enter into from time to time,
which may replace, supplement or amend our existing or future indebtedness. Our failure to
repurchase tendered notes would constitute an event of default under the indenture.
In addition, the required repurchase of the notes upon a change of control or the change of
control itself may be events of default under agreements governing our other existing and future
indebtedness. These events may permit the lenders under the other indebtedness to accelerate the
indebtedness outstanding thereunder. If we are required to repurchase the notes, we might require
third-party financing. We cannot be sure that we would be able to obtain third party financing on
acceptable terms, or at all. If our other secured indebtedness is accelerated and not repaid, the
lenders thereunder may seek to enforce security interests in the collateral consisting of first
priority collateral that secures such indebtedness, thereby limiting our ability to raise cash to
purchase the notes, and reducing the practical benefit of the offer to purchase provisions to the
holders of the notes.
Some significant corporate transactions may not constitute a change of control, in which
case we would not be obligated to offer to repurchase the notes.
Upon the occurrence of a change of control, which includes specified change of control events,
we will be required to offer to repurchase all outstanding notes. See Description of Notes
Repurchase at the Option of Holders Change of Control. The change of control provisions,
however, will not require us to offer to repurchase the notes in the event of certain significant
corporate transactions. For example, various transactions, such as leveraged recapitalizations,
refinancings, restructurings or acquisitions initiated by us, would not necessarily constitute a
change of control because they do not necessarily involve a change in voting power or beneficial
ownership of the type described in the definition of change of control in the indenture governing
the notes. Accordingly, note holders may not have the right to require us to repurchase their
notes in the event of a significant transaction that could increase the amount of our indebtedness,
adversely affect our capital structure or any credit ratings or otherwise adversely affect the
holders of notes.
In addition, a change of control includes a sale of all or substantially all of our properties
and assets. Although there is limited law interpreting the phrase substantially all, there is no
precise established definition of the phrase under the laws of New York, which govern the indenture
and the notes. Accordingly, your ability to require us to repurchase notes as a result of a sale
of less than all of our properties and assets may be uncertain.
Federal and state statutes allow courts, under specific circumstances, to void guarantees
and require holders of notes to return payments received from guarantors.
On the issue date of the New Notes, the notes will be fully and unconditionally guaranteed on
a joint and several basis by all of our wholly owned domestic subsidiaries that are engaged in the
conduct of our tobacco businesses (New Valley and its subsidiaries will not guarantee the notes)
and certain of our other wholly owned domestic subsidiaries. Under the federal bankruptcy law and
comparable provisions of state fraudulent transfer laws, a guarantee could be voided, or claims in
respect of a guarantee could be subordinated to all other debts of that guarantor if, among other
things, the guarantor, at the time it incurred the indebtedness evidenced by its guarantee:
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received less than reasonably equivalent value or fair consideration for the
incurrence of the guarantee; |
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was insolvent or rendered insolvent by reason of the incurrence of the guarantee; |
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was engaged in a business or transaction for which the guarantors remaining assets
constituted unreasonably small capital; or |
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intended to incur, or believed that it would incur, debts beyond its ability to pay
those debts as they mature. |
In addition, any payment by that guarantor pursuant to its guarantee could be voided and
required to be returned to the guarantor, or to a fund for the benefit of the creditors of the
guarantor.
The measures of insolvency for purposes of these fraudulent transfer laws will vary depending
upon the law applied in any proceeding to determine whether a fraudulent transfer has occurred.
Generally, however, a guarantor would be considered insolvent if:
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the sum of its debts, including contingent liabilities, was greater than the fair
saleable value of all of its assets; |
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the present fair saleable value of its assets was less than the amount that would be
required to pay its probable liability on its existing debts, including contingent
liabilities, as they became absolute and mature; or |
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it could not pay its debts as they become due. |
The court might also void such guarantee, without regard to the above factors, if it found
that the subsidiary entered into its guarantee with actual or deemed intent to hinder, delay, or
defraud its creditors.
A court would likely find that a subsidiary did not receive reasonably equivalent value or
fair consideration for its guarantee unless it benefited directly or indirectly from the issuance
of the notes. If a court avoided such guarantee, holders of the notes would no longer have a claim
against such subsidiary or the benefit of the assets of such subsidiary constituting collateral
that purportedly secured such guarantee. In addition, the court might direct holders of the notes
to repay any amounts already received from such subsidiary. If the court were to avoid any
guarantee, we cannot assure you that funds would be available to pay the notes from any other
subsidiary or from any other source.
The indenture states that the liability of each subsidiary on its guarantee is limited to the
maximum amount that the subsidiary can incur without risk that the guarantee will be subject to
avoidance as a fraudulent conveyance. This limitation may not protect the guarantees from a
fraudulent conveyance claim or, if it does, the guarantees may not be in amounts sufficient, if
necessary, to pay obligations under the notes when due.
If an active trading market does not exist for the notes you may not be able to resell them.
We do not intend to apply for listing of the notes on any securities exchange or for quotation
of the notes on any automated dealer quotation system. The initial purchaser of the Original Notes
has informed us that it currently intends to make a market in the notes. However, the initial
purchaser may cease its market making at any time. A lack of a trading market could adversely
affect your ability to sell the notes and the price at which you may be able to sell the notes. The
liquidity of the trading market, if any, and future trading prices of the notes will depend on many
factors, including, among other things, prevailing interest rates, our operating results, financial
performance and prospects, the market for similar securities and the overall securities market, and
whether an active market for the notes is maintained, and may be adversely affected by unfavorable
changes in these factors. Historically, the market for non-investment grade debt has been subject
to disruptions that have caused volatility in prices. It is possible that the market for the notes
will be subject to disruptions which may have a negative effect on the holders of the notes,
regardless of our operating results, financial performance or prospects.
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Changes in respect of the debt ratings of the notes may materially and adversely affect the
availability, the cost and the terms and conditions of our debt.
The notes are, and any of our future debt instruments may be, publicly rated by Moodys Investors
Service, Inc., or Moodys, and Standard & Poors Rating Services, or S&P, independent rating
agencies. These debt ratings may affect our ability to raise debt. Any downgrading of the notes or
our other debt by Moodys and S&P in the future may affect the cost and terms and conditions of our
financings and could adversely affect the value and trading of the notes.
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USE OF PROCEEDS
The Exchange Offer is intended to satisfy our obligations under the registration rights
agreement entered into in connection with the issuance of the Original Notes. We will not receive
any cash proceeds from the issuance of the New Notes in the Exchange Offer. In consideration for
issuing the New Notes as contemplated by this prospectus, we will receive the Original Notes in
like principal amount. The Original Notes surrendered and exchanged for the New Notes will be
retired and canceled and cannot be reissued. Accordingly, the issuance of the New Notes will not
result in any increase in our indebtedness.
RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES
The ratio of earnings to fixed charges for each of the periods indicated is as follows:
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Year Ended December 31, |
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2010 |
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Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges (1) |
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2.00x |
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1.19x |
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3.14x |
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3.26x |
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2.70x |
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(1) |
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For purposes of computing the ratio of earnings to fixed charges, earnings include pre-tax
income (loss) from continuing operations and fixed charges (excluding capitalized interest)
and amortization of capitalized interest. Earnings are also adjusted to exclude equity in gain
or loss of non-consolidated real estate businesses. Fixed charges consist of interest expense,
capitalized interest (including amounts charged to income and capitalized during the period),
a portion of rental expense (deemed by us to be representative of the interest factor of
rental payments), amortization of debt discount costs. |
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THE EXCHANGE OFFER
Purpose of the Exchange Offer
In connection with the sale of the Original Notes, we entered into a registration rights
agreement with Jefferies & Company, Inc., the initial purchaser, under which we agreed to file, and
to use all commercially reasonable efforts to cause a registration statement under the Securities
Act relating to the Exchange Offer to be declared effective.
We are making the Exchange Offer in reliance on the position of the SEC as set forth in
certain no-action letters. However, we have not sought our own no-action letter. Based upon these
interpretations by the SEC, we believe that a holder of New Notes, but not a holder who is our
affiliate within the meaning of Rule 405 of the Securities Act, who exchanges Original Notes for
New Notes in the Exchange Offer generally may offer the New Notes for resale, sell the New Notes
and otherwise transfer the New Notes without further registration under the Securities Act and
without delivery of a prospectus that satisfies the requirements of Section 10 of the Securities
Act. This does not apply, however, to a holder who is our affiliate within the meaning of Rule
405 of the Securities Act. We also believe that a holder may offer, sell or transfer the New Notes
only if the holder acquires the New Notes in the ordinary course of its business and is not
participating, does not intend to participate and has no arrangement or understanding with any
person to participate in a distribution of the New Notes.
Any holder of the Original Notes using the Exchange Offer to participate in a distribution of
New Notes cannot rely on the no-action letters referred to above. Any broker-dealer who holds
Original Notes acquired for its own account as a result of market-making activities or other
trading activities and who receives New Notes in exchange for such Original Notes pursuant to the
Exchange Offer may be a statutory underwriter and must deliver a prospectus meeting the
requirements of the Securities Act in connection with any resale of such New Notes.
Each broker-dealer that receives New Notes for its own account in exchange for Original Notes,
where such Original Notes were acquired by such broker-dealer as a result of market-making
activities or other trading activities, must acknowledge that it will deliver a prospectus in
connection with any resale of such New Notes. This prospectus, as it may be amended or
supplemented from time to time, may be used by a broker-dealer in connection with resales of New
Notes received in exchange for Original Notes where such Original Notes were acquired by such
broker-dealer as a result of market-making activities or other trading activities. The letter of
transmittal states that by acknowledging and delivering a prospectus, a broker-dealer will not be
considered to admit that it is an underwriter within the meaning of the Securities Act. We have
agreed that for a period of not less than 180 days after the expiration date for the Exchange
Offer, we will make this prospectus available to broker-dealers for use in connection with any such
resale. See Plan of Distribution.
Except as described above, this prospectus may not be used for an offer to resell, resale or
other transfer of New Notes.
The Exchange Offer is not being made to, nor will we accept tenders for exchange from, holders
of Original Notes in any jurisdiction in which the Exchange Offer or the acceptance of it would not
be in compliance with the securities or blue sky laws of such jurisdiction.
Terms of the Exchange
Upon the terms and subject to the conditions of the Exchange Offer, we will accept any and all
Original Notes validly tendered prior to 5:00 p.m., New York time, on the expiration date for the
Exchange Offer. Promptly after the expiration date (unless extended as described in this
prospectus), we will issue an aggregate principal amount of up to $90.0 million of New Notes and
guarantees related thereto for a like principal amount of outstanding Original Notes and guarantees
related thereto tendered and accepted in connection with the Exchange Offer. The New Notes issued
in connection with the Exchange Offer will be delivered on the earliest practicable date following
the expiration date. Holders may tender some or all of their Original Notes in connection with the
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Exchange Offer, but only in an amount equal to $1,000 principal amount or in integral
multiples of $1,000 in excess thereof. The terms of the New Notes will be identical in all
material respects to the terms of the Original Notes, except that the New Notes will have been
registered under the Securities Act and will be issued free from any covenant regarding
registration, including the payment of Liquidated Damages upon a failure to file or have declared
effective an Exchange Offer registration statement or to complete the Exchange Offer by certain
dates. The New Notes will evidence the same debt as the Original Notes and will be issued under
the same indenture and entitled to the same benefits under that indenture as the Original Notes
being exchanged. As of the date of this prospectus, $90.0 million in aggregate principal amount of
the Original Notes is outstanding.
In connection with the issuance of the Original Notes, we arranged for the Original Notes
purchased by qualified institutional buyers and those sold in reliance on Regulation S under the
Securities Act to be issued and transferable in book-entry form through the facilities of The
Depository Trust Company (DTC), acting as depositary. Except as described under Description of
Notes Exchanges of Book-Entry Notes for Certificated Notes, New Notes will be issued in the
form of a global note registered in the name of DTC or its nominee and each beneficial owners
interest in it will be transferable in book-entry form through DTC. See Description of Notes
Exchanges of Book-Entry Notes for Certificated Notes.
Holders of Original Notes do not have any appraisal or dissenters rights in connection with
the Exchange Offer. Original Notes which are not tendered for exchange or are tendered but not
accepted in connection with the Exchange Offer will remain outstanding and be entitled to the
benefits of the indenture under which they were issued, but certain registration and other rights
under the registration rights agreement will terminate and holders of the Original Notes will
generally not be entitled to any registration rights under the registration rights agreement. See
Consequences of Failures to Properly Tender Original Notes in the Exchange Offer.
We will be considered to have accepted validly tendered Original Notes if and when we have
given written notice to the exchange agent. The exchange agent will act as agent for the tendering
holders for the purposes of receiving the New Notes from us.
If any tendered Original Notes are not accepted for exchange because of an invalid tender, the
occurrence of certain other events described in this prospectus or otherwise, we will return the
Original Notes, without expense, to the tendering holder promptly after the expiration date for the
Exchange Offer.
Holders who tender Original Notes will not be required to pay brokerage commissions or fees
or, subject to the instructions in the letter of transmittal, transfer taxes on exchange of
Original Notes in connection with the Exchange Offer. We will pay all charges and expenses, other
than certain applicable taxes described below, in connection with the Exchange Offer. See Fees
and Expenses.
Expiration Date; Extensions; Amendments
The expiration date for the Exchange Offer is 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on ,
2011, unless extended by us in our sole discretion, in which case the term expiration date shall
mean the latest date and time to which the Exchange Offer is extended.
We reserve the right, in our sole discretion:
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to delay accepting any Original Notes, to extend the Exchange Offer or to terminate
the Exchange Offer if, in our reasonable judgment, any of the conditions described
below shall not have been satisfied, by giving written notice of the delay, extension
or termination to the exchange agent, or |
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to amend the terms of the Exchange Offer in any manner. |
If we amend the Exchange Offer in a manner that we consider material, we will disclose such
amendment by means of a prospectus supplement, and we will extend the Exchange Offer for a period
of five to ten business days.
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If we determine to extend, amend or terminate the Exchange Offer, we will publicly announce
this determination by making a timely release through an appropriate news agency.
Interest on the New Notes
The New Notes will bear interest at the rate of 11% per annum from the most recent date to
which interest on the Original Notes has been paid. Interest will be payable semi-annually in
arrears on February 15 and August 15 of each year.
Conditions to the Exchange Offer
Notwithstanding any other term of the Exchange Offer, we will not be required to accept for
exchange, or to exchange any New Notes for, any Original Notes and may terminate the Exchange Offer
as provided in this prospectus before the acceptance of the Original Notes, if prior to the
expiration date:
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any action or proceeding is instituted or threatened in any court or by or before
any governmental agency relating to the Exchange Offer which, in our reasonable
judgment, might materially impair the contemplated benefits of the Exchange Offer to
us, or any material adverse development has occurred in any existing action or
proceeding relating to us or any of our subsidiaries; |
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any change, or any development involving a prospective change, in our business or
financial affairs or any of our subsidiaries has occurred which, in our reasonable
judgment, might materially impair our ability to proceed with the Exchange Offer or
materially impair the contemplated benefits of the Exchange Offer to us; |
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any law, statute, rule or regulation is proposed, adopted or enacted which in our
reasonable judgment might materially impair our ability to proceed with the Exchange
Offer; or |
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any governmental approval has not been obtained, which approval we, in our
reasonable discretion, consider necessary for the completion of the Exchange Offer as
contemplated by this prospectus. |
The conditions listed above are for our sole benefit and may be asserted by us regardless of
the circumstances giving rise to any of these conditions. We may waive these conditions other than
those dependent upon the receipt of necessary governmental approvals in our reasonable discretion
in whole or in part at any time and from time to time prior to the expiration date. The failure by
us at any time to exercise any of the above rights shall not be considered a waiver of such right,
and such right shall be considered an ongoing right which may be asserted at any time and from time
to time.
If we determine in our reasonable discretion that any of the conditions are not satisfied, we
may:
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refuse to accept any Original Notes and return all tendered Original Notes to the
tendering holders; |
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extend the Exchange Offer and retain all Original Notes tendered before the
expiration of the Exchange Offer, subject, however, to the rights of holders to
withdraw those Original Notes (See Withdrawal of Tenders below); or |
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waive unsatisfied conditions relating to the Exchange Offer other than those
conditions dependent upon the receipt of necessary governmental approvals and accept
all properly tendered Original Notes which have not been withdrawn. |
Procedures for Tendering
Unless the tender is being made in book-entry form, to tender in the Exchange Offer, a holder
must:
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complete, sign and date the letter of transmittal, or a facsimile of it; |
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have the signatures guaranteed if required by the letter of transmittal; and |
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mail or otherwise deliver the signed letter of transmittal or the signed facsimile,
the Original Notes and any other required documents to the exchange agent prior to 5:00
p.m., New York City time, on the expiration date. |
Any financial institution that is a participant in DTCs Book-Entry Transfer Facility system
may make book-entry delivery of the Original Notes by causing DTC to transfer the Original Notes
into the exchange agents account. To validly tender Original Notes through DTC, the financial
institution that is a participant in DTC will electronically transmit its acceptance through the
Automated Tender Offer Program. DTC will then verify the acceptance, execute a book-entry transfer
of the tendered Original Notes into the applicable account of the exchange agent at DTC and then
send to the exchange agent confirmation of such book-entry transfer. The confirmation of such
book-entry transfer will include an agents message stating that DTC has received an express
acknowledgment from the participant in DTC tendering the Original Notes that the participant has
received and agrees to be bound by the terms of the letter of transmittal and that we may enforce
the terms of the letter of transmittal against the participant. A tender of Original Notes through
a book-entry transfer into the exchange agents account will only be effective if an agents
message or the letter of transmittal (or facsimile) with any required signature guarantees and any
other required documents are transmitted to and received or confirmed by the exchange agent at the
address set forth below under the caption Exchange Agent, prior to 5:00 p.m., New York City
time, on the expiration date unless the guaranteed delivery procedures described below under the
caption Guaranteed Delivery Procedures are complied with. Delivery of documents to DTC in
accordance with its procedures does not constitute delivery to the exchange agent.
The tender by a holder of Original Notes will constitute an agreement between us and the
holder in accordance with the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this prospectus and
in the letter of transmittal.
The method of delivery of Original Notes and the letter of transmittal and all other required
documents to the exchange agent is at the election and risk of the holders. Instead of delivery by
mail, we recommend that holders use an overnight or hand delivery service. In all cases, holders
should allow sufficient time to assure delivery to the exchange agent before the expiration date.
No letter of transmittal or Original Notes should be sent to us. Holders may request their
respective brokers, dealers, commercial banks, trust companies or nominees to effect the tenders
for such holders.
Any beneficial owner whose Original Notes are registered in the name of a broker, dealer,
commercial bank, trust company or other nominee and who wishes to tender should contact the
registered holder promptly and instruct such registered holder to tender on behalf of the
beneficial owner. If the beneficial owner wishes to tender on that owners own behalf, the owner
must, prior to completing and executing the letter of transmittal and delivery of such owners
Original Notes, either make appropriate arrangements to register ownership of the Original Notes in
the owners name or obtain a properly completed bond power from the registered holder. The
transfer of registered ownership may take considerable time.
Signature on a letter of transmittal or a notice of withdrawal must be guaranteed by an
eligible guarantor institution within the meaning of Rule 17Ad-15 under the Exchange Act, unless
the Original Notes tendered pursuant thereto are tendered:
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by a registered holder who has not completed the box entitled Special Issuance
Instructions or Special Delivery Instructions on the letter of transmittal; or |
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for the account of an eligible guarantor institution. |
In the event that signatures on a letter or transmittal or a notice of withdrawal, as the case
may be, are required to be guaranteed, such guarantee must be by:
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a member firm of a registered national securities exchange or of the Financial
Industry Regulatory Authority; |
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a commercial bank or trust company having an office or correspondent in the United
States; or |
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an eligible guarantor institution within the meaning of Rule 17Ad-15 under the
Exchange Act. |
If the letter of transmittal is signed by a person other than the registered holder of any
Original Notes, the Original Notes must be endorsed by the registered holder or accompanied by a
properly completed bond power, in each case signed or endorsed in blank by the registered holder.
If the letter of transmittal or any Original Notes or bond powers are signed or endorsed by
trustees, executors, administrators, guardians, attorneys-in-fact, officers of corporations or
others acting in a fiduciary or representative capacity, such persons should so indicate when
signing and, unless waived by us, submit evidence satisfactory to us of their authority to act in
that capacity with the letter of transmittal.
We will determine all questions as to the validity, form, eligibility (including time of
receipt) and acceptance and withdrawal of tendered Original Notes in our sole discretion. We
reserve the absolute right to reject any and all Original Notes not properly tendered or any
Original Notes whose acceptance by us would, in the opinion of our counsel, be unlawful. We also
reserve the right to waive any defects, irregularities or conditions of tender as to any particular
Original Notes either before or after the expiration date. Our interpretation of the terms and
conditions of the Exchange Offer (including the instructions in the letter of transmittal) will be
final and binding on all parties. Unless waived, any defects or irregularities in connection with
tenders of Original Notes must be cured within a time period we will determine. Although we intend
to request the exchange agent to notify holders of defects or irregularities relating to tenders of
Original Notes, neither we, the exchange agent nor any other person will have any duty or incur any
liability for failure to give such notification. Tenders of Original Notes will not be considered
to have been made until such defects or irregularities have been cured or waived. Any Original
Notes received by the exchange agent that are not properly tendered and as to which the defects or
irregularities have not been cured or waived will be returned by the exchange agent to the
tendering holders, unless otherwise provided in the letter of transmittal, promptly following the
expiration date.
In addition, we reserve the right, as set forth above under the caption Conditions to the
Exchange Offer, to terminate the Exchange Offer.
By tendering, each holder represents to us, among other things, that:
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it has full power and authority to tender, sell, assign and transfer the Original
Notes it is tendering and that we will acquire good and unencumbered title thereto,
free and clear of all liens, restrictions, charges and encumbrances and not subject to
any adverse claim when the same are accepted by us; |
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the New Notes acquired in connection with the Exchange Offer are being obtained in
the ordinary course of business of the person receiving the New Notes; |
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at the time of commencement of the Exchange Offer it had no arrangement with any
person to participate in a distribution of such New Notes; |
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it is not an affiliate (as defined in Rule 405 under the Securities Act) of Vector
Group; and |
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if the holder is a broker-dealer, that it is not engaged in, and does not intend to
engage in, a distribution of the New Notes, and that it will receive New Notes for its
own account in exchange for Original Notes that were acquired by such broker-dealer as
a result of market-making activities or other trading activities and that it will be
required to acknowledge that it will deliver a prospectus in connection with any resale
of such New Notes. See Plan of Distribution. |
Guaranteed Delivery Procedures
A holder who wishes to tender its Original Notes and:
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whose Original Notes are not immediately available; |
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who cannot deliver the holders Original Notes, the letter of transmittal or any
other required documents to the exchange agent prior to the expiration date; or |
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who cannot complete the procedures for book-entry transfer before the expiration
date; |
may effect a tender if:
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the tender is made through an eligible guarantor institution; |
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before the expiration date, the exchange agent receives from the eligible guarantor
institution: |
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a properly completed and duly executed notice of guaranteed
delivery by facsimile transmission, mail or hand delivery, |
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the name and address of the holder, and |
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the certificate number(s) of the Original Notes, if any, and
the principal amount of Original Notes tendered, stating that the tender is
being made and guaranteeing that, within three New York Stock Exchange trading
days after the expiration date, (a) the certificate(s) representing the
Original Notes (or a confirmation of book-entry transfer) and (b) a letter of
transmittal (or facsimile thereof) with respect to such Original Notes,
properly completed and duly executed, with any required signature guarantees,
and any other documents required by the letter of transmittal or, in lieu
thereof, an agents message from DTC, will be deposited by the eligible
guarantor institution with the exchange agent; and |
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the exchange agent receives, within three New York Stock Exchange trading days after
the expiration date, (i) the certificate(s) representing all tendered Original Notes
(or a confirmation of book-entry transfer) and (ii) a letter of transmittal (or
facsimile thereof) with respect to such Original Notes, properly completed and duly
executed, with any required signature guarantees, and all other documents required by
the letter of transmittal or, in lieu thereof, an agents message from DTC. |
Withdrawal of Tenders
Except as otherwise provided herein, tenders of Original Notes may be withdrawn at any time
prior to 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the expiration date. Notwithstanding the foregoing,
Original Notes tendered on or prior to the expiration date may be validly withdrawn if not yet
accepted for exchange by us within 40 business days of ___________, 2011, at any time following
such 40th business day.
To withdraw a tender of Original Notes in connection with the Exchange Offer, a written or
facsimile transmission notice of withdrawal must be received by the exchange agent at its address
set forth herein prior to 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the expiration date. Any such notice
of withdrawal must:
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specify the name of the person who deposited the Original Notes to be withdrawn; |
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identify the Original Notes to be withdrawn (including the certificate number(s), if
any, and principal amount of such Original Notes); |
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be signed by the depositor in the same manner as the original signature on the
letter of transmittal by which such Original Notes were tendered (including any
required signature guarantees) or be accompanied by documents of transfer sufficient to
have the trustee register the transfer of such Original Notes into the name of the
person withdrawing the tender; and |
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specify the name in which any such Original Notes are to be registered, if different
from that of the depositor. |
If Original Notes have been tendered pursuant to the procedure for book-entry transfer, any
notice of withdrawal must specify the name and number of the account at DTC to be credited with the
withdrawn Original Notes or otherwise comply with DTCs procedures. We will determine all
questions as to the validity, form and eligibility (including time of receipt) of such withdrawal
notices. Any Original Notes so withdrawn will be considered not to have been validly tendered for
purposes of the Exchange Offer, and no New Notes will be issued in exchange for such Original Notes
unless the Original Notes withdrawn are validly re-tendered. Any Original Notes which have been
tendered but which are not accepted for exchange or which are withdrawn will be returned to the
holder without cost to such holder promptly after withdrawal, rejection of tender or termination of
the Exchange Offer. Properly withdrawn Original Notes may be re-tendered by following one of the
procedures described above under Procedures for Tendering at any time prior to the expiration
date.
Exchange Agent
U.S. Bank National Association has been appointed as exchange agent in connection with the
Exchange Offer. Questions and requests for assistance, as well as requests for additional copies
of this prospectus or of the letter of transmittal, should be directed to the exchange agent at its
offices at 60 Livingston Avenue, EP-MN-WS3C, St. Paul, Minnesota 55107-2292. The exchange agents
telephone number is (800) 934-6802 and facsimile number is (651) 495-8158.
Fees and Expenses
We will not make any payment to brokers, dealers or others soliciting acceptances of the
Exchange Offer. We will pay certain other expenses to be incurred in connection with the Exchange
Offer, including the fees and expenses of the exchange agent and accounting and legal fees relating
to the Exchange Offer.
Holders who tender their Original Notes for exchange generally will not be obligated to pay
transfer taxes. If, however:
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New Notes are to be delivered to, or issued in the name of, any person other than
the registered holder of the Original Notes tendered; |
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tendered Original Notes are registered in the name of any person other than the
person signing the letter of transmittal; or |
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a transfer tax is imposed for any reason other than the exchange of Original Notes
in connection with the Exchange Offer; |
then the amount of any such transfer taxes (whether imposed on the registered holder or any other
persons) will be payable by the tendering holder. If satisfactory evidence of payment of such
taxes or exemption from them is not submitted with the letter of transmittal, the amount of such
transfer taxes will be billed directly to the tendering holder.
Accounting Treatment
The New Notes will be recorded at the same carrying value as the Original Notes as reflected
in our accounting records on the date of the exchange. Accordingly, we will not recognize any gain
or loss for accounting purposes upon the completion of the Exchange Offer.
Consequences of Failures to Properly Tender Original Notes in the Exchange Offer
Issuance of the New Notes in exchange for the Original Notes under the Exchange Offer will be
made only after timely receipt by the exchange agent of a properly completed and duly executed
letter of transmittal (or an
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agents message from DTC) and the certificate(s) representing such Original Notes (or
confirmation of book-entry transfer), and all other required documents. Therefore, holders of the
Original Notes desiring to tender such Original Notes in exchange for New Notes should allow
sufficient time to ensure timely delivery. We are under no duty to give notification of defects or
irregularities of tenders of Original Notes for exchange. Original Notes that are not tendered or
that are tendered but not accepted by us will, following completion of the Exchange Offer, continue
to be subject to the existing restrictions upon transfer thereof under the Securities Act, and,
upon completion of the Exchange Offer, certain registration rights under the registration rights
agreement will terminate.
In the event the Exchange Offer is completed, we generally will not be required to register
the remaining Original Notes, subject to limited exceptions. Remaining Original Notes will
continue to be subject to the following restrictions on transfer:
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the remaining Original Notes may be resold only if registered pursuant to the
Securities Act, if any exemption from registration is available, or if neither such
registration nor such exemption is required by law; and |
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the remaining Original Notes will bear a legend restricting transfer in the absence
of registration or an exemption. |
We do not currently anticipate that we will register the remaining Original Notes under the
Securities Act. To the extent that Original Notes are tendered and accepted in connection with the
Exchange Offer, any trading market for remaining Original Notes could be adversely affected. See
Risk Factors Risks Related to the Notes and the Exchange Offer If you fail to exchange your
Original Notes, they will continue to be restricted securities and may become less liquid.
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DESCRIPTION OF NOTES
You can find the definitions of certain terms used in this description under the subheading
Certain Definitions. In this description, the Company, we, us and our refer only to
Vector Group Ltd. and not to any of its subsidiaries.
The Company issued the Original Notes under an indenture dated as of August 16, 2007 among
itself, the Guarantors and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee and Collateral Agent, as
amended and supplemented, in a private transaction not subject to the registration requirements of
the Securities Act. The New Notes will be issued under the indenture and will be identical in all
material respects to the Original Notes, except that the New Notes will have been registered under
the Securities Act and will be free of any obligation regarding registration, including the payment
of Liquidated Damages upon failure to file or have declared effective an exchange offer
registration statement or to consummate an exchange offer by certain dates. Unless specifically
stated to the contrary, references to the term notes in the following description applies equally
to the New Notes, the Original Notes and all other notes previously issued under the indenture.
The terms of the notes will include those stated in the indenture and those made part of the
indenture by reference to the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended. The Collateral Documents
referred to below under the caption Security define the terms of the documents that secure the
notes.
The Original Notes and the New Notes are additional notes issued under the indenture covering
the 2007 Notes, the 2009 Notes and the 2010 Notes. The notes will be treated as a single series
with the previously issued notes for all purposes under the indenture, including, without
limitation, waivers, amendments, redemptions and offers to purchase. While the Original Notes and
the New Notes have different CUSIP numbers, the New Notes will have the same CUSIP number as the
registered 2007 Notes and the registered 2010 Notes and, although there can be no assurance in this
regard, the Company intends that the New Notes will be fungible with the registered 2007 Notes and
the registered 2010 Notes. The aggregate principal amount of the outstanding notes of the series
is $415 million.
The following description is a summary of the material provisions of the indenture, the
Collateral Documents and the Intercreditor Agreement. It does not restate those agreements in
their entirety. We urge you to read the indenture, the Collateral Documents and the Intercreditor
Agreement because they, and not this description, define your rights as holders of the notes. The
indenture, the Collateral Documents and the Intercreditor Agreement are available as set forth
below under Additional Information. Certain defined terms used in this description but not
defined below under Certain Definitions have the meanings assigned to them in the indenture.
The registered holder of a note will be treated as the owner of it for all purposes. Only
registered holders will have rights under the indenture.
Brief Description of the Notes and the Note Guarantees
The Notes
The notes:
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are general obligations of the Company; |
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are pari passu in right of payment with all of the Companys existing and future
senior Indebtedness; |
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are senior in right of payment to all of the Companys future subordinated
Indebtedness, if any; |
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are not secured by any of the Companys assets; and |
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are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by the Guarantors and certain of such
guarantees will be secured by certain assets of some of the Guarantors as provided
below. |
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The Note Guarantees
The notes are fully and unconditionally guaranteed on a joint and several basis by the
Guarantors. None of the Companys subsidiaries engaged in the real estate business conducted by
New Valley and its subsidiaries will guarantee the notes.
Each guarantee of the notes:
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is a general obligation of the Guarantor; |
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is pari passu in right of payment with all other senior Indebtedness of that
Guarantor, including a Liggett Guarantors guarantee of Indebtedness under the Liggett
Credit Agreement; and |
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is senior in right of payment to any future subordinated Indebtedness of that
Guarantor. |
Each guarantee of the notes by a Liggett Guarantor:
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is secured on a second priority basis, equally and ratably with all existing and
future obligations of a Liggett Guarantor under any Parity Lien Debt, by Liens on
certain assets of a Liggett Guarantor, subject in priority to Liens securing the First
Priority Debt under the Liggett Credit Agreement and Permitted Prior Liens; and |
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is effectively junior, to the extent of the value of assets securing a Liggett
Guarantors First Priority Debt obligations under the Liggett Credit Agreement, which
are secured on a first priority basis by the same assets of that Liggett Guarantor that
secure the notes and by certain other assets of that Liggett Guarantor that do not
secure the notes. |
The guarantee of the Notes by Vector Tobacco is secured on a first priority basis, equally and
ratably with all of its existing and future obligations under any Parity Lien Debt, by Liens on
certain of its assets, subject in priority to Permitted Prior Liens. Each guarantee of the notes
by Liggett Group and 100 Maple LLC will be secured on a second priority basis, equally and ratably
with the obligations of the Liggett Guarantors under existing and future Parity Lien Debt, by Liens
on certain assets of the Liggett Guarantors, subject in priority to the Liens securing the first
priority debt under the Liggett Credit Agreement and Permitted Prior Liens.
The guarantee of VGR Holding is secured by a first priority pledge of the Capital Stock of
each of Liggett Group and Vector Tobacco.
Pursuant to the indenture, the Company is permitted to incur additional notes under the
indenture and the Guarantors are permitted to guarantee such additional notes as Parity Lien Debt
subject to the covenants described below under Covenants Incurrence of Indebtedness and
Issuance of Preferred Stock and Covenants Liens.
As a result of the first priority liens securing the obligations of the Liggett Guarantors
under the Liggett Credit Agreement, the Note Guarantees by the Liggett Guarantors are effectively
subordinated to the Liggett Guarantors obligations under the Liggett Credit Agreement to the
extent of the value of the collateral securing their first priority lien obligations under the
Liggett Credit Agreement as provided in the Intercreditor Agreement.
As of the date hereof, all of the Companys Subsidiaries that are not Guarantors are
Unrestricted Subsidiaries, including the New Valley Subsidiaries. Unrestricted Subsidiaries are
not subject to the restrictive covenants in the indenture described below.
In the event of a bankruptcy, liquidation or reorganization of any of the Unrestricted
Subsidiaries, the Unrestricted Subsidiaries will pay the holders of their debt and their trade
creditors before they will be able to distribute any of their assets to the Company. At December
31, 2010, the Companys investment in non-consolidated real estate businesses of the Unrestricted
Subsidiaries (which reflects the real estate business of the New Valley Subsidiaries) was $80.4
million. For the year ended December 31, 2010, the Company recognized
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equity income from non-consolidated real estate businesses of the Unrestricted Subsidiaries of
approximately $24.0 million. In addition, the Companys Unrestricted Subsidiaries owned real estate
and related property, which were carried at approximately $29.6 million at December 31, 2010.
Principal, Maturity and Interest
The Company issued $90.0 million in aggregate principal amount of Original Notes on December
3, 2010. The Company may issue additional notes under the indenture from time to time. Any
issuance of additional notes is subject to all of the covenants in the indenture, including the
covenant described below under the caption Certain Covenants Incurrence of Indebtedness and
Issuance of Preferred Stock. The notes and any additional notes subsequently issued under the
indenture will be treated as a single class for all purposes under the indenture, including,
without limitation, waivers, amendments, redemptions and offers to purchase. The Company will
issue notes in denominations of $1,000 and integral multiples of $1,000. The notes will mature on
August 15, 2015.
Interest on the New Notes will accrue at the rate of 11% per annum from the most recent date
to which interest on the Original Notes has been paid and will be payable semi-annually in arrears
on February 15 and August 15, commencing on August 15, 2011. We will deem the right to receive any
interest accrued but unpaid on the Original Notes waived by you if we accept your Original Notes
for exchange. Interest on overdue principal and interest and Liquidated Damages, if any, will
accrue at a rate that is 1% higher than the then applicable interest rate on the notes. The
Company will make each interest payment to the holders of record on the immediately preceding
February 1 and August 1. Interest will be computed on the basis of a 360-day year comprised of
twelve 30-day months.
Methods of Receiving Payments on the Notes
If a holder of notes has given wire transfer instructions to the Company, the Company will pay
all principal, interest, premium and Liquidated Damages, if any, on that holders notes in
accordance with those instructions. All other payments on the notes will be made at the office or
agency of the paying agent and registrar within the City and State of New York unless the Company
elects to make interest payments by check mailed to the noteholders at their address set forth in
the register of holders.
Paying Agent and Registrar for the Notes
The Company has appointed U.S. Bank National Associates, the trustee and Collateral Agent
under the indenture, as paying agent and registrar for the notes. The Company may change the
paying agent or registrar without prior notice to the holders of the notes, and the Company or any
of its Subsidiaries may act as paying agent or registrar.
Transfer and Exchange
A holder may transfer or exchange notes in accordance with the provisions of the indenture.
The registrar and the trustee may require a holder, among other things, to furnish appropriate
endorsements and transfer documents in connection with a transfer of notes. Holders will be
required to pay all taxes due on transfer. The Company will not be required to transfer or
exchange any note selected for redemption. Also, the Company will not be required to transfer or
exchange any note (1) for a period of 15 days before a selection of notes to be redeemed or (2)
between a record date and the next succeeding interest payment date.
Note Guarantees
The notes are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by each of the Guarantors. These Note
Guarantees are joint and several obligations of the Guarantors. As a result of the first priority
liens securing the obligations of the Liggett Guarantors under the Liggett Credit Agreement as
provided in the Intercreditor Agreement, the Note Guarantees by the Liggett Guarantors are
effectively subordinated to the Liggett Guarantors obligations under the Liggett Credit Agreement
to the extent of the value of the assets securing the first priority lien obligations under the
Liggett Credit Agreement.
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The obligations of each Guarantor under its Note Guarantee are limited as necessary to prevent
that Note Guarantee from constituting a fraudulent conveyance under applicable law. See Risk
Factors Federal and state statutes allow courts, under specific circumstances, to void
guarantees and require holders of notes to return payments received from guarantors.
A Guarantor may not sell or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of its assets to, or
consolidate with or merge with or into (whether or not such Guarantor is the surviving Person)
another Person other than the Company or any Guarantor, unless:
(1) immediately after giving effect to that transaction, no Default or Event of Default
exists; and
(2) either:
(a) the Person acquiring the property in any such sale or disposition or the
Person formed by or surviving any such consolidation or merger assumes all the
obligations of that Guarantor under the indenture, its Note Guarantee, the
Collateral Documents and the registration rights agreement pursuant to a
supplemental indenture and appropriate Collateral Documents satisfactory to the
trustee; or
(b) the Net Proceeds of such sale or other disposition are applied in
accordance with the applicable provisions of the indenture.
The Note Guarantee of a Guarantor will be released:
(1) in connection with any sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of the
assets of that Guarantor (including by way of merger or consolidation) to a Person that is
not (either before or after giving effect to such transaction) the Company or a Guarantor,
if the sale or other disposition does not violate the Asset Sale provisions of the
indenture;
(2) in connection with any sale or other disposition of all of the Capital Stock of
that Guarantor to a Person that is not (either before or after giving effect to such
transaction) the Company or a Guarantor, if the sale or other disposition does not violate
the Asset Sale provisions of the indenture; or
(3) upon legal defeasance or satisfaction and discharge of the indenture as provided
below under the captions Legal Defeasance and Covenant Defeasance and Satisfaction
and Discharge.
See Repurchase at the Option of Holders Asset Sales.
None of the New Valley Subsidiaries guarantee the notes. As a result, the notes are
effectively subordinated to all existing and future liabilities of the New Valley Subsidiaries. At
December 31, 2010, the Companys investment in non-consolidated real estate businesses of the
Unrestricted Subsidiaries (which reflects the real estate businesses of the Unrestricted
Subsidiaries) was $80.4 million. For the year ended December 31, 2010, the Company recognized
equity income from non-consolidated real estate businesses of the New Valley Subsidiaries of $24.0
million. In addition, the Companys Unrestricted Subsidiaries owned real estate and related
property, which were carried at approximately $29.6 million at December 31, 2010.
Security
The notes are not secured by any assets of the Company.
Only the Liggett Guarantors, Vector Tobacco and VGR Holding provide certain security for their
Note Guarantees. The obligations of the Liggett Guarantors under their Note Guarantees and the
performance of all other obligations of the Liggett Guarantors under the indenture are secured
equally and ratably by second priority Liens on the Collateral of the Liggett Guarantors granted to
the Collateral Agent for the benefit of the holders of the Parity
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Lien Obligations. These Liens are junior in priority to the Liens securing the first priority
lien obligations of the Liggett Guarantors under the Liggett Credit Agreement to the extent of the
Liens on the assets securing First Priority Debt. The obligations of Vector Tobacco under its Note
Guarantee are secured equally and ratably by first priority Liens on the Collateral of Vector
Tobacco granted to the Collateral Agent for the benefit of the holders of the Parity Lien
Obligations. The obligations of VGR Holding under its Note Guarantee are secured equally and
ratably by first priority liens on the Pledged Securities. Security Interests securing the Note
Guarantees are subject in priority to Permitted Prior Liens.
The Collateral securing the applicable Note Guarantees does not include the following:
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real property, other than the Mebane Facility and any real property that has a fair
market value in excess of $5.0 million; |
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equipment subject to purchase money or other financing; |
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investment property or securities, including securities of affiliates, other than
the Pledged Securities; |
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cash and deposit accounts; |
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foreign intellectual property and all intent-to-use trademark applications; |
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aircraft, aircraft engines and motor vehicles; |
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leasehold interests in real property; |
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chattel paper; |
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instruments; and |
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documents, |
as such terms are defined under the UCC, collectively referred to as the Excluded Assets.
The Liens on collateral of the Liggett Guarantors securing the obligations of the Liggett
Guarantors under the Liggett Credit Agreement include assets that are not included in the
Collateral securing the Note Guarantees, including deposit accounts, chattel paper, instruments,
documents and investment property. The value of this excluded collateral could be significant, and
the notes effectively rank junior to indebtedness secured by liens on, and to the extent of, this
collateral. Cash deposited in bank accounts of the Liggett Guarantors is automatically applied to
the repayment of outstanding revolving borrowings under the Liggett Credit Agreement.
Intercreditor Agreement
On the date of the indenture, the Liggett Guarantors entered into the Intercreditor Agreement
with the lender under the Liggett Credit Agreement, the Collateral Agent and the trustee. The
Intercreditor Agreement sets forth the terms of the relationship between the holders of First
Priority Liens and the holders of Parity Liens.
Certain terms used under this caption Intercreditor Agreement have the meanings set forth
below under Certain Definitions used in the Intercreditor Agreement. Capitalized terms used
under this caption but not defined below have the meanings set forth in the Intercreditor
Agreement.
First Priority Liens; Note Guarantees Effectively Subordinated to First Priority Liens
The obligations under the Liggett Credit Agreement are secured by a Lien on the ABL
Collateral. Under the Intercreditor Agreement, this Lien, to the extent it secures Maximum
Priority ABL Debt, is senior in right,
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priority, operation, effect and in all other respects to any Lien thereon that secures the
Note Guarantees of the Liggett Guarantors. Such Lien is referred to herein as the First Priority
Lien. By their acceptance of the notes, the holders of the notes will be deemed to have reaffirmed
the existing authorization of the Collateral Agent to be party to the Intercreditor Agreement with
the ABL Lender. As a result, obligations under the indenture that are secured by a Lien on the ABL
Collateral, and that are evidenced by certain of the Note Guarantees, are effectively subordinated
to the obligations secured by the First Priority Lien to the extent of the value of the ABL
Collateral.
Relative Priorities
The Intercreditor Agreement provides that notwithstanding the date, manner or order of grant,
attachment or perfection of any Liens granted to the ABL Lender or the ABL Secured Parties or the
Collateral Agent or the Noteholder Secured Parties and notwithstanding any provision of the UCC, or
any applicable law or any provisions of the ABL Documents or the Noteholder Documents or any other
circumstance whatsoever:
The Collateral Agent, for itself and on behalf of the other Noteholder Secured Parties, agreed
that: (1) any Lien on the ABL Collateral securing the First Priority Debt now or hereafter held by
or for the benefit or on behalf of any ABL Secured Party or any agent or trustee therefor shall be
senior in right, priority, operation, effect and in all other respects to any Lien on the ABL
Collateral securing the Noteholder Debt now or hereafter held by or for the benefit or on behalf of
any Noteholder Secured Party or any agent or trustee therefor; and (2) any Lien on the ABL
Collateral securing any of the Noteholder Debt now or hereafter held by or for the benefit or on
behalf of any Noteholder Secured Party or any agent or trustee therefor regardless of how acquired,
whether by grant, statute, operation of law, subrogation or otherwise, shall be junior and
subordinate in all respects to all Liens on the ABL Collateral securing any First Priority Debt.
The ABL Lender, for itself and on behalf of the other ABL Secured Parties, has agreed that:
(1) any Lien on the ABL Collateral securing the Noteholder Debt now or hereafter held by or for the
benefit or on behalf of any Noteholder Secured Party or any agent or trustee therefor shall be
senior in right, priority, operation, effect and in all other respects to any Lien on the ABL
Collateral securing the principal amount of Excess ABL Debt now or hereafter held by or for the
benefit or on behalf of any ABL Secured Party or any agent or trustee therefor; and (2) any Lien on
the ABL Collateral securing any Excess ABL Debt now or hereafter held by or for the benefit or on
behalf of any ABL Secured Party or any agent or trustee therefor regardless of how acquired,
whether by grant, statute, operation of law, subrogation or otherwise, shall be junior and
subordinate in all respects to all Liens on the ABL Collateral securing any Noteholder Debt.
Prohibition on Contesting Liens
The Intercreditor Agreement also provides that each of the ABL Lender, for itself and on
behalf of the other ABL Secured Parties, and the Collateral Agent, for itself and on behalf of the
Noteholder Secured Parties, has agreed that they will not, and has waived any right to, contest or
support any other Person in contesting, in any proceeding (including any Insolvency or Liquidation
Proceeding), the priority, perfection, validity or enforceability of a Lien held by or for the
benefit or on behalf of any ABL Secured Party in any ABL Collateral or by or on behalf of any
Noteholder Secured Party in any ABL Collateral; provided that nothing in the Intercreditor
Agreement will be construed to prevent or impair the rights of any ABL Secured Party or Noteholder
Secured Party to enforce the Intercreditor Agreement, including, without limitation the priority of
Liens described above under Relative Priorities.
Additional Liens
None of the ABL Loan Parties may grant any additional Liens on any assets to secure the
Noteholder Debt unless it has granted, or substantially concurrently therewith shall grant, a lien
on such asset to secure the ABL Debt or grant any additional Liens on any assets to secure the ABL
Debt unless it has granted, or substantially concurrently therewith shall grant, a Lien on such
asset to secure the Noteholder Debt, all of which Liens shall be subject to the terms of the
Intercreditor Agreement. Further, the parties to the Intercreditor Agreement agree that, after the
Discharge of Priority Debt and so long as the Discharge of Priority Noteholder Debt has not
occurred, none of the ABL Loan Parties shall grant any additional Liens on any asset to secure any
Excess ABL Debt unless it has granted, or substantially concurrently therewith shall grant, a Lien
on such asset to secure the Noteholder Debt.
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Exercise of Rights and Remedies; Standstill
In addition, the Intercreditor Agreement provides that, until the Discharge of Priority Debt,
the Collateral Agent, for itself and on behalf of the other Noteholder Secured Parties, agrees that
it (i) will not enforce rights or exercise remedies (including any right of setoff) with respect to
the ABL Collateral (including the enforcement of any right under any lockbox agreement, account
control agreement, landlord waiver or bailees letter or any similar agreement or arrangement to
which the Collateral Agent or any other Noteholder Secured Party is a party), or to commence or
seek to commence any action or proceeding with respect to such rights or remedies (including any
foreclosure action or proceeding or any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding); provided, however,
that (A) the Collateral Agent and the Noteholder Secured Parties may take Permitted Actions, and
(B) the Collateral Agent may exercise any or all of such rights or remedies after a period of 180
days has elapsed since the date on which any ABL Secured Party has commenced a Lien Enforcement
Action and prior to or at the time of such exercise, the Collateral Agent shall have (1) declared
the existence of an Event of Default, (2) demanded the repayment of all the principal amount of the
Noteholder Debt and (3) notified the ABL Lender of such declaration of an Event of Default and
demand (the Standstill Period); provided, further, that, notwithstanding the expiration of the
Standstill Period or anything herein to the contrary, in no event shall the Collateral Agent or any
other Noteholder Secured Party enforce or exercise any rights or remedies with respect to any ABL
Collateral, or commence or petition for any such action or proceeding (including any foreclosure
action or proceeding or any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding), at any time during which the ABL
Lender or any other ABL Secured Party shall have commenced and shall be pursuing diligently a Lien
Enforcement Action.
Release of Liens
The Intercreditor Agreement also provides that:
(a) prior to Discharge of Priority Debt, if (i) in connection with any disposition of
any ABL Collateral (A) permitted under the terms of the ABL Documents (whether or not an
event of default or equivalent event thereunder, and as defined therein, has occurred and is
continuing) or (B) consented to or approved by ABL Lender, but in the case of (A) or (B)
only if permitted under the terms of the Noteholder Documents or (ii) in connection with the
exercise of the ABL Lenders remedies in respect of the ABL Collateral (provided that after
giving effect to the release and application of proceeds, ABL Debt (other than Excess ABL
Debt) secured by the first priority Liens on the remaining ABL Collateral remains
outstanding), the ABL Lender, for itself or on behalf of any of the other ABL Secured
Parties, releases any of its Liens on any part of the ABL Collateral, then effective upon
the consummation of such sale, lease, license, exchange, transfer or other disposition:
(1) the Liens, if any, of the Collateral Agent, for itself or for the benefit
of the Noteholder Secured Parties, on such ABL Collateral shall be automatically,
unconditionally and simultaneously released to the same extent as the release of ABL
Lenders Liens,
(2) the Collateral Agent, for itself or on behalf of the Noteholder Secured
Parties, shall promptly upon the request of ABL Lender execute and deliver such
release documents and confirmations of the authorization to file UCC amendments and
terminations provided for herein, in each case as ABL Lender may require in
connection with such sale or other disposition by ABL Lender, ABL Lenders agents or
any Liggett Guarantor with the consent of ABL Lender to evidence and effectuate such
termination and release; provided, that, any such release or UCC amendment or
termination by Collateral Agent shall not extend to or otherwise affect any of the
rights, if any, of Collateral Agent and Noteholder Secured Parties to the proceeds
from any such sale or other disposition of ABL Collateral, and
(3) the Collateral Agent, for itself or on behalf of the other Noteholder
Secured Parties, shall be deemed to have authorized ABL Lender to file UCC
amendments and terminations covering the ABL Collateral so sold or otherwise
disposed of as to UCC financing statements between any Liggett Guarantor and
Collateral Agent or any other Noteholder Secured Party to evidence such release and
termination.
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(b) after Discharge of Priority Debt but prior to Discharge of Priority Noteholder
Debt, if (i) in connection with any sale, lease, license, exchange, transfer or other
disposition of any ABL Collateral (A) permitted under the terms of the Noteholder Documents
(whether or not an event of default or equivalent event thereunder, and as defined therein,
has occurred and is continuing) or (B) consented to or approved by Noteholder Secured
Parties, but in the case of (A) and (B), only if permitted under the terms of the ABL
Documents, or (ii) in connection with the exercise of the Collateral Agents or any
Noteholder Secured Partys remedies in respect of the ABL Collateral (provided that after
giving effect to the release and application of proceeds, Noteholder Debt secured by the
Liens on the remaining ABL Collateral remain outstanding), the Collateral Agent, for itself
or on behalf of any of the other Noteholder Secured Parties, releases any of its Liens on
any part of the ABL Collateral, then effective upon the consummation of such sale, lease,
license, exchange, transfer or other disposition:
(1) the Liens, if any, of the ABL Lender, for itself or for the benefit of the
ABL Secured Parties, on such ABL Collateral shall be automatically, unconditionally
and simultaneously released to the same extent as the release of the Collateral
Agents Liens,
(2) the ABL Lender, for itself or on behalf of the ABL Secured Parties, shall
promptly upon the request of the Collateral Agent execute and deliver such release
documents and confirmations of the authorization to file UCC amendments and
terminations provided for herein, in each case as the Collateral Agent may require
in connection with such sale or other disposition by the Collateral Agent or any
Noteholder Secured Party, or any of their agents or any Liggett Guarantor with the
consent of Noteholder Secured Parties to evidence and effectuate such termination
and release; provided, that, any such release or UCC amendment or termination by ABL
Lender shall not extend to or otherwise affect any of the rights, if any, of ABL
Lender and ABL Secured Parties to the proceeds from any such sale or other
disposition of ABL Collateral, and
(3) the ABL Lender, for itself or on behalf of the other ABL Secured Parties,
shall be deemed to have authorized the Collateral Agent to file UCC amendments and
terminations covering the ABL Collateral so sold or otherwise disposed of as to UCC
financing statements between any Liggett Guarantor and ABL Lender or any other ABL
Secured Party to evidence such release and termination.
(c) the Collateral Agent, for itself and on behalf of the other Noteholder Secured
Parties, has irrevocably constituted and appointed the ABL Lender and any officer or agent
of the ABL Lender, with full power of substitution, as its true and lawful attorney-in-fact
with full irrevocable power and authority in the place and stead of the Collateral Agent or
such holder, from time to time in the ABL Lenders discretion for the purpose of releasing
Liens in accordance with provision (a) of Release of Liens above, to take any and all
appropriate action and to execute any and all documents and instruments which may be
necessary or desirable to accomplish the purposes of provision (a) of Release of Liens
above, including any termination statements, endorsements or other instruments of transfer
or release. The ABL Lender, for itself and on behalf of the other ABL Secured Parties, has
irrevocably constituted and appointed the Collateral Agent and any officer or agent of any
holder of notes, with full power of substitution, as its true and lawful attorney-in-fact
with full irrevocable power and authority in the place and stead of the ABL Lender or any
ABL Secured Party, from time to time in the Collateral Agents discretion, for the purpose
of carrying out the terms of provision (b) of Release of Liens above, to take any and
all appropriate action and to execute any and all documents and instruments which may be
necessary or desirable to accomplish the purposes of provision (b) of Release of Liens
above, including any termination statements, endorsements or other instruments of transfer
or release.
Application of Proceeds
The Intercreditor Agreement also provides that so long as the Discharge of ABL Debt has not
occurred, the ABL Collateral or proceeds thereof received in connection with the sale or other
disposition of, or collection on, such ABL Collateral upon the exercise of remedies, shall be
applied in the following order of priority:
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first, to the First Priority Debt (including for cash collateral as required under the ABL
Documents), and in such order as specified in the relevant ABL Documents until the Discharge of
Priority Debt has occurred;
second, to the Noteholder Debt in such order as specified in the relevant Noteholder Documents
until the Discharge of Priority Noteholder Debt has occurred; and third, to the Excess ABL Debt
until the Discharge of ABL Debt has occurred.
Turnover
The Intercreditor Agreement provides that so long as the Discharge of Priority Debt has not
occurred, whether or not any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding has been commenced by or against
any Liggett Guarantor, the Collateral Agent has agreed, for itself and on behalf of the other
Noteholder Secured Parties, that any ABL Collateral or proceeds from the enforcement of remedies
with respect to the ABL Collateral (including any right of set-off) with respect to the ABL
Collateral, and including in connection with any insurance policy claim or any condemnation award
(or deed in lieu of condemnation) with respect to ABL Collateral, shall be segregated and held in
trust and promptly transferred or paid over to the ABL Lender for the benefit of the ABL Secured
Parties in the same form as received, with any necessary endorsements or assignments or as a court
of competent jurisdiction may otherwise direct. After the Discharge of Priority Debt has occurred
but before the Discharge of Priority Noteholder Debt has occurred, whether or not any Insolvency or
liquidation proceeding has been commenced by or against any Liggett Guarantor, the ABL Lender has
agreed, for itself and on behalf of the other ABL Secured Parties, that any ABL Collateral or
proceeds from the enforcement of remedies with respect to the ABL Collateral or payment with
respect thereto received by the ABL Lender or any other ABL Secured Party (including any right of
set-off) with respect to the ABL Collateral, and including in connection with any insurance policy
claim or any condemnation award (or deed in lieu of condemnation) with respect to ABL Collateral,
shall be segregated and held in trust and promptly transferred or paid over to the Collateral Agent
for the benefit of the Noteholder Secured Parties in the same form as received, with any necessary
endorsements or assignments or as a court of competent jurisdiction may otherwise direct. The ABL
Lender or the Collateral Agent, as applicable, is authorized to make any such endorsements or
assignments as agent for the other. This authorization is coupled with an interest and is
irrevocable.
Insolvency or Liquidation proceedings
The Intercreditor Agreement is applicable both before and after the institution of any
Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding involving any Liggett Guarantor, including, without
limitation, the filing of any petition by or against any Liggett Guarantor under the Bankruptcy
Code or under any other Bankruptcy Law and all converted or subsequent cases in respect thereof,
and all references in Insolvency or Liquidation Proceedings to any Liggett Guarantor shall be
deemed to apply to the trustee for any such Liggett Guarantor or such Liggett Guarantor as
debtor-in-possession. The relative rights of the ABL Secured Parties and the Noteholder Secured
Parties in or to any distributions from or in respect of any ABL Collateral or proceeds of ABL
Collateral shall continue after the institution of any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding
involving any Liggett Guarantor, including, without limitation, the filing of any petition by or
against any Liggett Guarantor under the Bankruptcy Code or under any other Bankruptcy Law and all
converted cases and subsequent cases, on the same basis as prior to the date of such institution,
subject to (i) any court order approving the financing of, or use of cash collateral by, any
Liggett Guarantor as debtor-in-possession, or (ii) any other court order affecting the rights and
interests of the parties to the Intercreditor Agreement, in either case so long as such court order
is not in conflict with the Intercreditor Agreement. The Intercreditor Agreement constitutes a
Subordination Agreement for the purposes of Section 510(a) of the Bankruptcy Code and will be
enforceable in any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding in accordance with its terms.
Bankruptcy Financing
The Intercreditor Agreement also provides that if any Liggett Guarantor becomes subject to any
Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding, until the Discharge of Priority Debt has occurred, the
Collateral Agent, for itself and on behalf of the other Noteholder Secured Parties, agrees that:
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(i) each Noteholder Secured Party will raise no objection to, nor support any other Person
objecting to, and will be deemed to have consented to, the use of any ABL Collateral constituting
cash collateral under Section 363 of the Bankruptcy Code, or any comparable provision of any other
Bankruptcy Law or any post-petition financing, provided by any ABL Secured Party or any Qualified
Financier under Section 364 of the Bankruptcy Code, or any comparable provision of any other
Bankruptcy Law (a DIP Financing), will not request or accept adequate protection or any other
relief in connection with the use of such cash collateral or such DIP Financing except as set forth
below and will subordinate (and will be deemed hereunder to have subordinated) the Liens granted to
Noteholder Secured Parties to such DIP Financing on the same terms as such Liens are subordinated
to the Liens granted to ABL Lender in the Intercreditor Agreement (and such subordination will not
alter in any manner the terms of the Intercreditor Agreement), to any adequate protection provided
to the ABL Secured Parties and to any carve out agreed to by the ABL Lender; provided that:
(a) the ABL Lender does not oppose or object to such use of cash collateral or DIP
Financing,
(b) the aggregate principal amount of such DIP Financing, together with the ABL Debt as
of such date, does not exceed the principal component of Maximum Priority ABL Debt, and the
DIP Financing is treated as ABL Debt under the Intercreditor Agreement,
(c) the Liens granted to the ABL Secured Parties or Qualified Financier in connection
with such DIP Financing are subject to the Intercreditor Agreement and considered to be
Liens of ABL Lender for purposes of the Intercreditor Agreement,
(d) the Collateral Agent retains a Lien on the ABL Collateral (including proceeds
thereof) with the same priority as existed prior to such Insolvency or liquidation
proceeding (except to the extent of any carve out agreed to by the ABL Lender),
(e) the Collateral Agent receives replacement Liens on all assets, including
post-petition assets, of any Liggett Guarantor in which any of the ABL Lender obtains a
replacement Lien, or which secure the DIP Financing, with the same priority relative to the
Liens of ABL Lender as existed prior to such Insolvency or liquidation proceeding, and
(f) the Noteholder Secured Parties may oppose or object to such use of cash collateral
or DIP Financing on the same bases as an unsecured creditor, so long as such opposition or
objection is not based on the Noteholder Secured Parties status as secured creditors.
(ii) no Noteholder Secured Party shall, directly or indirectly, provide, or seek to provide,
DIP Financing secured by Liens equal or senior in priority to the Liens on the ABL Collateral of
ABL Lender, without the prior written consent of ABL Lender.
Relief from the Automatic Stay. The Collateral Agent, for itself and on behalf of the other
Noteholder Secured Parties, agreed that, so long as the Discharge of Priority Debt has not
occurred, no Noteholder Secured Party shall, without the prior written consent of the ABL Lender,
seek or request relief from or modification of the automatic stay or any other stay in any
Insolvency or liquidation proceeding in respect of any part of the ABL Collateral, any proceeds
thereof or any Lien securing any of the Noteholder Debt. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary
set forth in the Intercreditor Agreement, no Liggett Guarantor will waive or shall be deemed to
have waived any rights under Section 362 of the Bankruptcy Code.
Adequate Protection. The Collateral Agent, on behalf of itself and the other Noteholder
Secured Parties, agreed that none of them shall object, contest, or support any other Person
objecting to or contesting, (i) any request by the ABL Lender or any of the other ABL Secured
Parties for adequate protection of the First Priority Debt or any adequate protection provided to
the ABL Lender or other ABL Secured Parties with respect to the First Priority Debt or (ii) any
objection by the ABL Lender or any of the other ABL Secured Parties to any motion, relief, action
or proceeding based on a claim of a lack of adequate protection for the First Priority Debt or
(iii) the payment of
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interest, fees, expenses or other amounts to the ABL Lender or any other ABL Secured Party
with respect to the First Priority Debt under Section 506(b) or 506(c) of the Bankruptcy Code or
otherwise.
The Collateral Agent, on behalf of itself and the other Noteholder Secured Parties, agreed
that none of them shall seek or accept adequate protection with respect to the Noteholder Debt
secured by Liens on the ABL Collateral without the prior written consent of the ABL Lender; except,
that, the Collateral Agent, for itself or on behalf of the other Noteholder Secured Parties, or the
Noteholder Secured Parties shall be permitted (i) to obtain adequate protection in the form of the
benefit of additional or replacement Liens on the ABL Collateral (including proceeds thereof
arising after the commencement of any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding), or additional or
replacement ABL Collateral to secure the Noteholder Debt, in connection with any DIP Financing or
use of cash collateral as provided for in Bankruptcy Financing above, or in connection with
any such adequate protection obtained by ABL Lender and the other ABL Secured Parties, as long as
in each case, the ABL Lender is also granted such additional or replacement Liens or additional or
replacement ABL Collateral and such Liens of Collateral Agent or any other Noteholder Secured Party
are subordinated to the Liens securing the ABL Debt to the same extent as the Liens of Collateral
Agent and the other Noteholder Secured Parties on the ABL Collateral are subordinated to the Liens
of ABL Lender and the other ABL Secured Parties under the Intercreditor Agreement and (ii) to
obtain adequate protection in the form of reports, notices, inspection rights and similar forms of
adequate protection to the extent granted to the ABL Lender.
Reorganization Securities. If, in any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding, debt obligations
of any reorganized Liggett Guarantor secured by Liens upon any property of such reorganized Liggett
Guarantor are distributed, pursuant to a plan of reorganization, on account of both the ABL Debt
and the Noteholder Debt, then, to the extent the debt obligations distributed on account of the ABL
Debt and on account of the Noteholder Debt are secured by Liens upon the same assets or property,
the provisions of the Intercreditor Agreement will survive the distribution of such debt
obligations pursuant to such plan and will apply with like effect to the Liens securing such debt
obligations.
Separate Classes. The ABL Lender, the ABL Loan Parties and the Collateral Agent irrevocably
acknowledged and agreed that (i) the claims and interests of the ABL Secured Parties and the
Noteholder Secured Parties will not be substantially similar within the meaning of Section 1122
of the Bankruptcy Code, or any comparable provision of any other Bankruptcy Law, (ii) the grants of
the Liens to secure the ABL Debt and the grants of the Liens to secure the Noteholder Debt will
constitute two separate and distinct grants of Liens, (iii) the ABL Secured Parties rights in the
ABL Collateral will be fundamentally different from the Noteholder Secured Parties rights in the
ABL Collateral and (iv) as a result of the foregoing, among other things, the ABL Debt and the
Noteholder Debt shall be separately classified in any plan of reorganization proposed or adopted in
any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding.
Asset Dispositions. Until the Discharge of Priority Debt has occurred, the Collateral Agent,
for itself and on behalf of the other Noteholder Secured Parties, agreed that, in the event of any
Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding, the Noteholder Secured Parties will not object or oppose (or
support any Person in objecting or opposing) a motion to any sale, lease, license, exchange,
transfer or other disposition of any ABL Collateral free and clear of the Liens of Collateral Agent
and the other Noteholder Secured Parties or other claims under Section 363 of the Bankruptcy Code,
or any comparable provision of any Bankruptcy Law and shall be deemed to have consented to any such
any sale, lease, license, exchange, transfer or other disposition of any ABL Collateral under
Section 363(f) of the Bankruptcy Code that has been consented to by the ABL Lender; provided that
the proceeds of such sale, lease, license, exchange, transfer or other disposition of any ABL
Collateral to be applied to the ABL Debt or the Noteholder Debt are applied in accordance with
Application of Proceeds. Nothing in the Intercreditor Agreement shall prevent the Collateral Agent
or the Noteholder Secured Parties from taking Permitted Actions or action permitted under the
Intercreditor Agreement to unsecured creditors.
Preference Issues. If, in any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding or otherwise, all or part
of any payment with respect to the First Priority Debt previously made shall be rescinded for any
reason whatsoever, then the First Priority Debt shall be reinstated to the extent of the amount so
rescinded and, if theretofore terminated, the Intercreditor Agreement shall be reinstated in full
force and effect and such prior termination shall not diminish, release, discharge, impair or
otherwise affect the Lien priorities and the relative rights and obligations of the ABL Secured
Parties and the Noteholder Secured Parties provided for therein.
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If, in any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding or otherwise, all or part of any payment with
respect to the Noteholder Debt previously made shall be rescinded for any reason whatsoever and the
Discharge of Priority Debt shall, subject to (for the avoidance of doubt) the immediately preceding
paragraph above, have occurred, then the Noteholder Debt shall be reinstated to the extent of the
amount so rescinded and, if theretofore terminated, the Intercreditor Agreement shall be reinstated
in full force and effect and such prior termination shall not diminish, release, discharge, impair
or otherwise affect the Lien priorities and the relative rights and obligations of the Noteholder
Secured Parties and any Person that holds ABL Excess Debt provided for in the Intercreditor
Agreement solely with respect to any ABL Excess Claims and for the avoidance of doubt, not with
respect to any First Priority Debt.
Certain Waivers as to Section 1111(b)(2) of the Bankruptcy Code. The Collateral Agent, for
itself and on behalf of the other Noteholder Secured Parties, waived any claim any Noteholder
Secured Party may hereafter have against any ABL Secured Party arising out of the election by any
ABL Secured Party of the application of Section 1111(b)(2) of the Bankruptcy Code, or any
comparable provision of any other Bankruptcy Law. The ABL Lender, for itself and on behalf of the
other ABL Secured Parties, will waive any claim any ABL Secured Party may hereafter have against
any Noteholder Secured Party arising out of the election by any Noteholder Secured Party of the
application of Section 1111(b)(2) of the Bankruptcy Code or any comparable provision of any other
Bankruptcy Law.
Postponement of Subrogation. The Collateral Agent agreed that no payment or distribution to
any ABL Secured Party pursuant to the provisions of the Intercreditor Agreement shall entitle any
Noteholder Secured Party to exercise any rights of subrogation in respect thereof until the
Discharge of Priority Debt shall have occurred. Following the Discharge of Priority Debt, the
Intercreditor Agreement provides that each the ABL Lender agreed to execute such documents,
agreements, and instruments as the Collateral Agent or any Noteholder Secured Party may reasonably
request to evidence the transfer by subrogation to any the Collateral Agent, for the benefit of the
Noteholder Secured Parties, of an interest in the First Priority Debt resulting from payments or
distributions to such ABL Secured Party by such Person, so long as all reasonable costs and
expenses (including all reasonable legal fees and disbursements) incurred in connection therewith
by such ABL Secured Party are paid by such Person upon request for payment thereof. Noteholder
Secured Parties waived any and all rights to have any ABL Collateral or any part thereof granted to
or held by ABL Lender marshaled upon any foreclosure or other disposition of such ABL Collateral by
ABL Lender or any Liggett Guarantor with the consent of ABL Lender and ABL Secured Parties waived
any and all rights to have any ABL Collateral or any part thereof granted to or held by Collateral
Agent or any other Noteholder Secured Party marshaled upon any foreclosure or other disposition of
such ABL Collateral by Collateral Agent or any Noteholder Secured Party or any Liggett Guarantor
with the consent of Noteholder Secured Parties, in each case subject to the other terms of the
Intercreditor Agreement.
Purchase Option
Exercise of Option. The Intercreditor Agreement also provides that on or after the occurrence
and during the continuance of an ABL Event of Default and either the acceleration of all of the ABL
Debt or the receipt by Collateral Agent of written notice from ABL Lender of its intention to
commence a Lien Enforcement Action as provided in Purchase Option Notice from ABL Lender
Prior to Lien Enforcement Action below, the Noteholder Secured Parties shall have the option at
any time within ninety (90) days of such acceleration or written notice, upon five (5) business
days prior written notice by Collateral Agent to ABL Lender, to purchase all (but not less than
all) of the ABL Debt from the ABL Secured Parties. Such notice from Collateral Agent to ABL Lender
shall be irrevocable.
Purchase and Sale. On the date specified by Collateral Agent in the notice referred to in
Purchase Option Exercise of Option above (which shall not be less than five (5) business days,
nor more than twenty (20) days, after the receipt by ABL Lender of the notice from Collateral Agent
of its election to exercise such option), ABL Secured Parties shall, subject to any required
approval of any court or other regulatory or governmental authority then in effect (the time to
obtain any such approval shall extend the proposed date of sale and purchase), if any, sell to
Noteholder Secured Parties, and Noteholder Secured Parties shall purchase from ABL Secured Parties,
all of the ABL Debt. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in the Intercreditor
Agreement, in connection with any such purchase and sale, ABL Secured Parties shall retain all
rights under the ABL Documents to be indemnified or held harmless by the ABL Loan Parties in
accordance with the terms thereof.
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Payment of Purchase Price. Upon the date of such purchase and sale, Noteholder Secured
Parties shall (i) pay to ABL Lender for the account of the ABL Secured Parties as the purchase
price therefor the full amount of all of the ABL Debt then outstanding and unpaid (including
principal, interest, fees and expenses, including reasonable attorneys fees and legal expenses),
(ii) furnish cash collateral to ABL Lender in such amounts as ABL Lender determines is reasonably
necessary to secure ABL Secured Parties in connection with any issued and outstanding letters of
credit issued under the ABL Documents (but not in any event in an amount greater than one hundred
five (105%) percent of the aggregate undrawn face amount of such letters of credit) (ABL Lender
agreed to refund this cash collateral to the Noteholder Secured Parties to the extent any letter of
credit expires or is terminated or any amount is reimbursed from other sources), and (iii) agree to
reimburse ABL Secured Parties for any loss, cost, damage or expense (including reasonable
attorneys fees and legal expenses) in connection with any commissions, fees, costs or expenses
related to any issued and outstanding letters of credit as described above and any checks or other
payments provisionally credited to the ABL Debt, and/or as to which ABL Secured Parties have not
yet received final payment.
Such purchase price and cash collateral shall be remitted by wire transfer in federal funds to
such bank account of ABL Lender as ABL Lender may designate in writing to Collateral Agent for such
purpose. Interest shall be calculated to but excluding the business day on which such purchase and
sale shall occur if the amounts so paid by Noteholder Secured Parties to the bank account
designated by ABL Lender are received in such bank account prior to 12:00 noon, New York City time
and interest shall be calculated to and including such business day if the amounts so paid by
Noteholder Secured Parties to the bank account designated by ABL Lender are received in such bank
account later than 12:00 noon, New York City time.
Representations Upon Purchase and Sale. Such purchase shall be expressly made without
representation or warranty of any kind by ABL Secured Parties as to the ABL Debt, the ABL
Collateral or otherwise and without recourse to ABL Secured Parties, except that each ABL Secured
Party shall represent and warrant, severally, as to it: (i) the amount of the ABL Debt being
purchased from it are as reflected in the books and records of such ABL Secured Party (but without
representation or warranty as to the collectibility, validity or enforceability thereof), (ii) that
such ABL Secured Party owns the ABL Debt being sold by it free and clear of any liens or
encumbrances and (iii) such ABL Secured Party has the right to assign the ABL Debt being sold by it
and the assignment is duly authorized. Upon the purchase by Noteholder Secured Parties of the ABL
Debt, Noteholder Secured Parties agree to indemnify and hold ABL Secured Parties harmless from and
against all loss, cost, damage or expense (including reasonable attorneys fees and legal expenses)
suffered or incurred by ABL Secured Parties arising from or in any way relating to acts or
omissions of Collateral Agent or any of the other Noteholder Secured Parties after the purchase.
Subject to the foregoing, ABL Secured Parties shall execute and deliver such instruments of
transfer and other documents as shall be necessary or desirable to fully vest title to the ABL Debt
in the Noteholder Secured Parties (or their designee) and to effectively transfer all Liens
securing the ABL Debt to the Noteholder Secured Parties (or their designee).
Notice from ABL Lender Prior to Lien Enforcement Action. ABL Lender agreed that it will give
Collateral Agent ten (10) business days prior written notice of its intention to commence a Lien
Enforcement Action. In the event that during such ten (10) business day period, Collateral Agent
shall send to ABL Lender the irrevocable notice of the intention of the Noteholder Secured Parties
to exercise the purchase option given by ABL Secured Parties to Noteholder Secured Parties under
Purchase Option, ABL Secured Parties shall not commence any foreclosure or other action to
sell or otherwise realize upon the ABL Collateral, provided, that, the purchase and sale with
respect to the ABL Debt provided for herein shall have closed within thirty (30) business days
thereafter and ABL Secured Parties shall have received final payment in full of the ABL Debt as
provided for herein within such thirty (30) business day period.
Certain Definitions used in the Intercreditor Agreement
ABL Documents shall mean, collectively, the Liggett Credit Agreement and all agreements,
documents and instruments at any time executed and/or delivered by any Liggett Guarantor to, with
or in favor of any ABL Secured Party in connection therewith, as all of the foregoing now exist or
may hereafter be amended, modified, supplemented, extended, renewed, restated, refinanced, replaced
or restructured (in whole or in part and including any agreements with, to or in favor of any other
lender or group of lenders that at any time refinances, replaces or succeeds to all or any portion
of the ABL Debt) in accordance with the terms of the Intercreditor Agreement.
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ABL Debt shall mean all Obligations as such term is defined in the Liggett Credit
Agreement, including, without limitation, obligations, liabilities and indebtedness of every kind,
nature and description owing by any Liggett Guarantor to any ABL Secured Party, including
principal, interest, charges, fees, premiums, indemnities and expenses, however evidenced, whether
as principal, surety, endorser, guarantor or otherwise, arising under any of the ABL Documents,
whether now existing or hereafter arising, whether arising before, during or after the initial or
any renewal term of the ABL Documents or after the commencement of any case with respect to any
Liggett Guarantor under the Bankruptcy Code or any other Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding (and
including, without limitation, any principal, interest, fees, costs, expenses and other amounts,
which would accrue and become due but for the commencement of such case, whether or not such
amounts are allowed or allowable in whole or in part in such case or similar proceeding), whether
direct or indirect, absolute or contingent, joint or several, due or not due, primary or secondary,
liquidated or unliquidated, secured or unsecured.
ABL Event of Default shall mean any Event of Default as defined in the Liggett Credit
Agreement.
ABL Lender shall mean, collectively, Wachovia Bank, National Association and any other
lender or group of lenders that at any time refinances, replaces or succeeds to all or any portion
of the ABL Debt or is otherwise party to the ABL Documents as a lender in accordance with the terms
of the Intercreditor Agreement.
ABL Loan Parties shall mean, collectively, (i) Liggett Group LLC, (ii) 100 Maple LLC and
(iii) their respective successors and permitted assigns.
ABL Secured Parties shall mean, collectively, (i) the ABL Lender, (ii) the issuing bank or
banks of letters of credit or similar instruments under the Liggett Credit Agreement, (iii) each
other person to whom any of the ABL Debt (including ABL Debt constituting Bank Product Obligations)
is owed and (iv) the successors, replacements and assigns of each of the foregoing; sometimes being
referred to herein individually as a ABL Secured Party.
Bank Product Obligations shall mean Cash Management Obligations and Hedging Obligations.
Cash Management Obligations shall mean, with respect to any Liggett Guarantor, the
obligations of such Liggett Guarantor in connection with (i) credit cards or (ii) cash management
or related services, including (1) the automated clearinghouse transfer of funds or overdrafts or
(2) controlled disbursement services.
DIP Financing shall have the meaning set forth in Bankruptcy Financing.
Discharge of ABL Debt shall mean (i) the termination or expiration of the commitments of ABL
Lender and the financing arrangements provided by ABL Lender to the ABL Loan Parties under the ABL
Documents, (ii) except to the extent otherwise provided in Application of Proceeds and
Turnover, the payment in full in cash of the ABL Debt (other than (1) the ABL Debt described in
clause (c) of this definition, (2) contingent indemnification obligations as to which no claim has
been made and (3) obligations under agreements with ABL Secured Parties which continue
notwithstanding the termination of the commitments and repayment of the ABL Debt described herein),
and (ii) payment in full in cash of cash collateral, or at ABL Lenders option, the delivery to ABL
Lender of a letter of credit payable to ABL Lender, in either case as required under the terms of
the Liggett Credit Agreement, in respect of letters of credit issued under the ABL Documents and
Bank Product Obligations.
Discharge of Priority Noteholder Debt shall mean, except to the extent otherwise provided in
Application of Proceeds and Turnover, the final payment in full in cash of the Noteholder
Debt.
Discharge of Priority Debt shall mean, except to the extent otherwise provided in
Application of Proceeds and Turnover, the final payment in full in cash of the First Priority
Debt (other than as described in the definition of Discharge of ABL Debt).
Excess ABL Debt means ABL Debt which does not constitute First Priority Debt.
First Priority Debt means ABL Debt to the extent it constitutes Maximum Priority ABL Debt.
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Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding shall mean (i) any voluntary or involuntary case or
proceeding under any Bankruptcy Law with respect to any Liggett Guarantor, (ii) any other voluntary
or involuntary insolvency, reorganization or bankruptcy case or proceeding, or any receivership,
liquidation, reorganization or other similar case or proceeding with respect to any Liggett
Guarantor or with respect to any of their respective assets, (iii) any proceeding seeking the
appointment of any trustee, receiver, liquidator, custodian or other insolvency official with
similar powers with respect to such Person or any or all of its assets or properties, (iv) any
liquidation, dissolution, reorganization or winding up of any Liggett Guarantor whether voluntary
or involuntary and whether or not involving insolvency or bankruptcy or (v) any assignment for the
benefit of creditors or any other marshalling of assets and liabilities of any Liggett Guarantor.
Lien Enforcement Action shall mean (i) any action by any ABL Secured Party or Noteholder
Secured Party to foreclose on the Lien of such Person in all or a material portion of the ABL
Collateral or exercise any right of repossession, levy, attachment, setoff or liquidation against
all or a material portion of the ABL Collateral, (ii) any action by any ABL Secured Party or
Noteholder Secured Party to take possession of, sell or otherwise realize (judicially or non
judicially) upon all or a material portion of the ABL Collateral (including, without limitation, by
setoff), (iii) any action by any ABL Secured Party or Noteholder Secured Party to facilitate the
possession of, sale of or realization upon all or a material portion of the ABL Collateral
including the solicitation of bids from third parties to conduct the liquidation of all or any
material portion of the ABL Collateral, the engagement or retention of sales brokers, marketing
agents, investment bankers, accountants, auctioneers or other third parties for the purpose of
valuing, marketing, promoting or selling all or any material portion of the ABL Collateral, (iv)
the commencement by any ABL Secured Party or Noteholder Secured Party of any legal proceedings
against or with respect to all or a material portion of the ABL Collateral to facilitate the
actions described in (i) through (iii) above, or (v) any action to seek or request relief from or
modification of the automatic stay or any other stay in any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding in
respect of all or a material portion of the ABL Collateral, or any proceeds thereof. For the
purposes of this definition, (1) the notification of account debtors to make payments to ABL Lender
shall constitute a Lien Enforcement Action if and only if such action is coupled with an action to
take possession of all or a material portion of the ABL Collateral or the commencement of any legal
proceedings or actions against or with respect to the ABL Loan Parties of all or a material portion
of the ABL Collateral, and (2) a material portion of the ABL Collateral shall mean ABL Collateral
having a value in excess of $10,000,000.
Maximum Priority ABL Debt shall mean, as of any date of determination, (i) principal of the
ABL Debt (including undrawn amounts under any letters of credit issued under the ABL Documents) up
to $65,000,000 in the aggregate at any one time outstanding, plus (ii) any interest on such amount
(and including, without limitation, any interest which would accrue and become due but for the
commencement of Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding, whether or not such amounts are allowed or
allowable in whole or in part in such case or similar proceeding), plus (iii) the Maximum Priority
Cash Management Obligations, plus (iv) the Maximum Priority Hedging Obligations, plus (v) any fees,
costs, expenses and indemnities payable under any of the ABL Documents (and including, without
limitation, any fees, costs, expenses and indemnities which would accrue and become due but for the
commencement of Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding, whether or not such amounts are allowed or
allowable in whole or in part in such case or similar proceeding) minus (vi) the amount of all
permanent reductions in the commitments under the ABL Documents and minus (vii) the amount of all
permanent repayments of ABL Debt to the extent such repayments result in a reduction of the
commitments under the ABL Documents.
Maximum Priority Cash Management Obligations shall mean, as of any date of determination,
the amount of the ABL Debt constituting Cash Management Obligations outstanding on such date, up to
$5,000,000 in the aggregate at any one time outstanding.
Maximum Priority Hedging Obligations shall mean, as of any date of determination, the amount
of the ABL Debt constituting Hedging Obligations outstanding on such date, up to $5,000,000 in the
aggregate at any one time outstanding.
Noteholder Debt shall mean all Obligations, including, without limitation, obligations,
liabilities and indebtedness of every kind, nature and description owing by the Company or any of
the Guarantors to any Noteholder Secured Party, including principal, interest, charges, fees,
premiums, indemnities and expenses, however evidenced, whether as principal, surety, endorser,
guarantor or otherwise, arising under any of the Noteholder
36
Documents, whether now existing or hereafter arising, whether arising before, during or after
the initial or any renewal term of the
37
Noteholder Documents or after the commencement of any case with respect to the Company or any
Guarantors under the Bankruptcy Code or any other Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding (and
including, without limitation, any principal, interest, fees, costs, expenses and other amounts,
which would accrue and become due but for the commencement of such case, whether or not such
amounts are allowed or allowable in whole or in part in such case or similar proceeding), whether
direct or indirect, absolute or contingent, joint or several, due or not due, primary or secondary,
liquidated or unliquidated, secured or unsecured.
Noteholder Secured Parties shall mean, collectively, (i) the trustee, solely in its capacity
as trustee under the indenture and the other Noteholder Documents, (ii) each holder of any note or
notes, solely in its capacity as such holder, and each other person to whom any of the Noteholder
Debt is transferred or owed, solely in its capacity as such, (iii) the Collateral Agent, and (iv)
the successors, replacements and assigns of each of the foregoing; sometimes being referred to in
Intercreditor Agreement individually, as a Noteholder Secured Party.
Permitted Actions shall mean any of the following: (i) in any Insolvency or Liquidation
Proceeding, filing a proof of claim or statement of interest with respect to the Noteholder Debt or
Excess ABL Debt, as the case may be; (ii) taking any action to preserve or protect the validity,
enforceability, perfection or priority of the Liens securing the Noteholder Debt or the Excess ABL
Debt, as the case may be, provided that no such action is, or could reasonably be expected to be,
(1) as to any action by any Noteholder Secured Party, adverse to the Liens securing the First
Priority Debt or the rights of the ABL Lender or any other ABL Secured Party to exercise remedies
in respect thereof to the extent not expressly prohibited by this Agreement, (2) as to any action
by any ABL Secured Party, adverse to the Liens securing the Noteholder Debt or the rights of the
Collateral Agent or any other Noteholder Secured Party to exercise remedies in respect thereof to
the extent not expressly prohibited by the Intercreditor Agreement, or (3) otherwise inconsistent
with the terms of the Intercreditor Agreement, including the automatic release of Liens provided in
Release of Liens; (iii) filing any responsive or defensive pleadings in opposition to any
motion, claim, adversary proceeding or other pleading made by any Person objecting to or otherwise
seeking the disallowance of the claims of the Noteholder Secured Parties or the claims of the ABL
Secured Parties with respect to Excess ABL Debt, including any claims secured by the ABL Collateral
or otherwise making any agreements or filing any motions pertaining to the Noteholder Debt or
Excess ABL Debt, in each case, to the extent not inconsistent with the terms of the Intercreditor
Agreement; (iv) exercising rights and remedies as unsecured creditors, as further provided in the
Intercreditor Agreement; and (v) the enforcement by the Collateral Agent and the Noteholder Secured
Parties of any of their rights and exercise any of their remedies with respect to the ABL
Collateral after the termination of the Standstill Period (as defined in Exercise of Rights and
Remedies; Standstill) or the enforcement by the ABL Lender or the ABL Secured Parties of any of
their rights and exercise of any of their remedies with respect to the ABL Collateral after
Discharge of Priority Noteholder Debt.
Qualified Financier shall mean (i) a commercial bank organized under the laws of the United
States, or any state thereof, and having total assets in excess of $500,000,000, (ii) a commercial
bank organized under the laws of any other country which is a member of the Organization for
Economic Cooperation and Development or a political subdivision of any such country and which has
total assets in excess of $500,000,000; provided that such bank is acting through a branch or
agency located in the United States, and (iii) a commercial finance company, insurance company or
other financial institution that is engaged in making, purchasing or otherwise investing in
commercial loans in the ordinary course of its business and having total assets in excess of
$500,000,000
Uniform Commercial Code or UCC means the Uniform Commercial Code as from time to time in
effect in the State of New York.
Collateral Documents
The Guarantors and the Collateral Agent entered into Collateral Documents granting in favor of
the Collateral Agent for the benefit of the holders of the notes Liens on the Collateral securing
the Note Guarantees.
Whether prior to or after the First Priority Debt has been paid in full, assets included in
the Collateral may be released from the Liens securing the Note Guarantees under any one or more of
the following circumstances:
(1) the sale, lease, sublease, license, sublicense, conveyance or other disposition of
products, services, inventory, or accounts receivable and related assets (including
participations therein) in the
38
ordinary course of business, including leases with respect to facilities that are
temporarily not in use or pending their disposition, and any sale or other disposition of
damaged, worn-out or obsolete assets in the ordinary course of business or any other
property that is uneconomic or no longer useful to the conduct of the business of the
Company or the Guarantors, which such transactions are expressly permitted under the
indenture;
(2) as to any Collateral that is sold, transferred or otherwise disposed of by such
Guarantor to a Person that is not (either before or after such sale, transfer or
disposition) the Company or a Guarantor in a transaction or other circumstance that complies
with the provisions of the indenture described below under Certain Covenants Asset
Sales and is permitted by the Noteholder Documents and the ABL Documents (as defined above
under Intercreditor Agreement); provided that such Liens will not be released if such
sale or disposition is subject to the covenant described below under the caption Certain
Covenants Merger, Consolidation or Sale of Assets;
(3) if any Guarantor is released from its Note Guarantee, that Guarantors assets will
also be released from the Liens securing the Note Guarantee;
(4) with the consent of the holders of the requisite percentage of notes in accordance
with the provisions of the indenture described below under Amendment, Supplement and
Waiver; or
(5) if required in connection with certain foreclosure actions by the ABL Lender in
respect of First Priority Debt in accordance with the terms of the Intercreditor Agreement.
The Liens on all Collateral that secure the Note Guarantees also may be released:
(1) upon a Legal Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance of the notes as described below
under Legal Defeasance and Covenant Defeasance;
(2) upon satisfaction and discharge of the indenture described below under
Satisfaction and Discharge; or
(3) upon payment in full and discharge of all notes outstanding under the indenture and
all Obligations that are outstanding, due and payable under the indenture at the time the
notes are paid in full and discharged.
Optional Redemption
At any time prior to August 15, 2011, the Company may redeem all or a part of the notes upon
not less than 30 nor more than 60 days notice, at a redemption price equal to 100% of the
principal amount of notes to be redeemed plus the Applicable Premium as of, and accrued and unpaid
interest and Liquidated Damages, if any, to, the applicable redemption date, subject to the rights
of holders of notes on the relevant record date to receive interest on the relevant interest
payment date.
On or after August 15, 2011, the Company may redeem all or a part of the notes upon not less
than 30 nor more than 60 days notice, at the redemption prices (expressed as percentages of
principal amount) set forth below plus accrued and unpaid interest and Liquidated Damages, if any,
on the notes redeemed, to the applicable redemption date, if redeemed during the twelve-month
period beginning on August 15 of the years indicated below, subject to the rights of holders of
notes on the relevant record date to receive interest on the relevant interest payment date:
|
|
|
|
|
Year |
|
Percentage |
2011 |
|
|
105.500 |
% |
2012 |
|
|
103.667 |
% |
2013 |
|
|
101.833 |
% |
2014 and thereafter |
|
|
100.000 |
% |
39
Unless the Company defaults in the payment of the redemption price, interest will cease to
accrue on the notes or portions thereof called for redemption on the applicable redemption date.
Mandatory Redemption; Open Market Purchases
The Company is not required to make mandatory redemption or sinking fund payments with respect
to the notes. The Company may at any time and from time to time purchase notes in the open market
or otherwise provided any such purchase does not otherwise violate the provisions of the indenture.
Repurchase at the Option of Holders
Change of Control
If a Change of Control occurs, each holder of notes will have the right to require the Company
to repurchase all or any part (equal to $1,000 or an integral multiple of $1,000) of that holders
notes pursuant to a Change of Control Offer on the terms set forth in the indenture. In the Change
of Control Offer, the Company will offer a Change of Control Payment in cash equal to 101% of the
aggregate principal amount of notes repurchased plus accrued and unpaid interest and Liquidated
Damages, if any, on the notes repurchased to the date of purchase, subject to the rights of holders
of notes on the relevant record date to receive interest due on the relevant interest payment date.
Within 30 days following any Change of Control, the Company will mail a notice to each holder
describing the transaction or transactions that constitute the Change of Control and offering to
repurchase notes on the Change of Control Payment Date specified in the notice, which date will be
no earlier than 30 days and no later than 60 days from the date such notice is mailed, pursuant to
the procedures required by the indenture and described in such notice. The Company will comply
with the requirements of Rule 14e-1 under the Exchange Act and any other securities laws and
regulations thereunder to the extent those laws and regulations are applicable in connection with
the repurchase of the notes as a result of a Change of Control. To the extent that the provisions
of any securities laws or regulations conflict with the Change of Control provisions of the
indenture, the Company will comply with the applicable securities laws and regulations and will not
be deemed to have breached its obligations under the Change of Control provisions of the indenture
by virtue of such compliance.
On the Change of Control Payment Date, the Company will, to the extent lawful:
(1) accept for payment all notes or portions of notes properly tendered pursuant to the
Change of Control Offer;
(2) deposit with the paying agent an amount equal to the Change of Control Payment in
respect of all notes or portions of notes properly tendered; and
(3) deliver or cause to be delivered to the trustee the notes properly accepted
together with an officers certificate stating the aggregate principal amount of notes or
portions of notes being purchased by the Company.
The paying agent will promptly mail to each holder of notes properly tendered the Change of
Control Payment for such notes, and the trustee will promptly authenticate and mail (or cause to be
transferred by book entry) to each holder a new note equal in principal amount to any unpurchased
portion of the notes surrendered, if any. The Company will publicly announce the results of the
Change of Control Offer on or as soon as practicable after the Change of Control Payment Date.
The provisions described above that require the Company to make a Change of Control Offer
following a Change of Control will be applicable whether or not any other provisions of the
indenture are applicable. Except as described above with respect to a Change of Control, the
indenture does not contain provisions that permit the holders of the notes to require that the
Company repurchase or redeem the notes in the event of a takeover, recapitalization or similar
transaction.
40
The Company will not be required to make a Change of Control Offer upon a Change of Control if
(1) a third party makes the Change of Control Offer in the manner, at the times and otherwise in
compliance with the requirements set forth in the indenture applicable to a Change of Control Offer
made by the Company and purchases all notes properly tendered and not withdrawn under the Change of
Control Offer, or (2) notice of redemption has been given pursuant to the indenture as described
above under the caption Optional Redemption, unless and until there is a default in payment of
the applicable redemption price. A Change of Control Offer may be made in advance of a Change of
Control, conditional upon such Change of Control, if a definitive agreement is in place for the
Change of Control at the time of the Change of Control Offer. Notes repurchased pursuant to a
Change of Control Offer will be retired and cancelled.
The definition of Change of Control as used in the indenture includes a phrase relating to the
direct or indirect sale, lease, transfer, conveyance or other disposition of all or substantially
all of the properties or assets of the Company and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole. Although
there is a limited body of case law interpreting the phrase substantially all, there is no
precise established definition of the phrase under applicable law. Accordingly, the ability of a
holder of notes to require the Company to repurchase its notes as a result of a sale, lease,
transfer, conveyance or other disposition of less than all of the assets of the Company and its
Subsidiaries taken as a whole to another Person or group may be uncertain.
The Change of Control provisions described above may deter certain mergers, tender offers and
other takeover attempts involving the Company by increasing the capital required to effectuate such
transactions.
Asset Sales
Other than as set forth below, neither the Company nor any Guarantor will consummate an Asset
Sale unless:
(1) The Company or the Guarantor, as the case may be, receives consideration at the
time of the Asset Sale at least equal to the Fair Market Value of the assets or Equity
Interests issued or sold or otherwise disposed of; and (2) at least 75% of the consideration
received in the Asset Sale by the Company or such Guarantor is in the form of cash. For
purposes of this provision, each of the following will be deemed to be cash:
(a) any liabilities, as shown on the Companys most recent consolidated balance
sheet, of the Company or any Guarantor (other than contingent liabilities and
liabilities that are by their terms subordinated to the notes or any Note Guarantee)
that are assumed by the transferee of any such assets pursuant to a customary
novation agreement that releases the Company or such Guarantor from further
liability;
(b) any securities, notes or other obligations received by the Company or any
such Guarantor from such transferee that are, subject to ordinary settlement
periods, converted by the Company or such Guarantor into cash within 90 days of such
Asset Sale, to the extent of the cash received in that conversion; and
(c) any stock or assets of the kind referred to in clauses (2) or (4) of the
next paragraph of this covenant.
Within 365 days after the receipt of any Net Proceeds from an Asset Sale, other than a Sale of
Collateral, the Company (or the applicable Guarantor, as the case may be) may apply such Net
Proceeds at its option:
(1) to repay Indebtedness and other Obligations under the Liggett Credit Agreement and
correspondingly reduce commitments with respect thereto;
(2) to acquire all or substantially all of the assets of, or any Capital Stock of,
another business, if, after giving effect to any such acquisition of Capital Stock, the
business is or becomes a Guarantor;
41
(3) to make a capital expenditure; or
(4) to acquire other assets that are not classified as current assets under GAAP and
that are used or useful in the conduct of the Companys or any Guarantors business.
Notwithstanding the above, the Company may consummate any Asset Sale with respect to assets
other than Equity Interests in, or assets of, any Guarantor without complying with the provisions
of this covenant.
With respect to an Asset Sale that constitutes a Sale of Collateral, within 365 days after the
receipt of any Net Proceeds from an Asset Sale that constitutes a Sale of Collateral, the Guarantor
that owned those assets, as the case may be, may apply those Net Proceeds to purchase other
long-term assets that would constitute Collateral or to repay First Priority Debt and, if such
First Priority Debt is revolving credit Indebtedness, to correspondingly reduce commitments with
respect thereto.
Pending the final application of any Net Proceeds, the Company may temporarily reduce
revolving credit borrowings or otherwise invest the Net Proceeds in any manner that is not
prohibited by the indenture.
Any Net Proceeds from Asset Sales that are not applied or invested as provided in the second
paragraph of this covenant will constitute Excess Proceeds. When the aggregate amount of Excess
Proceeds exceeds $10.0 million, within five days thereof, the Company will make an Asset Sale Offer
to all holders of Parity Lien Debt and all holders of other Indebtedness that is pari passu with
the notes containing provisions similar to those set forth in the indenture with respect to offers
to purchase or redeem with the proceeds of sales of assets to purchase the maximum principal amount
of Parity Lien Debt and such other pari passu Indebtedness that may be purchased out of the Excess
Proceeds. The offer price in any Asset Sale Offer will be equal to percentages corresponding to
the applicable optional redemption price in effect on the repurchase date, and for periods prior to
August 15, 2011, the first optional redemption price of the principal amount plus accrued and
unpaid interest and Liquidated Damages, if any, to the date of purchase, and will be payable in
cash. If any Excess Proceeds remain after consummation of an Asset Sale Offer, the Company may use
those Excess Proceeds for any purpose not otherwise prohibited by the indenture. If the aggregate
principal amount of Parity Lien Debt and other pari passu Indebtedness tendered into such Asset
Sale Offer exceeds the amount of Excess Proceeds, the trustee will select the Parity Lien Debt and
other pari passu Indebtedness to be purchased on a pro rata basis. Upon completion of each Asset
Sale Offer, the amount of Excess Proceeds will be reset at zero.
The Company will comply with the requirements of Rule 14e-1 under the Exchange Act and any
other securities laws and regulations thereunder to the extent those laws and regulations are
applicable in connection with each repurchase of notes pursuant to an Asset Sale Offer. To the
extent that the provisions of any securities laws or regulations conflict with the Asset Sale
provisions of the indenture, the Company will comply with the applicable securities laws and
regulations and will not be deemed to have breached its obligations under the Asset Sale provisions
of the indenture by virtue of such compliance.
The Liggett Credit Agreement and the agreements governing the Companys other Indebtedness
contain, and future agreements may contain, prohibitions of certain events, including events that
would constitute a Change of Control or an Asset Sale. The exercise by the holders of notes of
their right to require the Company to repurchase the notes upon a Change of Control or an Asset
Sale could cause a default under these other agreements, even if the Change of Control or Asset
Sale itself does not, due to the financial effect of such repurchases on the Company. In the event
a Change of Control or Asset Sale occurs at a time when the Company is unable to the purchase notes
due to such conditions or financial effects, the Company could attempt to refinance the borrowings
that contain such conditions or cause or contribute to such financial effects or obtain a waiver or
consent with respect to such conditions. If the Company does not obtain such a waiver or consent
or repay those borrowings, the Company will remain prohibited from purchasing notes. In that case,
the Companys failure to purchase tendered notes would constitute an Event of Default under the
indenture which could, in turn, constitute a default under the other Indebtedness. Finally, the
Companys ability to pay cash to the holders of notes upon a repurchase may be limited by the
Companys then existing financial resources. See Risk Factors Risks Relating to the Notes
Our ability to purchase the notes with cash at your option and our ability to satisfy our
obligations upon a change of control or an event of default may be limited.
42
Selection and Notice
If less than all of the notes are to be redeemed at any time, the trustee will select notes
for redemption on a pro rata basis unless otherwise required by law or applicable stock exchange
requirements.
No notes of $1,000 or less can be redeemed in part. Notices of redemption will be mailed by
first class mail at least 30 but not more than 60 days before the redemption date to each holder of
notes to be redeemed at its registered address, except that redemption notices may be mailed more
than 60 days prior to a redemption date if the notice is issued in connection with a defeasance of
the notes or a satisfaction and discharge of the indenture. Notices of redemption may not be
conditional.
If any note is to be redeemed in part only, the notice of redemption that relates to that note
will state the portion of the principal amount of that note that is to be redeemed. A new note in
principal amount equal to the unredeemed portion of the original note will be issued in the name of
the holder of notes upon cancellation of the original note. Notes called for redemption become due
on the date fixed for redemption. On and after the redemption date, interest ceases to accrue on
notes or portions of notes called for redemption.
Certain Covenants
Restricted Payments
Neither the Company nor any Guarantor will, directly or indirectly:
(1) declare or pay any dividend or make any other payment or distribution on account of
the Companys or such Guarantors Equity Interests (including, without limitation, any
payment in connection with any merger or consolidation involving the Company or any
Guarantor) or to the direct or indirect holders of the Companys or any such Guarantors
Equity Interests in their capacity as such (other than dividends or distributions payable in
Equity Interests (other than Disqualified Stock) of the Company and other than dividends or
any other payments or distributions payable to the Company or a Guarantor);
(2) purchase, redeem or otherwise acquire or retire for value (including, without
limitation, in connection with any merger or consolidation involving the Company) any Equity
Interests of the Company;
(3) make any payment on or with respect to, or purchase, redeem, defease or otherwise
acquire or retire for value any Indebtedness of the Company or any Guarantor that is
contractually subordinated to the notes or to any Note Guarantee (excluding any intercompany
Indebtedness between or among the Company and any of the Guarantors), except a payment of
interest or principal at the Stated Maturity thereof; or
(4) make any Restricted Investment
(all such payments and other actions set forth in these clauses (1) through (4) above being
collectively referred to as Restricted Payments),
unless at the time of such Restricted Payment, the Companys Consolidated EBITDA for the most
recently ended four full fiscal quarters for which internal financial statements are available is
no less than $50.0 million, provided that the Company shall not be permitted to make any
distribution or dividend of any Equity Interests in, or non-cash assets of, any Guarantor.
The preceding provisions will not prohibit:
(1) the payment of any dividend or other distribution or the consummation of any
irrevocable redemption within 60 days after the date of declaration of the dividend or other
distribution or giving of the
43
redemption notice, as the case may be, if at the date of declaration or notice, the
dividend or other distribution or redemption payment would have complied with the provisions
of the indenture;
(2) so long as no Default has occurred and is continuing or would be caused thereby,
the making of any Restricted Payment in exchange for, or out of the net cash proceeds of the
substantially concurrent sale (other than to a Subsidiary of the Company) of, Equity
Interests of the Company (other than Disqualified Stock) or from the substantially
concurrent contribution of common equity capital to the Company;
(3) so long as no Default has occurred and is continuing or would be caused thereby,
the repurchase, redemption, defeasance or other acquisition or retirement for value of
Indebtedness of the Company or any Guarantor that is contractually subordinated to the notes
or to any Note Guarantee with the net cash proceeds from a substantially concurrent
incurrence of Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness;
(4) the payment of any dividend (or, in the case of any partnership or limited
liability company, any similar distribution) by a Guarantor to the holders of its Equity
Interests on a pro rata basis;
(5) the repurchase of Equity Interests deemed to occur upon the exercise of stock
options, warrants or other convertible or exchangeable securities to the extent such Equity
Interests represent a portion of the exercise price of those stock options, warrants or
other convertible or exchangeable securities;
(6) so long as no Default has occurred and is continuing or would be caused thereby,
the declaration and payment of regularly scheduled or accrued dividends to holders of any
class or series of Disqualified Stock of the Company or any Guarantor issued on or after the
date of the indenture in accordance with the Leverage Ratio and Secured Leverage Ratio tests
described below under the caption Incurrence of Indebtedness and Issuance of Preferred
Stock; and
(7) the distribution of the Equity Interests of Eve to the Company in order to
contribute such Equity Interests to Vector Tobacco, provided that Eve shall remain a
Guarantor.
The amount of all Restricted Payments (other than cash) will be the Fair Market Value on the
date of the Restricted Payment of the asset(s) or securities proposed to be transferred or issued
by the Company or such Guarantor, as the case may be, pursuant to the Restricted Payment. The Fair
Market Value of any assets or securities that are required to be valued by this covenant will be
determined by the Board of Directors of the Company whose resolution with respect thereto will be
delivered to the trustee. The Board of Directors determination must be based upon an opinion or
appraisal issued by an accounting, appraisal or investment banking firm of national standing if the
Fair Market Value exceeds $10.0 million.
Incurrence of Indebtedness and Issuance of Preferred Stock
Neither the Company nor any Guarantor will, directly or indirectly, create, incur, issue,
assume, guarantee or otherwise become directly or indirectly liable, contingently or otherwise,
with respect to (collectively, incur) any Indebtedness (including Acquired Debt), and the Company
will not issue any Disqualified Stock and none of the Guarantors will issue any shares of preferred
stock; provided, however, that the Company may incur Indebtedness (including Acquired Debt) or
issue Disqualified Stock, and the Guarantors may incur Indebtedness (including Acquired Debt) or
issue preferred stock, if the Leverage Ratio and the Secured Leverage Ratio for the Companys most
recently ended four full fiscal quarters for which internal financial statements are available
immediately preceding the date on which such additional Indebtedness is incurred or such
Disqualified Stock or preferred stock is issued, as the case may be, would have been no greater
than 3.0 to 1.0 in respect of the Leverage Ratio and 1.5 to 1.0 in respect of the Secured Leverage
Ratio, determined on a pro forma basis (including a pro forma application of the net proceeds
therefrom), as if the additional Indebtedness had been incurred or the Disqualified Stock or
preferred stock had been issued, as the case may be, at the beginning of such four quarter period.
44
The first paragraph of this covenant will not prohibit the incurrence of any of the following
items of Indebtedness (collectively, Permitted Debt):
(1) the incurrence by the Company and any of the Guarantors of additional Indebtedness
and letters of credit under Credit Facilities in an aggregate principal amount at any one
time outstanding under this clause (1) (with letters of credit being deemed to have a
principal amount equal to the maximum potential liability of the Company and the Guarantors
thereunder) not to exceed $60.0 million less the aggregate amount of all Net Proceeds of
Asset Sales applied by the Company or any of the Guarantors since the date of the indenture
to repay any term Indebtedness under a Credit Facility or to repay any revolving credit
Indebtedness under a Credit Facility and effect a corresponding commitment reduction
thereunder pursuant to the covenant described above under the caption Repurchase at the
Option of Holders Asset Sales;
(2) the incurrence by the Company and the Guarantors of the Existing Indebtedness;
(3) the incurrence by the Company and the Guarantors of Indebtedness represented by the
notes and the related Note Guarantees to be issued on the date of the indenture and the
exchange notes and the related Note Guarantees to be issued pursuant to the registration
rights agreement;
(4) the incurrence by the Company or any of the Guarantors of Permitted Refinancing
Indebtedness in exchange for, or the net proceeds of which are used to renew, refund,
refinance, replace, defease or discharge any Indebtedness (other than intercompany
Indebtedness) that was permitted by the indenture to be incurred under the first paragraph
of this covenant or clauses (2), (3) and (4) of this paragraph;
(5) the incurrence by the Company or any of the Guarantors of intercompany Indebtedness
between or among the Company and any of the Guarantors; provided, however, that:
(i) any subsequent issuance or transfer of Equity Interests that results in any
such Indebtedness being held by a Person other than the Company or a Guarantor and
(ii) any sale or other transfer of any such Indebtedness to a Person that is not
either the Company or a Guarantor,
will be deemed, in each case, to constitute an incurrence of such Indebtedness by the Company or
such Guarantor, as the case may be, that was not permitted by this clause (5);
(6) the issuance by any of the Guarantors to the Company or to any of the Guarantors of
shares of preferred stock; provided, however, that:
(a) any subsequent issuance or transfer of Equity Interests that results in any such
preferred stock being held by a Person other than the Company or a Guarantor; and
(b) any sale or other transfer of any such preferred stock to a Person that is not
either the Company or a Guarantor, will be deemed, in each case, to constitute an issuance
of such preferred stock by such Guarantor that was not permitted by this clause (6);
(7) the guarantee by the Company or any of the Guarantors of Indebtedness of the
Company or a Guarantor that was permitted to be incurred by another provision of this
covenant; provided that if the Indebtedness being guaranteed is subordinated to or pari
passu with the notes, then the Guarantee shall be subordinated or pari passu, as applicable,
to the same extent as the Indebtedness guaranteed;
(8) the incurrence by the Company or any of the Guarantors of Indebtedness in respect
of workers compensation claims, self-insurance obligations, bankers acceptances,
performance and surety bonds, appeal or other similar bonds in the ordinary course of
business, and in any such case any reimbursement obligations in connection therewith;
45
(9) the incurrence by the Company or any of the Guarantors of Indebtedness arising from
the honoring by a bank or other financial institution of a check, draft or similar
instrument inadvertently drawn against insufficient funds, so long as such Indebtedness is
covered within five business days;
(10) the incurrence by the Company or any of the Guarantors of Indebtedness represented
by Capital Lease Obligations, purchase money obligations or other obligations, in each case
incurred for the purpose of financing all or any part of the purchase price, cost or value
of any equipment used in the business of the Company or any of the Guarantors, in an
aggregate principal amount, including all Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness incurred to
renew, refund, refinance, replace, defease or discharge any Indebtedness incurred pursuant
to this clause (10), not to exceed $10.0 million at any time outstanding;
(11) the incurrence by the Company or any of the Guarantors of Hedging Obligations;
(12) indebtedness of the Company or any of the Guarantors to the extent the net
proceeds thereof are promptly deposited to defease or satisfy and discharge all outstanding
notes in full as described below under Legal Defeasance and Covenant Defeasance and
Satisfaction and Discharge;
(13) obligations of the Company and any of the Guarantors arising from agreements of
the Company or a Guarantor providing for indemnification, adjustment of purchase price or
similar obligations, in each case incurred or assumed in connection with the disposition of
any business, assets or a Subsidiary of the Company in accordance with the terms of the
Indenture, other than Guarantees by the Company or any Guarantor of Indebtedness incurred by
any Person acquiring all or any portion of such business, assets or a Subsidiary of the
Company for the purpose of financing such acquisition; provided, however, that the maximum
aggregate liability in respect of all such obligations shall not exceed the gross proceeds,
including the fair market value as determined in good faith by the Board of Directors of the
Company of non-cash proceeds (the fair market value of such non-cash proceeds being measured
at the time received and without giving effect to any subsequent changes in value), actually
received by the Company and the Guarantors in connection with such disposition; or
(14) obligations of the Company and any of the Guarantors arising from the entering
into, maintaining or disposing of, Core Investments, including, without limitation,
purchasing of any Core Investment on margin, any capital call obligations, make-well
arrangements, hedging obligations of any nature or any obligations regarding a short
position in any of such Core Investments.
The Company will not incur, and will not permit any Guarantor to incur, any Indebtedness
(including Permitted Debt) that is contractually subordinated in right of payment to any other
Indebtedness of the Company or such Guarantor unless such Indebtedness is also contractually
subordinated in right of payment to the notes and the applicable Note Guarantee on substantially
identical terms; provided, however, that no Indebtedness will be deemed to be contractually
subordinated in right of payment to any other Indebtedness of the Company solely by virtue of being
unsecured or by virtue of being secured on a first or junior Lien basis.
For purposes of determining compliance with this Incurrence of Indebtedness and Issuance of
Preferred Stock covenant, in the event that an item of Indebtedness meets the criteria of more
than one of the categories of Permitted Debt described in clauses (1) through (14) above, or is
entitled to be incurred pursuant to the first paragraph of this covenant, the Company will be
permitted to classify such item of Indebtedness on the date of its incurrence, or later reclassify
all or a portion of such item of Indebtedness, in any manner that complies with this covenant.
Indebtedness under Credit Facilities outstanding on the date on which notes are first issued and
authenticated under the indenture will initially be deemed to have been incurred on such date in
reliance on the exception provided by clause (1) of the definition of Permitted Debt. Indebtedness
permitted by this covenant need not be permitted by reference to one provision permitting such
Indebtedness but may be permitted in part by one such provision and in part by one or more other
provisions of this covenant permitting such Indebtedness. The accrual of interest, the accretion
or amortization of original issue discount, the payment of interest on any Indebtedness in the form
of additional Indebtedness with the same terms, the reclassification of preferred stock as
Indebtedness due to a change in accounting principles, and the payment of dividends on Disqualified
Stock in the form of additional shares of the same class of Disqualified Stock will not be deemed
to be an incurrence of Indebtedness or an issuance of Disqualified Stock for purposes of this
covenant. Notwithstanding any other
46
provision of this covenant, the maximum amount of Indebtedness that the Company or any
Guarantor may incur pursuant to this covenant shall not be deemed to be exceeded solely as a result
of fluctuations in exchange rates or currency values.
The amount of any Indebtedness outstanding as of any date will be:
(1) the accreted value of the Indebtedness, in the case of any Indebtedness issued with
original issue discount;
(2) the principal amount of the Indebtedness, in the case of any other Indebtedness;
and
(3) in respect of Indebtedness of another Person secured by a Lien on the assets of the
specified Person, the lesser of:
(a) the Fair Market Value of such assets at the date of determination; and
(b) the amount of the Indebtedness of the other Person.
Liens
Neither the Company nor any Guarantor will, directly or indirectly, create, incur, assume or
suffer to exist any Lien of any kind on any asset now owned or hereafter acquired, except Permitted
Liens.
Dividend and Other Payment Restrictions Affecting Subsidiaries
Neither the Company nor any Guarantor will, directly or indirectly, create or permit to exist
or become effective any consensual encumbrance or restriction on the ability of any Guarantor to:
(1) pay dividends or make any other distributions on its Capital Stock to the Company
or any Guarantor, or with respect to any other interest or participation in, or measured by,
its profits, or pay any Indebtedness owed to the Company or any Guarantor;
(2) make loans or advances to the Company or any of the Guarantors; or
(3) sell, lease or transfer any of its properties or assets to the Company or any
Guarantor.
However, the preceding restrictions will not apply to encumbrances or restrictions existing
under or by reason of:
(1) agreements governing Existing Indebtedness and Credit Facilities as in effect on
the date of the indenture and any amendments, restatements, modifications, renewals,
supplements, refundings, replacements or refinancings of those agreements; provided that the
amendments, restatements, modifications, renewals, supplements, refundings, replacements or
refinancings are not materially more restrictive, taken as a whole, with respect to such
dividend and other payment restrictions than those contained in those agreements on the date
of the indenture;
(2) the indenture, the notes, the Note Guarantees and the Collateral Documents;
(3) applicable law, rule, regulation or order;
(4) any instrument governing Indebtedness or Capital Stock of a Person acquired by the
Company or any of the Guarantors as in effect at the time of such acquisition (except to the
extent such Indebtedness or Capital Stock was incurred in connection with or in
contemplation of such acquisition), which encumbrance or restriction is not applicable to
any Person, or the properties or assets of any Person,
47
other than the Person, or the property or assets of the Person, so acquired; provided
that, in the case of Indebtedness, such Indebtedness was permitted by the terms of the
indenture to be incurred;
(5) customary non-assignment provisions in contracts, leases and licenses entered into
in the ordinary course of business or that restrict the subletting, assignment or transfer
of any property or asset that is subject to a lease, license or similar contract;
(6) purchase money obligations for property acquired in the ordinary course of business
and Capital Lease Obligations that impose restrictions on the property purchased or leased
of the nature described in clause (3) of the preceding paragraph;
(7) any agreement for the sale or other disposition of a Guarantor that restricts
distributions by that Guarantor pending the sale or other disposition;
(8) Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness; provided that the encumbrances and restrictions
contained in the agreements governing such Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness are not
materially more restrictive, taken as a whole, than those contained in the agreements
governing the Indebtedness being refinanced as determined in good faith by the Board of
Directors of the Company;
(9) Liens permitted to be incurred under the provisions of the covenant described above
under the caption Liens that limit the right of the debtor to dispose of the assets
subject to such Liens;
(10) provisions limiting the disposition or distribution of assets or property in joint
venture agreements, asset sale agreements, sale-leaseback agreements, stock sale agreements
and other similar agreements entered into with the approval of the Companys Board of
Directors, which limitation is applicable only to the assets that are the subject of such
agreements;
(11) restrictions on cash or other deposits or net worth imposed by customers under
contracts entered into in the ordinary course of business;
(12) provisions limiting the disposition or distribution of assets in joint venture
agreements entered into (i) in the ordinary course of business or (ii) with the approval of
the Companys or the Guarantors Board of Directors or chief financial officer, which
limitation or prohibition is applicable only to the assets that are the subject of such
agreements;
(13) net worth provisions in leases and other agreements entered into by the Company or
any Guarantor in the ordinary course of business; or
(14) agreements governing Indebtedness permitted to be incurred pursuant to the
covenant described under Incurrence of Indebtedness and Issuance of Preferred Stock;
provided, that the Board of Directors of the Company determines in good faith (such
determination to be evidenced by a resolution of the Board of Directors) that such
encumbrances and restrictions are not materially more restrictive, taken as a whole, than
those in agreements in the Liggett Credit Agreement (as in effect on the date of the
indenture) and would not reasonably be expected to impair the ability of the Company to make
payments of interest and scheduled payments of principal on the notes, in each case as and
when due, or to impair any Guarantors ability to honor its Note Guarantee.
Merger, Consolidation or Sale of Assets
The Company will not, directly or indirectly: (1) consolidate or merge with or into another
Person (whether or not the Company is the surviving corporation); or (2) sell, assign, transfer,
convey or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of the properties or assets of the Company
and the Guarantors taken as a whole, in one or more related transactions, to another Person,
unless:
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(1) either: (a) the Company is the surviving corporation; or (b) the Person formed by
or surviving any such consolidation or merger (if other than the Company) or to which such
sale, assignment, transfer, conveyance or other disposition has been made is (i) a
corporation organized or existing under the laws of the United States, any state of the
United States or the District of Columbia or (ii) a limited partnership or limited liability
company organized or existing under the laws of the United States, any state thereof or the
District of Columbia that has a wholly owned Subsidiary that is a corporation organized or
existing under the laws of the United States, any state thereof or the District of Columbia,
which corporation becomes a co-issuer of the notes pursuant to a supplemental indenture duly
and validly executed by the trustee;
(2) the Person formed by or surviving any such consolidation or merger (if other than
the Company) or the Person to which such sale, assignment, transfer, conveyance or other
disposition has been made assumes all the obligations of the Company under the notes, the
indenture, the registration rights agreement and the Collateral Documents pursuant to
agreements reasonably satisfactory to the trustee;
(3) immediately after such transaction, no Default or Event of Default exists; and
(4) the Company or the Person formed by or surviving any such consolidation or merger
(if other than the Company), or to which such sale, assignment, transfer, conveyance or
other disposition has been made would, on the date of such transaction after giving pro
forma effect thereto and any related financing transactions as if the same had occurred at
the beginning of the applicable four-quarter period, be permitted to incur at least $1.00 of
additional Indebtedness pursuant to the Leverage Ratio and Secured Leverage Ratio tests set
forth in the first paragraph of the covenant described above under the caption
Incurrence of Indebtedness and Issuance of Preferred Stock.
In addition, the Company will not, directly or indirectly, lease all or substantially all of
the properties and assets of it and the Guarantors taken as a whole, in one or more related
transactions, to any other Person.
This Merger, Consolidation or Sale of Assets covenant will not apply to:
(1) a merger of the Company with an Affiliate solely for the purpose of reincorporating
the Company in another jurisdiction; or
(2) any consolidation or merger, or any sale, assignment, transfer, conveyance, lease
or other disposition of assets between or among the Company and any of the Guarantors that
are not any of the Liggett Guarantors.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company shall not consolidate or merge with or into any of
the Liggett Guarantors, nor sell, assign, transfer, convey or otherwise dispose of all or
substantially all of the properties or assets of the Company and the Guarantors taken as a whole,
in one or more transactions, to any of the Liggett Guarantors.
Transactions with Affiliates
Except as set forth in the last paragraph of this covenant below, neither the Company nor any
Guarantor will make any payment to, or sell, lease, transfer or otherwise dispose of any of its
properties or assets to, or purchase any property or assets from, or enter into or make or amend
any transaction, contract, agreement, understanding, loan, advance or guarantee with, or for the
benefit of, any Affiliate of the Company (each, an Affiliate Transaction), unless:
(1) the Affiliate Transaction is on terms that are no less favorable to the Company or
the relevant Guarantor than those that would have been obtained in a comparable transaction
by the Company or such Guarantor with an unrelated Person; and
(2) the Company delivers to the trustee:
49
(a) with respect to any Affiliate Transaction or series of related Affiliate
Transactions involving aggregate consideration in excess of $3.0 million, a
resolution of the Board of Directors of the Company set forth in an officers
certificate certifying that such Affiliate Transaction complies with this covenant
and that such Affiliate Transaction has been approved by a majority of the
disinterested members, if any, of the Board of Directors of the Company; and
(b) with respect to any Affiliate Transaction or series of related Affiliate
Transactions involving aggregate consideration in excess of $10.0 million, an
opinion as to the fairness to the Company or such Guarantor of such Affiliate
Transaction from a financial point of view issued by an accounting, appraisal or
investment banking firm of national standing.
The following items will not be deemed to be Affiliate Transactions and, therefore, will not
be subject to the provisions of the prior paragraph:
(1) any consulting or employment agreement or arrangement, employee benefit plan,
officer indemnification agreement or any similar arrangement entered into by the Company or
any of the Guarantors and payments pursuant thereto;
(2) transactions between or among the Company and/or the Guarantors;
(3) transactions with a Person (other than an Unrestricted Subsidiary of the Company)
that is an Affiliate of the Company solely because the Company owns, directly or through a
Guarantor, an Equity Interest in, or controls, such Person;
(4) payment of reasonable directors fees (including the issuance of restricted stock)
to directors of the Company and other reasonable compensation, benefits and indemnities paid
or provided by the Company to the directors of the Company in their capacities as directors;
(5) any sale, grant, award or issuance of Equity Interests (other than Disqualified
Stock) of the Company, including the exercise of options and warrants, to Affiliates,
officers, directors or employees of the Company;
(6) Restricted Payments that do not violate the provisions of the indenture described
above under the caption Restricted Payments;
(7) loans or advances to employees in the ordinary course of business not to exceed
$1.0 million in the aggregate at any one time outstanding;
(8) Permitted Investments; and
(9) Accelerated Note Conversions.
If on the date of any Affiliate Transaction (other than an Affiliate Transaction between any
of the Liggett Guarantors and any Affiliate of the Company other than the Company or another
Guarantor) the Companys Consolidated EBITDA for the most recently ended four full fiscal quarters
for which internal financial statements are available is no less than $50.0 million, the provisions
of this covenant shall not apply to the consummation of such Affiliate Transaction.
Additional Note Guarantees
If the Company or any of the Guarantors acquires or creates another Domestic Subsidiary after
the date of the indenture (i) engaged directly or indirectly in the cigarette businesses or (ii)
that is or becomes a borrower, obligor or guarantor under the Liggett Credit Agreement, then that
newly acquired or created Domestic Subsidiary will become a Guarantor and execute a supplemental
indenture and, in the case of (ii), Collateral Documents
50
consistent with those entered into by the Liggett Guarantors and deliver an opinion of counsel
satisfactory to the trustee within 10 business days of the date on which it was acquired or
created.
Unrestricted Subsidiaries
In no event may the business operated by Liggett Group LLC on the date of the indenture be
transferred to or held by an Unrestricted Subsidiary.
Limitation on Sale and Leaseback Transactions
Neither the Company nor any Guarantor will enter into any sale and leaseback transaction;
provided that the Company or a Guarantor may enter into a sale and leaseback transaction if:
(1) the Company or that Guarantor, as applicable, could have (a) incurred Indebtedness
in an amount equal to the Attributable Debt relating to such sale and leaseback transaction
under the Leverage Ratio and Secured Leverage Ratio tests in the first paragraph of the
covenant described above under the caption Incurrence of Indebtedness and Issuance of
Preferred Stock and (b) incurred a Lien to secure such Indebtedness pursuant to the
covenant described above under the caption Liens;
(2) the gross cash proceeds of that sale and leaseback transaction are at least equal
to the Fair Market Value, as determined in good faith by the Board of Directors of the
Company and set forth in an officers certificate delivered to the trustee, of the property
that is the subject of that sale and leaseback transaction; and
(3) the transfer of assets in that sale and leaseback transaction is permitted by, and
the Company applies the proceeds of such transaction in compliance with, the covenant
described above under the caption Repurchase at the Option of Holders Asset Sales.
Payments for Consent
Neither the Company nor any Guarantor will, directly or indirectly, pay or cause to be paid
any consideration to or for the benefit of any holder of notes for or as an inducement to any
consent, waiver or amendment of any of the terms or provisions of the indenture, the Collateral
Documents or the notes unless such consideration is offered to be paid and is paid to all holders
of the notes that consent, waive or agree to amend in the time frame set forth in the solicitation
documents relating to such consent, waiver or agreement.
Reports
Whether or not required by the rules and regulations of the SEC, so long as any notes are
outstanding, the Company will furnish to the holders of notes or cause the trustee to furnish to
the holders of notes, within the time periods specified in the SECs rules and regulations:
(1) all quarterly and annual reports that would be required to be filed with the SEC on
Forms 10-Q and 10-K if the Company were required to file such reports; and
(2) all current reports that would be required to be filed with the SEC on Form 8-K if
the Company were required to file such reports.
All such reports will be prepared in all material respects in accordance with all of the rules
and regulations applicable to such reports. Each annual report on Form 10-K will include a report
on the Companys consolidated financial statements by the Companys certified independent
accountants. In addition, the Company will file a copy of each of the reports referred to in
clauses (1) and (2) above with the SEC for public availability within the time periods specified in
the rules and regulations applicable to such reports (unless the SEC will not accept such a filing)
and will post the reports on its website within those time periods.
51
If, at any time, the Company is no longer subject to the periodic reporting requirements of
the Exchange Act for any reason, the Company will nevertheless continue filing the reports
specified in the preceding paragraphs of this covenant with the SEC within the time periods
specified above unless the SEC will not accept such a filing. The Company will not take any action
for the purpose of causing the SEC not to accept any such filings. If, notwithstanding the
foregoing, the SEC will not accept the Companys filings for any reason, the Company will post the
reports referred to in the preceding paragraphs on its website within the time periods that would
apply if the Company were required to file those reports with the SEC.
To the extent required by the SEC, the quarterly and annual financial information required by
the preceding paragraphs will include a reasonably detailed presentation, either on the face of the
financial statements or in the footnotes thereto, and in Managements Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations, of the financial condition and results of operations
of the Company and the Guarantors separate from the financial condition and results of operations
of the Unrestricted Subsidiaries of the Company.
In addition, the Company and the Guarantors agree that, for so long as any notes remain
outstanding, if at any time they are not required to file with the SEC the reports required by the
preceding paragraphs, they will furnish to the holders of notes and to securities analysts and
prospective investors, upon their request, the information required to be delivered pursuant to
Rule 144A(d)(4) under the Securities Act.
Events of Default and Remedies
Each of the following is an Event of Default:
(1) default for 30 days in the payment when due of interest on, or Liquidated Damages,
if any, with respect to, the notes;
(2) default in the payment when due (at maturity, upon redemption or otherwise) of the
principal of, or premium, if any, on, the notes, or default in the payment when due of a
Change of Control Payment;
(3) failure by the Company or any of the Guarantors for 30 days after notice to the
Company by the trustee or the holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the
notes then outstanding voting as a single class to comply with the provisions described
under the captions Repurchase at the Option of Holders Asset Sales, Certain
Covenants Restricted Payments and Certain Covenants Incurrence of Indebtedness
and Issuance of Preferred Stock;
(4) failure by the Company or any of the Guarantors for 60 days after notice to the
Company by the trustee or the holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the
notes then outstanding voting as a single class to comply with any of the other agreements
in the indenture or the Collateral Documents;
(5) default under any mortgage, indenture or instrument under which there may be issued
or by which there may be secured or evidenced any Indebtedness for money borrowed by the
Company or any of the Guarantors (or the payment of which is guaranteed by the Company or
any of the Guarantors), whether such Indebtedness or Guarantee now exists, or is created
after the date of the indenture, if that default:
(a) is caused by a failure to pay principal of, or interest or premium, if any,
on, such Indebtedness prior to the expiration of the grace period provided in such
Indebtedness on the date of such default (a Payment Default); or
(b) results in the acceleration of such Indebtedness prior to its express
maturity,
and, in each case, the principal amount of any such Indebtedness, together with the principal
amount of any other such Indebtedness under which there has been a Payment Default or the maturity
of which has been so accelerated,
52
aggregates $10 million or more and such acceleration is not annulled within 30 days thereof or such
payment default continues for 30 days;
(6) failure by the Company or any of the Guarantors to pay final non-appealable
judgments entered by a court or courts of competent jurisdiction aggregating in excess of
$10 million (net of any amounts as to which a reputable and solvent third party insurer has
accepted full coverage), which judgments are not paid, discharged, bonded or stayed for a
period of 60 days;
(7) breach by the Company or any of the Guarantors of any material representation or
warranty or agreement in the Collateral Documents, and such failure shall continue for a
period of 60 days after written notice to the Company by the trustee, the Collateral Agent
or the holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the notes then outstanding
voting as a single class;
(8) the repudiation by the Company or any of the Guarantors of any of its obligations
under the Collateral Documents or the unenforceability of the Collateral Documents against
the Company or any of the Guarantors for any reason;
(9) except as permitted by the indenture, any Note Guarantee is held in any judicial
proceeding to be unenforceable or invalid or ceases for any reason to be in full force and
effect, or any Guarantor, or any Person acting on behalf of any Guarantor, denies or
disaffirms its obligations under its Note Guarantee; and
(10) certain events of bankruptcy or insolvency described in the indenture with respect
to the Company or any of the Guarantors that is a Significant Subsidiary or any group of
Guarantors that, taken together, would constitute a Significant Subsidiary.
In the case of an Event of Default arising from certain events of bankruptcy or insolvency,
with respect to the Company, any Guarantor of the Company that is a Significant Subsidiary or any
group of Guarantors that, taken together, would constitute a Significant Subsidiary, all
outstanding notes will become due and payable immediately without further action or notice. If any
other Event of Default occurs and is continuing, the trustee or the holders of at least 25% in
aggregate principal amount of the then outstanding notes may declare all the notes to be due and
payable immediately.
Subject to certain limitations, holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the
then outstanding notes may direct the trustee in its exercise of any trust or power. The trustee
may withhold from holders of the notes notice of any continuing Default or Event of Default if it
determines that withholding notice is in their interest, except a Default or Event of Default
relating to the payment of principal, interest or premium or Liquidated Damages, if any.
Subject to the provisions of the indenture relating to the duties of the trustee, in case an
Event of Default occurs and is continuing, the trustee will be under no obligation to exercise any
of the rights or powers under the indenture at the request or direction of any holders of notes
unless such holders have offered to the trustee reasonable indemnity or security against any loss,
liability or expense. Except to enforce the right to receive payment of principal, premium, if
any, or interest or Liquidated Damages, if any, when due, no holder of a note may pursue any remedy
with respect to the indenture or the notes unless:
(1) such holder has previously given the trustee notice that an Event of Default is
continuing;
(2) holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the then outstanding notes
have requested the trustee to pursue the remedy;
(3) such holders have offered the trustee reasonable security or indemnity against any
loss, liability or expense;
53
(4) the trustee has not complied with such request within 60 days after the receipt of
the request and the offer of security or indemnity; and
(5) holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the then outstanding notes
have not given the trustee a direction inconsistent with such request within such 60-day
period.
The holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the then outstanding notes by
notice to the trustee may, on behalf of the holders of all of the notes, rescind an acceleration or
waive any existing Default or Event of Default and its consequences under the indenture except a
continuing Default or Event of Default in the payment of interest or premium or Liquidated Damages,
if any, on, or the principal of, the notes.
In the case of any Event of Default occurring by reason of any willful action (or inaction)
taken (or not taken) by or on behalf of the Company with the intention of avoiding payment of the
premium that the Company would have had to pay if the Company then had elected to redeem the notes
pursuant to the optional redemption provisions of the indenture, an equivalent premium will also
become and be immediately due and payable to the extent permitted by law upon the acceleration of
the notes. If an Event of Default occurs prior to August 15, 2011, by reason of any willful action
(or inaction) taken (or not taken) by or on behalf of the Company with the intention of avoiding
the prohibition on redemption of the notes prior to August 15, 2011, then an additional premium
specified in the indenture will also become and be immediately due and payable to the extent
permitted by law upon the acceleration of the notes.
The Company is required to deliver to the trustee annually a statement regarding compliance
with the indenture. Upon becoming aware of any Default or Event of Default, the Company is
required to deliver to the trustee a statement specifying such Default or Event of Default.
No Personal Liability of Directors, Officers, Employees and Stockholders
No director, officer, employee, incorporator or stockholder of the Company or any Guarantor,
as such, will have any liability for any obligations of the Company or the Guarantors under the
notes, the indenture, the Note Guarantees, the Collateral Documents or for any claim based on, in
respect of, or by reason of, such obligations or their creation. Each holder of notes by accepting
a note waives and releases all such liability. The waiver and release are part of the
consideration for issuance of the notes. The waiver may not be effective to waive liabilities
under the federal securities laws.
Legal Defeasance and Covenant Defeasance
The Company may at any time, at the option of its Board of Directors evidenced by a resolution
set forth in an officers certificate, elect to have all of its obligations discharged with respect
to the outstanding notes and all obligations of the Guarantors discharged with respect to their
Note Guarantees (Legal Defeasance) except for:
(1) the rights of holders of outstanding notes to receive payments in respect of the
principal of, or interest or premium and Liquidated Damages, if any, on, such notes when
such payments are due from the trust referred to below;
(2) the Companys obligations with respect to the notes concerning issuing temporary
notes, registration of notes, mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen notes and the maintenance
of an office or agency for payment and money for security payments held in trust;
(3) the rights, powers, trusts, duties and immunities of the trustee, and the Companys
and the Guarantors obligations in connection therewith; and
(4) the Legal Defeasance and Covenant Defeasance provisions of the indenture.
In addition, the Company may, at its option and at any time, elect to have the obligations of
the Company and the Guarantors released with respect to certain covenants (including its obligation
to make Change of Control
54
Offers and Asset Sale Offers) that are described in the indenture (Covenant Defeasance) and
thereafter any omission to comply with those covenants will not constitute a Default or Event of
Default with respect to the notes. In the event Covenant Defeasance occurs, certain events (not
including non-payment, bankruptcy, receivership, rehabilitation and insolvency events) described
under Events of Default and Remedies will no longer constitute an Event of Default with
respect to the notes.
In order to exercise either Legal Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance:
(1) the Company must irrevocably deposit with the trustee, in trust, for the benefit of
the holders of the notes, cash in U.S. dollars, non-callable Government Securities, or a
combination of cash in U.S. dollars and non-callable Government Securities, in amounts as
will be sufficient, in the opinion of a nationally recognized investment bank, appraisal
firm or firm of independent public accountants, to pay the principal of, or interest and
premium and Liquidated Damages, if any, on, the outstanding notes on the stated date for
payment thereof or on the applicable redemption date, as the case may be, and the Company
must specify whether the notes are being defeased to such stated date for payment or to a
particular redemption date;
(2) in the case of Legal Defeasance, the Company must deliver to the trustee an opinion
of counsel reasonably acceptable to the trustee confirming that (a) the Company has received
from, or there has been published by, the Internal Revenue Service a ruling or (b) since the
date of the indenture, there has been a change in the applicable federal income tax law, in
either case to the effect that, and based thereon such opinion of counsel will confirm that,
the holders of the outstanding notes will not recognize income, gain or loss for U.S.
federal income tax purposes as a result of such Legal Defeasance and will be subject to U.S.
federal income tax on the same amounts, in the same manner and at the same times as would
have been the case if such Legal Defeasance had not occurred;
(3) in the case of Covenant Defeasance, the Company must deliver to the trustee an
opinion of counsel reasonably acceptable to the trustee confirming that the holders of the
outstanding notes will not recognize income, gain or loss for U.S. federal income tax
purposes as a result of such Covenant Defeasance and will be subject to U.S. federal income
tax on the same amounts, in the same manner and at the same times as would have been the
case if such Covenant Defeasance had not occurred;
(4) no Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing on the date of such
deposit (other than a Default or Event of Default resulting from the borrowing of funds to
be applied to such deposit) and the deposit will not result in a breach or violation of, or
constitute a default under, any other instrument to which the Company or any Guarantor is a
party or by which the Company or any Guarantor is bound;
(5) such Legal Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance will not result in a breach or
violation of, or constitute a default under, any material agreement or instrument (other
than the indenture) to which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is a party or by which
the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is bound;
(6) the Company must deliver to the trustee an officers certificate stating that the
deposit was not made by the Company with the intent of preferring the holders of notes over
the other creditors of the Company with the intent of defeating, hindering, delaying or
defrauding any creditors of the Company or others; and
(7) the Company must deliver to the trustee an officers certificate and an opinion of
counsel, each stating that all conditions precedent relating to the Legal Defeasance or the
Covenant Defeasance have been complied with.
Collateral Release Mechanisms
The Collateral will be released from the Liens securing the Note Guarantees, as provided under
the caption Security, upon a Legal Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance in accordance with the
provisions described above.
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Compliance with Trust Indenture Act
The indenture provides that the Company will comply with the provisions of TIA §314.
To the extent applicable, the Company will cause TIA §313(b), relating to reports, and TIA
§314(d), relating to the release of property or securities subject to the Lien of the Collateral
Documents, to be complied with. Any certificate or opinion required by TIA §314(d) may be made by
an officer of the Company except in cases where TIA §314(d) requires that such certificate or
opinion be made by an independent Person, which Person will be an independent engineer, appraiser
or other expert selected by or reasonably satisfactory to the trustee. Notwithstanding anything to
the contrary in this paragraph, the Company will not be required to comply with all or any portion
of TIA §314(d) if it determines, in good faith based on advice of counsel, that under the terms of
TIA §314(d) and/or any interpretation or guidance as to the meaning thereof of the SEC and its
staff, including no action letters or exemptive orders, all or any portion of TIA §314(d) is
inapplicable to one or a series of released Collateral.
Further Assurances; Insurance
The indenture and the Collateral Documents provide that the Company and each of the Guarantors
providing security for their Note Guarantees will do or cause to be done all acts and things that
may be reasonably required, or that the Collateral Agent from time to time may reasonably request,
to assure and confirm that the Collateral Agent holds, for the benefit of the holders of Parity
Lien Obligations, duly created and enforceable and perfected Parity Liens upon the Collateral
(including any categories of property or assets that are included as Collateral under the
Collateral Documents or otherwise become Collateral after the notes are issued), in each case, as
contemplated by, and with the Lien priority required under, the Intercreditor Agreement and the
Collateral Documents.
Upon the reasonable request of the Collateral Agent or the trustee at any time and from time
to time, the Company and each of the applicable Guarantors will promptly execute, acknowledge and
deliver such security documents, instruments, certificates, notices and other documents, and take
such other actions as shall be reasonably required, or that the Collateral Agent may reasonably
request, to create, perfect, protect, assure or enforce the Liens and benefits intended to be
conferred, in each case as contemplated by the Collateral Documents for the benefit of the holders
of Parity Lien Obligations, including any real property acquired by Pledgors in the future that has
a Fair Market Value in excess of $5.0 million.
The Company and the applicable Guarantors will:
(1) keep their properties adequately insured at all times by financially sound and
reputable insurers;
(2) maintain such other insurance, to such extent and against such risks (and with such
deductibles, retentions and exclusions), including fire and other risks insured against by
extended coverage and coverage for acts of terrorism, as is customary with companies in the
same or similar businesses operating in the same or similar locations, including public
liability insurance against claims for personal injury or death or property damage occurring
upon, in, about or in connection with the use of any properties owned, occupied or
controlled by them;
(3) maintain such other insurance as may be required by law;
(4) maintain title insurance on all real property Collateral insuring the Collateral
Agents Parity Lien on that property, subject only to Permitted Prior Liens and other
exceptions to title approved by the Collateral Agent; and
(5) maintain such other insurance as may be required by the security documents.
56
Upon the request of the Collateral Agent, the Company and the Guarantors will furnish to the
Collateral Agent full information as to their property and liability insurance carriers. Holders
of Parity Lien Obligations, as a class, will be named as additional insureds, with a waiver of
subrogation, on all insurance policies of the applicable Guarantors and the Collateral Agent will
be named as loss payee, with 30 days notice of cancellation or material change, on all property
and casualty insurance policies of the applicable Guarantors.
Amendment, Supplement and Waiver
Except as provided in the next two succeeding paragraphs, and subject to the Intercreditor
Agreement, the indenture, the Collateral Documents, the notes or the Note Guarantees may be amended
or supplemented with the consent of the holders of at least a majority in aggregate principal
amount of the notes then outstanding (including, without limitation, consents obtained in
connection with a purchase of, or tender offer or exchange offer for, notes), and any existing
Default or Event of Default or compliance with any provision of the indenture, the Collateral
Documents or the notes or the Note Guarantees, subject to the Intercreditor Agreement, may be
waived with the consent of the holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the then
outstanding notes (including, without limitation, consents obtained in connection with a purchase
of, or tender offer or exchange offer for, notes). None of the indenture, the notes or the
Collateral Documents may be amended, modified or supplemented in any way that would contravene the
provisions of the Intercreditor Agreement.
Without the consent of each holder of notes affected, or, in the case of clauses (8) and (9)
below only, with the consent of at least 95% in aggregate principal amount of the notes then
outstanding, an amendment, supplement or waiver may not (with respect to any notes held by a
non-consenting holder):
(1) reduce the principal amount of notes whose holders must consent to an amendment,
supplement or waiver;
(2) reduce the principal of or change the fixed maturity of any note or alter the
provisions with respect to the redemption of the notes (other than provisions relating to
the covenants described above under the caption Repurchase at the Option of Holders);
(3) reduce the rate of or change the time for payment of interest, including default
interest, on any note;
(4) waive a Default or Event of Default in the payment of principal of, or interest or
premium, or Liquidated Damages, if any, on, the notes (except a rescission of acceleration
of the notes by the holders of at least a majority in aggregate principal amount of the then
outstanding notes and a waiver of the payment default that resulted from such acceleration);
(5) make any note payable in money other than that stated in the notes;
(6) make any change in the provisions of the indenture relating to waivers of past
Defaults or the rights of holders of notes to receive payments of principal of, or interest
or premium or Liquidated Damages, if any, on, the notes;
(7) waive a redemption payment with respect to any note (other than a payment required
by one of the covenants described above under the caption Repurchase at the Option of
Holders);
(8) release all or substantially all of the Collateral from the Liens securing the Note
Guarantees;
(9) release any Guarantor from any of its obligations under its Guarantee or the
indenture if the assets or properties of that Guarantor constitute all or substantially all
of the Collateral, except in accordance with the terms of the indenture and the
Intercreditor Agreement; or
(10) make any change in the preceding amendment and waiver provisions.
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Notwithstanding the preceding, without the consent of any holder of notes, the Company, the
Guarantors and the trustee may amend or supplement the indenture, the Collateral Documents, the
notes or the Note Guarantees:
(1) to cure any ambiguity, defect or inconsistency;
(2) to provide for uncertificated notes in addition to or in place of certificated
notes;
(3) to provide for the assumption of the Companys or a Guarantors obligations to
holders of notes and Note Guarantees in the case of a merger or consolidation or sale of all
or substantially all of the Companys or such Guarantors assets, as applicable;
(4) to make any change that would provide any additional rights or benefits to the
holders of notes or that does not adversely affect the legal rights under the indenture of
any such holder;
(5) to comply with requirements of the SEC in order to effect or maintain the
qualification of the indenture under the Trust Indenture Act;
(6) to conform the text of the indenture, the Note Guarantees, the Collateral Documents
or the notes to any provision of this Description of Notes to the extent that such provision
in this Description of Notes was intended to be a verbatim recitation of a provision of the
indenture, the Note Guarantees, the Collateral Documents or the notes;
(7) to provide for the issuance of additional notes in accordance with the limitations
set forth in the indenture as of the date of the indenture;
(8) to allow any Guarantor to execute a supplemental indenture and/or a Note Guarantee
with respect to the notes; or
(9) to make, complete or confirm any grant of Collateral permitted or required by the
indenture or any of the Collateral Documents or any release of Collateral that becomes
effective as set forth in the indenture or any of the Collateral Documents.
Satisfaction and Discharge
The indenture will be discharged and will cease to be of further effect as to all notes issued
thereunder, when:
(1) either:
(a) all notes that have been authenticated, except lost, stolen or destroyed
notes that have been replaced or paid and notes for whose payment money has been
deposited in trust and thereafter repaid to the Company, have been delivered to the
trustee for cancellation; or
(b) all notes that have not been delivered to the trustee for cancellation have
become due and payable by reason of the mailing of a notice of redemption or
otherwise or will become due and payable within one year and the Company or any
Guarantor has irrevocably deposited or caused to be deposited with the trustee as
trust funds in trust solely for the benefit of the holders, cash in U.S. dollars,
non-callable Government Securities, or a combination of cash in U.S. dollars and
non-callable Government Securities, in amounts as will be sufficient, without
consideration of any reinvestment of interest, to pay and discharge the entire
Indebtedness on the notes not delivered to the trustee for cancellation for
principal, premium and Liquidated Damages, if any, and accrued interest to the date
of maturity or redemption;
(2) no Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing on the date of the
deposit (other than a Default or Event of Default resulting from the borrowing of funds to
be applied to such
58
deposit) and the deposit will not result in a breach or violation of, or constitute a
default under, any other instrument to which the Company or any Guarantor is a party or by
which the Company or any Guarantor is bound;
(3) the Company or any Guarantor has paid or caused to be paid all sums payable by it
under the indenture; and
(4) the Company has delivered irrevocable instructions to the trustee under the
indenture to apply the deposited money toward the payment of the notes at maturity or on the
redemption date, as the case may be.
In addition, the Company must deliver an officers certificate and an opinion of counsel to
the trustee stating that all conditions precedent to satisfaction and discharge have been
satisfied.
The Collateral will be released from the Liens securing Note Guarantees in accordance with the
provisions set forth above under the caption Collateral Documents.
Concerning the Trustee
If the trustee becomes a creditor of the Company or any Guarantor, the indenture limits the
right of the trustee to obtain payment of claims in certain cases, or to realize on certain
property received in respect of any such claim as security or otherwise. The trustee will be
permitted to engage in other transactions; however, if it acquires any conflicting interest it must
eliminate such conflict within 90 days, apply to the SEC for permission to continue as trustee (if
the indenture has been qualified under the Trust Indenture Act) or resign.
The holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the then outstanding notes will
have the right to direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for exercising any
remedy available to the trustee, subject to certain exceptions. The indenture provides that in
case an Event of Default occurs and is continuing, the trustee will be required, in the exercise of
its power, to use the degree of care of a prudent man in the conduct of his own affairs. Subject
to such provisions, the trustee will be under no obligation to exercise any of its rights or powers
under the indenture at the request of any holder of notes, unless such holder has offered to the
trustee security and indemnity satisfactory to it against any loss, liability or expense.
Additional Information
Anyone who receives this prospectus may obtain a copy of the indenture, the Intercreditor
Agreement and the Collateral Documents without charge by writing to Vector Group Ltd., 100 S.E.
Second Street, 32nd Floor, Miami, Florida 33131, Attention: Investor Relations.
Book-Entry, Delivery and Form
The New Notes will be represented by one or more notes in registered, global form without
interest coupons (collectively, the Global Notes and each individually, a Global Note). The
Global Notes will be deposited upon issuance with the trustee as custodian for DTC, in New York,
New York, and registered in the name of DTC or its nominee, in each case for credit to an account
of a direct or indirect participant in DTC as described below.
Except as set forth below, the Global Notes may be transferred, in whole and not in part, only
to another nominee of DTC or to a successor of DTC or its nominee. Beneficial interests in the
Global Notes may not be exchanged for notes in certificated form except in the limited
circumstances described below. See Exchange of Book-Entry Notes for Certificated Notes.
59
Depository Procedures
The following description of the operations and procedures of DTC, Euroclear System
(Euroclear) and Clearstream Banking, S.A. (Clearstream) are provided solely as a matter of
convenience. These operations and procedures are solely within the control of the respective
settlement systems and are subject to change by them from time to time. The Company does not take
any responsibility for these operations and procedures and urges investors to contact the system or
their participants directly to discuss these matters.
DTC has advised us that DTC is a limited-purpose trust company created to hold securities for
its participating organizations (collectively, the participants) and to facilitate the clearance
and settlement of transactions in those securities between the participants through electronic
book-entry changes in accounts of its participants. The participants include securities brokers and
dealers (including the initial purchasers), banks, trust companies, clearing corporations and
certain other organizations. Access to DTCs system is also available to other entities such as
banks, brokers, dealers and trust companies that clear through or maintain a custodial relationship
with a participant, either directly or indirectly (collectively, the indirect participants).
Persons who are not participants may beneficially own securities held by or on behalf of DTC only
through the participants or the indirect participants. The ownership interests in, and transfers of
ownership interests in, each security held by or on behalf of DTC are recorded on the records of
the participants and indirect participants.
DTC also advised the Company that, pursuant to procedures established by it, ownership of
interests in the Global Notes will be shown on, and the transfer of ownership of these interests
will be effected only through, records maintained by DTC (with respect to participants) or by the
participants and the indirect participants (with respect to other owners of beneficial interest in
the Global Notes).
As long as DTC, or its nominee, is the registered holder of a Global Note, DTC or such
nominee, as the case may be, will be considered the sole owner and holder of the notes represented
by such Global Note for all purposes under the indenture and the notes. Except in the limited
circumstances described below under Exchanges of Book-Entry Notes for Certificated Notes,
owners of beneficial interests in a Global Note will not be entitled to have portions of such
Global Note registered in their names, will not receive or be entitled to receive physical delivery
of notes in definitive form and will not be considered the owners or holders of the Global Note (or
any notes presented thereby) under the indenture or the notes. In addition, no beneficial owner of
an interest in a Global Note will be able to transfer that interest except in accordance with DTCs
applicable procedures (in addition to those under the indenture referred to herein). In the event
that owners of beneficial interests in a Global Note become entitled to receive notes in definitive
form, such notes will be issued only in registered form in denominations of U.S. $1,000 and
integral multiples of $1,000 in excess thereof.
All interests in a Global Note, including those held through Euroclear or Clearstream, may be
subject to the procedures and requirements of DTC. Those interests held through Euroclear or
Clearstream may also be subject to the procedures and requirements of such systems. The laws of
some states require that certain persons take physical delivery in definitive form of securities
that they own. Consequently, the ability to transfer beneficial interests in a Global Note to such
persons may be limited to that extent. Because DTC can act only on behalf of participants, which
in turn act on behalf of the indirect participants , the ability of a person having beneficial
interests in a Global Note to pledge such interests to persons or entities that do not participate
in the DTC system, or otherwise take action in respect of such interests, may be affected by the
lack of a physical certificate evidencing such interests.
Payments of the principal of and interest on Global Notes will be made to DTC or its nominee
as the registered owner thereof. None of the Company, the guarantors, the trustee or any of their
respective agents will have any responsibility or liability for any aspect of the records relating
to or payments made on account of beneficial ownership interests in the Global Notes or for
maintaining, supervising or reviewing any records relating to such beneficial ownership interests.
Beneficial interests in the Global Notes will trade in DTCs Same-Day Funds Settlement System,
and secondary market trading activity in such interests will therefore settle in immediately
available funds. The Company expects that DTC or its nominee, upon receipt of any payment of
principal or interest in respect of a Global Note representing any Notes held by it or its nominee,
will immediately credit participants accounts with payment in amounts proportionate to their
respective beneficial interests in the principal amount of such Notes as
60
shown on the records of DTC or its nominee. We also expect that payments by participants to
owners of beneficial interests in such Global Notes held through such participants will be governed
by standing instructions and customary practices, as is now the case with securities held for the
accounts of customers registered in street name. Such payments will be the responsibility of such
participants.
Transfers between participants in DTC will be effected in accordance with DTCs procedures,
and will be settled in same-day funds, and transfers between participants in Euroclear and
Clearstream will be effected in accordance with their respective rules and operating procedures.
Cross-market transfers between the participants, on the one hand, and Euroclear or Clearstream
participants, on the other hand, will be effected through DTC in accordance with DTCs rules on
behalf of Euroclear or Clearstream, as the case may be, by their respective depositaries; however,
such cross-market transactions will require delivery of instructions to Euroclear or Clearstream,
as the case may be, by the counterparty in such system in accordance with the rules and procedures
and within the established deadlines (Brussels time) of such system. Euroclear or Clearstream, as
the case may be, will, if the transaction meets its settlement requirements, deliver instructions
to its respective depositary to take action to effect final settlement on its behalf by delivering
or receiving interests in the relevant Global Note in DTC, and making or receiving payment in
accordance with normal procedures for same-day funds settlement applicable to DTC. Euroclear
participants and Clearstream participants may not deliver instructions directly to the depositories
for Euroclear or Clearstream.
DTC has advised us that it will take any action permitted to be taken by a holder of notes
(including the presentation of Notes for exchange as described below) only at the direction of one
or more participants to whose account with DTC interests in the Global Notes are credited and only
in respect of such portion of the aggregate principal amount of the notes as to which such
participant or participants has or have given such direction. However, if there is an Event of
Default (as defined below) under the notes, DTC reserves the right to exchange the Global Notes for
legended notes in certificated form, and to distribute such notes to its participants.
Although DTC, Euroclear and Clearstream have agreed to the foregoing procedures in order to
facilitate transfers of beneficial ownership interests in the Global Notes among participants in
DTC, Euroclear and Clearstream, they are under no obligation to perform or continue to perform such
procedures, and such procedures may be discontinued at any time. None of the Company, the trustee
or any of their respective agents will have any responsibility for the performance by DTC,
Euroclear or Clearstream, or their respective participants or indirect participants of their
respective obligations under the rules and procedures governing their operations.
Exchanges of Global Notes for Certificated Notes
A beneficial interest in a Global Note may not be exchanged for a Note in certificated form
unless the transferor of such beneficial interest delivers to the registrar either (i) a written
order from a participant or an indirect participant, given to DTC in accordance with its customary
procedures, directing DTC to credit or cause to be credited a beneficial interest in another Global
Note in an amount equal to the beneficial interest to be transferred or exchanged and instructions
regarding the participant account to be credited with such increase or (ii) a written order from a
participant or an indirect participant, given to DTC in accordance with its customary procedures,
directing DTC to cause to be issued a certificated note in an amount equal to the beneficial
interest to be transferred or exchanged and instructions given by DTC to the registrar regarding
the person in whose name such certificated note shall be registered to effect such transfer or
exchange. In all cases, certificated notes delivered in exchange for any Global Note or beneficial
interests therein will be registered in the names and issued in denominations as the holder of such
beneficial interest shall instruct the registrar through instructions from the DTC and the
participant or indirect participant.
The Company will make payments in respect of the notes represented by the Global Notes
(including principal, premium, if any, interest and Liquidated Damages, if any) by wire transfer of
immediately available funds to the accounts specified by the holder of Global Notes. The Company
will make all payments of principal, interest and premium and Liquidated Damages, if any, with
respect to Certificated Notes by wire transfer of immediately available funds to the accounts
specified by the holders of the Certificated Notes or, if no such account is specified, by mailing
a check to each such holders registered address. The notes represented by the Global Notes are
expected to trade in DTCs Same-Day Funds Settlement System, and any permitted secondary market
trading
61
activity in such notes will, therefore, be required by DTC to be settled in immediately
available funds. The Company expects that secondary trading in any Certificated Notes will also be
settled in immediately available funds.
Because of time zone differences, the securities account of a Euroclear or Clearstream
participant purchasing an interest in a Global Note from a participant will be credited, and any
such crediting will be reported to the relevant Euroclear or Clearstream participant, during the
securities settlement processing day (which must be a business day for Euroclear and Clearstream)
immediately following the settlement date of DTC. DTC has advised us that cash received in
Euroclear or Clearstream as a result of sales of interests in a Global Note by or through a
Euroclear or Clearstream participant to a participant will be received with value on the settlement
date of DTC but will be available in the relevant Euroclear or Clearstream cash account only as of
the business day for Euroclear or Clearstream following DTCs settlement date.
Certain Definitions
Set forth below are certain defined terms used in the indenture. Reference is made to the
indenture for a full disclosure of all defined terms used therein, as well as any other capitalized
terms used herein for which no definition is provided.
100 Maple LLC means 100 Maple LLC, a Delaware limited liability company.
ABL Lender has the meaning set forth in the Intercreditor Agreement.
Accelerated Note Conversion means the conversion in advance of the scheduled conversion by
their terms of any convertible debt securities issued by the Company that are held by Affiliates of
the Company, in exchange for the payment by the Company to such Affiliates of accrued interest and
additional Equity Interests in the Company (other than Disqualified Stock).
Acquired Debt means, with respect to any specified Person:
(1) Indebtedness of any other Person existing at the time such other Person is merged
with or into or became a Guarantor of such specified Person, whether or not such
Indebtedness is incurred in connection with, or in contemplation of, such other Person
merging with or into, or becoming a Guarantor of, such specified Person; and
(2) Indebtedness secured by a Lien encumbering any asset acquired by such specified
Person.
Affiliate of any specified Person means any other Person directly or indirectly controlling
or controlled by or under direct or indirect common control with such specified Person. For
purposes of this definition, control, as used with respect to any Person, means the possession,
directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management or policies
of such Person, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by agreement or otherwise;
provided that beneficial ownership of 10% or more of the Voting Stock of a Person will be deemed to
be control. For purposes of this definition, the terms controlling, controlled by and under
common control with have correlative meanings.
Applicable Premium means with respect to any note on any redemption date, as determined by
the Company, the greater of:
(1) 1.0% of the principal amount of the note; or
(2) the excess of:
(a) the present value at such redemption date of (i) the redemption price of
the note at August 15, 2011 (such redemption price being set forth in the table
appearing above under the
62
caption Optional Redemption) plus (ii) all required interest payments due
on the note through August 15, 2011 (excluding accrued but unpaid interest to the
redemption date), computed using a discount rate equal to the Treasury Rate as of
such redemption date plus 50 basis points; over
(b) the principal amount of the note.
Asset Sale means:
(1) the sale, lease, conveyance or other disposition of any assets or rights; provided
that the sale, lease, conveyance or other disposition of all or substantially all of the
assets of the Company and the Guarantors taken as a whole will be governed by the provisions
of the indenture described above under the caption Repurchase at the Option of Holders
Change of Control and/or the provisions described above under the caption Certain
Covenants Merger, Consolidation or Sale of Assets and not by the provisions of the Asset
Sale covenant; and
(2) the issuance or sale of Equity Interests in any of the Guarantors.
Notwithstanding the preceding, none of the following items will be deemed to be an Asset Sale:
(1) any single transaction or series of related transactions that involves assets
having a Fair Market Value of less than $3.0 million;
(2) a transfer of assets between or among the Company and the Guarantors;
(3) an issuance of Equity Interests by a Guarantor to the Company or to another
Guarantor;
(4) the sale, lease, sublease, license, sublicense, conveyance or other disposition of
products, services, inventory, or accounts receivable and related assets (including
participations therein) in the ordinary course of business, including leases with respect to
facilities that are temporarily not in use or pending their disposition, and any sale or
other disposition of damaged, worn-out or obsolete assets in the ordinary course of business
or any other property that is uneconomic or no longer useful to the conduct of the business
of the Company or the Guarantors;
(5) the sale or other disposition of cash or Cash Equivalents or Investments that are
Permitted Investments;
(6) a Restricted Payment that does not violate the covenant described above under the
caption Certain Covenants Restricted Payments or a Permitted Investment.
(7) the licensing of intellectual property to third Persons on customary terms as
determined in good faith by the Board of Directors of the Company;
(8) to the extent allowable under Section 1031 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986,
any exchange of like property (excluding any boot thereon) for use in the business of the
Company or its Subsidiaries;
(9) transfers of property subject to casualty or condemnation proceedings; and
(10) the granting of Permitted Liens.
Asset Sale Offer has the meaning assigned to that term in the indenture governing the notes.
Attributable Debt in respect of a sale and leaseback transaction means, at the time of
determination, the present value of the obligation of the lessee for net rental payments during the
remaining term of the lease included in such sale and leaseback transaction including any period
for which such lease has been extended or may, at the
63
option of the lessor, be extended. Such present value shall be calculated using a discount
rate equal to the rate of interest implicit in such transaction, determined in accordance with
GAAP; provided, however, that if such sale and leaseback transaction results in a Capital Lease
Obligation, the amount of Indebtedness represented thereby will be determined in accordance with
the definition of Capital Lease Obligation.
Beneficial Owner has the meaning assigned to such term in Rule 13d-3 and Rule 13d-5 under
the Exchange Act, except that in calculating the beneficial ownership of any particular person
(as that term is used in Section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act), such person will be deemed to
have beneficial ownership of all securities that such person has the right to acquire by
conversion or exercise of other securities, whether such right is currently exercisable or is
exercisable only after the passage of time. The terms Beneficially Owns and Beneficially Owned
have a corresponding meaning.
Board of Directors means:
(1) with respect to a corporation, the board of directors of the corporation or any
committee thereof duly authorized to act on behalf of such board;
(2) with respect to a partnership, the board of directors of the general partner of the
partnership;
(3) with respect to a limited liability company, the managing member or members or any
controlling committee of managing members thereof; and
(4) with respect to any other Person, the board or committee of such Person serving a
similar function.
Capital Lease Obligation means, at the time any determination is to be made, the amount of
the liability in respect of a capital lease that would at that time be required to be capitalized
on a balance sheet prepared in accordance with GAAP, and the Stated Maturity thereof shall be the
date of the last payment of rent or any other amount due under such lease prior to the first date
upon which such lease may be prepaid by the lessee without payment of a penalty.
Capital Stock means:
(1) in the case of a corporation, corporate stock;
(2) in the case of an association or business entity, any and all shares, interests,
participations, rights or other equivalents (however designated) of corporate stock;
(3) in the case of a partnership or limited liability company, partnership interests
(whether general or limited) or membership interests; and
(4) any other interest or participation that confers on a Person the right to receive a
share of the profits and losses of, or distributions of assets of, the issuing Person, but
excluding from all of the foregoing any debt securities convertible into Capital Stock,
whether or not such debt securities include any right of participation with Capital Stock.
Cash Equivalents means:
(1) United States dollars and, solely for purposes of the definition of Permitted
Investments, any national currency of any other country in which the Company or its
Guarantors do business;
(2) securities issued or directly and fully guaranteed or insured by the United States
government or any agency or instrumentality of the United States government (provided that
the full faith
64
and credit of the United States is pledged in support of those securities) having
maturities of not more than one year from the date of acquisition;
(3) certificates of deposit, time deposits and eurodollar time deposits with maturities
of one year or less from the date of acquisition, bankers acceptances with maturities not
exceeding one year and overnight bank deposits, in each case, with any domestic commercial
bank or commercial banking institution that is a member of the Federal Reserve System having
capital and surplus in excess of $500.0 million and a Thomson Bank Watch Rating of B or
better;
(4) repurchase obligations with a term of not more than seven days for underlying
securities of the types described in clauses (2) and (3) above or (7) below entered into
with any financial institution meeting the qualifications specified in clause (3) above or
(7) below;
(5) commercial paper having one of the two highest ratings obtainable from Moodys or
S&P and, in each case, maturing within one year after the date of acquisition;
(6) money market funds at least 95% of the assets of which constitute Cash Equivalents
of the kinds described in clauses (1) through (5) of this definition; and
(7) marketable general obligations issued by any state of the United States or any
political subdivision of any such state or any public instrumentality thereof maturing
within one year of the date of acquisition and at the time of acquisition having one of the
two highest ratings obtainable from S&P or Moodys.
Change of Control means the occurrence of any of the following:
(1) any sale, transfer, lease, conveyance or other disposition (in one transaction or a
series of related transactions) of all or substantially all of the Companys property or
assets to any person or group of related persons (other than to any of the Companys wholly
owned subsidiaries) as defined as Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Exchange Act, including
any group acting for the purpose of acquiring, holding, voting or disposing of securities
within the meaning of Rule 13d-5(b)(1) under the Exchange Act, other than any sale,
transfer, lease, conveyance or other disposition in which (x) persons who, directly or
indirectly, are beneficial owners (as defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act) of the
Companys voting stock immediately prior to such transaction, beneficially own, directly or
indirectly, immediately after such transaction at least a majority of the total voting power
of the outstanding voting stock of the corporation or entity purchasing such properties or
assets in such sale, lease, conveyance or other disposition and (y) persons who, directly or
indirectly, are beneficial owners of the Companys voting stock immediately prior to such
transaction, beneficially own, directly or indirectly, immediately after such transaction
shares of common stock of the corporation or entity purchasing such properties or assets in
such sale, lease, conveyance or other disposition in a proportion that does not, on the
whole, materially differ from such ownership immediately prior to the transaction;
(2) the adoption of a plan relating to the liquidation or dissolution of the Company;
(3) if any person or group (as these terms are used for purposes of Sections 13(d)
and 14(d) of the Exchange Act) (other than Bennett S. LeBow or his immediate family, any
beneficiary of the estate of Bennett S. LeBow or his immediate family or any trust or
partnership controlled by any of the foregoing (the LeBow Persons)) is or shall become the
beneficial owner (as defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act), directly or
indirectly, of 50% of the aggregate ordinary voting power represented by the Companys
issued and outstanding stock;
(4) if at any time Bennett S. LeBow and/or any LeBow Person is or shall become the
beneficial owner (as defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act) either individually or
collectively, directly or indirectly, of 65% of the aggregate ordinary voting power
represented by the Companys issued and outstanding voting stock; or
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(5) the Company consolidates with, or merges with or into, another person or any person
consolidates with, or merges with or into, the Company, other than any consolidation or
merger in which (x) persons who, directly or indirectly, are beneficial owners (as defined
in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act) of the Companys voting stock immediately prior to
such transaction, beneficially own, directly or indirectly, immediately after such
transaction at least a majority of the voting power of the outstanding voting stock of the
continuing or surviving corporation or entity and (y) persons who, directly or indirectly,
are beneficial owners of the Companys voting stock immediately prior to such transaction
beneficially own, directly or indirectly, immediately after such transaction shares of
common stock of the continuing or surviving corporation or entity in a proportion that does
not, on the whole, materially differ from such ownership immediately prior to the
transaction.
Change of Control Offer has the meaning assigned to that term in the indenture governing the
notes.
Collateral means the Pledged Securities and the properties and assets at any time owned or
acquired by any of the Pledgors as provided in the Collateral Documents and the indenture other
than the Excluded Assets and except:
(1) any properties and assets in which the Collateral Agent is required to release its
Liens pursuant to the provisions described above under the caption Intercreditor
Agreement Release of Liens; and
(2) any properties and assets that no longer secure the Note Guarantees or any
Obligations in respect thereof pursuant to the provisions described above under the caption
Collateral Documents,
provided that, if such Liens are required to be released as a result of the sale, transfer or other
disposition of any properties or assets of any of the Guarantors, such assets or properties will
cease to be excluded from the Collateral if any of the Guarantors thereafter acquires or reacquires
such assets or properties.
Collateral Agent means U.S. Bank National Association, in its capacity as collateral agent
under the indenture, the Intercreditor Agreement and the Collateral Documents, together with its
successors in such capacity.
Collateral Documents means all security agreements, pledge agreements, collateral
assignments, mortgages, deeds of trust, collateral agency agreements or other grants or transfers
for security executed and delivered by any Guarantor creating (or purporting to create) a Parity
Lien upon Collateral in favor of the Collateral Agent, in each case, as amended, modified, renewed,
restated or replaced, in whole or in part, from time to time.
Consolidated EBITDA means for any period the Consolidated Net Income of the Company for such
period, after giving pro forma effect to any Investment or acquisition or disposition of a business
permitted under the Indenture as if such acquisition or disposition occurred on the first day of
the relevant period, in accordance with Regulation S-X, plus, without duplication:
(1) provision for taxes based on income or profits or capital, including, without
limitation, state, city and county income, franchise and similar taxes, foreign withholding
taxes and foreign unreimbursed value added taxes of the Company and the Guarantors for such
period, to the extent that such provision for taxes was deducted in computing such
Consolidated Net Income; plus
(2) the Fixed Charges of the Company and the Guarantors (including amortization of
deferred financing fees and changes in fair value of derivatives embedded within convertible
debt) for such period, to the extent that such Fixed Charges were deducted in computing such
Consolidated Net Income; plus
(3) depreciation, amortization (including amortization of intangibles but excluding
amortization of prepaid cash expenses that were paid in a prior period) and other non-cash
expenses (excluding any such non-cash expense to the extent that it represents an accrual of
or reserve for cash expenses in any future period or amortization of a prepaid cash expense
that was paid in a prior period) of
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the Company and the Guarantors for such period to the extent that such depreciation,
amortization and other non-cash expenses were deducted in computing such Consolidated Net
Income; plus
(4) any other non-cash charges (including impairment charges, write-offs of assets and
the impact of purchase accounting but excluding any such charge that represents an accrual
or reserve for a cash expenditure for a future period), to the extent that such non-cash
charges were deducted in computing such Consolidated Net Income; plus
(5) any one-time, non-recurring expenses or charges related to any Equity Offering,
Permitted Investment, acquisition, recapitalization or incurrence of Indebtedness permitted
to be incurred under the indenture (including a refinancing thereof), whether or not
consummated, in each case to the extent such expenses or charges were deducted in computing
Consolidated Net Income; minus
(6) non-cash items increasing such Consolidated Net Income for such period, other than
(a) the accrual of revenue in the ordinary course of business and (b) reversals of prior
accruals or reserves for non-cash items previously excluded from the definition of
Consolidated EBITDA pursuant to clause (3) above, in each case, on a consolidated basis and
determined in accordance with GAAP.
Consolidated Net Income means for any period the aggregate of the Net Income of the Company
and the Guarantors for such period, on a consolidated basis, determined in accordance with GAAP;
provided that:
(1) the Net Income (but not loss) of any Person that is not a Guarantor or that is
accounted for by the equity method of accounting will be included only to the extent of the
amount of dividends or similar distributions paid in cash to the Company or a Guarantor;
(2) the Net Income of any Guarantor will be excluded to the extent that the declaration
or payment of dividends or similar distributions by that Guarantor of that Net Income is not
at the date of determination permitted without any prior governmental approval (that has not
been obtained) or, directly or indirectly, by operation of the terms of its charter or any
agreement or instrument, judgment, decree, order, statute, rule or governmental regulation
applicable to that Guarantor or its stockholders (except to the extent of the amount of
dividends or similar distributions paid in cash to the Company or a Guarantor during such
period);
(3) the cumulative effect of a change in accounting principles will be excluded;
(4) any restructuring charge or reserve to the extent that such expenses or charges
were deducted in computing such Consolidated Net Income, including any restructuring costs
incurred in connection with acquisitions after the date of issuance of the notes and costs
related to the closure and/or consolidation of facilities or work force reduction and
severance and relocation costs incurred in connection therewith, will be excluded;
(5) any unrealized gains and losses due solely to fluctuations in currency values, the
value of Investment Securities or the value of Long Term Investments, and the related tax
effects according to GAAP will be excluded;
(6) non-cash compensation recorded from grants of stock appreciation or similar rights,
stock options, restricted stock or other rights will be excluded;
(7) after-tax gains and losses attributable to discontinued operations will be
excluded;
(8) the after-tax effect of extraordinary, non-recurring or unusual gains or losses
(less all fees and expenses relating thereto) or expenses, severance costs and curtailments
or modifications or terminations to pension and post-retirement benefit plans will be
excluded;
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(9) any impairment charge or asset write-off, in each case pursuant to GAAP and the
amortization of intangibles arising pursuant to GAAP will be excluded; and
(10) any deferred financing costs written off and premiums paid in connection with any
early extinguishment of Indebtedness will be excluded.
Core Investments means investments, whether as a long or short position, in equity, debt or
derivative securities, including, without limitation, puts, options, warrants or calls, of any
Person, including hedge funds, private equity funds or other investment entities, in the ordinary
course of the Companys or any Guarantors business, but excluding any investment in (i) any
Unrestricted Subsidiary of the Company, or (ii) any joint venture to which the Company, any
Guarantor or any Unrestricted Subsidiary is a party.
Credit Agreement Agent means, at any time, the Person serving at such time as the Agent or
Administrative Agent under the Liggett Credit Agreement or any other representative then most
recently designated in accordance with the applicable provisions of the Liggett Credit Agreement,
together with its successors in such capacity.
Credit Facilities means, one or more debt facilities (including, without limitation, the
Liggett Credit Agreement) or commercial paper facilities, in each case, with banks or other
institutional lenders providing for revolving credit loans, term loans, receivables financing
(including through the sale of receivables to such lenders or to special purpose entities formed to
borrow from such lenders against such receivables) or letters of credit, in each case, as amended,
restated, modified, renewed, refunded, replaced (whether upon or after termination or otherwise) or
refinanced (including by means of sales of debt securities to institutional investors) in whole or
in part from time to time.
Default means any event that is, or with the passage of time or the giving of notice or both
would be, an Event of Default.
Disqualified Stock means any Capital Stock that, by its terms (or by the terms of any
security into which it is convertible, or for which it is exchangeable, in each case, at the option
of the holder of the Capital Stock), or upon the happening of any event, matures or is mandatorily
redeemable, pursuant to a sinking fund obligation or otherwise, or redeemable at the option of the
holder of the Capital Stock, in whole or in part, on or prior to the date that is 91 days after the
date on which the notes mature. Notwithstanding the preceding sentence, any Capital Stock that
would constitute Disqualified Stock solely because the holders of the Capital Stock have the right
to require the Company to repurchase such Capital Stock upon the occurrence of a change of control
or an asset sale will not constitute Disqualified Stock if the terms of such Capital Stock provide
that the Company may not repurchase or redeem any such Capital Stock pursuant to such provisions
unless such repurchase or redemption complies with the covenant described above under the caption
Certain Covenants Restricted Payments. The amount of Disqualified Stock deemed to be
outstanding at any time for purposes of the indenture will be the maximum amount that the Company
and the Guarantors may become obligated to pay upon the maturity of, or pursuant to any mandatory
redemption provisions of, such Disqualified Stock, exclusive of accrued dividends.
Domestic Subsidiary means any Subsidiary of the Company that was formed under the laws of
the United States or any state of the United States or the District of Columbia or that guarantees
or otherwise provides direct credit support for any Indebtedness of the Company.
Equity Interests means Capital Stock and all warrants, options or other rights to acquire
Capital Stock (but excluding any debt security that is convertible into, or exchangeable for,
Capital Stock).
Equity Offering means any public or private sale of common stock or Preferred Stock of the
Company (excluding Disqualified Stock) or contribution to the capital of the Company, other than:
(1) public offerings with respect to any such Persons common stock registered on Form
S-8; and
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(2) issuances to the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company.
Eve means Eve Holdings Inc., a Delaware corporation.
Existing Indebtedness means Indebtedness of the Company and the Guarantors (other than
Indebtedness under the Liggett Credit Agreement) in existence on the date of the indenture, until
such amounts are repaid.
Fair Market Value means the value that would be paid by a willing buyer to an unaffiliated
willing seller in a transaction not involving distress or necessity of either party, determined in
good faith by the Board of Directors of the Company (unless otherwise provided in the indenture).
First Priority Debt has the meaning set forth in the Intercreditor Agreement as in effect on
the date of the indenture.
First Priority Lien means a Lien to the extent it secures First Priority Debt.
Fixed Charges means, with respect to the Company and the Guarantors for any period, the sum,
without duplication, of:
(1) the consolidated interest expense of the Company and the Guarantors for such
period, whether paid or accrued, including, without limitation, amortization of debt
issuance costs, beneficial conversion features, derivatives embedded within convertible debt
and original issue discount, non-cash interest payments, the interest component of any
deferred payment obligations, the interest component of all payments associated with Capital
Lease Obligations, imputed interest with respect to Attributable Debt, commissions,
discounts and other fees and charges incurred in respect of letter of credit or bankers
acceptance financings, and net of the effect of all payments made or received pursuant to
Hedging Obligations in respect of interest rates; plus
(2) the consolidated interest expense of the Company and the Guarantors that was
capitalized during such period; plus
(3) any interest on Indebtedness of another Person that is guaranteed by the Company or
any of the Guarantors or secured by a Lien on assets of the Company or any of the
Guarantors, whether or not such Guarantee or Lien is called upon; plus
(4) the product of (a) all dividends, whether paid or accrued and whether or not in
cash, on any series of preferred stock of the Company or any of the Guarantors, other than
dividends on Equity Interests payable solely in Equity Interests of the Company (other than
Disqualified Stock) or to the Company or a Guarantor, times (b) a fraction, the numerator of
which is one and the denominator of which is one minus the then current combined federal,
state and local statutory tax rate of such Person, expressed as a decimal, in each case,
determined on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP.
GAAP means generally accepted accounting principles set forth in the opinions and
pronouncements of the Accounting Principles Board of the American Institute of Certified Public
Accountants and statements and pronouncements of the Financial Accounting Standards Board or in
such other statements by such other entity as have been approved by a significant segment of the
accounting profession, which are in effect on the date of the indenture.
Guarantee means a guarantee other than by endorsement of negotiable instruments for
collection in the ordinary course of business, direct or indirect, in any manner including, without
limitation, by way of a pledge of assets or through letters of credit or reimbursement agreements
in respect thereof, of all or any part of any Indebtedness (whether arising by virtue of
partnership arrangements, or by agreements to keep-well, to purchase assets, goods, securities or
services, to take or pay or to maintain financial statement conditions or otherwise).
Guarantors means each of:
69
(1) the Liggett Guarantors;
(2) the Domestic Subsidiaries of the Company on the date of the indenture, other than
the New Valley Subsidiaries, and Accommodations Acquisition Corporation; and
(3) any other Subsidiary of the Company that executes a Note Guarantee in accordance
with the provisions of the indenture,
and their respective successors and assigns, in each case, until the Note Guarantee of such Person
has been released in accordance with the provisions of the indenture.
Hedging Obligations means, with respect to any specified Person, the obligations of such
Person under:
(1) interest rate swap agreements (whether from fixed to floating or from floating to
fixed), interest rate cap agreements and interest rate collar agreements;
(2) other agreements or arrangements designed to manage interest rates or interest rate
risk; and
(3) other agreements or arrangements designed to protect such Person against
fluctuations in currency exchange rates or commodity prices.
Indebtedness means, with respect to any specified Person, any indebtedness of such Person
(excluding accrued expenses and trade payables), whether or not contingent:
(1) in respect of borrowed money;
(2) evidenced by bonds, notes, debentures or similar instruments or letters of credit
(or reimbursement agreements in respect thereof);
(3) in respect of bankers acceptances;
(4) representing Capital Lease Obligations or Attributable Debt in respect of sale and
leaseback transactions;
(5) representing the balance deferred and unpaid of the purchase price of any property
or services due more than six months after such property is acquired or such services are
completed, except any such balance that constitutes an accrued expense or trade payable
arising in the ordinary course of business and not overdue by more than 90 days; or
(6) representing any Hedging Obligations,
if and to the extent any of the preceding items (other than letters of credit, Attributable Debt
and Hedging Obligations) would appear as a liability upon a balance sheet of the specified Person
prepared in accordance with GAAP. In addition, the term Indebtedness includes all Indebtedness
of others secured by a Lien on any asset of the specified Person (whether or not such Indebtedness
is assumed by the specified Person) and, to the extent not otherwise included, the Guarantee by the
specified Person of any Indebtedness of any other Person.
Intercreditor Agreement means that certain Intercreditor and Lien Subordination Agreement by
and among Wachovia Bank National Association, as ABL Lender, U.S. Bank National Association, as
Collateral Agent, Liggett Group LLC, as Borrower, and 100 Maple LLC, as Loan Party, dated of even
date with the indenture.
Investments means, with respect to any Person, all direct or indirect investments by such
Person in other Persons (including Affiliates) in the forms of loans (including Guarantees or other
obligations), advances or capital contributions (excluding commission, travel and similar advances
to officers and employees made in the ordinary
70
course of business), purchases or other acquisitions for consideration of Indebtedness, Equity
Interests or other securities, together with all items that are or would be classified as
investments on a balance sheet prepared in accordance with GAAP. Except as otherwise provided in
the indenture, the amount of an Investment will be determined at the time the Investment is made
and without giving effect to subsequent changes in value.
Investment Securities means investment securities classified as such under GAAP.
Leverage Ratio means the ratio of (i) the sum of (A) the aggregate outstanding amount of
Indebtedness of the Company and the Guarantors as of the last day of the most recently ended fiscal
quarter for which financial statements are internally available as of the date of calculation on a
combined consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP, less cash, cash equivalents, the Fair Market
Value of Investment Securities and the Fair Market Value of Long Term Investments of the Company
and the Guarantors, plus (B) the aggregate outstanding amount of Indebtedness incurred in
connection with margining of Core Investments (to the extent not included in Indebtedness under
clause (i)(A) above), plus (C) the aggregate liquidation preference of all outstanding Disqualified
Stock of the Company as of the last day of such fiscal quarter to (ii) the aggregate Consolidated
EBITDA of the Company for the last four full fiscal quarters for which financial statements are
internally available ending on or prior to the date of determination. Notwithstanding the
foregoing, to the extent that Douglas Elliman Realty, LLC, or any successor thereto, is classified
on the Companys or any Guarantors balance sheet as a Long Term Investment, then the book value,
rather than the Fair Market Value, of such Long Term Investment will be used for purposes of the
foregoing calculation.
Lien means, with respect to any asset, any mortgage, lien, pledge, charge, security interest
or encumbrance of any kind in respect of such asset, whether or not filed, recorded or otherwise
perfected under applicable law, including any conditional sale or other title retention agreement,
any lease in the nature thereof, any option or other agreement to sell or give a security interest
in and any filing of or agreement to give any financing statement under the Uniform Commercial Code
(or equivalent statutes) of any jurisdiction.
Liggett Credit Agreement means that certain Amended and Restated Loan and Security
Agreement, dated as of April 14, 2004, as amended, by and between Wachovia Bank, National
Association, successor by merger to Congress Financial Corporation, Liggett Group LLC, as successor
to Liggett Group, Inc., and 100 Maple LLC providing for revolving credit borrowings and term loans,
including any related notes, Guarantees, collateral documents, instruments and agreements executed
in connection therewith, and, in each case, as amended, restated, modified, renewed, refunded,
replaced (whether upon or after termination or otherwise) or refinanced (including by means of
sales of debt securities to institutional investors) in whole or in part from time to time.
Liggett Group LLC means Liggett Group LLC, a Delaware limited liability company.
Liggett Guarantors means each of Liggett Group LLC, and 100 Maple LLC.
Liggett Vector Brands means Liggett Vector Brands LLC, a Delaware limited liability company.
Liquidated Damages means all liquidated damages then owing pursuant to the registration
rights agreement.
Long Term Investments means long term investments classified as such under GAAP.
Mebane Facility means that certain real property located in Mebane, North Carolina and owned
by 100 Maple LLC.
Moodys means Moodys Investors Service, Inc.
Net Income means, with respect to any specified Person, the net income (loss) of such
Person, determined in accordance with GAAP and before any reduction in respect of preferred stock
dividends, excluding, however:
71
(1) any gain or loss, together with all fees and expenses related thereto and any
related provision for taxes on such gain or loss, realized in connection with: (a) any Asset
Sale; or (b) the disposition of any securities or Investments by such Person or any of the
Guarantors or the extinguishment of any Indebtedness of such Person or any of the
Guarantors; and
(2) any extraordinary gain or loss, together with any related provision for taxes on
such extraordinary gain or loss.
Net Proceeds means the aggregate cash proceeds received by the Company or any of the
Guarantors in respect of any Asset Sale (including, without limitation, any cash received upon the
sale or other disposition of any non-cash consideration received in any Asset Sale), net of the
direct costs relating to such Asset Sale, including, without limitation, legal, accounting and
investment banking fees, and sales commissions, and any relocation expenses incurred as a result of
the Asset Sale, taxes paid or payable as a result of the Asset Sale, in each case, after taking
into account any available tax credits or deductions and any tax sharing arrangements, and amounts
required to be applied to the repayment of Indebtedness, other than Indebtedness under a Credit
Facility, secured by a Lien on the asset or assets that were the subject of such Asset Sale and any
reserve for adjustment in respect of the sale price of such asset or assets established in
accordance with GAAP.
New Valley Subsidiaries means New Valley LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, and its
Subsidiaries.
Note Guarantee means the Guarantee by each Guarantor of the Companys obligations under the
indenture and the notes, executed pursuant to the provisions of the indenture.
Obligations means any principal (including reimbursement obligations with respect to letters
of credit whether or not drawn), interest (including, to the extent legally permitted, all interest
accrued thereon after the commencement of any insolvency or liquidation proceeding at the rate,
including any applicable post-default rate, even if such interest is not enforceable, allowable or
allowed as a claim in such proceeding), premium (if any), fees, indemnifications, reimbursements,
expenses and other liabilities payable under the documentation governing any Indebtedness.
Parity Lien means a Lien granted under a Collateral Document to the Collateral Agent, at any
time, upon any property of any Guarantor providing security to secure Parity Lien Obligations.
Parity Lien Debt means:
(1) the notes issued on the date of the indenture (including any related exchange
notes); and
(2) any other Indebtedness of the Company pursuant to additional notes issued and
permitted to be incurred under the indenture.
Parity Lien Obligations means Parity Lien Debt and all other Obligations in respect thereof.
Permitted Investments means:
(1) any Investment in the Company or in a Guarantor;
(2) any Investment in Cash Equivalents;
(3) any Investment by the Company or any Guarantor in a Person, if as a result of such
Investment:
(a) such Person becomes a Guarantor; or
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(b) such Person is merged, consolidated or amalgamated with or into, or
transfers or conveys substantially all of its assets to, or is liquidated into, the
Company or a Guarantor;
(4) any Investment made as a result of the receipt of non-cash consideration from an
Asset Sale that was made pursuant to and in compliance with the covenant described above
under the caption Repurchase at the Option of Holders Asset Sales;
(5) any acquisition of assets or Capital Stock solely in exchange for the issuance of
Equity Interests (other than Disqualified Stock) of the Company;
(6) any Investments received in compromise or resolution of (A) obligations of trade
creditors or customers that were incurred in the ordinary course of business of the Company
or any Guarantor, including pursuant to any plan of reorganization or similar arrangement
upon the bankruptcy or insolvency of any trade creditor or customer; or (B) litigation,
arbitration or other disputes with Persons who are not Affiliates;
(7) loans or advances to employees made in the ordinary course of business of the
Company or any Guarantor in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed $1.0 million at any
one time outstanding;
(8) repurchases of the notes;
(9) any Investment by the Company or any Guarantor in Core Investments;
(10) Investments represented by Hedging Obligations;
(11) Investments consisting of purchases and acquisitions of inventory, supplies,
material or equipment in the ordinary course of business or consistent with past practice;
(12) other Investments in any Person having an aggregate Fair Market Value (measured on
the date each such Investment was made and without giving effect to subsequent changes in
value), when taken together with all other Investments made pursuant to this clause (12)
that are at the time outstanding, not to exceed $10.0 million.
Permitted Liens means:
(1) Liens in favor of the ABL Lender securing First Priority Debt;
(2) Liens held by the Collateral Agent equally and ratably securing the notes to be
issued on the date of the indenture and all future Parity Lien Debt and other Parity Lien
Obligations;
(3) Liens in favor of the Company or the Guarantors;
(4) Liens on property of a Person existing at the time such Person is merged with or
into or consolidated with the Company or any Guarantor; provided that such Liens were in
existence prior to the contemplation of such merger or consolidation and do not extend to
any assets other than those of the Person merged into or consolidated with the Company or
the Guarantor;
(5) Liens on property (including Capital Stock) existing at the time of acquisition of
the property by the Company or any Guarantor; provided that such Liens were in existence
prior to, and not incurred in contemplation of, such acquisition;
(6) Liens to secure the performance of statutory obligations (including obligations
under workers compensation, unemployment insurance or similar legislation), surety or
appeal bonds, performance bonds or other obligations of a like nature incurred in the
ordinary course of business, as well
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as obligations under the trade contracts and leases (exclusive of obligations for the
payment of borrowed money) and cash deposits in connection with acquisitions otherwise
permitted under the indenture;
(7) Liens existing on the date of the indenture;
(8) Liens for taxes, assessments or governmental charges or claims that are not yet
delinquent or that are being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings promptly
instituted and diligently concluded; provided that any reserve or other appropriate
provision as is required in conformity with GAAP has been made therefor;
(9) Liens imposed by law, such as carriers, warehousemens, landlords and mechanics
Liens, in each case, incurred in the ordinary course of business;
(10) survey exceptions, easements or reservations of, or rights of others for,
licenses, rights-of-way, sewers, electric lines, telegraph and telephone lines and other
similar purposes, or zoning or other restrictions as to the use of real property that were
not incurred in connection with Indebtedness and that do not in the aggregate materially
adversely affect the value of said properties or materially impair their use in the
operation of the business of such Person;
(11) Liens created for the benefit of (or to secure) the notes (or the Note
Guarantees);
(12) Liens to secure any Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness permitted to be incurred
under the indenture; provided, however, that:
(a) the new Lien shall be limited to all or part of the same property and
assets that secured or, under the written agreements pursuant to which the original
Lien arose, could secure the original Lien (plus improvements and accessions to,
such property or proceeds or distributions thereof); and
(b) the Indebtedness secured by the new Lien is not increased to any amount
greater than the sum of (x) the outstanding principal amount, or, if greater,
committed amount, of the Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness and (y) an amount
necessary to pay any fees and expenses, including premiums, related to such renewal,
refunding, refinancing, replacement, defeasance or discharge;
(13) Liens to secure Indebtedness (including Capital Lease Obligations) permitted by
clause (10) of the second paragraph of the covenant entitled Certain Covenants
Incurrence of Indebtedness and Issuance of Preferred Stock covering only the assets
acquired with or financed by such Indebtedness;
(14) Liens arising by reason of any judgment, decree or order not giving rise to an
Event of Default so long as such Lien is adequately bonded and any appropriate legal
proceedings which may have been duly initiated for the review of such judgment shall not
have been finally terminated or the period within such proceedings may be initiated shall
not have expired; and
(15) Liens to secure obligations permitted by clause (14) of the second paragraph of
the covenant entitled Certain Covenants Incurrence of Indebtedness and Issuance of
Preferred Stock, provided that such liens do not comprise any of the Collateral.
Permitted Prior Liens means:
(1) Liens described in clause (1) of the definition of Permitted Liens;
(2) Liens described in clauses (4), (5) (7) or (13) of the definition of Permitted
Liens; and
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(3) Permitted Liens that arise by operation of law and are not voluntarily granted, to
the extent entitled by law to priority over the Liens created by the Collateral Documents.
Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness means any Indebtedness of the Company or any Guarantor
issued in exchange for, or the net proceeds of which are used to renew, refund, refinance, replace,
defease or discharge other Indebtedness of the Company or any Guarantor (other than intercompany
Indebtedness); provided that:
(1) the principal amount (or accreted value, if applicable) of such Permitted
Refinancing Indebtedness does not exceed the principal amount (or accreted value, if
applicable) of the Indebtedness renewed, refunded, refinanced, replaced, defeased or
discharged (plus all accrued interest on the Indebtedness and the amount of all fees and
expenses, including premiums, incurred in connection therewith);
(2) such Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness has a final maturity date later than the
final maturity date of, and has a Weighted Average Life to Maturity equal to or greater than
the Weighted Average Life to Maturity of, the Indebtedness being renewed, refunded,
refinanced, replaced, defeased or discharged;
(3) if the Indebtedness being renewed, refunded, refinanced, replaced, defeased or
discharged is subordinated in right of payment to the notes, such Permitted Refinancing
Indebtedness has a final maturity date later than the final maturity date of, and is
subordinated in right of payment to, the notes on terms at least as favorable to the holders
of notes as those contained in the documentation governing the Indebtedness being renewed,
refunded, refinanced, replaced, defeased or discharged; and
(4) such Indebtedness is incurred either by the Company or by the Guarantor who is the
obligor on the Indebtedness being renewed, refunded, refinanced, replaced, defeased or
discharged.
Person means any individual, corporation, partnership, joint venture, association,
joint-stock company, trust, unincorporated organization, limited liability company or government or
other entity.
Pledged Securities means all of the Capital Stock of each of Liggett Group LLC and Vector
Tobacco.
Pledgor means each of the Liggett Guarantors and Vector Tobacco and any successor thereto
who is required to assume their obligations under the indenture or the Collateral Documents.
Restricted Investment means an Investment other than a Permitted Investment.
S&P means Standard & Poors Ratings Group.
Sale of Collateral means any Asset Sale involving a sale or other disposition of Collateral.
Secured Indebtedness means all Indebtedness of the Company and the Guarantors that is
secured by Liens on any of their assets, including, but not limited to, Indebtedness pursuant to
the Liggett Credit Agreement.
Secured Leverage Ratio means the ratio calculated in accordance with the definition herein
of Leverage Ratio except that Secured Indebtedness shall be substituted for all occurrences of
Indebtedness in such definition.
Significant Subsidiary means any Subsidiary that would be a significant subsidiary as
defined in Article 1, Rule 1-02 of Regulation S-X, promulgated pursuant to the Securities Act, as
such Regulation is in effect on the date of the indenture.
Stated Maturity means, with respect to any installment of interest or principal on any
series of Indebtedness, the date on which the payment of interest or principal was scheduled to be
paid in the documentation governing such Indebtedness as of the date of the indenture, and will not
include any contingent obligations to
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repay, redeem or repurchase any such interest or principal prior to the date originally
scheduled for the payment thereof.
Subsidiary means, with respect to any specified Person:
(1) any corporation, association or other business entity of which more than 50% of the
total voting power of shares of Capital Stock entitled (without regard to the occurrence of
any contingency and after giving effect to any voting agreement or stockholders agreement
that effectively transfers voting power) to vote in the election of directors, managers or
trustees of the corporation, association or other business entity is at the time owned or
controlled, directly or indirectly, by that Person or one or more of the other Subsidiaries
of that Person (or a combination thereof); and
(2) any partnership (a) the sole general partner or the managing general partner of
which is such Person or a Subsidiary of such Person or (b) the only general partners of
which are that Person or one or more Subsidiaries of that Person (or any combination
thereof).
Treasury Rate means, as of any redemption date, the yield to maturity as of such redemption
date of United States Treasury securities with a constant maturity (as compiled and published in
the most recent Federal Reserve Statistical Release H.15 (519) that has become publicly available
at least two business days prior to the redemption date (or, if such Statistical Release is no
longer published, any publicly available source of similar market data)) most nearly equal to the
period from the redemption date to August 15, 2011; provided, however, that if the period from the
redemption date to August 15, 2011 is less than one year, the weekly average yield on actually
traded United States Treasury securities adjusted to a constant maturity of one year will be used.
Unrestricted Subsidiary means any Subsidiary of the Company other than any Subsidiary that
is a Guarantor and other than any Subsidiary owning or operating the business currently operated by
Liggett Group LLC.
Vector Tobacco means Vector Tobacco Inc., a Virginia corporation.
VGR Holding means VGR Holding LLC, a Delaware limited liability company.
Voting Stock of any specified Person as of any date means the Capital Stock of such Person
that is at the time entitled to vote in the election of the Board of Directors of such Person.
Weighted Average Life to Maturity means, when applied to any Indebtedness at any date, the
number of years obtained by dividing:
(1) the sum of the products obtained by multiplying (a) the amount of each then
remaining installment, sinking fund, serial maturity or other required payments of
principal, including payment at final maturity, in respect of the Indebtedness, by (b) the
number of years (calculated to the nearest one-twelfth) that will elapse between such date
and the making of such payment; by
(2) the then outstanding principal amount of such Indebtedness.
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MATERIAL UNITED STATES FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS
The following is a summary of the material U.S. federal income tax considerations and, in the
case of non-U.S. holders (as defined below), certain estate tax considerations, relevant to the
exchange of Original Notes for New Notes and the ownership and disposition of the notes by the
beneficial owners thereof, or the holders. This summary is generally limited to holders of New
Notes who acquire the New Notes in exchange for Original Notes that were acquired at the issue
price as defined in Section 1273 of the Code (which, for purposes of this summary, is generally
the first price at which a substantial amount of the Original Notes is sold to the public for
money, excluding sales to bond houses, brokers or similar persons acting in the capacity of
underwriters, placement agents or wholesalers) and hold the notes as capital assets within the
meaning of Section 1221 of the Code (generally, property held for investment) for U.S. federal
income tax purposes. This discussion does not address the tax consequences to holders who acquire
their New Notes in exchange for subsequently purchased Original Notes or to subsequent purchasers
of New Notes.
This discussion does not describe all of the U.S. federal income tax considerations that may
be relevant to the exchange of New Notes for Original Notes or the ownership and disposition of the
notes, nor does this summary address the tax consequences arising under any state, local or foreign
law, or that may be relevant to a holder in light of its particular circumstances or to holders
subject to special rules, including, without limitation, holders subject to the U.S. federal
alternative minimum tax, dealers in securities or currencies, financial institutions, insurance
companies, regulated investment companies, tax-exempt entities, certain former citizens or
residents of the United States, partnerships or other entities taxable as partnerships for U.S.
federal income tax purposes, S corporations or other pass-through entities, controlled foreign
corporations, passive foreign investment companies, U.S. holders (as defined below) whose
functional currency is not the U.S. dollar and persons that hold the notes in connection with a
straddle, hedging, conversion or other risk reduction transaction. Furthermore, this summary does
not consider the effect of the U.S. federal estate or gift tax laws (except as set forth below with
respect to certain U.S. federal estate tax consequences to non-U.S. holders).
The U.S. federal income tax considerations set forth below are based upon the Code, Treasury
regulations promulgated thereunder, court decisions and rulings and pronouncements of the Internal
Revenue Service (the IRS), all as in effect on the date hereof and all of which are subject to
change, possibly on a retroactive basis, and to differing interpretations, so as to result in U.S.
federal income tax considerations different from those summarized below. We have not sought any
ruling from the IRS with respect to statements made and conclusions reached in this summary, and
there can be no assurance that the IRS will agree with such statements and conclusions.
As used herein, the term U.S. holder means a beneficial owner of a note that is for U.S.
federal income tax purposes:
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an individual who is a citizen or resident of the United States; |
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a corporation, or other entity taxable as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax
purposes, created or organized in or under the laws of the United States or of any
political subdivision thereof; |
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an estate the income of which is subject to U.S. federal income taxation regardless of
its source; or |
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a trust, if a court within the United States is able to exercise primary jurisdiction
over its administration and one or more U.S. persons have the authority to control all of
its substantial decisions, or if the trust has a valid election in effect under applicable
Treasury regulations to be treated as a U.S. person. |
As used herein, the term non-U.S. holder means a beneficial owner of a note (other than a
partnership or other entity treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes) that is
not a U.S. holder.
If a partnership (including any entity treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax
purposes) is a beneficial owner of a note, the tax treatment of a partner in the partnership
generally will depend upon the status of the partner and the activities of the partnership. A
beneficial owner that is a partnership and partners in such a
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partnership are urged to consult their tax advisors about the U.S. federal income tax
consequences of the purchase, ownership and disposition of the notes.
Investors considering the acquisition of the New Notes are urged to consult their own tax
advisors with respect to the application of the U.S. federal income tax laws to their particular
situations as well as any tax consequences arising under the U.S. federal estate or gift tax rules
or under the laws of any state, local or foreign taxing jurisdiction or under any applicable tax
treaty.
Qualified Reopening
Applying the Treasury regulations relating to qualified reopenings, we intend to treat the
New Notes, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, as part of the same issue as both the registered
2007 Notes and registered 2010 Notes but not the 2009 Notes. As a result, we intend to treat the
New Notes as having the same issue date, issue price and adjusted issue price as both the
registered 2007 Notes and registered 2010 Notes for U.S. federal income tax purposes and as
fungible with both the registered 2007 Notes and registered 2010 Notes but not the 2009 Notes.
However, while we believe that this is a reasonable application of the law regarding qualified
reopenings, given the legal and factual uncertainties involved in the determination, there can be
no assurance in this regard, and it is possible that the New Notes will not be part of the same
issue as the registered 2007 Notes and registered 2010 Notes for U.S. federal income tax purposes,
in which case the timing, amount and character of the income recognized with respect to the notes
could differ from that described below, and the New Notes might not be fungible with the registered
2007 Notes and registered 2010 Notes. The remainder of this discussion assumes that the New Notes
will appropriately be treated as part of the same issue as the registered 2007 Notes and registered
2010 Notes.
U.S. Holders
Payments of Interest
Except as set forth below, stated interest on a note generally will be taxable to a U.S.
holder as ordinary income from domestic sources at the time it is paid or accrued in accordance
with the U.S. holders method of accounting for tax purposes.
Amortizable Bond Premium
A U.S. holder that purchases a note for an amount in excess of the sum of all amounts payable
on the note after the purchase date other than qualified stated interest (generally, stated
interest that is unconditionally payable in cash or property (other than debt instruments of the
issuer) at least annually over the term of the notes at a single fixed rate) will be considered to
have purchased the note at a premium equal to the amount of such excess. A U.S. holder generally
may elect to amortize the premium over the remaining term of the note on a constant yield method as
an offset to interest when includible in income under the U.S. holders regular accounting method.
Under Treasury regulations, the amount of amortizable bond premium exceeding such interest offset
that a U.S. holder may deduct in any accrual period is limited to the amount by which the U.S.
holders total interest inclusions on the note in prior accrual periods exceed the total amount
treated by the U.S. holder as a bond premium deduction in prior accrual periods. If any of the
excess bond premium is not deductible, that amount is carried forward to the next accrual period.
Bond premium on a note held by a U.S. holder that does not make an election to amortize premium
will decrease the gain or increase the loss otherwise recognized on disposition of the note. The
election to amortize premium on a constant yield method, once made, applies to all debt obligations
held or subsequently acquired by the electing U.S. holder on or after the first day of the first
taxable year to which the election applies and may not be revoked without the consent of the IRS.
Exchange Offer
The exchange of an Original Note for a New Note pursuant to the Exchange Offer generally will
not constitute a taxable event to the exchanging holder for U.S. federal income tax purposes. In
such case, an exchanging holder:
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will not recognize any gain or loss on the receipt of the New Note; |
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will have a holding period for the New Note that includes the holding period for the
Original Note exchanged therefor; |
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will have an adjusted tax basis in the New Note equal to its adjusted tax basis in the
Original Note exchanged therefor; and |
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will experience tax consequences upon a sale, redemption, exchange or other taxable
disposition of a New Note as described below. |
The Exchange Offer is not expected to result in any material U.S. federal income tax
consequences to a non-exchanging holder.
Sale, redemption, exchange or other taxable disposition of notes
Except as described above under Exchange Offer, a U.S. holder generally will recognize
capital gain or loss on the sale, redemption, exchange or other taxable disposition of a note. In
such case, the U.S. holders gain or loss will equal the difference between the proceeds received
by the holder (other than proceeds received that are attributable to accrued but unpaid interest
not previously included in the U.S. holders income) and the holders adjusted tax basis in the
note. The proceeds received by a U.S. holder will include the amount of any cash and the fair
market value of any other property received for the note. The U.S. holders adjusted tax basis in
a note is generally the U.S. holders cost for the note, reduced by any cash payments on the note
other than stated interest. The portion of any proceeds received that is attributable to accrued
but unpaid interest will not be taken into account in computing the U.S. holders capital gain or
loss. Instead, that portion will be recognized as ordinary interest income to the extent that the
U.S. holder has not previously included the accrued interest in income.
The capital gain or loss recognized by a U.S. holder on a disposition of the note will be
long-term capital gain or loss if, at the time of such sale, redemption, exchange, or other taxable
disposition, the holder held the note for more than one year. Under current U.S. federal income
tax law, net long-term capital gains of non-corporate U.S. holders (including individuals) are
generally eligible for taxation at preferential rates. The deductibility of capital losses is
subject to limitations.
Liquidated damages
We intend to take the position that any liquidated damages payable on a failure to timely meet
our registration obligations will be taxable to a U.S. holder as ordinary income when received or
accrued in accordance with the U.S. holders regular method of accounting. This position is based
in part on the assumption that, as of the date of issuance of the notes, the possibility that
liquidated damages will have to be paid is a remote or incidental contingency within the
meaning of applicable Treasury regulations. We also intend to take the position that the purchase
and sale options that belong to us and the holders do not affect the accrual of income with respect
to the notes until such time, if any, as such options are exercised. Our determinations in these
regards are binding on a U.S. holder, unless such holder explicitly discloses that such holder is
taking a different position to the IRS on such holders tax return for the year during which the
note is acquired. The IRS, however, may take a different position, which could affect the amount,
timing and character of income and gain with respect to the notes.
Information reporting and backup withholding
Generally, U.S. holders will be subject to information reporting on payments of interest on
the notes and the proceeds from a sale or other disposition of the notes. Unless a U.S. holder is
an exempt recipient backup withholding may apply to such payments if the U.S. holder:
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fails to furnish a taxpayer identification number (TIN) within a reasonable time after
a request therefor; |
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furnishes an incorrect TIN; |
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is notified by the IRS that the U.S. holder has failed to report interest or dividends
properly; |
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fails, under certain circumstances, to provide a certified statement, signed under
penalty of perjury, that the TIN provided is correct and that such U.S. holder is not
subject to backup withholding; or |
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otherwise fails to comply with backup withholding rules. |
A U.S. holder will generally not be subject to backup withholding if it provides a properly
completed IRS Form W-9 to the applicable payor.
Backup withholding is not an additional tax. Any amount withheld from a payment to a U.S.
holder under these rules will be allowed as a credit against such holders U.S. federal income tax
liability and may entitle such holder to a refund, provided that the required information is
furnished timely to the IRS.
New Legislation
Newly enacted legislation requires certain U.S. holders who are individuals, estates or trusts
to pay an additional 3.8% tax on, among other things, interest on and capital gains from the sale
or other disposition of notes for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2012. U.S. holders
should consult their tax advisors regarding the effect, if any, of this legislation on their
ownership and disposition of the notes.
Non-U.S. Holders
Payments of interest
Interest income paid on a note by us or our agent to a non-U.S. holder will qualify for the
portfolio interest exemption and will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax or withholding
tax, provided that such interest income is not effectively connected with a U.S. trade or business
of the non-U.S. holder (and, if a tax treaty applies, is not attributable to a U.S. permanent
establishment or fixed base maintained by the non-U.S. holder within the United States) and
provided that the non-U.S. holder:
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does not, actually or by attribution own, 10% or more of the total combined voting power
of all classes of our stock entitled to vote; |
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is not, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, a controlled foreign corporation that is
related to us actually or by attribution through stock ownership within the meaning of the
Code; |
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is not a bank that acquired the notes in consideration for an extension of credit made
pursuant to a loan agreement entered into in the ordinary course of business; and |
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either (a) provides an IRS Form W-8BEN (or a suitable substitute form) signed under
penalties of perjury that includes the non-U.S. holders name and address and certifies as
to non-U.S. status in compliance with applicable law and regulations, or (b) is a
securities clearing organization, bank or other financial institution that holds customers
securities in the ordinary course of its trade or business and provides a statement to us
or our agent under penalties of perjury in which it certifies that such a Form W-8 (or a
suitable substitute form) has been received by it from the beneficial owner and furnishes
us or our agent with a copy. The Treasury regulations provide special certification rules
for notes held by a foreign partnership and other intermediaries. |
If such non-U.S. holder cannot satisfy the requirements described above, payments of interest
made to the non-U.S. holder will be subject to the 30% U.S. federal withholding tax, unless such
holder provides us with a properly executed IRS Form W-8BEN claiming an exemption from (or a
reduction of) withholding under the benefit of an applicable income tax treaty or, as described
below, a properly executed IRS Form W-8ECI claiming that the interest is effectively connected with
the non-U.S. holders conduct of a trade or business in the United States.
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In the event that we are required to pay liquidated damages on the notes, as described above
in U.S. Holders Liquidated damages, we intend to treat such payment the same as other interest
payments received by a non-U.S. holder. However, the IRS may treat such payments as other than
interest, in which case they would be subject to U.S. withholding at a rate of 30%, unless the
holder qualifies for a reduced rate of tax or an exemption under an applicable U.S. income tax
treaty.
If interest on a note is effectively connected with the conduct of a U.S. trade or business by
a non-U.S. holder and, if a tax treaty applies, is attributable to a U.S. permanent establishment
or fixed base maintained by the non-U.S. holder within the United States, the non-U.S. holder
generally will not be subject to withholding if the non-U.S. holder complies with applicable IRS
certification requirements (i.e., by delivering a properly executed IRS Form W-8ECI) and generally
will be subject to U.S. federal income tax on a net income basis at regular graduated rates in the
same manner as if the holder were a U.S. holder. In the case of a non-U.S. holder that is a
corporation, such effectively connected income also may be subject to the additional branch profits
tax, which generally is imposed on a foreign corporation on the deemed repatriation from the United
States of effectively connected earnings and profits at a 30% rate (or such lower rate as may be
prescribed by an applicable tax treaty).
Exchange Offer
The exchange of an Original Note for a New Note pursuant to the Exchange Offer generally will
not constitute a taxable event to the exchanging holder for U.S. federal income tax purposes. In
such case, an exchanging holder:
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will not recognize any gain or loss on the receipt of the New Note; |
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will have a holding period for the New Note that includes the holding period for the
Original Note exchanged therefor; |
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will have an adjusted tax basis in the New Note equal to its adjusted tax basis in the
Original Note exchanged therefor; and |
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will experience tax consequences upon a sale, redemption, exchange or other taxable
disposition of a New Note as described below. |
The Exchange Offer is not expected to result in any material U.S. federal income tax
consequences to a non-exchanging holder.
Sale, redemption, exchange or other disposition of notes
A non-U.S. holder of a note generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax on gain
realized on the sale, exchange, redemption, retirement or other disposition of a note, unless:
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the non-U.S. holder is a nonresident alien individual who was present in the United
States for 183 days or more during the taxable year of the disposition and certain other
conditions are met; or |
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the gain is effectively connected with the conduct of a U.S. trade or business by the
non-U.S. holder, and, if required by an applicable income tax treaty, the gain is
attributable to a U.S. permanent establishment or fixed base of the non-U.S. holder. |
Information reporting and backup withholding
Regardless of whether any withholding was required, the payment of interest to a non-U.S.
holder, and the U.S. federal tax withheld, if any, with respect to such interest, must be reported
annually to the IRS and to such non-U.S. holder. This information may also be made available to
the tax authorities in the country in which the non-U.S. holder resides under the provisions of an
applicable income tax treaty or other agreement.
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In general, non-U.S. holders will not be subject to backup withholding with respect to
payments of principal and interest or the proceeds from the sale or other disposition of the notes,
provided that (i) the applicable payor does not have actual knowledge that such non-U.S. holder is
a U.S. person for U.S. federal income tax purposes and (ii) such non-U.S. holder certifies as to
its non-U.S. status under penalties of perjury (i.e., by providing the statement described in the
last bullet point under Non-U.S. HoldersPayments of interest) or otherwise establishes an
exemption.
Backup withholding is not an additional tax. Any amount withheld from a payment to a non-U.S.
holder under these rules will be allowed as a credit against such holders U.S. federal income tax
liability and may entitle such holder to a refund, provided that the required information is
furnished timely to the IRS.
U.S. Estate Tax
Notes held, or treated as held, by an individual who is not a citizen or resident of the
United States, as specifically defined for U.S. federal estate tax purposes, at the time of death
will not be included in the decedents gross estate for U.S. federal estate tax purposes, provided
that, at the time of death, the interest on the notes qualifies for the portfolio interest
exemption from U.S. federal income tax without regard to certain certification requirements, and
provided that, at the time of death, payments with respect to such notes would not have been
effectively connected with the conduct of a trade or business within the United States by such
non-U.S. holder. Individual non-U.S. holders should consult with their tax advisors regarding the
possible application of the U.S. federal estate tax to their particular circumstances.
THE U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX SUMMARY SET FORTH ABOVE IS INCLUDED FOR GENERAL INFORMATION ONLY AND
MAY NOT BE APPLICABLE DEPENDING UPON YOUR PARTICULAR SITUATION. YOU ARE URGED TO CONSULT YOUR OWN
TAX ADVISORS WITH RESPECT TO THE TAX CONSEQUENCES TO YOU OF THE PURCHASE, OWNERSHIP AND DISPOSITION
OF THE NOTES, INCLUDING THE TAX CONSEQUENCES UNDER STATE, LOCAL, FOREIGN AND OTHER TAX LAWS AND THE
POSSIBLE EFFECTS OF CHANGES IN FEDERAL OR OTHER TAX LAWS.
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PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
Each broker-dealer that receives New Notes for its own account pursuant to the Exchange Offer
must acknowledge that it will deliver a prospectus in connection with any resale of such New Notes
during the 180 days after the expiration date. This prospectus, as it may be amended or
supplemented from time to time, may be used by a broker-dealer in connection with resales of New
Notes received in exchange for Original Notes where such Original Notes were acquired as a result
of market-making activities or other trading activities. We have agreed that, for a period of not
less than 180 days after the expiration date, we will make this prospectus, as amended or
supplemented, available to any broker-dealer for use in connection with any such resale.
We will not receive any proceeds from any sale of New Notes by broker-dealers. New Notes
received by broker-dealers for their own account pursuant to the Exchange Offer may be sold from
time to time in one or more transactions in the over-the-counter market, in negotiated
transactions, through the writing of options on the New Notes or a combination of such methods of
resale, at market prices prevailing at the time of resale, at prices related to such prevailing
market prices or negotiated prices. Any such resale may be made directly to purchasers or to or
through brokers or dealers who may receive compensation in the form of commissions or concessions
from any such broker-dealer and/or the purchasers of any such New Notes. Any broker-dealer that
resells New Notes that were received by it for its own account pursuant to the Exchange Offer and
any broker or dealer that participates in a distribution of such New Notes may be deemed to be an
underwriter within the meaning of the Securities Act and any profit from any such resale of New
Notes and any commissions or concessions received by any such persons may be deemed to be
underwriting compensation under the Securities Act. The letter of transmittal states that, by
acknowledging that it will deliver and by delivering a prospectus, a broker-dealer will not be
deemed to admit that it is an underwriter within the meaning of the Securities Act.
For a period of 180 days after the expiration date, we will promptly send additional copies of
this prospectus and any amendment or supplement to this prospectus to any broker-dealer that
requests such documents in the letter of transmittal. We have agreed to pay all of our expenses
incident to the Exchange Offer (and the reasonable fees and disbursements in an amount not to
exceed $10,000 of one counsel for the holders of the Original Notes). We will indemnify the
holders of the Original Notes (including any broker-dealers) against certain liabilities, including
liabilities under the Securities Act.
VALIDITY OF THE NEW NOTES
The validity of the New Notes will be passed upon for us by Goodwin Procter
LLP, Boston, Massachusetts.
EXPERTS
The financial statements and managements assessment of the effectiveness of internal control
over financial reporting (which is included in Managements Report on Internal Control over
Financial Reporting) incorporated in this Prospectus by reference to the Annual Report on Form 10-K
of Vector Group Ltd. for the year ended December 31, 2010 have been so incorporated in reliance on
the report of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an independent registered certified public accounting
firm, given on the authority of said firm as experts in auditing and accounting.
The financial statements of Liggett Group LLC incorporated in this Prospectus by reference to
the Vector Group Ltd. Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010 have been so
incorporated in reliance on the report of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an independent registered
public accounting firm, given on the authority of said firm as experts in auditing and accounting.
The financial statements of Vector Tobacco Inc. incorporated in this Prospectus by reference
to the Vector Group Ltd. Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010 have been
so incorporated in reliance on the report of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an independent registered
public accounting firm, given on the authority of said firm as experts in auditing and accounting.
83
The audited financial statements of Douglas Elliman Realty, LLC as of and for the years ended
December 31, 2010 and 2009 incorporated in this Prospectus by reference to the Vector Group Ltd.
Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010 have been so incorporated in
reliance on the report of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an independent registered public accounting
firm, given on the authority of said firm as experts in auditing and accounting.
84
VECTOR GROUP LTD.
Exchange Offer for
Up to $90,000,000 Principal Amount Outstanding of
11% Senior Secured Notes due 2015
for
a Like Principal Amount of
Registered 11% Senior Secured Notes due 2015
PROSPECTUS
, 2011
PART II
INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS
Item 20. Indemnification of Directors and Officers.
Delaware Registrants
Section 145(a) of the Delaware General Corporation Law (the DGCL) provides, in relevant
part, that a corporation may indemnify any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made
a party to any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding (other than an action by
or in the right of the corporation) by reason of the fact that such person is or was a director,
officer, employee or agent of the corporation, or is or was serving at the request of the
corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint
venture, trust or other enterprise, against expenses (including attorneys fees), judgments, fines
and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by such person in connection with
such action, suit or proceeding if such person acted in good faith and in a manner such person
reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the corporation, and, with
respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe such persons
conduct was unlawful. Under Section 145(b) of the DGCL, such eligibility for indemnification may
be further subject to the adjudication of the Delaware Court of Chancery or the court in which such
action or suit was brought.
Section 102(b)(7) of the DGCL provides that a corporation may in its certificate of
incorporation eliminate or limit the personal liability of a director to the corporation or its
stockholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a director except for liability:
(i) for any breach of the directors duty of loyalty to the corporation or its stockholders; (ii)
for acts or omissions not in good faith or which involve intentional misconduct or a knowing
violation of law; (iii) under Section 174 of the DGCL (pertaining to certain prohibited acts
including unlawful payment of dividends or unlawful purchase or redemption of the corporations
capital stock); or (iv) for any transaction from which the director derived an improper personal
benefit. The certificates of incorporation of each of Vector Group, Liggett Vector Brands LLC, Eve
Holdings Inc., Liggett & Myers Holdings Inc. and Accommodations Acquisition Corporation eliminate
such personal liability of their directors under such terms. The bylaws of Liggett & Myers Inc.
provide that the corporation may indemnify any person to the extent provided under the DGCL.
Vector Group Ltd. and the other Delaware registrants also maintain liability insurance for the
benefit of their directors and officers.
Section 18-108 of the Delaware Limited Liability Company Act provides that, subject to such
standards and restrictions, if any, as are set forth in its limited liability company agreement, a
limited liability company may, and shall have the power to, indemnify and hold harmless any member
or manager or other person from and against any and all claims and demands whatsoever.
The limited liability company agreements of the Delaware limited liability company registrants
provide that each may indemnify its members, directors and officers and any other designated person
on an after-tax basis for any damage, judgment, amount paid in settlement, fine, penalty, punitive
damages, excise tax or cost or expense of any nature (including attorneys fees and disbursements)
to the fullest extent provided or allowed by the laws of Delaware; provided, however, that no
indemnity shall be payable against any liability incurred by such person by reason of (i) fraud,
willful violation of law, gross negligence or such persons material breach of the limited
partnership agreement or such persons bad faith or (ii) the receipt by such person from the
company of a personal benefit to which such person is or was not legally entitled. The Limited
Liability Company Agreements of Liggett Group LLC, VGR Holding LLC, VGR Aviation LLC, Vector
Research LLC, and V.T. Aviation LLC provide for the indemnification of any manager and delegates of
the managers, to the fullest extent authorized by the Delaware Limited Liability Company Act. The
Limited Liability Company Agreement of 100 Maple LLC provides for the indemnification of any
manager and delegates of the managers, to the fullest extent authorized by the Delaware Limited
Liability Company Act, provided that no indemnification shall be made to or on behalf of any
manager if a judgment or other final adjudication adverse to such manager establishes that either
(a) the managers acts were committed in bad faith or were the result of active and deliberate
dishonesty and were material to the cause of the
II-1
action being adjudicated, or (b) the manager personally gained a financial profit or other
advantage to which the manager was not legally entitled.
Virginia Registrant
Vector Tobacco, Inc. is incorporated under the laws of the State of Virginia. Section 13.1-
697(A) of the Code of Virginia, 1950, as amended (the Code) provides that a corporation may
indemnify an individual made a party to a proceeding because he is or was a director or officer
against liability incurred in the proceeding, (a) if he conducted himself in good faith, and (b) he
believed, (i) in the case of conduct in his official capacity with the corporation, that his
conduct was in its best interests, (ii) in all other cases, that his conduct was at least not
opposed to its best interests, and (iii) in the case of any criminal proceeding, he had no
reasonable cause to believe his conduct was unlawful. Unless ordered by a court under subsection C
of 13.1-700.1 of the Code, (a) a corporation may not indemnify a director in connection with a
proceeding by or in the right of the corporation except for reasonable expenses incurred in
connection with the proceeding if it is determined that the director has met the relevant standard
set forth in the preceding sentence, or (b) in connection with any other proceeding charging
improper personal benefit to the director, whether or not involving action in his official
capacity, in which he was adjudged liable on the basis that personal benefit was improperly
received by him. Section 13.1-698 of the Code provides that unless limited by its articles of
incorporation, a corporation shall indemnify a director who entirely prevails in the defense of any
proceeding to which he was a party because he is or was a director of the corporation against
reasonable expenses incurred by him in connection with the proceeding. The articles of
incorporation of Vector Tobacco, Inc. have no such limitations and the bylaws of Vector Tobacco,
Inc. provide that its directors and officers are indemnified to the maximum extent provided by law.
|
|
|
Item 21. |
|
Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules. The following exhibits are filed herewith or
incorporated herein by reference. |
|
|
|
Exhibit Number |
|
Description of Documents |
* 3.1
|
|
Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Vector Group Ltd. (formerly known as
Brooke Group Ltd.) (Vector) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 in Vectors Form 10-Q
for the quarter ended September 30, 1999). |
|
|
|
* 3.2
|
|
Certificate of Amendment to the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Vector
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 in Vectors Form 8-K dated May 24, 2000). |
|
|
|
* 3.3
|
|
Certificate of Amendment to the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Vector
Group Ltd. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 in Vectors Form 10-Q for the quarter
ended June 30, 2007). |
|
|
|
* 3.4
|
|
Amended and Restated By-Laws of Vector Group Ltd. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.4
in Vectors Form 8-K dated October 19, 2007). |
|
|
|
*3.5
|
|
Certificate of Formation of 100 Maple LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.5 in
Vectors Form S-4 dated April 8, 2008). |
|
|
|
*3.6
|
|
Limited Liability Company Operating Agreement of 100 Maple LLC (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 3.6 in Vectors Form S-4 dated April 8, 2008). |
|
|
|
*3.7
|
|
Certificate of Incorporation of Eve Holdings Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.7
in Vectors Form S-4 dated April 8, 2008). |
|
|
|
*3.8
|
|
By-laws of Eve Holdings Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.8 in Vectors Form S-4
dated April 8, 2008). |
|
|
|
*3.9
|
|
Certificate of Incorporation of Liggett & Myers Holdings Inc. (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 3.9 in Vectors Form S-4 dated April 8, 2008). |
|
|
|
*3.10
|
|
By-laws of Liggett & Myers Holdings Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.10 in
Vectors Form S-4 dated April 8, 2008). |
|
|
|
*3.11
|
|
Certificate of Incorporation of Liggett & Myers Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit
3.11 in Vectors Form S-4 dated April 8, 2008). |
|
|
|
*3.12
|
|
By-laws of Liggett & Myers Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.12 in Vectors Form
S-4 dated April 8, 2008). |
|
|
|
*3.13
|
|
Certificate of Formation of Liggett Group LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.13 in
Vectors Form S-4 dated April 8, 2008). |
II-2
|
|
|
Exhibit Number |
|
Description of Documents |
*3.14
|
|
Limited Liability Company Agreement of Liggett Group LLC (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 3.14 in Vectors Form S-4 dated April 8, 2008). |
|
|
|
3.15
|
|
Certificate of Formation of Liggett Vector Brands LLC. |
|
|
|
3.16
|
|
Limited Liability Company Agreement of Liggett Vector Brands LLC. |
|
|
|
*3.17
|
|
Certificate of Formation of V.T. Aviation LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.17 in
Vectors Form S-4 dated April 8, 2008). |
|
|
|
*3.18
|
|
Limited Liability Company Agreement of V.T. Aviation LLC (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 3.18 in Vectors Form S-4 dated April 8, 2008). |
|
|
|
*3.19
|
|
Certificate of Formation of Vector Research LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.19 in
Vectors Form S-4 dated April 8, 2008). |
|
|
|
*3.20
|
|
Limited Liability Company Agreement of Vector Research LLC (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 3.20 in Vectors Form S-4 dated April 8, 2008). |
|
|
|
*3.21
|
|
Articles of Incorporation of Vector Tobacco Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.21
in Vectors Form S-4 dated April 8, 2008). |
|
|
|
*3.22
|
|
By-laws of Vector Tobacco Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.22 in Vectors Form
S-4 dated April 8, 2008). |
|
|
|
*3.23
|
|
Certificate of Formation of VGR Aviation LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.23 in
Vectors Form S-4 dated April 8, 2008). |
|
|
|
*3.24
|
|
Limited Liability Company Agreement of VGR Aviation LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit
3.24 in Vectors Form S-4 dated April 8, 2008). |
|
|
|
*3.25
|
|
Certificate of Formation of VGR Holding LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.25 in
Vectors Form S-4 dated April 8, 2008). |
|
|
|
*3.26
|
|
Limited Liability Company Agreement of VGR Holding LLC(incorporated by reference to Exhibit
3.26 in Vectors Form S-4 dated April 8, 2008). |
|
|
|
3.27
|
|
Certificate of Incorporation of Accommodations Acquisition Corporation. |
|
|
|
3.28
|
|
By-Laws of Accommodations Acquisition Corporation. |
|
|
|
* 4.1
|
|
Amended and Restated Loan and Security Agreement dated as of April 14, 2004, by and between
Wachovia Bank, N.A., as lender, Liggett Group Inc. (Liggett), as borrower, 100 Maple LLC
and Epic Holdings Inc. (the Wachovia Loan Agreement) (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.1 in Vectors Form 8-K dated April 14, 2004). |
|
|
|
* 4.2
|
|
Amendment, dated as of December 13, 2005, to the Wachovia Loan Agreement (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 4.1 in Vectors Form 8-K dated December 13, 2005). |
|
|
|
* 4.3
|
|
Amendment, dated as of January 31, 2007, to the Wachovia Loan Agreement (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 4.1 in Vectors Form 8-K dated February 2, 2007). |
|
|
|
* 4.4
|
|
Amendment, dated as of August 10, 2007, to the Wachovia Loan Agreement (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 4.6 in Vectors Form 8-K dated August 16, 2007). |
|
|
|
* 4.5
|
|
Amendment, dated as of August 16, 2007, to the Wachovia Loan Agreement (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 4.7 in Vectors Form 8-K dated August 16, 2007). |
|
|
|
* 4.6
|
|
Amendment No. 7, dated as of August 31, 2010, to the Wachovia Loan Agreement (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 4.1 in Vectors Form 8-K dated November 1, 2010). |
|
|
|
* 4.7
|
|
Intercreditor Agreement, dated as of August 16, 2007, between Wachovia Bank, N.A., as ABL
Lender, U.S. Bank National Association, as Collateral Agent, Liggett Group LLC, as Borrower,
and 100 Maple LLC, as Loan Party (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 in Vectors
Form 8-K dated August 16, 2007). |
|
|
|
* 4.8
|
|
Indenture, dated as of July 12, 2006, by and between Vector and Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.,
relating to the 37/8% Variable Interest Senior Convertible Debentures due
2026 (the 37/8% Debentures), including the form of the
37/8% Debenture (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 in Vectors
Form 8-K dated July 11, 2006). |
|
|
|
* 4.9
|
|
Indenture, dated as of August 16, 2007, between Vector Group Ltd., the subsidiary guarantors
named therein and U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee, relating to the 11% Senior
Secured Notes due 2015, including the form of Note (the Senior Notes Indenture)
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 in Vectors Form 8-K dated August 16, 2007). |
II-3
|
|
|
Exhibit Number |
|
Description of Documents |
* 4.10
|
|
First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of July 15, 2008, to the Senior Notes Indenture
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of Vectors Form 8-K dated July 15, 2008). |
|
|
|
* 4.11
|
|
Second Supplemental Indenture, dated as of September 1, 2009, to the Senior Notes Indenture
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of Vectors Form 8-K dated September 1, 2009). |
|
|
|
* 4.12
|
|
Third Supplemental Indenture, dated as of April 21, 2010, to the Senior Notes Indenture
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of Vectors Form 8-K dated April 21, 2010). |
|
|
|
* 4.13
|
|
Fourth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of December 3, 2010, to the Senior Notes Indenture
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of Vectors Form 8-K dated December 3, 2010). |
|
|
|
* 4.14
|
|
Fifth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of December 17, 2010, to the Senior Notes Indenture
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of Vectors Form 8-K dated December 16, 2010). |
|
|
|
* 4.15
|
|
Pledge Agreement, dated as of August 16, 2007, between VGR Holding LLC, as Grantor, and U.S.
Bank National Association, as Collateral Agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 in
Vectors Form 8-K dated August 16, 2007). |
|
|
|
* 4.16
|
|
Security Agreement, dated as of August 16, 2007, between Vector Tobacco Inc., as Grantor, and
U.S. Bank National Association, as Collateral Agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3
in Vectors Form 8-K dated August 16, 2007). |
|
|
|
* 4.17
|
|
Security Agreement, dated as of August 16, 2007, between Liggett Group LLC and 100 Maple LLC,
as Grantors, and U.S. Bank National Association, as Collateral Agent (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 4.4 in Vectors Form 8-K dated August 16, 2007). |
|
|
|
* 4.18
|
|
Note, dated May 11, 2009, by Vector Group Ltd. To Frost Nevada Investments Trust
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of Vectors Form 8-K dated May 11, 2009). |
|
|
|
* 4.19
|
|
Purchase Agreement, dated as of May 11, 2009, between Vector Group Ltd. And Frost Nevada
Investments Trust (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 of Vectors Form 8-K dated
May 11, 2009). |
|
|
|
* 4.20
|
|
Form of Issuance and Exchange Agreement, dated as of June 15, 2009, between Vector Group Ltd.
And holders of its 5% Variable Interest Senior Convertible Notes due 2011 (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 4.1 of Vectors Form 8-K dated June 15, 2009). |
|
|
|
* 4.21
|
|
Indenture, dated as of June 30, 2009, between Vector Group Ltd. And Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. as
trustee, relating to the 6.75% Variable Interest Senior Convertible Exchange Notes Due 2014,
including the form of Note (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of Vectors Form 8-K
dated June 30, 2009). |
|
|
|
5.1
|
|
Opinion of Goodwin Procter LLP |
|
|
|
* 10.1
|
|
Corporate Services Agreement, dated as of June 29, 1990, between Vector and Liggett
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.10 in Liggetts Registration Statement on Form S-1,
No. 33-47482). |
|
|
|
* 10.2
|
|
Services Agreement, dated as of February 26, 1991, between Brooke Management Inc. (BMI) and
Liggett (the Liggett Services Agreement) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 in VGR
Holdings Registration Statement on Form S-1, No. 33-93576). |
|
|
|
* 10.3
|
|
First Amendment to Liggett Services Agreement, dated as of November 30, 1993, between Liggett
and BMI (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 in VGR Holdings Registration Statement on
Form S-1, No. 33-93576). |
|
|
|
* 10.4
|
|
Second Amendment to Liggett Services Agreement, dated as of October 1, 1995, between BMI,
Vector and Liggett (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(c) in Vectors Form 10-Q for the
quarter ended September 30, 1995). |
|
|
|
* 10.5
|
|
Third Amendment to Liggett Services Agreement, dated as of March 31, 2001, by and between
Vector and Liggett (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 in Vectors Form 10-K for the
year ended December 31, 2003). |
|
|
|
* 10.6
|
|
Corporate Services Agreement, dated January 1, 1992, between VGR Holding and Liggett
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.13 in Liggetts Registration Statement on Form S-1,
No. 33-47482). |
|
|
|
* 10.7
|
|
Settlement Agreement, dated March 15, 1996, by and among the State of West Virginia, State of
Florida, State of Mississippi, Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and State of Louisiana, Brooke
Group Holding and Liggett (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 15 in the Schedule 13D filed
by Vector on March 11, 1996, as amended, with respect to the common stock of RJR Nabisco
Holdings Corp.). |
|
|
|
* 10.8
|
|
Addendum to Initial States Settlement Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.43
in Vectors Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 1997). |
II-4
|
|
|
Exhibit Number |
|
Description of Documents |
* 10.9
|
|
Settlement Agreement, dated March 12, 1998, by and among the States listed in Appendix A
thereto, Brooke Group Holding and Liggett (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.35 in
Vectors Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1997). |
|
|
|
* 10.10
|
|
Master Settlement Agreement made by the Settling States and Participating Manufacturers
signatories thereto (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 in Philip Morris Companies
Inc.s Form 8-K dated November 25, 1998, Commission File No. 1-8940). |
|
|
|
* 10.11
|
|
General Liggett Replacement Agreement, dated as of November 23, 1998, entered into by each of
the Settling States under the Master Settlement Agreement, and Brooke Group Holding and
Liggett (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.34 in Vectors Form 10-K for the year ended
December 31, 1998). |
|
|
|
* 10.12
|
|
Stipulation and Agreed Order regarding Stay of Execution Pending Review and Related Matters,
dated May 7, 2001, entered into by Philip Morris Incorporated, Lorillard Tobacco Co., Liggett
Group Inc. and Brooke Group Holding Inc. and the class counsel in Engel, et. al., v. R.J.
Reynolds Tobacco Co., et. al. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.2 in Philip Morris
Companies Inc.s Form 8-K dated May 7, 2001). |
|
|
|
* 10.13
|
|
Amended and Restated Employment Agreement dated as of January 27, 2006, between Vector and
Howard M. Lorber (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 in Vectors Form 8-K dated
January 27, 2006). |
|
|
|
* 10.14
|
|
Employment Agreement, dated as of January 27, 2006, between Vector and Richard J. Lampen
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 in Vectors Form 8-K dated January 27, 2006). |
|
|
|
* 10.15
|
|
Amended and Restated Employment Agreement, dated as of January 27, 2006, between Vector and
Marc N. Bell (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 in Vectors Form 8-K dated
January 27, 2006). |
|
|
|
* 10.16
|
|
Employment Agreement, dated as of November 11, 2005, between Liggett and Ronald J. Bernstein
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 in Vectors Form 8-K dated November 11, 2005). |
|
|
|
* 10.17
|
|
Amendment to Employment Agreement, dated as of January 14, 2011, between Liggett and Ronald
J. Bernstein (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.17 in Vectors Form 10-K dated December
31, 2010). |
|
|
|
* 10.18
|
|
Employment Agreement, dated as of January 27, 2006, between Vector and J. Bryant Kirkland III
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 in Vectors Form 8-K dated January 27, 2006). |
|
|
|
* 10.19
|
|
Vector Group Ltd. Amended and Restated 1999 Long-Term Incentive Plan (incorporated by
reference to Appendix A in Vectors Proxy Statement dated April 21, 2004). |
|
|
|
* 10.20
|
|
Stock Option Agreement, dated December 3, 2009, between Vector and Richard J. Lampen
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.19 in Vectors Form 10-K dated December 31, 2009). |
|
|
|
* 10.21
|
|
Stock Option Agreement, dated December 3, 2009, between Vector and Marc N. Bell (incorporated
by reference to Exhibit 10.20 in Vectors Form 10-K dated December 31, 2009). |
|
|
|
* 10.22
|
|
Stock Option Agreement, dated January 22, 2001, between Vector and Howard M. Lorber
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 in Vectors Form 10-Q for the quarter ended
March 31, 2001). |
|
|
|
* 10.23
|
|
Stock Option Agreement, dated December 3, 2009, between Vector and Howard M. Lorber
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.22 in Vectors Form 10-K dated December 31, 2009). |
|
|
|
* 10.24
|
|
Stock Option Agreement, dated December 3, 2009, between Vector and J. Bryant Kirkland III
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.23 in Vectors Form 10-K dated December 31, 2009). |
|
|
|
* 10.25
|
|
Option Letter Agreement, dated as of November 11, 2005 between Vector and Ronald J. Bernstein
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 in Vectors Form 8-K dated November 11, 2005). |
|
|
|
* 10.26
|
|
Restricted Share Award Agreement, dated as of April 7, 2009, between Vector Group Ltd. and
Howard M. Lorber (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of Vectors Form 8-K dated
April 10, 2009). |
|
|
|
* 10.27
|
|
Stock Option Agreement, dated January 14, 2011, between Vector and Howard M. Lorber
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit S to Schedule 13D, as amended, dated January 21, 2011
filed by Howard M. Lorber). |
|
|
|
* 10.28
|
|
Vector Senior Executive Annual Bonus Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.7 in
Vectors Form 8-K dated January 27, 2006). |
|
|
|
* 10.29
|
|
Vector Senior Executive Incentive Compensation Plan (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.1 in Vectors Form 8-K dated January 14, 2011). |
|
|
|
* 10.30
|
|
Vector Supplemental Retirement Plan (as amended and restated April 24, 2008) (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.1 in Vectors Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2008). |
|
|
|
* 10.31
|
|
Operating Agreement of Douglas Elliman Realty, LLC (formerly known as Montauk Battery Realty
LLC) dated December 17, 2002 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 in New Valleys
Form 8-K dated December 13, 2002). |
II-5
|
|
|
Exhibit Number |
|
Description of Documents |
10.32*
|
|
First Amendment to Operating Agreement of Douglas Elliman Realty, LLC (formerly known as
Montauk Battery Realty LLC), dated as of March 14, 2003 (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.1 in New Valleys Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2003). |
|
|
|
10.33*
|
|
Second Amendment to Operating Agreement of Douglas Elliman Realty, LLC, dated as of May 19,
2003 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 in New Valleys Form 10-Q for the quarter
ended June 30, 2003). |
|
|
|
12
|
|
Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges. |
|
|
|
21*
|
|
Subsidiaries of Vector
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 21 in Vector Groups Form 10-K
for the year ended December 31, 2010). |
|
|
|
23.2
|
|
Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP. |
|
|
|
23.3
|
|
Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP. |
|
|
|
23.4
|
|
Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP. |
|
|
|
23.5
|
|
Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP. |
|
|
|
24.1
|
|
Power of Attorney (included on signature page hereto). |
|
|
|
25.1
|
|
Statement of Eligibility on Form T-1 under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended, of
U.S. Bank National Association under the Indenture. |
|
|
|
99.1
|
|
Form of Letter of Transmittal. |
|
|
|
99.2
|
|
Form of Notice of Guaranteed Delivery. |
|
|
|
99.3
|
|
Form of Notice of Withdrawal of Tender. |
|
|
|
99.4
|
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Form of Letter to Brokers, Dealers, Commercial Banks, Trust Companies and Other Nominees. |
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|
99.5
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|
Form of Letter to Clients. |
|
|
|
99.6
|
|
Form of Guidelines for Certification of Taxpayer Identification Number on Substitute Form W-9. |
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* |
|
Incorporated by reference |
Item 22. Undertakings.
The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes:
(1) to file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a post-effective
amendment to this registration statement:
(i) to include any prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act of
1933;
(ii) to reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after the effective date
of the registration statement (or the most recent post-effective amendment thereof) which,
individually or in the aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set
forth in the registration statement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any increase or
decrease in volume of securities offered (if the total dollar value of securities offered
would not exceed that which was registered) and any deviation from the low or high end of
the estimated maximum offering range may be reflected in the form of prospectus filed with
the Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) if, in the aggregate, the changes in volume and price
represent no more than 20% change in the maximum aggregate offering price set forth in the
Calculation of Registration Fee table in the effective registration statement;
(iii) to include any material information with respect to the plan of distribution not
previously disclosed in the registration statement or any material change to such
information in the registration statement;
(2) That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each
such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the
securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be
the initial bona fide offering thereof.
II-6
(3) To remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment any of the securities
being registered which remain unsold at the termination of the offering.
(4) That, for purposes of determining liability under the Securities Act of 1933 to any
purchaser:
(i) each prospectus filed pursuant to Rule 424(b) as part of the registration statement
relating to an offering, other than registration statements relying on Rule 430B or other
than prospectuses filed in reliance on Rule 430A, shall be deemed to be part of and included
in the registration statement as of the date it is first used after effectiveness.
Provided, however, that no statement made in a registration statement or prospectus that is
part of the registration statement or made in a document incorporated or deemed incorporated
by reference into the registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration
statement will, as to a purchaser with a time of contract of sale prior to such first use,
supersede or modify any statement that was made in the registration statement or prospectus
that was part of the registration statement or made in any such document immediately prior
to such date of first use.
(5) That, for the purpose of determining liability of the registrant under the Securities Act
of 1933 to any purchaser in the initial distribution of securities:
The undersigned registrant undertakes that in a primary offering of securities of the
undersigned registrant pursuant to this registration statement, regardless of the underwriting
method used to sell the securities to the purchaser, if the securities are offered or sold to such
purchaser by means of any of the following communications, the undersigned registrant will be a
seller to the purchaser and will be considered to offer or sell such securities to such purchaser:
(i) Any preliminary prospectus or prospectus of the undersigned registrant relating to
the offering required to be filed pursuant to Rule 424;
(ii) Any free writing prospectus relating to the offering prepared by or on behalf of
the undersigned registrant or used or referred to by the undersigned registrant;
(iii) The portion of any other free writing prospectus relating to the offering
containing material information about the undersigned registrant or its securities provided
by or on behalf of the undersigned registrant; and
(iv) Any other communication that is an offer in the offering made by the undersigned
registrant to the purchaser.
Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be
permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the registrant pursuant to the
foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the
Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in
the Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against
such liabilities (other than the payment by the registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a
director, officer or controlling person of the registrant in the successful defense of any action,
suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with
the securities being registered, the registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the
matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the
question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Act and
will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.
The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes to supply by means of a post-effective amendment
all information concerning a transaction, and the company being acquired involved therein, that was
not the subject of and included in the registration statement when it became effective.
II-7
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the Registrant certifies that it
has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form S-4 and
has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, in the
City of Miami, State of Florida, on April 4, 2011.
|
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|
VECTOR GROUP LTD.
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|
By: |
/s/ J. Bryant Kirkland III
|
|
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J. Bryant Kirkland III |
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|
Vice President, Treasurer, and Chief Financial Officer |
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|
POWER OF ATTORNEY
Each person whose signature appears below hereby constitutes and appoints Richard J. Lampen,
Marc N. Bell, and J. Bryant Kirkland III, and each of them, with full power to act without the
other, such persons true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, with full power of substitution
and re-substitution, for him in his name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign this
registration statement and any and all amendments thereto (including post-effective amendments) and
any related registration statement filed pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act of 1933,
as amended, and to file the same, with all exhibits and schedules thereto, and other documents in
connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission and hereby grants to such
attorney-in-fact and agent, full power of authority to do and perform each and every act and thing
requisite and necessary to be done, as fully to all intents and purposes as he or she might or
could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorney-in-fact and agent or his
or her substitute or substitutes may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this registration statement has
been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
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Signature |
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Title |
|
Date |
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/s/ Howard M. Lorber
Howard M. Lorber
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President and Chief Executive Officer
|
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April 4, 2011 |
|
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|
|
|
/s/ J. Bryant Kirkland III
J. Bryant Kirkland III
|
|
Vice President, Treasurer, and Chief
Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer and
Principal Accounting Officer)
|
|
April 4, 2011 |
|
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|
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/s/ Henry C. Beinstein
Henry C. Beinstein
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Director
|
|
April 4, 2011 |
|
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|
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/s/ Ronald J. Bernstein
Ronald J. Bernstein
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Director
|
|
April 4, 2011 |
|
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|
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/s/ Robert J. Eide
Robert J. Eide
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Director
|
|
April 4, 2011 |
|
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|
|
|
/s/ Bennett S. LeBow
Bennett S. LeBow
|
|
Director
|
|
April 4, 2011 |
|
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|
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/s/ Howard M. Lorber
Howard M. Lorber
|
|
Director
|
|
April 4, 2011 |
|
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|
|
/s/ Jeffrey S. Podell
Jeffrey S. Podell
|
|
Director
|
|
April 4, 2011 |
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ Jean E. Sharpe
Jean E. Sharpe
|
|
Director
|
|
April 4, 2011 |
II-8
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the Registrant certifies that it
has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form S-4 and
has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, in the
City of Morrisville, State of North Carolina, on April 4, 2011.
|
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|
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100 Maple LLC
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|
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By: |
/s/ Ronald J. Bernstein
|
|
|
|
Ronald J. Bernstein |
|
|
|
Manager |
|
|
POWER OF ATTORNEY
Each person whose signature appears below hereby constitutes and appoints Ronald J. Bernstein
with full power to act, such persons true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, with full power
of substitution and re-substitution, for him in his name, place and stead, in any and all
capacities, to sign this registration statement and any and all amendments thereto (including
post-effective amendments) and any related registration statement filed pursuant to Rule 462(b)
under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and to file the same, with all exhibits and schedules
thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission
and hereby grants to such attorney-in-fact and agent, full power of authority to do and perform
each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done, as fully to all intents and
purposes as he or she might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said
attorney-in-fact and agent or his or her substitute or substitutes may lawfully do or cause to be
done by virtue hereof.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this registration statement has
been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
|
|
|
|
|
Signature |
|
Title |
|
Date |
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ Ronald J. Bernstein
Ronald J. Bernstein
|
|
Manager (Principal Executive Officer)
|
|
April 4, 2011 |
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ Charles M. Kingan, Jr.
Charles M. Kingan, Jr.
|
|
Manager (Principal Financial and
Accounting Officer)
|
|
April 4, 2011 |
II-9
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the Registrant certifies that it
has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form S-4 and
has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, in the
City of Miami, State of Florida, on April 4, 2011.
|
|
|
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|
|
Accommodations Acquisition Corporation
|
|
|
By: |
/s/ Marc N. Bell
|
|
|
|
Marc N. Bell |
|
|
|
Vice President and Secretary |
|
|
POWER OF ATTORNEY
Each person whose signature appears below hereby constitutes and appoints Marc N. Bell with
full power to act, such persons true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, with full power of
substitution and re-substitution, for him in his name, place and stead, in any and all capacities,
to sign this registration statement and any and all amendments thereto (including post-effective
amendments) and any related registration statement filed pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and to file the same, with all exhibits and schedules thereto,
and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission and hereby
grants to such attorney-in-fact and agent, full power of authority to do and perform each and every
act and thing requisite and necessary to be done, as fully to all intents and purposes as he or she
might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorney-in-fact and
agent or his or her substitute or substitutes may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this registration statement has
been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
|
|
|
|
|
Signature |
|
Title |
|
Date |
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ Richard J. Lampen
Richard J. Lampen
|
|
President (Principal Executive Officer)
|
|
April 4, 2011 |
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ J. Bryant Kirkland III
J. Bryant Kirkland III
|
|
Vice President and Treasurer
(Principal Financial and Accounting
Officer)
|
|
April 4, 2011 |
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ Marc N. Bell
Marc N. Bell
|
|
Vice President and Secretary
|
|
April 4, 2011 |
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ Richard J. Lampen
Richard J. Lampen
|
|
Director
|
|
April 4, 2011 |
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ Marc N. Bell
Marc N. Bell
|
|
Director
|
|
April 4, 2011 |
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ J. Bryant Kirkland III
J. Bryant Kirkland III
|
|
Director
|
|
April 4, 2011 |
II-10
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the Registrant certifies that it
has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form S-4 and
has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, in the
City of Miami, State of Florida, on April 4, 2011.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Eve Holdings Inc.
|
|
|
By: |
/s/ Richard J. Lampen
|
|
|
|
Richard J. Lampen |
|
|
|
President |
|
|
POWER OF ATTORNEY
Each person whose signature appears below hereby constitutes and appoints Richard J. Lampen
with full power to act, such persons true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, with full power
of substitution and re-substitution, for him in his name, place and stead, in any and all
capacities, to sign this registration statement and any and all amendments thereto (including
post-effective amendments) and any related registration statement filed pursuant to Rule 462(b)
under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and to file the same, with all exhibits and schedules
thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission
and hereby grants to such attorney-in-fact and agent, full power of authority to do and perform
each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done, as fully to all intents and
purposes as he or she might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said
attorney-in-fact and agent or his or her substitute or substitutes may lawfully do or cause to be
done by virtue hereof.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this registration statement has
been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
|
|
|
|
|
Signature |
|
Title |
|
Date |
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ Richard J. Lampen
Richard J. Lampen
|
|
President (Principal Executive Officer)
|
|
April 4, 2011 |
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ J. Bryant Kirkland III
J. Bryant Kirkland III
|
|
Treasurer (Principal Financial and
Accounting Officer)
|
|
April 4, 2011 |
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ Richard J. Lampen
Richard J. Lampen
|
|
Director
|
|
April 4, 2011 |
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ Marc N. Bell
Marc N. Bell
|
|
Director
|
|
April 4, 2011 |
II-11
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the Registrant certifies that it
has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form S-4 and
has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, in the
City of Miami, State of Florida, on April 4, 2011.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Liggett & Myers Holdings Inc.
|
|
|
By: |
/s/ Richard J. Lampen
|
|
|
|
Richard J. Lampen |
|
|
|
President |
|
|
POWER OF ATTORNEY
Each person whose signature appears below hereby constitutes and appoints Richard J. Lampen
with full power to act, such persons true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, with full power
of substitution and re-substitution, for him in his name, place and stead, in any and all
capacities, to sign this registration statement and any and all amendments thereto (including
post-effective amendments) and any related registration statement filed pursuant to Rule 462(b)
under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and to file the same, with all exhibits and schedules
thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission
and hereby grants to such attorney-in-fact and agent, full power of authority to do and perform
each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done, as fully to all intents and
purposes as he or she might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said
attorney-in-fact and agent or his or her substitute or substitutes may lawfully do or cause to be
done by virtue hereof.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this registration statement has
been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
|
|
|
|
|
Signature |
|
Title |
|
Date |
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ Richard J. Lampen
Richard J. Lampen
|
|
President (Principal Executive Officer)
|
|
April 4, 2011 |
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ J. Bryant Kirkland III
J. Bryant Kirkland III
|
|
Treasurer (Principal Financial and
Accounting Officer)
|
|
April 4, 2011 |
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ Richard J. Lampen
Richard J. Lampen
|
|
Director
|
|
April 4, 2011 |
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ J. Bryant Kirkland III
J. Bryant Kirkland III
|
|
Director
|
|
April 4, 2011 |
II-12
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the Registrant certifies that it
has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form S-4 and
has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, in the
City of Morrisville, State of North Carolina, on April 4, 2011.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Liggett & Myers Inc.
|
|
|
By: |
/s/ Ronald J. Bernstein
|
|
|
|
Ronald J. Bernstein |
|
|
|
President |
|
|
POWER OF ATTORNEY
Each person whose signature appears below hereby constitutes and appoints Ronald J. Bernstein
with full power to act, such persons true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, with full power
of substitution and re-substitution, for him in his name, place and stead, in any and all
capacities, to sign this registration statement and any and all amendments thereto (including
post-effective amendments) and any related registration statement filed pursuant to Rule 462(b)
under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and to file the same, with all exhibits and schedules
thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission
and hereby grants to such attorney-in-fact and agent, full power of authority to do and perform
each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done, as fully to all intents and
purposes as he or she might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said
attorney-in-fact and agent or his or her substitute or substitutes may lawfully do or cause to be
done by virtue hereof.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this registration statement has
been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
|
|
|
|
|
Signature |
|
Title |
|
Date |
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ Ronald J. Bernstein
Ronald J. Bernstein
|
|
President (Principal Executive Officer)
|
|
April 4, 2011 |
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ Charles M. Kingan, Jr.
Charles M. Kingan, Jr.
|
|
Vice President, Treasurer (Principal
Financial and Accounting Officer)
|
|
April 4, 2011 |
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ Ronald J. Bernstein
Ronald J. Bernstein
|
|
Director
|
|
April 4, 2011 |
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ Charles M. Kingan, Jr.
Charles M. Kingan, Jr.
|
|
Director
|
|
April 4, 2011 |
II-13
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the Registrant certifies that it
has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form S-4 and
has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, in the
City of Morrisville, State of North Carolina, on April 4, 2011.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Liggett Group LLC
|
|
|
By: |
/s/ Ronald J. Bernstein
|
|
|
|
Ronald J. Bernstein |
|
|
|
Manager, President and Chief Executive Officer |
|
POWER OF ATTORNEY
Each person whose signature appears below hereby constitutes and appoints Ronald J. Bernstein
with full power to act, such persons true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, with full power
of substitution and re-substitution, for him in his name, place and stead, in any and all
capacities, to sign this registration statement and any and all amendments thereto (including
post-effective amendments) and any related registration statement filed pursuant to Rule 462(b)
under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and to file the same, with all exhibits and schedules
thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission
and hereby grants to such attorney-in-fact and agent, full power of authority to do and perform
each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done, as fully to all intents and
purposes as he or she might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said
attorney-in-fact and agent or his or her substitute or substitutes may lawfully do or cause to be
done by virtue hereof.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this registration statement has
been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
|
|
|
|
|
Signature |
|
Title |
|
Date |
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ Ronald J. Bernstein
Ronald J. Bernstein
|
|
Manager, President and Chief
Executive Officer (Principal
Executive Officer)
|
|
April 4, 2011 |
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ Charles M. Kingan, Jr.
Charles M. Kingan, Jr.
|
|
Vice President, Finance
(Principal Financial and
Accounting Officer)
|
|
April 4, 2011 |
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ Ronald J. Bernstein
Ronald J. Bernstein
|
|
Manager
|
|
April 4, 2011 |
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ Charles M. Kingan, Jr.
Charles M. Kingan, Jr.
|
|
Manager
|
|
April 4, 2011 |
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ Gregory A. Sulin
Gregory A. Sulin
|
|
Manager
|
|
April 4, 2011 |
II-14
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the Registrant certifies that it has
reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form S-4 and has
duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, in the City
of Morrisville, State of North Carolina, on April 4, 2011.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Liggett Vector Brands LLC
|
|
|
By: |
/s/ Ronald J. Bernstein
|
|
|
|
Ronald J. Bernstein |
|
|
|
President and Chief Executive Officer |
|
|
POWER OF ATTORNEY
Each person whose signature appears below hereby constitutes and appoints Ronald J. Bernstein
with full power to act, such persons true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, with full power
of substitution and re-substitution, for him in his name, place and stead, in any and all
capacities, to sign this registration statement and any and all amendments thereto (including
post-effective amendments) and any related registration statement filed pursuant to Rule 462(b)
under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and to file the same, with all exhibits and schedules
thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission
and hereby grants to such attorney-in-fact and agent, full power of authority to do and perform
each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done, as fully to all intents and
purposes as he or she might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said
attorney-in-fact and agent or his or her substitute or substitutes may lawfully do or cause to be
done by virtue hereof.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this registration statement has
been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
|
|
|
|
|
Signature |
|
Title |
|
Date |
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ Ronald J. Bernstein
Ronald J. Bernstein
|
|
President and Chief
Executive Officer (Principal
Executive Officer)
|
|
April 4, 2011 |
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ Francis G. Wall
Francis G. Wall
|
|
Vice President, Finance,
Treasurer and Chief
Financial Officer (Principal
Financial and Accounting
Officer)
|
|
April 4, 2011 |
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ Ronald J. Bernstein
Ronald J. Bernstein
|
|
Manager
|
|
April 4, 2011 |
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ Francis G. Wall
Francis G. Wall
|
|
Manager
|
|
April 4, 2011 |
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ Charles M. Kingan, Jr.
Charles M. Kingan, Jr.
|
|
Manager
|
|
April 4, 2011 |
II-15
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the Registrant certifies that it
has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form S-4 and
has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, in the
City of Morrisville, State of North Carolina, on April 4, 2011.
|
|
|
|
|
|
V.T. Aviation LLC
|
|
|
By: |
/s/ Francis G. Wall
|
|
|
|
Francis G. Wall |
|
|
|
Vice President of Finance, Treasurer and
Chief Financial Officer |
|
|
POWER OF ATTORNEY
Each person whose signature appears below hereby constitutes and appoints Francis G. Wall with
full power to act, such persons true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, with full power of
substitution and re-substitution, for him in his name, place and stead, in any and all capacities,
to sign this registration statement and any and all amendments thereto (including post-effective
amendments) and any related registration statement filed pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and to file the same, with all exhibits and schedules thereto,
and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission and hereby
grants to such attorney-in-fact and agent, full power of authority to do and perform each and every
act and thing requisite and necessary to be done, as fully to all intents and purposes as he or she
might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorney-in-fact and
agent or his or her substitute or substitutes may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this registration statement has
been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
|
|
|
|
|
Signature |
|
Title |
|
Date |
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ Francis G. Wall
Francis G. Wall
|
|
Vice President of
Finance, Treasurer and
Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Executive
Officer, Principal
Financial and Accounting
Officer)
|
|
April 4, 2011 |
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ Marc N. Bell
VECTOR RESEARCH LLC
|
|
Sole Member and Manager
|
|
April 4, 2011 |
|
|
|
|
|
As Sole Member and Manager |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
By: Marc N. Bell |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Senior Vice President,
General Counsel |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Secretary and Manager |
|
|
|
|
II-16
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the Registrant certifies that it
has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form S-4 and
has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, in the
City of New York, State of New York, on April 4, 2011.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Vector Research LLC
|
|
|
By: |
/s/ Dr. Anthony P. Albino
|
|
|
|
Dr. Anthony P. Albino |
|
|
|
President and Chief Executive Officer |
|
|
POWER OF ATTORNEY
Each person whose signature appears below hereby constitutes and appoints Francis G. Wall with
full power to act, such persons true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, with full power of
substitution and re-substitution, for him in his name, place and stead, in any and all capacities,
to sign this registration statement and any and all amendments thereto (including post-effective
amendments) and any related registration statement filed pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and to file the same, with all exhibits and schedules thereto,
and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission and hereby
grants to such attorney-in-fact and agent, full power of authority to do and perform each and every
act and thing requisite and necessary to be done, as fully to all intents and purposes as he or she
might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorney-in-fact and
agent or his or her substitute or substitutes may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this registration statement has
been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
|
|
|
|
|
Signature |
|
Title |
|
Date |
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ Dr. Anthony P. Albino
Dr. Anthony P. Albino
|
|
President and Chief Executive
Officer (Principal Executive
Officer)
|
|
April 4, 2011 |
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ Francis G. Wall
Francis G. Wall
|
|
Vice President, Treasurer and
Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial and
Accounting Officer)
|
|
April 4, 2011 |
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ Marc N. Bell
Marc N. Bell
|
|
Senior Vice President,
General Counsel, Secretary
and Manager
|
|
April 4, 2011 |
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ Howard M. Lorber
Howard M. Lorber
|
|
Manager
|
|
April 4, 2011 |
II-17
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the Registrant certifies that it
has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form S-4 and
has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, in the
City of New York, State of New York, on April 4, 2011.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Vector Tobacco Inc.
|
|
|
By: |
/s/ Howard M. Lorber
|
|
|
|
Howard M. Lorber |
|
|
|
President and Chief Executive Officer |
|
|
POWER OF ATTORNEY
Each person whose signature appears below hereby constitutes and appoints Howard M. Lorber
with full power to act, such persons true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, with full power
of substitution and re-substitution, for him in his name, place and stead, in any and all
capacities, to sign this registration statement and any and all amendments thereto (including
post-effective amendments) and any related registration statement filed pursuant to Rule 462(b)
under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and to file the same, with all exhibits and schedules
thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission
and hereby grants to such attorney-in-fact and agent, full power of authority to do and perform
each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done, as fully to all intents and
purposes as he or she might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said
attorney-in-fact and agent or his or her substitute or substitutes may lawfully do or cause to be
done by virtue hereof.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this registration statement has
been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
|
|
|
|
|
Signature |
|
Title |
|
Date |
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ Howard M. Lorber
Howard M. Lorber
|
|
(President and Chief Executive
Officer, Principal Executive
Officer)
|
|
April 4, 2011 |
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ Francis G. Wall
Francis G. Wall
|
|
Vice President of Finance,
Treasurer and Chief Financial
Officer (Principal Financial and
Accounting Officer)
|
|
April 4, 2011 |
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ Marc N. Bell
Marc N. Bell
|
|
Senior Vice President, General
Counsel and Secretary
|
|
April 4, 2011 |
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ Howard M. Lorber
Howard M. Lorber
|
|
Director
|
|
April 4, 2011 |
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ Marc N. Bell
Marc N. Bell
|
|
Director
|
|
April 4, 2011 |
II-18
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the Registrant certifies that it
has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form S-4 and
has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, in the
City of Morrisville, State of North Carolina, on April 4, 2011.
|
|
|
|
|
|
VGR Aviation LLC
|
|
|
By: |
/s/ Francis G. Wall
|
|
|
|
Francis G. Wall |
|
|
|
Vice President of Finance, Chief Financial
Officer and Treasurer |
|
|
POWER OF ATTORNEY
Each person whose signature appears below hereby constitutes and appoints Francis G. Wall with
full power to act, such persons true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, with full power of
substitution and re-substitution, for him in his name, place and stead, in any and all capacities,
to sign this registration statement and any and all amendments thereto (including post-effective
amendments) and any related registration statement filed pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and to file the same, with all exhibits and schedules thereto,
and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission and hereby
grants to such attorney-in-fact and agent, full power of authority to do and perform each and every
act and thing requisite and necessary to be done, as fully to all intents and purposes as he or she
might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorney-in-fact and
agent or his or her substitute or substitutes may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this registration statement has
been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
|
|
|
|
|
Signature |
|
Title |
|
Date |
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ Francis G. Wall
Francis G. Wall
|
|
Vice President of
Finance, Chief
Financial Officer and
Treasurer (Principal
Executive Officer,
Principal Financial
and Accounting
Officer)
|
|
April 4, 2011 |
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ J. Bryant Kirkland III
VECTOR GROUP LTD.
|
|
Sole Member and Manager
|
|
April 4, 2011 |
|
|
|
|
|
As Sole Member and Manager |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
By: J. Bryant Kirkland III |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Vice President, Chief Financial Officer
and Treasurer |
|
|
|
|
II-19
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the Registrant certifies that it
has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form S-4 and
has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, in the
City of Miami, State of Florida, on April 4, 2011.
|
|
|
|
|
|
VGR Holding LLC
|
|
|
By: |
/s/ Richard J. Lampen
|
|
|
|
Richard J. Lampen |
|
|
|
Manager |
|
|
POWER OF ATTORNEY
Each person whose signature appears below hereby constitutes and appoints Richard J. Lampen
with full power to act, such persons true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, with full power
of substitution and re-substitution, for him in his name, place and stead, in any and all
capacities, to sign this registration statement and any and all amendments thereto (including
post-effective amendments) and any related registration statement filed pursuant to Rule 462(b)
under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and to file the same, with all exhibits and schedules
thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission
and hereby grants to such attorney-in-fact and agent, full power of authority to do and perform
each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done, as fully to all intents and
purposes as he or she might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said
attorney-in-fact and agent or his or her substitute or substitutes may lawfully do or cause to be
done by virtue hereof.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this registration statement has
been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
|
|
|
|
|
Signature |
|
Title |
|
Date |
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ Richard J. Lampen
Richard J. Lampen
|
|
Manager (Principal Executive
Officer, Principal Financial and
Accounting Officer)
|
|
April 4, 2011 |
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ Marc N. Bell
Marc N. Bell
|
|
Manager
|
|
April 4, 2011 |
II-20
|
|
|
Exhibit |
|
|
Number |
|
Description of Documents |
* 3.1
|
|
Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Vector Group Ltd. (formerly known as
Brooke Group Ltd.) (Vector) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 in Vectors Form 10-Q
for the quarter ended September 30, 1999). |
|
|
|
* 3.2
|
|
Certificate of Amendment to the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Vector
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 in Vectors Form 8-K dated May 24, 2000). |
|
|
|
* 3.3
|
|
Certificate of Amendment to the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Vector
Group Ltd. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 in Vectors Form 10-Q for the quarter
ended June 30, 2007). |
|
|
|
* 3.4
|
|
Amended and Restated By-Laws of Vector Group Ltd. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.4
in Vectors Form 8-K dated October 19, 2007). |
|
|
|
*3.5
|
|
Certificate of Formation of 100 Maple LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.5 in
Vectors Form S-4 dated April 8, 2008). |
|
|
|
*3.6
|
|
Limited Liability Company Operating Agreement of 100 Maple LLC (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 3.6 in Vectors Form S-4 dated April 8, 2008). |
|
|
|
*3.7
|
|
Certificate of Incorporation of Eve Holdings Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.7
in Vectors Form S-4 dated April 8, 2008). |
|
|
|
*3.8
|
|
By-laws of Eve Holdings Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.8 in Vectors Form S-4
dated April 8, 2008). |
|
|
|
*3.9
|
|
Certificate of Incorporation of Liggett & Myers Holdings Inc. (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 3.9 in Vectors Form S-4 dated April 8, 2008). |
|
|
|
*3.10
|
|
By-laws of Liggett & Myers Holdings Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.10 in
Vectors Form S-4 dated April 8, 2008). |
|
|
|
*3.11
|
|
Certificate of Incorporation of Liggett & Myers Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit
3.11 in Vectors Form S-4 dated April 8, 2008). |
|
|
|
*3.12
|
|
By-laws of Liggett & Myers Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.12 in Vectors Form
S-4 dated April 8, 2008). |
|
|
|
*3.13
|
|
Certificate of Formation of Liggett Group LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.13 in
Vectors Form S-4 dated April 8, 2008). |
|
|
|
*3.14
|
|
Limited Liability Company Agreement of Liggett Group LLC (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 3.14 in Vectors Form S-4 dated April 8, 2008). |
|
|
|
3.15
|
|
Certificate of Formation of Liggett Vector Brands LLC. |
|
|
|
3.16
|
|
Limited Liability Company Agreement of Liggett Vector Brands LLC. |
|
|
|
*3.17
|
|
Certificate of Formation of V.T. Aviation LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.17 in
Vectors Form S-4 dated April 8, 2008). |
|
|
|
*3.18
|
|
Limited Liability Company Agreement of V.T. Aviation LLC (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 3.18 in Vectors Form S-4 dated April 8, 2008). |
|
|
|
*3.19
|
|
Certificate of Formation of Vector Research LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.19 in
Vectors Form S-4 dated April 8, 2008). |
|
|
|
*3.20
|
|
Limited Liability Company Agreement of Vector Research LLC (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 3.20 in Vectors Form S-4 dated April 8, 2008). |
|
|
|
*3.21
|
|
Articles of Incorporation of Vector Tobacco Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.21
in Vectors Form S-4 dated April 8, 2008). |
|
|
|
*3.22
|
|
By-laws of Vector Tobacco Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.22 in Vectors Form
S-4 dated April 8, 2008). |
|
|
|
*3.23
|
|
Certificate of Formation of VGR Aviation LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.23 in
Vectors Form S-4 dated April 8, 2008). |
|
|
|
*3.24
|
|
Limited Liability Company Agreement of VGR Aviation LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit
3.24 in Vectors Form S-4 dated April 8, 2008). |
|
|
|
*3.25
|
|
Certificate of Formation of VGR Holding LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.25 in
Vectors Form S-4 dated April 8, 2008). |
|
|
|
*3.26
|
|
Limited Liability Company Agreement of VGR Holding LLC(incorporated by reference to Exhibit
3.26 in Vectors Form S-4 dated April 8, 2008). |
II-21
|
|
|
Exhibit |
|
|
Number |
|
Description of Documents |
3.27
|
|
Certificate of Incorporation of Accommodations Acquisition Corporation. |
|
|
|
3.28
|
|
By-Laws of Accommodations Acquisition Corporation. |
|
|
|
* 4.1
|
|
Amended and Restated Loan and Security Agreement dated as of April 14, 2004, by and between
Wachovia Bank, N.A., as lender, Liggett Group Inc. (Liggett), as borrower, 100 Maple LLC
and Epic Holdings Inc. (the Wachovia Loan Agreement) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit
10.1 in Vectors Form 8-K dated April 14, 2004). |
|
|
|
* 4.2
|
|
Amendment, dated as of December 13, 2005, to the Wachovia Loan Agreement (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 4.1 in Vectors Form 8-K dated December 13, 2005). |
|
|
|
* 4.3
|
|
Amendment, dated as of January 31, 2007, to the Wachovia Loan Agreement (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 4.1 in Vectors Form 8-K dated February 2, 2007). |
|
|
|
* 4.4
|
|
Amendment, dated as of August 10, 2007, to the Wachovia Loan Agreement (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 4.6 in Vectors Form 8-K dated August 16, 2007). |
|
|
|
* 4.5
|
|
Amendment, dated as of August 16, 2007, to the Wachovia Loan Agreement (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 4.7 in Vectors Form 8-K dated August 16, 2007). |
|
|
|
* 4.6
|
|
Amendment No. 7, dated as of August 31, 2010, to the Wachovia Loan Agreement (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 4.1 in Vectors Form 8-K dated November 1, 2010). |
|
|
|
* 4.7
|
|
Intercreditor Agreement, dated as of August 16, 2007, between Wachovia Bank, N.A., as ABL
Lender, U.S. Bank National Association, as Collateral Agent, Liggett Group LLC, as Borrower,
and 100 Maple LLC, as Loan Party (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 in Vectors Form
8-K dated August 16, 2007). |
|
|
|
* 4.8
|
|
Indenture, dated as of July 12, 2006, by and between Vector and Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.,
relating to the 37/8% Variable Interest Senior Convertible Debentures due
2026 (the 37/8% Debentures), including the form of the
37/8% Debenture (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 in Vectors Form
8-K dated July 11, 2006). |
|
|
|
* 4.9
|
|
Indenture, dated as of August 16, 2007, between Vector Group Ltd., the subsidiary guarantors
named therein and U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee, relating to the 11% Senior
Secured Notes due 2015, including the form of Note (the Senior Notes Indenture)
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 in Vectors Form 8-K dated August 16, 2007). |
|
|
|
* 4.10
|
|
First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of July 15, 2008, to the Senior Notes Indenture
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of Vectors Form 8-K dated July 15, 2008). |
|
|
|
* 4.11
|
|
Second Supplemental Indenture, dated as of September 1, 2009, to the Senior Notes Indenture
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of Vectors Form 8-K dated September 1, 2009). |
|
|
|
* 4.12
|
|
Third Supplemental Indenture, dated as of April 21, 2010, to the Senior Notes Indenture
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of Vectors Form 8-K dated April 21, 2010). |
|
|
|
* 4.13
|
|
Fourth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of December 3, 2010, to the Senior Notes Indenture
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of Vectors Form 8-K dated December 3, 2010). |
|
|
|
* 4.14
|
|
Fifth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of December 17, 2010, to the Senior Notes Indenture
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of Vectors Form 8-K dated December 16, 2010). |
|
|
|
* 4.15
|
|
Pledge Agreement, dated as of August 16, 2007, between VGR Holding LLC, as Grantor, and U.S.
Bank National Association, as Collateral Agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 in
Vectors Form 8-K dated August 16, 2007). |
|
|
|
* 4.16
|
|
Security Agreement, dated as of August 16, 2007, between Vector Tobacco Inc., as Grantor, and
U.S. Bank National Association, as Collateral Agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3
in Vectors Form 8-K dated August 16, 2007). |
|
|
|
* 4.17
|
|
Security Agreement, dated as of August 16, 2007, between Liggett Group LLC and 100 Maple LLC,
as Grantors, and U.S. Bank National Association, as Collateral Agent (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 4.4 in Vectors Form 8-K dated August 16, 2007). |
|
|
|
* 4.18
|
|
Note, dated May 11, 2009, by Vector Group Ltd. To Frost Nevada Investments Trust
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of Vectors Form 8-K dated May 11, 2009). |
|
|
|
* 4.19
|
|
Purchase Agreement, dated as of May 11, 2009, between Vector Group Ltd. And Frost Nevada
Investments Trust (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 of Vectors Form 8-K dated May
11, 2009). |
II-22
|
|
|
Exhibit |
|
|
Number |
|
Description of Documents |
* 4.20
|
|
Form of Issuance and Exchange Agreement, dated as of June 15, 2009, between Vector Group Ltd.
And holders of its 5% Variable Interest Senior Convertible Notes due 2011 (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 4.1 of Vectors Form 8-K dated June 15, 2009). |
|
|
|
* 4.21
|
|
Indenture, dated as of June 30, 2009, between Vector Group Ltd. And Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. as
trustee, relating to the 6.75% Variable Interest Senior Convertible Exchange Notes Due 2014,
including the form of Note (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of Vectors Form 8-K
dated June 30, 2009). |
|
|
|
5.1
|
|
Opinion of Goodwin Procter LLP |
|
|
|
* 10.1
|
|
Corporate Services Agreement, dated as of June 29, 1990, between Vector and Liggett
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.10 in Liggetts Registration Statement on Form S-1,
No. 33-47482). |
|
|
|
* 10.2
|
|
Services Agreement, dated as of February 26, 1991, between Brooke Management Inc. (BMI) and
Liggett (the Liggett Services Agreement) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 in VGR
Holdings Registration Statement on Form S-1, No. 33-93576). |
|
|
|
* 10.3
|
|
First Amendment to Liggett Services Agreement, dated as of November 30, 1993, between Liggett
and BMI (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 in VGR Holdings Registration Statement on
Form S-1, No. 33-93576). |
|
|
|
* 10.4
|
|
Second Amendment to Liggett Services Agreement, dated as of October 1, 1995, between BMI,
Vector and Liggett (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(c) in Vectors Form 10-Q for the
quarter ended September 30, 1995). |
|
|
|
* 10.5
|
|
Third Amendment to Liggett Services Agreement, dated as of March 31, 2001, by and between
Vector and Liggett (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 in Vectors Form 10-K for the
year ended December 31, 2003). |
|
|
|
* 10.6
|
|
Corporate Services Agreement, dated January 1, 1992, between VGR Holding and Liggett
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.13 in Liggetts Registration Statement on Form S-1,
No. 33-47482). |
|
|
|
* 10.7
|
|
Settlement Agreement, dated March 15, 1996, by and among the State of West Virginia, State of
Florida, State of Mississippi, Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and State of Louisiana, Brooke
Group Holding and Liggett (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 15 in the Schedule 13D filed
by Vector on March 11, 1996, as amended, with respect to the common stock of RJR Nabisco
Holdings Corp.). |
|
|
|
* 10.8
|
|
Addendum to Initial States Settlement Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.43
in Vectors Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 1997). |
|
|
|
* 10.9
|
|
Settlement Agreement, dated March 12, 1998, by and among the States listed in Appendix A
thereto, Brooke Group Holding and Liggett (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.35 in
Vectors Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1997). |
|
|
|
* 10.10
|
|
Master Settlement Agreement made by the Settling States and Participating Manufacturers
signatories thereto (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 in Philip Morris Companies
Inc.s Form 8-K dated November 25, 1998, Commission File No. 1-8940). |
|
|
|
* 10.11
|
|
General Liggett Replacement Agreement, dated as of November 23, 1998, entered into by each of
the Settling States under the Master Settlement Agreement, and Brooke Group Holding and
Liggett (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.34 in Vectors Form 10-K for the year ended
December 31, 1998). |
|
|
|
* 10.12
|
|
Stipulation and Agreed Order regarding Stay of Execution Pending Review and Related Matters,
dated May 7, 2001, entered into by Philip Morris Incorporated, Lorillard Tobacco Co., Liggett
Group Inc. and Brooke Group Holding Inc. and the class counsel in Engel, et. al., v. R.J.
Reynolds Tobacco Co., et. al. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.2 in Philip Morris
Companies Inc.s Form 8-K dated May 7, 2001). |
|
|
|
* 10.13
|
|
Amended and Restated Employment Agreement dated as of January 27, 2006, between Vector and
Howard M. Lorber (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 in Vectors Form 8-K dated
January 27, 2006). |
|
|
|
* 10.14
|
|
Employment Agreement, dated as of January 27, 2006, between Vector and Richard J. Lampen
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 in Vectors Form 8-K dated January 27, 2006). |
|
|
|
* 10.15
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Amended and Restated Employment Agreement, dated as of January 27, 2006, between Vector and
Marc N. Bell (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 in Vectors Form 8-K dated January
27, 2006). |
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* 10.16
|
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Employment Agreement, dated as of November 11, 2005, between Liggett and Ronald J. Bernstein
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 in Vectors Form 8-K dated November 11, 2005). |
|
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* 10.17
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Amendment to Employment Agreement, dated as of January 14, 2011, between Liggett and Ronald
J. Bernstein (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.17 in Vectors Form 10-K dated December
31, 2010). |
II-23
|
|
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Exhibit |
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Number |
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Description of Documents |
* 10.18
|
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Employment Agreement, dated as of January 27, 2006, between Vector and J. Bryant Kirkland III
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 in Vectors Form 8-K dated January 27, 2006). |
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* 10.19
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Vector Group Ltd. Amended and Restated 1999 Long-Term Incentive Plan (incorporated by
reference to Appendix A in Vectors Proxy Statement dated April 21, 2004). |
|
|
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* 10.20
|
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Stock Option Agreement, dated December 3, 2009, between Vector and Richard J. Lampen
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.19 in Vectors Form 10-K dated December 31, 2009). |
|
|
|
* 10.21
|
|
Stock Option Agreement, dated December 3, 2009, between Vector and Marc N. Bell (incorporated
by reference to Exhibit 10.20 in Vectors Form 10-K dated December 31, 2009). |
|
|
|
* 10.22
|
|
Stock Option Agreement, dated January 22, 2001, between Vector and Howard M. Lorber
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 in Vectors Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March
31, 2001). |
|
|
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* 10.23
|
|
Stock Option Agreement, dated December 3, 2009, between Vector and Howard M. Lorber
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.22 in Vectors Form 10-K dated December 31, 2009). |
|
|
|
* 10.24
|
|
Stock Option Agreement, dated December 3, 2009, between Vector and J. Bryant Kirkland III
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.23 in Vectors Form 10-K dated December 31, 2009). |
|
|
|
* 10.25
|
|
Option Letter Agreement, dated as of November 11, 2005 between Vector and Ronald J. Bernstein
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 in Vectors Form 8-K dated November 11, 2005). |
|
|
|
* 10.26
|
|
Restricted Share Award Agreement, dated as of April 7, 2009, between Vector Group Ltd. and
Howard M. Lorber (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of Vectors Form 8-K dated April
10, 2009). |
|
|
|
* 10.27
|
|
Stock Option Agreement, dated January 14, 2011, between Vector and Howard M. Lorber
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit S to Schedule 13D, as amended, dated January 21, 2011
filed by Howard M. Lorber). |
|
|
|
* 10.28
|
|
Vector Senior Executive Annual Bonus Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.7 in
Vectors Form 8-K dated January 27, 2006). |
|
|
|
* 10.29
|
|
Vector Senior Executive Incentive Compensation Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit
10.1 in Vectors Form 8-K dated January 14, 2011). |
|
|
|
* 10.30
|
|
Vector Supplemental Retirement Plan (as amended and restated April 24, 2008) (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.1 in Vectors Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2008). |
|
|
|
* 10.31
|
|
Operating Agreement of Douglas Elliman Realty, LLC (formerly known as Montauk Battery Realty
LLC) dated December 17, 2002 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 in New Valleys Form
8-K dated December 13, 2002). |
|
|
|
* 10.32
|
|
First Amendment to Operating Agreement of Douglas Elliman Realty, LLC (formerly known as
Montauk Battery Realty LLC), dated as of March 14, 2003 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit
10.1 in New Valleys Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2003). |
|
|
|
* 10.33
|
|
Second Amendment to Operating Agreement of Douglas Elliman Realty, LLC, dated as of May 19,
2003 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 in New Valleys Form 10-Q for the quarter
ended June 30, 2003). |
|
|
|
12
|
|
Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges. |
|
|
|
21
|
|
Subsidiaries of Vector. |
|
|
|
23.2
|
|
Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP. |
|
|
|
23.3
|
|
Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP. |
|
|
|
23.4
|
|
Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP. |
|
|
|
23.5
|
|
Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP. |
|
|
|
24.1
|
|
Power of Attorney (included on signature page hereto). |
|
|
|
25.1
|
|
Statement of Eligibility on Form T-1 under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended, of
U.S. Bank National Association under the Indenture. |
|
|
|
99.1
|
|
Form of Letter of Transmittal. |
|
|
|
99.2
|
|
Form of Notice of Guaranteed Delivery. |
|
|
|
99.3
|
|
Form of Notice of Withdrawal of Tender. |
|
|
|
99.4
|
|
Form of Letter to Brokers, Dealers, Commercial Banks, Trust Companies and Other Nominees. |
|
|
|
99.5
|
|
Form of Letter to Clients. |
|
|
|
99.6
|
|
Form of Guidelines for Certification of Taxpayer Identification Number on Substitute Form W-9. |
II-24
exv3w15
EXHIBIT 3.15
STATE OF DELAWARE
LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY
CERTIFICATE OF FORMATION
OF
LIGGETT VECTOR BRANDS LLC
1. |
|
The name of the limited liability company is Liggett Vector Brands LLC. |
|
2. |
|
The address of its registered office in the State of Delaware is Corporation Trust Center,
1209 Orange Street, in the City of Wilmington, County of New Castle, Zip Code 19801. The name
of its registered agent at such address is The Corporation Trust Company. |
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this Certificate of Formation on March 14,
2011.
|
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|
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/s/ John R. Long
|
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John R. Long |
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Authorized Person |
|
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exv3w16
EXHIBIT 3.16
LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY AGREEMENT
OF
LIGGETT VECTOR BRANDS LLC
A DELAWARE LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY
This Limited Liability Company Agreement of Liggett Vector Brands LLC is made and entered into
as of March 14, 2011, by VGR Holding LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, with offices at 100
S.E. Second Street, 32nd Floor, Miami, Florida 33131:
ARTICLE I
Definitions
The following terms used in this Limited Liability Company Agreement shall have the following
meanings, unless otherwise expressly provided herein:
1. Certificate of Conversion shall mean the Certificate of Conversion of the Corporation as
filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware simultaneously with the filing of the
Certificate of Formation.
2. Certificate of Formation shall mean the Certificate of Formation of the Company as filed
with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware simultaneously with the filing of the
Certificate of Conversion, as the same may be amended from time to time.
3. Company shall mean Liggett Vector Brands LLC, a limited liability company formed under
the laws of the State of Delaware.
4. Corporation shall mean Liggett Vector Brands Inc.
5. Delaware Act shall mean the Delaware Limited Liability Company Act, Title 6 of the
Delaware Code, §§ 18-101 to 18-1109, and all amendments thereto.
6. LLC Agreement shall mean this Limited Liability Company Agreement, as amended from time
to time.
7. Manager shall mean each of Ronald J. Bernstein, Charles M. Kingan, Jr., and Francis G.
Wall, and any other person or persons succeeding each or any of them in such capacity.
8. Member shall mean VGR Holding LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, and any other
person or persons admitted as a Member from time to time pursuant to the provisions of this LLC
Agreement.
ARTICLE II
Formation of Company and Nature of Business
1. Formation. The Company is the resulting entity from the conversion of the
Corporation into the Company pursuant to Section 266 of the Delaware General Corporation Law and
Section 18-214 of the Delaware Act. The Certificate of Conversion and the Certificate of Formation
were filed with the Delaware Secretary of State on March 14, 2011. Simultaneously with the filing
of the Certificate of Conversion and the Certificate of Formation and the execution of this LLC
Agreement, the Member agrees that the Company shall be a limited liability company subject to the
provisions of the Delaware Act as in effect as of the date hereof and the provisions of this LCC
Agreement.
2. Name. The name of the Company is Liggett Vector Brands LLC.
3. Registered Office and Registered Agent. The Companys initial registered office
shall be at the office of its registered agent at 1209 Orange Street, Wilmington, County of New
Castle, Delaware 19801, and the name of its initial registered agent at such address shall be The
Corporation Trust Company. The registered office and registered agent may be changed from time to
time by filing the address of the new registered office and/or the name of the new registered agent
with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware pursuant to the Delaware Act.
4. Executive Offices. The address of the Companys principal executive offices shall
be 3800 Paramount Parkway, Suite 250, Morrisville, North Carolina 27560.
5. Term. The term of the Company commenced on March 13, 2002 and shall continue in
perpetuity unless the Company is earlier dissolved in accordance with either the provisions of this
LLC Agreement or the Delaware Act.
6. Permitted Business. The business of the Company shall be to engage in any lawful
business, purpose, or activity for which limited liability companies may be organized under the
Delaware Act except for insurance or banking.
7. Powers. The Company shall possess and may exercise all the powers and privileges
granted by the Delaware Act, or by any other law, or by this LLC Agreement, together with any
powers incidental thereto, so far as such powers and privileges are necessary or convenient to the
conduct, promotion, or attainment of the business, purposes, or activities of the Company.
ARTICLE III
Members
1. Initial Member. Simultaneously with the filing of the Certificate of Conversion
and the Certificate of Formation and the execution of this Agreement, all of the outstanding stock
of the Corporation as issued to the Member shall be converted into the sole limited liability
company interest of the Company and the Member shall be admitted to the Company in respect thereto.
The name and address of the Member is as follows:
-2-
VGR Holding LLC
100 S.E. Second Street, 32nd Floor
Miami, Florida 33131
2. Interest in Company. The percentage share of the Member in the capital of the
Company shall initially be 100%. If and when any additional members are admitted to the Company in
accordance with this LLC Agreement, the percentage shares of the Members in the capital of the
Company shall be adjusted as agreed by the Members.
3. Action by Members. Any action required or permitted to be taken by the Members may
be taken without a meeting if the action is evidenced by one or more written consents describing
the action taken, signed by all Members, and delivered to the Manager for inclusion in the minutes
and for filing with the Company records.
4. Waiver of Notice. When any notice is required to be given to any Member, a waiver
of the notice in writing signed by the person entitled to the notice, whether before, at or after
the time stated therein, shall be equivalent to the giving of the notice.
ARTICLE IV
Rights and Duties of the Managers
1. Management. The business and affairs of the Company shall be managed by the
Managers who shall be appointed by the affirmative vote of Members holding a majority of the
limited liability company interests of the Company. The initial Managers of the Company shall be:
Ronald J. Bernstein
Charles M. Kingan, Jr.
Francis G. Wall
The Managers shall direct, manage and control the business of the Company to the best of their
abilities. Except for situations in which the approval of the Members is expressly required by
this LLC Agreement or by non-waivable provisions of applicable law, the Managers shall have full
and complete authority, power and discretion to manage and control the business, affairs and
properties of the Company, to make all decisions regarding those matters and to perform any and all
other acts or activities customary or incident to the management of the Companys business.
2. Number, Tenure and Qualifications. The Company shall initially have three managers
as set forth above, each of whom shall serve until his respective resignation, removal by the
Members, or death. The Members shall have the authority to establish, from time to time, the
number, tenure and qualifications of Managers. The Managers need not be residents of the State of
Delaware or a Member of the Company.
3. Action by Managers. Any action required or permitted to be taken by the Managers
may be taken without a meeting if the action is evidenced by one or more written
consents describing the action taken, signed by all Managers, and included in the minutes of the
Company.
-3-
4. Waiver of Notice. When any notice is required to be given to any Manager, a waiver
of the notice in writing signed by the person entitled to the notice, whether before, at or after
the time stated therein, shall be equivalent to the giving of the notice.
5. Liability for Certain Acts. The Managers shall perform their managerial duties in
a manner they reasonably believe to be in the best interests of the Company. The Managers shall
not have any liability by reason of being or having been Managers of the Company. The Managers
shall not be liable to the Company or to any Member for any loss or damage sustained by the Company
or any Member.
6. Indemnity of Managers. To the maximum extent permitted under Section 18-108 of the
Delaware Act, the Company shall indemnify and hold harmless the Managers and delegates of the
Managers.
7. Appointment of Officers.
a. The Managers may appoint officers of the Company, including, without limitation, a
president, a chief executive officer, and one or more vice presidents, and have the power and
authority to delegate to one or more such persons any or all of the Managers rights and powers to
manage and control the business and affairs of the Company. Officers need not be Members.
b. Except as modified by the Managers, officers will have such powers and duties generally
pertaining to their offices and such powers and duties as conferred by the Managers.
c. Until the Managers agree otherwise, the officers of the Company and their respective titles
shall be as follows:
|
|
|
Ronald J. Bernstein |
|
President & Chief Executive Officer |
James A. Taylor |
|
Executive Vice President Sales and Marketing |
Francis G. Wall |
|
Vice President-Finance and Chief Financial Officer |
Charles M. Kingan, Jr. |
|
Vice President Operations |
William H. Marks |
|
Vice President Administration |
John R. Long |
|
Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary |
Debra Strong |
|
Vice President, Chain Sales West |
Steve Erickson |
|
Group Vice President, Retail Sales |
Dennis Bomgardner |
|
Vice President, National Accounts |
Jay Loftin |
|
Group Vice President, Chain Sales & National Accounts |
John P. Mohr |
|
Vice President Information Systems |
Kenneth Hayner |
|
Vice President, Chain Sales East |
Stephen K. Piskor |
|
Vice President Business Information Services |
Steven D. Shipe |
|
Vice President Sales and Marketing Services |
Nicholas P. Anson |
|
Vice President and Treasurer |
Helen B. Stewart |
|
Assistant Secretary |
-4-
ARTICLE V
Distributions and Accounting Period
1. Allocations and Distributions. All income, gains, losses, deductions, and credits
shall be allocated, and all distributions shall be made, to or among the Members in proportion to
each Members percentage share in the capital of the Company. The Managers shall determine the
amount and timing of all distributions.
2. Accounting Period. The Companys accounting period shall be the calendar year.
ARTICLE VI
Transferability and Additional Members
1. Transferability. Without unanimous written consent of the Members, no Member shall
have the right to directly or indirectly assign, sell, mortgage, pledge, hypothecate, or otherwise
dispose of or encumber, all or any part of its interest in the Company or its share of allocations
or distributions under this LLC Agreement.
2. Admission to Membership. Without unanimous written consent of the Members, no
additional Members of the Company shall be admitted.
ARTICLE VII
Dissolution
1. Dissolution. The Company shall be dissolved upon the earlier of (a) the election
to dissolve the Company by the Members or (b) as otherwise required under the Delaware Act.
2. Distribution of Assets Upon Dissolution. In settling accounts after dissolution,
the assets of the Company shall be paid to the Companys creditors and to the Members as required
by the Delaware Act and other applicable law.
3. Certificate of Cancellation. When all liabilities and obligations of the Company
have been paid or discharged, or adequate provision has been made therefor, and all of the
remaining property and assets of the Company have been distributed to the Members, a certificate of
cancellation shall be executed on behalf of the Company by the Members and shall be filed with the
Secretary of State of the State of Delaware, and the Members shall execute, acknowledge and file
any and all other instruments necessary or appropriate to reflect the dissolution and termination
of the Company.
ARTICLE VIII
Miscellaneous Provisions
1. Entire Agreement. This LLC Agreement represents the entire agreement among all the
Members of the Company.
-5-
2. Application of Delaware Law. This LLC Agreement, and the application or
interpretation hereof, shall be governed exclusively by the laws of the State of Delaware, and
specifically the Delaware Act.
3. Amendments. This LLC Agreement may not be amended except by the unanimous written
consent of the Members.
4. Execution of Additional Instruments. Each Member hereby agrees to execute such
other and further statements of interest and holdings, designations, powers of attorney, and other
instruments necessary to comply with any laws, rules, or regulations.
5. Rights of Creditors and Third Parties Under LLC Agreement. This LLC Agreement is
entered into for the exclusive benefit of the Members and their successors and assigns. This LLC
Agreement is expressly not intended for the benefit of any creditor of the Company or any other
person. No such creditor or third party shall have any rights under this LLC Agreement or any
agreement between the Company and any Member with respect to any capital contribution or otherwise.
6. Article 8 of the Uniform Commercial Code. The Company has opted into Article 8 of
the Uniform Commercial Code (UCC), and the limited liability company interest in the Company is a
security governed by Article 8 of the UCC. The records of the Company shall be maintained in
accordance with Article 8 of the UCC.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the initial sole Member, VGR Holding LLC, has caused its authorized
representative to execute this LLC Agreement as of March 14, 2011.
|
|
|
|
|
|
VGR HOLDING LLC
|
|
|
By: |
/s/ Marc N. Bell
|
|
|
|
Marc N. Bell |
|
|
|
Manager |
|
|
-6-
exv3w27
Exhibit 3.27
CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION OF
ACCOMMODATIONS ACQUISITION CORPORATION
*****
1. The name of the corporation is ACCOMMODATIONS ACQUISITION
CORPORATION (the Corporation).
2. The address of the Corporations registered office in the State of Delaware is
Corporation Trust Center, 1209 Orange Street, Wilmington, New Castle County,
Delaware 19801. The name of its registered agent at such address is The
Corporation Trust Company.
3. The nature of the business or purposes to be conducted or promoted is to
engage in any lawful act or activity for which corporations may be organized
under the General Corporation Law of Delaware.
4. The total number of shares of stock which the Corporation shall have authority
to issue is One Hundred (100) shares of Common Stock with a par value of One
Cent ($.01) each.
5. The name and mailing address of the incorporator is Marc N. Bell, 100 S.E.
Second Street, 32nd Floor, Miami, Florida 33131
6. The corporation is to have perpetual existence.
7. In furtherance and not in limitation of the powers conferred by statute, the
board of directors shall have power to make, alter or repeal the
by-laws of the
Corporation, except as may otherwise be provided by the by-laws.
8. Elections of directors need not be by written ballot unless the by-laws of the
Corporation shall provide otherwise.
9. Meetings of stockholders may be held within or without the State of
Delaware, as the by-laws may provide. The books of the Corporation may be
kept (subject to any provision contained in the statutes) outside the State of
Delaware at such place or places as may be designated from time to time by the
board of directors or in the by-laws of the Corporation.
10. The Corporation reserves the right to amend, after, change or repeal any
provision contained in this Certificate of Incorporation, in the manner now or
hereafter prescribed by statute, and all rights conferred upon stockholders herein
are granted subject to this reservation.
11. A director of the Corporation shall not be personally liable to the corporation or its
stockholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a director except for liability
(i) for any breach of the directors duty of loyalty to the corporation or its stockholders, (ii)
for acts or omissions not in good faith or which involve intentional misconduct or a knowing
violation of law, (iii) under Section 174 of the General Corporation Law of Delaware, or (iv) for
any transaction from which the director derived any improper personal benefit. No amendment to or
repeal of this Article shall apply to or have any effect on the liability or alleged liability of
any director of the Corporation for or with respect to any acts or omissions of such director
occurring prior to such amendment.
I, the undersigned, being the sole incorporator hereinbefore named, for the purpose of forming a
corporation pursuant to the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware, do make this
Certificate, hereby declaring and certifying that this is the act and deed of the Corporation and
the facts herein stated are true, and accordingly have hereunto set my hand this 7th day of June,
2010.
|
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|
|
Marc N. Bell |
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Sole Incorporator |
|
|
exv3w28
Exhibit 3.28
BY-LAWS
OF
ACCOMMODATIONS ACQUISITION CORPORATION
* * * * *
ARTICLE I
OFFICES
Section 1. The address of the Corporations registered office in the State of Delaware is
Corporation Trust Center, 1209 Orange Street, Wilmington, New Castle County, Delaware 1980. The
name of its Registered Agent at such address is The Corporation Trust Company.
Section 2. The corporation may also have offices at such other places both within and without
the State of Delaware as the board of directors may from time to time determine or the business of
the corporation may require.
ARTICLE II
MEETINGS OF STOCKHOLDERS
Section 1. All meetings of the stockholders for the election of directors shall be held in
the City of Miami, State of Florida, at such place as may be fixed from time to time by the board
of directors, or at such other place either within or without the State of Delaware as shall be
designated from time to time by the board of directors and stated in the notice of the meeting.
Meetings of stockholders for any other purpose may be held at such time and place, within or
without the State of Delaware, as shall be stated in the notice of the meeting or in a duly
executed waiver of notice thereof.
The board of directors may, in its sole discretion, determine that the meeting shall not be
held at any place, but may instead be held solely by means of remote communication as authorized by
Section 211(a)(2) of the General Corporation Law of Delaware. If so authorized, and subject to
such guidelines and procedures as the board of directors may adopt, stockholders and proxyholders
not physically present at a meeting of stockholders may, by means of remote communication,
participate in a meeting of stockholders and be deemed present in person and vote at a meeting of
stockholders whether such meeting is to be held at a designated place or solely by means of remote
communication, provided that (i) the corporation shall implement reasonable measures to verify that
each person deemed present and permitted to vote at the
meeting by means of remote communication is a stockholder or proxyholder, (ii) the corporation
shall implement reasonable measures to provide such stockholders and proxyholders a reasonable
opportunity to participate in the meeting and to vote on matters submitted to the stockholders,
including an opportunity to read or hear the proceedings of the meeting substantially concurrently
with such proceedings, and (iii) if any stockholder or proxyholder votes or takes other action at
the meeting by means of remote communication, a record of such vote or other action shall be
maintained by the corporation.
Section 2. Annual meetings of stockholders shall be held at such date and time as shall be
designated from time to time by the board of directors and stated in the notice of the meeting, at
which they shall elect by a plurality vote a board of directors, and transact such other business
as may properly be brought before the meeting.
Section 3. Written notice of the annual meeting stating the place if any, date and hour of
the meeting, the means of remote communication, if any, by which stockholders and proxyholders may
be deemed to be present in person and vote at such meeting, the record date for determining the
stockholders entitled to vote at the meeting, if such date is different from the record date for
determining stockholders entitled to notice of the meeting, shall be given not less than ten nor
more than sixty days before the date of the meeting, to each stockholder entitled to vote at such
meeting as of the record date for determining the stockholders entitled to notice of the meeting.
Section 4. The officer who has charge of the stock ledger of the corporation shall prepare
and make, at least ten days before every meeting of stockholders, a complete list of the
stockholders entitled to vote at the meeting; provided, however, if the record date for determining
the stockholders entitled to vote is less than ten days before the meeting date, the list shall
reflect the stockholders entitled to vote as of the tenth day before the meeting date, arranged in
alphabetical order, and showing the address of each stockholder and the number of shares registered
in the name of each stockholder. Such list shall be open to the examination of any stockholder for
any purpose germane to the meeting for a period of at least ten days prior to the meeting: (i) on a
reasonably accessible electronic network, provided that the information required to gain access to
such list is provided with the notice of the meeting, or (ii) during ordinary business hours, at
the principal place of business of the corporation. In the event that the corporation determines to
make the list available on an electronic network, the corporation may take reasonable steps to
ensure that such information is available only to stockholders of the corporation. If the meeting
is to be held at a place, then a list of the stockholders entitled to vote at the meeting shall be
produced and kept at the time and place of the meeting during the whole time thereof, and may be
examined by any stockholder who is present. If the meeting is to be held solely by means of remote
communication, then such list shall also be open to the examination of any stockholder during the
whole time of the meeting on a reasonably accessible electronic network, and the information
required to access such list shall be provided with the notice of the meeting.
2
Section 5. Special meetings of the stockholders, for any purpose or purposes, unless
otherwise prescribed by statute or by the certificate of incorporation, may be called by the
president and shall be called by the president or secretary at the request in writing of a majority
of the board of directors, or at the request in writing of stockholders owning a majority in amount
of the entire capital stock of the corporation issued and outstanding and entitled to vote. Such
request shall state the purpose or purposes of the proposed meeting.
Section 6. Written notice of a special meeting stating the place if any, date and hour of the
meeting, the means of remote communication, if any, by which stockholders and proxyholders may be
deemed to be present in person and vote at such meeting, the record date for determining the
stockholders entitled to vote at the meeting, if such date is different from the record date for
determining stockholders entitled to notice of the meeting, and the purpose or purposes for which
the meeting is called, shall be given not less than ten nor more than sixty days before the date of
the meeting, to each stockholder entitled to vote at such meeting as of the record date for
determining the stockholders entitled to notice of the meeting.
Section 7. Business transacted at any special meeting of stockholders shall be limited to the
purposes stated in the notice.
Section 8. The holders of a majority of the stock issued and outstanding and entitled to vote
thereat, present in person or represented by proxy, shall constitute a quorum at all meetings of
the stockholders for the transaction of business except as otherwise provided by statute or by the
certificate of incorporation. If, however, such quorum shall not be present or represented at any
meeting of the stockholders, the stockholders entitled to vote thereat, present in person or
represented by proxy, shall have power to adjourn the meeting from time to time, without notice
other than announcement at the meeting, until a quorum shall be present or represented. At such
adjourned meeting at which a quorum shall be present or represented, any business may be transacted
which might have been transacted at the meeting as originally notified. If the adjournment is for
more than thirty days a notice of the adjourned meeting shall be given to each stockholder of
record entitled to vote at the meeting. If after adjournment a new record date for stockholders
entitled to vote is fixed for the adjourned meeting, the board of directors shall fix a new record
date for notice of such adjourned meeting in accordance with Section 213(a) of the General
Corporation Law of Delaware, and shall give notice of the adjourned meeting to each stockholder of
record entitled to vote at such adjourned meeting as of the record date fixed for notice of such
adjourned meeting.
Section 9. When a quorum is present at any meeting, the vote of the holders of a majority of
the stock having voting power present in person or represented by proxy shall decide any question
brought before such meeting, unless the question is one upon which by express provision of the
statutes or of the certificate of incorporation, a different vote is required in which case such
express provision shall govern and control the decision of such question.
3
Section 10. Unless otherwise provided in the certificate of incorporation, each stockholder
shall at every meeting of the stockholders be entitled to one vote in person or by proxy for each
share of the capital stock having voting power held by such stockholder, but no proxy shall be
voted on after three years from its date, unless the proxy provides for a longer period.
Section 11. Unless otherwise provided in the certificate of incorporation, any action
required to be taken, or which may be taken, at any annual or special meeting of stockholders of
the corporation, may be taken without a meeting, without prior notice and without a vote, if a
consent or consents in writing, setting forth the action so taken, shall be signed by the holders
of outstanding stock having not less than the minimum number of votes that would be necessary to
authorize or take such action at a meeting at which all shares entitled to vote thereon were
present and voted. Prompt notice of the taking of the corporate action without a meeting by less
than unanimous written consent shall be given to those stockholders who have not consented in
writing and who, if the action had been taken at a meeting, would have been entitled to notice of
the meeting if the record date for notice of such meeting had been the date that written consents
signed by a sufficient number of holders to take the action were delivered to the corporation.
Stockholders may, unless the certificate of incorporation otherwise provides, act by written
consent to elect directors; provided, however, that if such consent is less than unanimous, such
action by written consent may be in lieu of holding an annual meeting only if all of the
directorships to which directors could be elected at an annual meeting held at the effective time
of such action are vacant and are filled by such action.
A telegram, cablegram or other electronic transmission consenting to an action to be taken and
transmitted by a stockholder or proxyholder, or by a person or persons authorized to act for a
stockholder or proxyholder, shall be deemed to be written, signed and dated for the purposes
herein, provided that any such telegram, cablegram or other electronic transmission sets forth or
is delivered with information from which the corporation can determine (A) that the telegram,
cablegram or other electronic transmission was transmitted by the stockholder or proxyholder or by
a person or persons authorized to act for the stockholder or proxyholder and (B) the date on which
such stockholder or proxyholder or authorized persons or persons transmitted such telegram,
cablegram or other electronic transmission. The date on which such telegram, cablegram or
electronic transmission is transmitted shall be deemed to be the date on which such consent was
signed. No consent given by telegram,
cablegram or electronic transmission shall be deemed to have been delivered until such consent
is reproduced in paper form and until such paper form shall be delivered in accordance with Section
228 of the General Corporation Law of Delaware, to the corporation by delivery to its registered
office in Delaware, its principal place of business or an officer or agent of the corporation
having custody of the book in which proceedings of meetings of stockholders are recorded. Any copy,
facsimile or other reliable reproduction of a consent in writing may be substituted or used in lieu
of the original writing for any and all such purposes for which the original writing could be used,
provided that such copy, facsimile or other reproduction shall be a complete reproduction of the
entire original writing.
4
ARTICLE III
DIRECTORS
Section 1. The number of directors which shall constitute the whole board shall be two (2).
The directors shall be elected at the annual meeting of the stockholders, except as provided in
Section 2 of this Article, and each director elected shall hold office until his or her successor
is elected and qualified. Directors need not be stockholders.
Section 2. Vacancies and newly created directorships resulting from any increase in the
authorized number of directors may be filled by a majority of the directors then in office, though
less than a quorum, or by a sole remaining director, and the directors so chosen shall hold office
until the next annual election and until their successors are duly elected and shall qualify,
unless sooner displaced.
Section 3. The business of the corporation shall be managed by or under the direction of its
board of directors which may exercise all such powers of the corporation and do all such lawful
acts and things as are not by statute or by the certificate of incorporation or by these by-laws
directed or required to be exercised or done by the stockholders.
MEETINGS OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Section 4. The board of directors of the corporation may hold meetings, both regular and
special, either within or without the State of Delaware.
Section 5. The first meeting of each newly elected board of directors shall be held at such
time and place as shall be fixed by the vote of the stockholders at the annual meeting and no
notice of such meeting shall be necessary to the newly elected directors in order legally to
constitute the meeting, provided a quorum shall be present. In the event of the failure of the
stockholders to fix the
time or place of such first meeting of the newly elected board of directors, or in the event such
meeting is not held at the time and place so fixed by the stockholders, the meeting may be held at
such time and place as shall be specified in a notice given as hereinafter provided for special
meetings of the board of directors, or as shall be specified in a written waiver signed by all of
the directors.
5
Section 6. Regular meetings of the board of directors may be held without notice at such time
and at such place as shall from time to time be determined by the board.
Section 7. Special meetings of the board may be called by the president on notice to each
director, either personally or by mail or by facsimile communication; special meetings shall be
called by the president or secretary in like manner and on like notice on the written request of
two directors unless the board consists of only one director; in which case special meetings shall
be called by the president or secretary in like manner and on like notice on the written request of
the sole director.
Section 8. At all meetings of the board, a majority of directors shall constitute a quorum
for the transaction of business and the act of a majority of the directors present at any meeting
at which there is a quorum shall be the act of the board of directors, except as may be otherwise
specifically provided by statute or by the certificate of incorporation. If a quorum shall not be
present at any meeting of the board of directors, the directors present thereat may adjourn the
meeting from time to time, without notice other than announcement at the meeting, until a quorum
shall be present.
Section 9. Unless otherwise restricted by the certificate of incorporation or these by-laws,
any action required or permitted to be taken at any meeting of the board of directors or of any
committee thereof may be taken without a meeting, if all members of the board or committee, as the
case may be, consent thereto in writing or electronic transmission, and the writing or writings or
electronic transmission or transmissions are filed with the minutes of proceedings of the board or
committee. Such filing shall be in paper form if the minutes are maintained in paper form and shall
be in electronic form if the minutes are maintained in electronic form.
Section 10. Unless otherwise restricted by the certificate of incorporation, members of the
board of directors, or any committee designated by the board of directors, may participate in a
meeting of the board of directors, or any committee, by means of conference telephone or other
communications equipment by means of which all persons participating in the meeting can hear each
other, and such participation in a meeting shall constitute presence in person at the meeting.
6
COMMITTEES OF DIRECTORS
Section 11. The board of directors may designate one or more committees, each committee to
consist of one or more of the directors of the corporation. The board may designate one or more
directors as alternate members of any committee, who may replace any absent or disqualified member
at any meeting of the committee.
In the absence or disqualification of a member of a committee, the member or members thereof
present at any meeting and not disqualified from voting, whether or not the member or members
constitute a quorum, may unanimously appoint another member of the board of directors to act at the
meeting in the place of any such absent or disqualified member.
Any such committee, to the extent provided in the resolution of the board of directors, shall
have and may exercise all the powers and authority of the board of directors in the management of
the business and affairs of the corporation except as otherwise restricted by statute, and may
authorize the seal of the corporation to be affixed to all papers which may require it.
Section 12. Each committee shall keep regular minutes of its meetings and report the same to
the board of directors when required.
Section 13. Unless otherwise provided in the certificate of incorporation, the by-laws or the
resolution of the board of directors designating the committee, a committee may create one or more
subcommittees, each subcommittee to consist of one or more members of the committee, and delegate
to a subcommittee any or all of the powers and authority of the committee.
COMPENSATION OF DIRECTORS
Section 14. Unless otherwise restricted by the certificate of incorporation or these by-laws,
the board of directors shall have the authority to fix the compensation of directors. The directors
may be paid their expenses, if any, of attendance at each meeting of the board of directors and may
be paid a fixed sum for attendance at each meeting of the board of directors or a stated salary as
director. No such payment shall preclude any director from serving the corporation in any other
capacity and receiving compensation therefor. Members of special or standing committees may be
allowed like compensation for attending committee meetings.
7
REMOVAL OF DIRECTORS
Section 15. Any director or the entire board of directors may be removed, with or without
cause, by the holders of a majority of shares entitled to vote at an election of directors except
as otherwise provided by statute.
ARTICLE IV
NOTICES
Section 1. Whenever, under the provisions of the statutes or of the certificate of
incorporation or of these by-laws, notice is required to be given to any director or stockholder,
it shall not be construed to mean personal notice, but such notice may be given in writing, by
mail, addressed to such director or stockholder, at his address as it appears on the records of the
corporation, with postage thereon prepaid, and such notice shall be deemed to be given at the time
when the same shall be deposited in the United States mail. Notice may also be given to
stockholders by a form of electronic transmission in accordance with and subject to the provisions
of Section 232 of the General Corporation Law of Delaware.
Section 2. Whenever any notice is required to be given under the provisions of the statutes
or of the certificate of incorporation or of these by-laws, a waiver thereof in writing, signed by
the person or persons entitled to notice or a waiver by electronic transmission by the person
entitled to notice, whether before or after the time stated therein, shall be deemed equivalent
thereto.
ARTICLE V
OFFICERS
Section 1. The officers of the corporation shall be chosen by the board of directors and
shall be a president, a vice-president, a secretary and a treasurer. The board of directors may
also choose additional vice-presidents, and one or more assistant secretaries and assistant
treasurers. Any number of offices may be held by the same person, unless the certificate of
incorporation otherwise provides.
Section 2. The board of directors at its first meeting after each annual meeting of
stockholders shall choose a president, one or more vice-presidents, a secretary and a treasurer.
Section 3. The board of directors may appoint such other officers and agents as it shall deem
necessary who shall hold their offices for such terms and
shall exercise such powers and perform such duties as shall be determined from time to time by the
board.
8
Section 4. The salaries of all officers and agents of the corporation shall be fixed by the
board of directors.
Section 5. The officers of the corporation shall hold office until their successors are
chosen and qualify. Any officer elected or appointed by the board of directors may be removed at
any time by the affirmative vote of a majority of the board of directors. Any vacancy occurring in
any office of the corporation shall be filled by the board of directors.
THE PRESIDENT
Section 6. The president shall be the chief executive officer of the corporation, shall
preside at all meetings of the stockholders and the board of directors, shall have general and
active management of the business of the corporation and shall see that all orders and resolutions
of the board of directors are carried into effect.
Section 7. He or she shall execute bonds, mortgages and other contracts requiring a seal,
under the seal of the corporation, except where required or permitted by statute to be otherwise
signed and executed and except where the signing and execution thereof shall be expressly delegated
by the board of directors to some other officer or agent of the corporation.
THE VICE-PRESIDENTS
Section 8. In the absence of the president or in the event of his or her inability or refusal
to act, the vice-president (or in the event there be more than one vice-president, the
vice-presidents in the order designated by the directors, or in the absence of any designation,
then in the order of their election) shall perform the duties of the president, and when so acting,
shall have all the powers of and be subject to all the restrictions upon the president. The
vice-presidents shall perform such other duties and have such other powers as the board of
directors may from time to time prescribe.
THE SECRETARY AND ASSISTANT SECRETARY
Section 9. The secretary shall attend all meetings of the board of directors and all meetings
of the stockholders and record all the proceedings of the meetings of the corporation and of the
board of directors in a book to be kept for that purpose and shall perform like duties for the
standing committees when
required. He or she shall give, or cause to be given, notice of all meetings of the stockholders
and special meetings of the board of directors, and shall perform such other duties as may be
prescribed by the board of directors or president, under whose supervision he or she shall be. He
or she shall have custody of the corporate seal of the corporation and he or she, or an assistant
secretary, shall have authority to affix the same to any instrument requiring it and when so
affixed, it may be attested by his or her signature or by the signature of such assistant
secretary. The board of directors may give general authority to any other officer to affix the seal
of the corporation and to attest the affixing by his or her signature.
9
Section 10. The assistant secretary, or if there be more than one, the assistant secretaries
in the order determined by the board of directors (or if there be no such determination, then in
the order of their election) shall, in the absence of the secretary or in the event of his or her
inability or refusal to act, perform the duties and exercise the powers of the secretary and shall
perform such other duties and have such other powers as the board of directors may from time to
time prescribe.
THE TREASURER AND ASSISTANT TREASURERS
Section 11. The treasurer shall have the custody of the corporate funds and securities and
shall keep full and accurate accounts of receipts and disbursements in books belonging to the
corporation and shall deposit all moneys and other valuable effects in the name and to the credit
of the corporation in such depositories as may be designated by the board of directors.
Section 12. He or she shall disburse the funds of the corporation as may be ordered by the
board of directors, taking proper vouchers for such disbursements, and shall render to the
president and the board of directors, at its regular meetings, or when the board of directors so
requires, an account of all his or her transactions as treasurer and of the financial condition of
the corporation.
Section 13. If required by the board of directors, he or she shall give the corporation a
bond (which shall be renewed every six years) in such sum and with such surety or sureties as shall
be satisfactory to the board of directors for the faithful performance of the duties of his or her
office and for the restoration to the corporation, in case of his or her death, resignation,
retirement or removal from office, of all books, papers, vouchers, money and other property of
whatever kind in his or her possession or under his or her control belonging to the corporation.
Section 14. The assistant treasurer, or if there shall be more than one, the assistant
treasurers in the order determined by the board of directors (or if there be no such determination,
then in the order of their election) shall, in the absence
of the treasurer or in the event of his or her inability or refusal to act, perform the duties and
exercise the powers of the treasurer and shall perform such other duties and have such other powers
as the board of directors may from time to time prescribe.
10
ARTICLE VI
CERTIFICATES FOR SHARES
Section 1. The shares of the corporation shall be represented by a certificate or shall be
uncertificated. Certificates shall be signed by, or in the name of the corporation by, the chairman
or vice-chairman of the board of directors, or the president or a vice-president, and by the
treasurer or an assistant treasurer, or the secretary or an assistant secretary of the corporation.
If the corporation shall be authorized to issue more than one class of stock or more than one
series of any class, the powers, designations, preferences and relative, participating, optional or
other special rights of each class of stock or series thereof and the qualifications, limitations
or restrictions of such preferences and/or rights shall be set forth in full or summarized on the
face or back of the certificate which the corporation shall issue to represent such class or series
of stock, provided that, except as otherwise provided in section 202 of the General Corporation Law
of Delaware, in lieu of the foregoing requirements, there may be set forth on the face or back of
the certificate which the corporation shall issue to represent such class or series of stock, a
statement that the corporation will furnish without charge to each stockholder who so requests the
powers, designations, preferences and relative, participating, optional or other special rights of
each class of stock or series thereof and the qualifications, limitations or restrictions of such
preferences and/or rights.
Within a reasonable time after the issuance or transfer of uncertificated stock, the
corporation shall send to the registered owner thereof a written notice containing the information
required to be set forth or stated on certificates pursuant to Sections 151, 156, 202(a) or 218(a)
of the General Corporation Law of Delaware or a statement that the corporation will furnish without
charge to each stockholder who so requests the powers, designations, preferences and relative
participating, optional or other special rights of each class of stock or series thereof and the
qualifications, limitations or restrictions of such preferences and/or rights.
Section 2. Any of or all the signatures on a certificate may be facsimile. In case any
officer, transfer agent or registrar who has signed or whose facsimile signature has been placed
upon a certificate shall have ceased to be such officer, transfer agent or registrar before such
certificate is issued, it may be issued by the corporation with the same effect as if he or she
were such officer, transfer agent or registrar at the date of issue.
11
LOST CERTIFICATES
Section 3. The board of directors may direct a new certificate or certificates or
uncertificated shares to be issued in place of any certificate or certificates theretofore issued
by the corporation alleged to have been lost, stolen or destroyed, upon the making of an affidavit
of that fact by the person claiming the certificate of stock to be lost, stolen or destroyed. When
authorizing such issue of a new certificate or certificates or uncertificated shares, the board of
directors may, in its discretion and as a condition precedent to the issuance thereof, require the
owner of such lost, stolen or destroyed certificate or certificates, or his or her legal
representative, to advertise the same in such manner as it shall require and/or to give the
corporation a bond in such sum as it may direct as indemnity against any claim that may be made
against the corporation with respect to the certificate alleged to have been lost, stolen or
destroyed.
TRANSFER OF STOCK
Section 4. Upon surrender to the corporation or the transfer agent of the corporation of a
certificate for shares duly endorsed or accompanied by proper evidence of succession, assignation
or authority to transfer, it shall be the duty of the corporation to issue a new certificate to the
person entitled thereto, cancel the old certificate and record the transaction upon its books. Upon
receipt of proper transfer instructions from the registered owner of uncertificated shares, such
uncertificated shares shall be cancelled and issuance of new equivalent uncertificated shares or
certificated shares shall be made to the person entitled thereto and the transaction shall be
recorded upon the books of the corporation.
FIXING RECORD DATE
Section 5. In order that the corporation may determine the stockholders entitled to notice of
any meeting of stockholders or any adjournment thereof, the board of directors may fix a record
date, which shall not precede the date upon which the resolution fixing the record date is adopted
by the board of directors and which record date shall not be more than sixty nor less than ten days
before the date of such meeting. If the board of directors so fixes a date, such date shall also be
the record date for determining the stockholders entitled to vote at such meeting unless the board
of directors determines, at the time it fixes such record date, that a later date on or before the
date of the meeting shall be the date for making such determination. A determination of
stockholders of record entitled to notice of or to vote at a meeting of stockholders shall apply to
any adjournment of the meeting; provided, however, that the board of directors may fix a new record
date for determination of stockholders entitled to vote at the adjourned meeting and in such case
shall also fix as the record date for stockholders entitled to notice of such adjourned meeting the
same or an earlier date as that fixed for determination of stockholders entitled to vote in
accordance with Section 213(a) of the General Corporation Law of Delaware at the adjourned meeting.
12
In order that the corporation may determine the stockholders entitled to express consent to
corporate action in writing without a meeting, or entitled to receive payment of any dividend or
other distribution or allotment of any rights, or entitled to exercise any rights in respect of any
change, conversion or exchange of stock or for the purpose of any other lawful action, the board of
directors may fix a record date, which, with respect to determining stockholders entitled to
consent to corporate action in writing without a meeting, shall not be more than ten days after the
date upon which the resolution fixing the record date is adopted by the board of directors, or
sixty days prior to any other action. No record date fixed as described above shall precede the
date upon which the resolution fixing the record date is adopted by the board of directors.
REGISTERED STOCKHOLDERS
Section 6. The corporation shall be entitled to recognize the exclusive right of a person
registered on its books as the owner of shares to receive dividends, and to vote as such owner, and
to hold liable for calls and assessments a person registered on its books as the owner of shares,
and shall not be bound to recognize any equitable or other claim to or interest in such share or
shares on the part of any other person, whether or not it shall have express or other notice
thereof, except as otherwise provided by the laws of Delaware.
ARTICLE VII
GENERAL PROVISIONS
DIVIDENDS
Section 1. Dividends upon the capital stock of the corporation, subject to the provisions of
the certificate of incorporation, if any, may be declared by the board of directors at any regular
or special meeting, pursuant to law. Dividends may be paid in cash, in property, or in shares of
the capital stock, subject to the provisions of the certificate of incorporation.
Section 2. Before payment of any dividend, there may be set aside out of any funds of the
corporation available for dividends such sum or sums as the directors from time to time, in their
absolute discretion, think proper as a reserve or reserves to meet contingencies, or for equalizing
dividends, or for repairing or maintaining any property of the corporation, or for such other
purpose as the
directors shall think conducive to the interest of the corporation, and the directors may modify or
abolish any such reserve in the manner in which it was created.
13
ANNUAL STATEMENT
Section 3. The board of directors shall present at each annual meeting, and at any special
meeting of the stockholders when called for by vote of the stockholders, a full and clear statement
of the business and condition of the corporation.
CHECKS
Section 4. All checks or demands for money and notes of the corporation shall be signed by
such officer or officers or such other person or persons as the board of directors may from time to
time designate.
FISCAL YEAR
Section 5. The fiscal year of the corporation shall be fixed by resolution of the board of
directors.
SEAL
Section 6. The corporate seal shall have inscribed thereon the name of the corporation, the
year of its organization and the words Corporate Seal, Delaware. The seal may be used by causing
it or a facsimile thereof to be impressed or affixed or reproduced or otherwise.
INDEMNIFICATION
Section 7. The corporation shall indemnify its officers, directors, employees and agents to
the extent permitted by the General Corporation Law of Delaware.
14
ARTICLE VIII
AMENDMENTS
Section 1. These by-laws may be altered, amended or repealed or new by-laws may be adopted by
the stockholders or by the board of directors, when such power is conferred upon the board of
directors by the certificate of
incorporation, at any regular meeting of the stockholders or of the board of directors or at any
special meeting of the stockholders or of the board of directors if notice of such alteration,
amendment, repeal or adoption of new by-laws be contained in the notice of such special meeting. If
the power to adopt, amend or repeal by-laws is conferred upon the board of directors by the
certificate of incorporation, it shall not divest or limit the power of the stockholders to adopt,
amend or repeal by-laws.
15
exv5w1
Exhibit 5.1
April 4, 2011
Vector Group Ltd.
100 S.E. Second Street, 32nd Floor
Miami, FL 33131
|
|
|
Re: |
|
Registration Statement on Form S-4 Relating to $90,000,000 Aggregate Principal
Amount of 11% Senior Secured Notes Due 2015 |
Ladies and Gentlemen:
This opinion letter is furnished to you in connection with your filing of a Registration
Statement on Form S-4 (the Registration Statement) pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933, as
amended (the Securities Act), relating to the registration of the offer by Vector Group Ltd., a
Delaware corporation (the Company) to exchange up to $90 million aggregate principal amount of
its 11% Senior Secured Notes due 2015 (the Exchange Securities) for its existing 11% Senior
Secured Notes due 2015 (the Securities). The Securities are, and the Exchange Securities are to
be, guaranteed by the subsidiaries of the Company listed on Schedule I hereto (the Guarantors).
The Exchange Securities are to be issued in accordance with the provisions of the Indenture (the
Indenture), dated as of August 16, 2007, among the Company, the Guarantors and U.S. Bank National
Association (the Trustee) as contemplated by the Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of
December 3, 2010, among the Company, the Guarantors and Jefferies & Company, Inc. (the
Registration Rights Agreement). The guarantees of the Exchange Securities by the Guarantors (the
Guarantees) are to be issued in accordance with the provisions of the Indenture and the
Registration Rights Agreement.
We have reviewed such documents and made such examination of law as we have deemed appropriate
to give the opinions expressed below. We have relied, without independent verification, on
certificates of public officials and, as to matters of fact material to the opinions set forth
below, on certificates of officers of the Company and the Guarantors.
The opinions set forth below are limited to the law of the United States, New York, Virginia,
and the Delaware General Corporation Law (which includes applicable provisions of the Delaware
Constitution and reported judicial decisions interpreting the Delaware General Corporation Law and
the Delaware Constitution).
Also, for purposes of the opinions set forth below, and without limiting any other exceptions
or qualifications set forth herein, insofar as they relate to the Guarantors, we have assumed that
each Guarantor has received reasonably equivalent value and fair consideration in exchange for its
obligations under its Guarantee or undertakings in connection therewith.
Based on the foregoing, and subject to the additional qualifications set forth below, we are
of the opinion that, (i) when the Exchange Securities (in the form examined by us) are duly
executed by the Company, authenticated by the Trustee in accordance with the Indenture and issued
and delivered upon consummation of the exchange offer (as described in the Registration Statement)
against receipt of Securities surrendered in exchange therefor in accordance with the terms of such
exchange offer, the Registration Rights Agreement, the Registration Statement and the Indenture,
the Exchange Securities will be valid and binding obligations of the Company, enforceable against
the Company in accordance with their terms, and (ii) when the Guarantees (in the form examined by
us) are duly executed by the Guarantors and issued and delivered upon consummation of the exchange
offer (as described in the Registration Statement) in accordance with the terms of such exchange
offer, the Registration Rights Agreement, the Registration Statement and the Indenture, the
Guarantees will be valid and binding obligations of the respective Guarantors, enforceable against
the Guarantors in accordance with their terms.
The opinions expressed below are subject to bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, fraudulent
transfer, moratorium or other similar laws of general application affecting the rights and remedies
of creditors and to general
principles of equity. We express no opinion as to the validity, binding effect and
enforceability of provisions in the Exchange Securities or the Indenture or the Guarantees relating
to the choice of forum for resolving disputes.
We hereby consent to the inclusion of this opinion as Exhibit 5.1 to the Registration
Statement and to the references to our firm under the caption Validity of the New Notes in the
Registration Statement. In giving our consent, we do not admit that we are in the category of
persons whose consent is required under Section 7 of the Securities Act or the rules and
regulations thereunder.
Very truly yours,
GOODWIN PROCTER LLP
2
Schedule I
Guarantors
100 Maple LLC
Accommodations Acquisition Corporation
Eve Holdings Inc.
Liggett & Myers Holdings Inc.
Liggett & Myers Inc.
Liggett Group LLC
Liggett Vector Brands LLC
V.T. Aviation LLC
Vector Research LLC
Vector Tobacco Inc.
VGR Aviation LLC
VGR Holding LLC
3
exv12
Exhibit 12
VECTOR GROUP LTD.
Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Ratios)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year ended December 31, |
|
|
|
2010 |
|
|
2009 |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2006 |
|
Earnings as defined: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pre-tax income |
|
$ |
85,570 |
|
|
$ |
28,537 |
|
|
$ |
94,572 |
|
|
$ |
126,603 |
|
|
$ |
68,480 |
|
Distributions from
investees |
|
|
12,212 |
|
|
|
6,715 |
|
|
|
13,741 |
|
|
|
9,878 |
|
|
|
7,311 |
|
Amortization of
capitalized interest |
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
1 |
|
Interest expense |
|
|
72,572 |
|
|
|
104,415 |
|
|
|
37,998 |
|
|
|
51,871 |
|
|
|
37,664 |
|
(Income) in equity of
affiliate |
|
|
(23,963 |
) |
|
|
(15,213 |
) |
|
|
(24,399 |
) |
|
|
(16,243 |
) |
|
|
(9,086 |
) |
Rent expense (1) |
|
|
1,223 |
|
|
|
1,301 |
|
|
|
1,275 |
|
|
|
1,309 |
|
|
|
1,502 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total earnings |
|
$ |
147,615 |
|
|
$ |
125,756 |
|
|
$ |
123,188 |
|
|
$ |
173,419 |
|
|
$ |
105,872 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fixed charges as defined: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest expense |
|
$ |
72,572 |
|
|
$ |
104,415 |
|
|
$ |
37,998 |
|
|
$ |
51,871 |
|
|
$ |
37,664 |
|
Capitalized interest |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rent expense (1) |
|
|
1,223 |
|
|
|
1,301 |
|
|
|
1,275 |
|
|
|
1,309 |
|
|
|
1,502 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total fixed charges |
|
$ |
73,795 |
|
|
$ |
105,716 |
|
|
$ |
39,273 |
|
|
$ |
53,180 |
|
|
$ |
39,166 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ratio of earnings to
fixed charges |
|
|
2.00 |
|
|
|
1.19 |
|
|
|
3.14 |
|
|
|
3.26 |
|
|
|
2.70 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Represents a portion of rental expense (deemed by us to be representative of the interest
factor of rental payments) |
exv23w2
Exhibit 23.2
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED
CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in this Registration Statement on Form S-4 of
our report dated February 25, 2011 relating to the financial statements, financial statement
schedule and the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, which appears in
Vector Group Ltd.s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010. We also
consent to the reference to us under the heading Experts in such Registration Statement.
/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Miami, Florida
April 4, 2011
exv23w3
Exhibit 23.3
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED
PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in this Registration Statement on Form S-4 of
our report dated February 25, 2011 relating to the financial statements and financial
statement schedule of Vector Tobacco Inc., which appears in Vector Group Ltd.s Annual Report on
Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010. We also consent to the reference to us under the
heading Experts in such Registration Statement.
/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Raleigh, North Carolina
April 4, 2011
exv23w4
Exhibit 23.4
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED
PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in this Registration Statement on Form S-4 of
our report dated February 25, 2011 relating to the financial statements and financial
statement schedule of Liggett Group LLC, which appears in Vector Group Ltd.s Annual Report on Form
10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010. We also consent to the reference to us under the
heading Experts in such Registration Statement.
/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Raleigh, North Carolina
April 4, 2011
exv23w5
Exhibit 23.5
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED
PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in this Registration Statement on Form S-4 of
our report dated February 17, 2011 relating to the financial statements of Douglas
Elliman Reality, LLC for the year ended December 31, 2010, which appears in Vector Group Ltds
Annual Report on Form 10-K as of and for the year ended December 31, 2010. We also consent to the
reference to us under the heading Experts in such Registration Statement.
/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
New York, New York
April 4, 2011
exv25w1
Exhibit 25.1
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM T-1
STATEMENT OF ELIGIBILITY UNDER
THE TRUST INDENTURE ACT OF 1939 OF A
CORPORATION DESIGNATED TO ACT AS TRUSTEE
Check if an Application to Determine Eligibility of
a Trustee Pursuant to Section 305(b)(2)
U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION
(Exact name of Trustee as specified in its charter)
31-0841368
I.R.S. Employer Identification No.
|
|
|
800 Nicollet Mall |
|
|
Minneapolis, Minnesota
|
|
55402 |
|
|
|
(Address of principal executive offices)
|
|
(Zip Code) |
Joshua A. Hahn
U.S. Bank National Association
60 Livingston Avenue
St. Paul, MN 55107
(651) 495-3918
(Name, address and telephone number of agent for service)
Vector Group Ltd.
(Issuer with respect to the Securities)
|
|
|
Delaware
|
|
65-0949535 |
|
|
|
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
|
|
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) |
|
|
|
100 S.E. Second Street |
|
|
Miami, Florida
|
|
33131 |
|
|
|
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)
|
|
(Zip Code) |
11% Senior Secured Notes Due 2015
(Title of the Indenture Securities)
6
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Exact Name of Registrant |
|
|
|
State of |
|
I.R.S. Employer |
Guarantor as Specified in its |
|
|
|
Incorporation |
|
Identification |
Charter |
|
Address and Phone Number |
|
or Organization |
|
Number |
100 Maple LLC |
|
c/o Liggett Vector Brands LLC |
|
Delaware |
|
65-0960238 |
|
|
3800 Paramount Parkway, Suite 250 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
PO Box 2010 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Morrisville, NC 27560 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(919) 990-3500 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accommodations Acquisition Corporation |
|
c/o Vector Group Ltd. |
|
Delaware |
|
27-2795835 |
|
|
100 S.E. Second Street |
|
|
|
|
|
|
32nd Floor |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Miami, Florida 33131 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(305) 579-8000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Eve Holdings Inc. |
|
1105 N. Market Street |
|
Delaware |
|
56-1703877 |
|
|
Suite 617 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Wilmington, DE 19801 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(305) 579-8000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Liggett & Myers Holdings, Inc. |
|
100 S.E. Second Street |
|
Delaware |
|
51-0413146 |
|
|
32nd Floor |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Miami, FL 33131 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(305) 579-8000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Liggett & Myers Inc. |
|
c/o Liggett Vector Brands LLC |
|
Delaware |
|
56-1110146 |
|
|
3800 Paramount Parkway, Suite 250 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
PO Box 2010 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Morrisville, NC 27560 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(919) 990-3500 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Liggett Group LLC |
|
c/o Liggett Vector Brands LLC |
|
Delaware |
|
56-1702115 |
|
|
3800 Paramount Parkway, Suite 250 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
PO Box 2010 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Morrisville, NC 27560 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(919) 990-3500 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Liggett Vector Brands LLC |
|
3800 Paramount Parkway, |
|
Delaware |
|
74-3040463 |
|
|
Suite 250 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
P.O. Box 2010 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Morrisville, NC 27560 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(305) 579-8000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
V.T. Aviation LLC |
|
3800 Paramount Parkway, |
|
Delaware |
|
51-0405537 |
|
|
Suite 250 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
P.O. Box 2010 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Morrisville, NC 27560 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(305) 579-8000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Vector Research LLC |
|
c/o Liggett Vector Brands LLC |
|
Delaware |
|
65-1058692 |
|
|
3800 Paramount Parkway, Suite 250 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
PO Box 2010 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Morrisville, NC 27560 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(919) 990-3500 |
|
|
|
|
7
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Exact Name of Registrant |
|
|
|
State of |
|
I.R.S. Employer |
Guarantor as Specified in its |
|
|
|
Incorporation |
|
Identification |
Charter |
|
Address and Phone Number |
|
or Organization |
|
Number |
Vector Tobacco Inc. |
|
c/o Liggett Vector Brands LLC |
|
Virginia |
|
54-1814147 |
|
|
3800 Paramount Parkway, Suite 250 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
PO Box 2010 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Morrisville, NC 27560 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(919) 990-3500 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
VGR Aviation LLC |
|
3800 Paramount Parkway, |
|
Delaware |
|
65-0949535 |
|
|
Suite 250 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
P.O. Box 2010 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Morrisville, NC 27560 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(305) 579-8000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
VGR Holding LLC |
|
100 S.E. Second Street |
|
Delaware |
|
65-0949536 |
|
|
32nd Floor |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Miami, Florida 33131 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(305) 579-8000 |
|
|
|
|
FORM T-1
Item 1. GENERAL INFORMATION. Furnish the following information as to the Trustee.
|
a) |
|
Name and address of each examining or supervising authority to which it is subject.
Comptroller of the Currency
Washington, D.C. |
|
|
b) |
|
Whether it is authorized to exercise corporate trust powers.
Yes |
Item 2. AFFILIATIONS WITH OBLIGOR. If the obligor is an affiliate of the Trustee, describe each such affiliation.
None
Items 3-15. Items 3-15 are not applicable because to the best of the Trustees knowledge, the
obligor is not in default under any Indenture for which the Trustee acts as Trustee.
Item 16. LIST OF EXHIBITS: List below all exhibits filed as a part of this statement of
eligibility and qualification.
|
1. |
|
A copy of the Articles of Association of the Trustee.* |
|
|
2. |
|
A copy of the certificate of authority of the Trustee to commence business.** |
|
|
3. |
|
A copy of the certificate of authority of the Trustee to exercise corporate trust
powers.** |
|
|
4. |
|
A copy of the existing bylaws of the Trustee.** |
|
|
5. |
|
A copy of each Indenture referred to in Item 4. Not applicable. |
|
|
6. |
|
The consent of the Trustee required by Section 321(b) of the
Trust Indenture Act of 1939, attached as Exhibit 6. |
8
|
7. |
|
Report of Condition of the Trustee as of September 30, 2010
published pursuant to law or the requirements of its supervising or examining
authority, attached as Exhibit 7. |
|
|
|
* |
|
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 25.1 to Amendment No. 2 to registration statement on
Form S-4, Registration Number 333-128217 filed on November 15, 2005. |
|
** |
|
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 25.1 to registration statement on Form S-4, Registration
Number 333-166527 filed on May 5, 2010. |
9
SIGNATURE
Pursuant to the requirements of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended, the Trustee, U.S.
BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, a national banking association organized and existing under the laws of
the United States of America, has duly caused this statement of eligibility and qualification to be
signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, all in the City of St. Paul,
State of Minnesota on the 4th day of April, 2011.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
By: |
/s/ Joshua Hahn
|
|
|
|
Joshua Hahn |
|
|
|
Assistant Vice President |
|
10
Exhibit 6
CONSENT
In accordance with Section 321(b) of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, the
undersigned, U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION hereby consents that reports of examination of the
undersigned by Federal, State, Territorial or District authorities may be furnished by such
authorities to the Securities and Exchange Commission upon its request therefor.
Dated:
April 4, 2011
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
By: |
/s/ Joshua Hahn
|
|
|
|
Joshua Hahn |
|
|
|
Assistant Vice President |
|
|
11
Exhibit 7
U.S. Bank National Association
Statement of Financial Condition
Exhibit 7
As of 12/31/2010
($000s)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
12/31/2010 |
|
Assets |
|
|
|
|
Cash and Balances Due From Depository Institutions |
|
$ |
14,487,388 |
|
Securities |
|
|
51,308,254 |
|
Federal Funds |
|
|
4,252,675 |
|
Loans & Lease Financing Receivables |
|
|
191,819,118 |
|
Fixed Assets |
|
|
5,282,543 |
|
Intangible Assets |
|
|
13,055,167 |
|
Other Assets |
|
|
22,054,399 |
|
|
|
|
|
Total Assets |
|
$ |
302,259,544 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Liabilities |
|
|
|
|
Deposits |
|
$ |
211,417,189 |
|
Fed Funds |
|
|
9,951,510 |
|
Treasury Demand Notes |
|
|
0 |
|
Trading Liabilities |
|
|
524,005 |
|
Other Borrowed Money |
|
|
33,939,855 |
|
Acceptances |
|
|
0 |
|
Subordinated Notes and Debentures |
|
|
7,760,721 |
|
Other Liabilities |
|
|
7,839,191 |
|
|
|
|
|
Total Liabilities |
|
$ |
271,432,471 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Equity |
|
|
|
|
Minority Interest in Subsidiaries |
|
$ |
1,736,480 |
|
Common and Preferred Stock |
|
|
18,200 |
|
Surplus |
|
|
14,136,872 |
|
Undivided Profits |
|
|
14,935,521 |
|
|
|
|
|
Total Equity Capital |
|
$ |
30,827,073 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Liabilities and Equity Capital |
|
$ |
302,259,544 |
|
exv99w1
Exhibit 99.1
LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL
Vector Group Ltd.
Offer to Exchange
Up to $90,000,000 Principal Amount Outstanding of
11% Senior Secured Notes due 2015
for
a Like Principal Amount of
11% Senior Secured Notes due 2015
which have been registered under the Securities Act of 1933
Pursuant to the Prospectus, dated , 2011
THE EXCHANGE OFFER WILL EXPIRE AT 5:00 P.M. NEW YORK CITY TIME, ON ,
2011, UNLESS EXTENDED (SUCH DATE AND TIME, AS IT MAY BE EXTENDED, THE
EXPIRATION DATE). TENDERS MAY BE WITHDRAWN PRIOR TO 5:00 P.M., NEW YORK CITY
TIME, ON THE EXPIRATION DATE.
EXCHANGE AGENT:
U.S. Bank National Association
|
|
|
|
|
By Registered or Certified Mail:
|
|
By Hand or Overnight Courier:
|
|
By Facsimile: |
|
U.S. Bank National Association
|
|
U.S. Bank National Association
|
|
U.S. Bank National Association |
60 Livingston Avenue
St. Paul, MN 55107
Attn: Specialized Finance Dept
|
|
60 Livingston Avenue
St. Paul, MN 55107
Attn: Specialized Finance Dept.
|
|
(651) 495-8158
Attn: Specialized Finance Dept. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For information, call: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(800) 934-6802 |
|
|
DELIVERY OF THIS INSTRUMENT TO AN ADDRESS OTHER THAN AS SET FORTH ABOVE, OR TRANSMISSION OF
INSTRUCTIONS VIA FACSIMILE OTHER THAN AS SET FORTH ABOVE, WILL NOT CONSTITUTE A VALID DELIVERY.
THE INSTRUCTIONS CONTAINED HEREIN SHOULD BE READ CAREFULLY BEFORE THIS LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL
IS COMPLETED.
The undersigned acknowledges that he or she has received the prospectus, dated , 2011
(the Prospectus), of Vector Group Ltd., a Delaware corporation (the Company), and this letter
of transmittal (the Letter), which together constitute the Companys offer (the Exchange Offer)
to exchange an aggregate principal amount of up to $90,000,000 of registered 11% Senior Secured
Notes due 2015 (the New Notes) of the Company for an equal principal amount of the Companys
outstanding 11% Senior Secured Notes due 2015 (the Original
Notes). Capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the same meaning given to
them in the Prospectus.
For each Original Note accepted for exchange, the holder of such Original Note will receive a
New Note having a principal amount equal to that of the surrendered Original Note. The New Notes
will bear interest at a rate of 11% per annum from the most recent date to which interest on the
Original Notes has been paid. Interest on the New Notes will be payable semiannually in arrears on
February 15 and August 15 of each year. The New Notes will mature on August 15, 2015. The Company
will deem the right to receive any interest accrued but unpaid on the Original Notes waived by you
if we accept your Original Notes for exchange. The terms of the New Notes are substantially
identical to the terms of the Original Notes, except that the New Notes have been registered under
the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the Securities Act), and are free of any obligation
regarding registration.
The Company reserves the right, at any time or from time to time, to extend the Exchange Offer
at its discretion, in which event the term Expiration Date shall mean the latest time and date to
which the Exchange Offer is extended. The Company shall publicly announce any extension by making
a timely release through an appropriate news agency.
This Letter is to be completed by a holder of Original Notes either if certificates are to be
forwarded herewith or if tenders are to be made according to the guaranteed delivery procedures set
forth in The Exchange Offer Guaranteed Delivery Procedures section of the Prospectus. Holders
of Original Notes whose certificates are not immediately available, or who are unable to deliver
their certificates or confirmation of the book-entry tender (a Book-Entry Confirmation) of their
Original Notes into the account maintained by U.S. Bank National Association at The Depository
Trust Company (the Book-Entry Transfer Facility) and all other documents required by this Letter
to the Exchange Agent on or prior to the Expiration Date, must tender their Original Notes
according to the guaranteed delivery procedures set forth in The Exchange Offer Guaranteed
Delivery Procedures section of the Prospectus. See Instruction 1. Delivery of documents to the
Book-Entry Transfer Facility does not constitute delivery to the Exchange Agent.
The undersigned has completed the appropriate boxes below and signed this Letter to indicate
the action the undersigned desires to take with respect to the Exchange Offer. YOU MUST SIGN THIS
LETTER IN THE APPROPRIATE SPACE PROVIDED, WITH SIGNATURE GUARANTEE IF REQUIRED AND COMPLETE THE
SUBSTITUTE FORM W-9 (OR IRS FORM W-8, AS APPLICABLE) AS SET FORTH BELOW.
List below the Original Notes to which this Letter relates. If the space provided below is
inadequate, the numbers and principal amount at maturity of Original Notes should be listed on a
separate signed schedule affixed hereto.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
DESCRIPTION OF ORIGINAL NOTES |
|
|
|
1 |
|
2 |
|
|
3 |
|
|
|
|
|
Aggregate |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Principal Amount |
|
|
Principal |
|
|
|
|
|
of Original Notes |
|
|
Amount of |
|
Name(s) and Address(es) of Registered Holder(s) |
|
Certificate |
|
Represented by |
|
|
Original Notes |
|
(Please fill in, if blank) |
|
Number(s)* |
|
Certificate |
|
|
Tendered** |
|
|
|
Total |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
* |
|
Need not be completed if Original Notes are being tendered by book-entry transfer. |
|
** |
|
Unless otherwise indicated in this column, a holder will be deemed to have tendered ALL of the Original
Notes represented by the Original Notes indicated in column 2. See Instruction 2. Original Notes
tendered must be in an amount equal to $1,000 in principal amount and integral multiples of $1,000 in
excess thereof. See Instruction 1. |
2
|
|
|
o
|
|
CHECK HERE IF TENDERED ORIGINAL NOTES ARE ENCLOSED HEREWITH. |
o
|
|
CHECK HERE IF TENDERED ORIGINAL NOTES ARE BEING DELIVERED BY BOOK
ENTRY TRANSFER MADE TO THE ACCOUNT MAINTAINED BY THE EXCHANGE
AGENT WITH THE BOOK-ENTRY TRANSFER FACILITY AND COMPLETE THE
FOLLOWING: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Name of Tendering Institution |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Account Number
|
|
|
|
Transaction Code Number |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
o
|
|
CHECK HERE IF TENDERED ORIGINAL NOTES ARE BEING DELIVERED PURSUANT
TO A NOTICE OF GUARANTEED DELIVERY PREVIOUSLY SENT TO THE EXCHANGE
AGENT AND COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Name(s) of Registered Holder(s) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Window Ticket Number (if any) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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Date of Execution of Notice of Guaranteed Delivery |
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Name of Institution which guaranteed delivery |
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If Being Delivered by Book-Entry Transfer, Complete the Following: |
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Account Number
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Transaction Code Number |
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CHECK HERE IF YOU ARE A BROKER-DEALER AND WISH TO RECEIVE 10
ADDITIONAL COPIES OF THE PROSPECTUS AND 10 COPIES OF ANY
AMENDMENTS OR SUPPLEMENTS THERETO. |
3
PLEASE READ THE ACCOMPANYING INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY
Ladies and Gentlemen:
Upon the terms and subject to the conditions of the Exchange Offer (and if the Exchange Offer
is extended or amended, the terms of any such extension or amendment), the undersigned hereby
tenders to the Company the aggregate principal amount of the Original Notes indicated above.
Subject to, and effective upon, the acceptance for exchange of the Original Notes tendered hereby,
the undersigned hereby sells, assigns and transfers to, or upon the order of, the Company all
right, title and interest in and to such Original Notes as are being tendered hereby.
The undersigned hereby represents and warrants that the undersigned has full power and
authority to tender, sell, assign and transfer the Original Notes tendered hereby and that the
Company will acquire good and unencumbered title thereto, free and clear of all liens,
restrictions, charges and encumbrances and not subject to any adverse claim if and when the same
are accepted by the Company. The undersigned hereby further represents that it is not an
affiliate, as defined in Rule 405 under the Securities Act, of the Company, that any New Notes to
be received by it will be acquired in the ordinary course of business and that at the time of
commencement of the Exchange Offer it had no arrangement with any person to participate in a
distribution of the New Notes.
In addition, if the undersigned is a broker-dealer, the undersigned represents that it is not
engaged in, and does not intend to engage in, a distribution of the New Notes. If the undersigned
is a broker-dealer that will receive New Notes for its own account in exchange for Original Notes,
it represents that the Original Notes to be exchanged for New Notes were acquired by it as a result
of market-making activities or other trading activities and acknowledges that it will deliver a
prospectus in connection with any resale of such New Notes; however, by so acknowledging and by
delivering a prospectus, the undersigned will not be deemed to admit that it is an underwriter
within the meaning of the Securities Act.
The undersigned also acknowledges that this Exchange Offer is being made by the Company based
upon the Companys understanding of an interpretation by the staff of the Securities and Exchange
Commission (the Commission) as set forth in no-action letters issued to third parties, that the
New Notes issued in exchange for the Original Notes pursuant to the Exchange Offer may be offered
for resale, resold and otherwise transferred by holders thereof, without compliance with the
registration and prospectus delivery provisions of the Securities Act, provided that: (1) such
holders are not affiliates of the Company within the meaning of Rule 405 under the Securities Act;
(2) such New Notes are acquired in the ordinary course of such holders business; and (3) such
holders are not engaged in, and do not intend to engage in, a distribution of such New Notes and
have no arrangement or understanding with any person to participate in the distribution of such New
Notes. However, the staff of the Commission has not considered this Exchange Offer in the context
of a no-action letter, and there can be no assurance that the staff of the Commission would make a
similar determination with respect to the Exchange Offer as in other circumstances. If a holder of
Original Notes is an affiliate of the Company, acquires the New Notes other than in the ordinary
course of such holders business or is engaged in or intends to engage in a distribution of the New
Notes or has any arrangement or understanding with respect to the distribution of the New Notes to
be acquired pursuant to the Exchange Offer, such holder could not rely on the applicable
interpretations of the staff of the Commission and must comply with the registration and prospectus
delivery requirements of the Securities Act in connection with any secondary resale transaction.
The undersigned will, upon request, execute and deliver any additional documents deemed by the
Company to be necessary or desirable to complete the sale, assignment and transfer of the Original
Notes tendered hereby. All authority conferred or agreed to be conferred in this Letter and every
obligation of the undersigned hereunder shall be binding upon the successors, assigns, heirs,
executors, administrators, trustees in bankruptcy and legal representatives of the undersigned and
shall not be affected by, and shall survive, the death or incapacity of the undersigned. This
tender may be withdrawn only in accordance with the procedures set forth in The Exchange Offer
Withdrawal of Tenders section of the Prospectus.
Unless otherwise indicated in the box entitled Special Issuance Instructions below, please
deliver the New Notes in the name of the undersigned or, in the case of a book-entry delivery of
Original Notes, please credit the account indicated above maintained at the Book-Entry Transfer
Facility. Similarly, unless otherwise indicated
4
under the box entitled Special Delivery Instructions below, please send the New Notes to the
undersigned at the address shown above in the box entitled Description of Original Notes.
THE UNDERSIGNED, BY COMPLETING THE BOX ENTITLED DESCRIPTION OF ORIGINAL NOTES ABOVE AND
SIGNING THIS LETTER, WILL BE DEEMED TO HAVE TENDERED THE ORIGINAL NOTES AS SET FORTH IN SUCH BOX
ABOVE.
SPECIAL ISSUANCE INSTRUCTIONS
(See Instructions 3 and 4)
To be completed ONLY if certificates for Original Notes not
exchanged and/or New Notes are to be issued in the name of and sent
to someone other than the person(s) whose signature(s) appear(s) on
this Letter below, or if Original Notes delivered by book-entry
transfer which are not accepted for exchange are to be returned by
credit to an account maintained at the Book-Entry Transfer Facility
other than the account indicated above. Issue New Notes and/or
Original Notes to:
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(Please Type or Print)
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Address: |
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(Including Zip Code)
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(Complete accompanying Substitute Form W-9 or IRS Form W-8, as applicable)
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Credit unexchanged Original Notes delivered by book entry transfer to
the Book Entry Transfer Facility account set forth below. |
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Account Number, if applicable)
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SPECIAL DELIVERY INSTRUCTIONS
(See Instructions 3 and 4)
To be completed ONLY if certificates for Original Notes not
exchanged and/or New Notes are to be sent to someone other than the
person(s) whose signature(s) appear(s) on this Letter below or to
such person(s) at an address other than shown in the box entitled,
Description of Original Notes on this Letter above. Mail New
Notes and/or Original Notes to:
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Name(s) |
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(Please Type or Print)
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(Please Type or Print)
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5
IMPORTANT: THIS LETTER OR A FACSIMILE HEREOF (TOGETHER WITH THE CERTIFICATES FOR ORIGINAL NOTES) OR
A BOOK-ENTRY CONFIRMATION AND ALL OTHER REQUIRED DOCUMENTS OR THE NOTICE OF GUARANTEED DELIVERY
MUST BE RECEIVED BY THE EXCHANGE AGENT PRIOR TO THE EXPIRATION DATE.
PLEASE READ THIS ENTIRE LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL CAREFULLY BEFORE COMPLETING ANY BOX ABOVE.
6
PLEASE SIGN HERE
(TO BE COMPLETED BY ALL TENDERING HOLDERS)
(Complete accompanying Substitute Form W-9 on reverse side or IRS Form W-8, as applicable)
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, 2010 |
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, 2010 |
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(Signature(s) of Registered Owner(s))
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(Date) |
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Area Code and Telephone Number:
If a holder is tendering any Original Notes, this Letter must be signed by the registered holder(s) as the
name(s) appear(s) on the certificate(s) for the Original Notes or by any person(s) authorized to become
registered holder(s) by endorsements and documents transmitted herewith. If signature is by a trustee,
executor, administrator, guardian, attorney-in-fact, officer or other person acting in a fiduciary or
representative capacity, please set forth full title. See Instruction 3.
(Please Type or Print)
(Including Zip Code)
SIGNATURE GUARANTEE
(if Required by Instruction 3)
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Signature Guaranteed by an Eligible Institution: |
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(Authorized Signature) |
(Title)
(Name and Firm)
Dated: , 2010
7
INSTRUCTIONS
Forming Part of the Terms and Conditions of the Offer to Exchange
Up to $90,000,000 Principal Amount Outstanding of
11% Senior Secured Notes due 2015
for
a Like Principal Amount of
11% Senior Secured Notes due 2015
which have been registered under the Securities Act of 1933
1. Delivery of this Letter and Original Notes; Guaranteed Delivery Procedures.
This Letter or, in lieu thereof, a message from the Book-Entry Transfer Facility stating that
the holder has expressly acknowledged receipt of, and agrees to be bound by and held accountable
by, this Letter (a Book-Entry Acknowledgement) is to be completed by or received with respect to
holders of Original Notes either if certificates are to be forwarded herewith or if tenders are to
be made pursuant to the procedures for delivery by book-entry transfer set forth in The Exchange
Offer Procedures for Tendering section of the Prospectus. Certificates for all physically
tendered Original Notes (or Book-Entry Confirmation), as well as a properly completed and duly
executed letter of transmittal (or facsimile thereof) and any other documents required by this
Letter (or, in lieu thereof, a Book-Entry Acknowledgement), must be received by the Exchange Agent
at the address set forth herein on or prior to the Expiration Date, or the tendering holder must
comply with the guaranteed delivery procedures set forth below. Original Notes tendered hereby
must be in an amount equal to $1,000 in principal amount and integral multiples of $1,000 in excess
thereof.
Holders of Original Notes whose certificates for Original Notes are not immediately available
or who cannot deliver their certificates and all other required documents to the Exchange Agent
prior to the Expiration Date, or who cannot complete the procedure for book-entry transfer on a
timely basis, may tender their Original Notes pursuant to the guaranteed delivery procedures set
forth in The Exchange Offer Guaranteed Delivery Procedures section of the Prospectus.
Pursuant to such procedures, (i) such tender must be made through an Eligible Institution (as
defined below), (ii) prior to the Expiration Date, the Exchange Agent must receive from such
Eligible Institution a properly completed and duly executed notice of guaranteed delivery (or
facsimile thereof), substantially in the form provided by the Company (by facsimile transmission,
mail or hand delivery), setting forth the name and address of the holder of Original Notes, the
certificate number(s) of such Original Notes, if any, and the principal amount of Original Notes
tendered, stating that the tender is being made thereby and guaranteeing that within three New York
Stock Exchange trading days after the Expiration Date, (a) the certificate or certificates
representing the Original Notes to be tendered, or a confirmation of book-entry transfer, as the
case may be, and (b) the letter of transmittal (or facsimile thereof) and any other documents
required by this Letter or, in lieu thereof, a Book-Entry Acknowledgement, will be deposited by the
Eligible Institution (as defined below) with the Exchange Agent, and (iii) (a) certificate or
certificates representing all tendered Original Notes, or a confirmation of book-entry transfer, as
the case may be, and (b) the properly completed and duly executed letter of transmittal (or
facsimile thereof) and all other documents required by this Letter or, in lieu thereof, a
Book-Entry Confirmation, are received by the Exchange Agent within three New York Stock Exchange
trading days after the Expiration Date.
The method of delivery of this Letter, the Original Notes and all other required documents is
at the election and risk of the tendering holders. Instead of delivery by mail, it is recommended
that holders use an overnight or hand delivery service. In all cases, sufficient time should be
allowed to assure delivery to the Exchange Agent before the Expiration Date. No letter of
transmittal or Original Notes should be sent to the Company. Holders may request their respective
brokers, dealers, commercial banks, trust companies or nominees to effect the tenders for such
holders.
See The Exchange Offer section of the Prospectus.
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Partial Tenders (not applicable to holders of Original Notes who tender by book-entry
transfer); Withdrawals. |
8
If less than all of the Original Notes evidenced by a submitted certificate are to be
tendered, the tendering holder(s) should fill in the aggregate principal amount of Original Notes
to be tendered in the box above entitled Description of Original Notes Principal Amount of
Original Notes Tendered. A newly reissued certificate for the Original Notes submitted but not
tendered will be sent to such holder as soon as practicable after the Expiration Date. All of the
Original Notes delivered to the Exchange Agent will be deemed to have been tendered unless
otherwise clearly indicated.
If not yet accepted, a tender pursuant to the Exchange Offer may be withdrawn at any time
prior to the Expiration Date. To be effective with respect to the tender of Original Notes, a
written or facsimile transmission notice of withdrawal must: (i) be received by the Exchange Agent
prior to the Expiration Date; (ii) specify the name of the person who deposited the Original Notes
to be withdrawn; (iii) identify the Original Notes to be withdrawn (including the certificate
number(s), if any, and principal amount of such Original Notes); (iv) be signed by the depositor in
the same manner as the original signature on this Letter by which such Original Notes were tendered
(including any required signature guarantees) or be accompanied by documents of transfer sufficient
to have the trustee register the transfer of such Original Notes into the name of the person
withdrawing the tender; and (v) specify the name in which any such Original Notes are to be
registered, if different from that of the depositor. The Exchange Agent will return the properly
withdrawn Original Notes promptly following receipt of notice of withdrawal. If Original Notes
have been tendered pursuant to the procedure for book-entry transfer, any notice of withdrawal must
specify the name and number of the account at the Book-Entry Transfer Facility to be credited with
the withdrawn Original Notes or otherwise comply with the Book-Entry Transfer Facilitys
procedures. All questions as to the validity of notices of withdrawal, including time of receipt,
will be determined by the Company, and such determination will be final and binding on all parties.
3. Signatures on this Letter, Bond Powers and Endorsements; Guarantee of Signatures.
If this Letter is signed by the registered holder(s) of the Original Notes tendered hereby,
the signature must correspond exactly with the name as written on the face of the certificates
without alteration, enlargement or any change whatsoever.
If any tendered Original Notes are owned of record by two or more joint owners, all such
owners must sign this Letter.
If any tendered Original Notes are registered in different names on several certificates, it
will be necessary to complete, sign and submit as many separate copies of this Letter as there are
different registrations of certificates.
When this Letter is signed by the registered holder(s) (which term, for the purposes described
herein, shall include the Book-Entry Transfer Facility whose name appears on a security listing as
the owner of the Original Notes) of the Original Notes specified herein and tendered hereby, no
endorsements of certificates or separate bond powers are required. If, however, the New Notes are
to be issued to a person other than the registered holder(s), then endorsements of any certificates
transmitted hereby or separate bond powers are required. Signatures on such certificates must be
guaranteed by an Eligible Institution (as defined below).
If this Letter is signed by a person other than the registered holder(s) of any Original Notes
specified therein, such certificate(s) must be endorsed by such registered holder(s) or accompanied
by separate written instruments of transfer or endorsed in blank by such registered holder(s) in
form satisfactory to the Company and duly executed by the registered holder, in either case signed
exactly as such registered holders or holders name(s) appear(s) on the Original Notes.
If the Letter or any certificates of Original Notes or separate written instruments of
transfer or exchange are signed or endorsed by trustees, executors, administrators, guardians,
attorneys-in-fact, officers of corporations or others acting in a fiduciary or representative
capacity, such persons should so indicate when signing and, unless waived by the Company, evidence
satisfactory to the Company of their authority to so act must be submitted with this Letter.
9
Signature on a Letter or a notice of withdrawal, as the case may be, must be guaranteed by an
Eligible Institution unless the Original Notes tendered pursuant thereto are tendered (i) by a
registered holder who has not completed the box entitled Special Payment Instructions or Special
Delivery Instructions on the Letter or (ii) for the account of an Eligible Institution. In the
event that signatures on a Letter or a notice of withdrawal, as the case may be, are required to be
guaranteed, such guarantee must be by a member firm of a registered national securities exchange or
of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, a commercial bank or trust company having an office
or correspondent in the United States or an eligible guarantor institution within the meaning of
Rule 17Ad-15 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (an Eligible Institution).
4. Special Issuance and Delivery Instructions.
Tendering holders of Original Notes should indicate in the applicable box the name and address
to which New Notes issued pursuant to the Exchange Offer are to be issued or sent, if different
from the name or address of the person signing this Letter. In the case of issuance in a different
name, the employer identification or social security number of the person named must also be
indicated. Holders tendering Original Notes by book-entry transfer may request that Original Notes
not exchanged be credited to such account maintained at the Book-Entry Transfer Facility as such
holder may designate hereon. If no such instructions are given, such Original Notes not exchanged
will be returned to the name and address of the person signing this Letter.
5. Tax Identification Number.
An exchange of Original Notes for New Notes generally will not be treated as a taxable
exchange or other taxable event for U.S. federal income tax purposes. In particular, no backup
withholding or information reporting is required in connection with such an exchange. However,
U.S. federal income tax law generally requires that payments of principal and interest on a note to
a holder be subject to backup withholding unless such holder provides the payor with such holders
correct Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) on Substitute Form W-9 below or otherwise
establishes a basis for exemption. If such holder is an individual, the TIN is his or her social
security number. If the payor is not provided with the current TIN or an adequate basis for an
exemption, such tendering holder may be subject to a $50 penalty imposed by the Internal Revenue
Service. In addition, such holder may be subject to backup withholding in an amount that is
currently 28% of all reportable payments of principal and interest.
Certain holders (including, among others, all corporations and certain foreign individuals)
are not subject to these backup withholding and reporting requirements. See the enclosed
Guidelines for Certification of Taxpayer Identification Number on Substitute Form W-9 (the W-9
Guidelines) for additional instructions.
To prevent backup withholding on reportable payments of principal and interest, each tendering
holder of Original Notes must provide its correct TIN by completing the Substitute Form W-9 set
forth below, certifying (A) that the TIN provided is correct (or that such holder is awaiting a
TIN), (B) that (i) the holder is exempt from backup withholding, (ii) the holder has not been
notified by the Internal Revenue Service that such holder is subject to a backup withholding as a
result of a failure to report all interest or dividends or (iii) the Internal Revenue Service has
notified the holder that such holder is no longer subject to backup withholding, and (C) that the
holder is a U.S. person (including a U.S. resident alien). If the Original Notes are in more than
one name or are not in the name of the actual owner, such holder should consult the W-9 Guidelines
for information on which TIN to report. If such holder does not have a TIN, such holder should
consult the W-9 Guidelines for instructions on applying for a TIN, check the box in Part 2 of the
Substitute Form W-9 and write applied for in lieu of its TIN. Note: checking this box and
writing applied for on the form means that such holder has already applied for a TIN or that such
holder intends to apply for one in the near future. If a holder checks the box in Part 2 of the
Substitute Form W-9 and writes applied for on that form, backup withholding at a rate currently
of 28% will nevertheless apply to all reportable payments made by such holder. If such a holder
furnishes its TIN to the Company within 60 calendar days, however, any amounts so withheld shall be
refunded to such holder.
If the tendering holder of Original Notes is a nonresident alien or foreign entity not subject
to backup withholding, such holder must give the Company a completed Form W-8BEN (Certificate of
Foreign Status of Beneficial Owner for United States Tax Withholding), or other appropriate Form
W-8. These forms may be obtained from the Exchange Agent or from the Internal Revenue Services
website, www.irs.gov.
10
If backup withholding applies, the payor will withhold the appropriate percentage (currently
28%) from payments to the payee. Backup withholding is not an additional Federal income tax.
Rather, the Federal income tax liability of persons subject to backup withholding will be reduced
by the amount of tax withheld. If withholding results in overpayment of taxes, a refund may be
obtained from the Internal Revenue Service.
6. Transfer Taxes.
Holders who tender their Original Notes for exchange will not be obligated to pay any transfer
taxes in connection therewith. If, however, New Notes are to be delivered to, or are to be issued
in the name of, any person other than the registered holder of the Original Notes tendered hereby,
or if tendered Original Notes are registered in the name of any person other than the person
signing this Letter, or if a transfer tax is imposed for any reason other than the exchange of
Original Notes in connection with the Exchange Offer, the amount of any such transfer taxes
(whether imposed on the registered holder or any other persons) will be payable by the tendering
holder. If satisfactory evidence of payment of such taxes or exemption therefrom is not submitted
herewith, the amount of such transfer taxes will be billed directly to such tendering holder.
Except as provided in this Instruction 6, it will not be necessary for transfer tax stamps to
be affixed to the Original Notes specified in this Letter.
7. Waiver of Conditions.
The Company reserves the right to waive satisfaction of any or all conditions enumerated in
the Prospectus at any time and from time to time prior to the Expiration Date.
8. No Conditional Tenders.
No alternative, conditional, irregular or contingent tenders will be accepted. All tendering
holders of Original Notes, by execution of this Letter or, in lieu thereof, a Book-Entry
Acknowledgement, shall waive any right to receive notice of the acceptance of their Original Notes
for exchange.
None of the Company, the Exchange Agent or any other person is obligated to give notice of any
defect or irregularity with respect to any tender of Original Notes nor shall any of them incur any
liability for failure to give any such notice.
9. Mutilated, Lost, Stolen or Destroyed Original Notes.
Any holder whose Original Notes have been mutilated, lost, stolen or destroyed should contact
the Exchange Agent at the address indicated above for further instructions.
10. Requests for Assistance or Additional Copies.
Questions relating to the procedure for tendering, as well as requests for additional copies
of the Prospectus and this Letter, may be directed to the Exchange Agent, at the address and
telephone number indicated above.
11
TO BE COMPLETED BY U.S. TENDERING HOLDERS
(See Instruction 5)
PAYORS NAME: VECTOR GROUP LTD.
SUBSTITUTE
FORM W-9
Department of the Treasury
Internal Revenue Service
Payors Request for Taxpayer
Identification Number (TIN)
and Certification
Name:
Address:
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Part 1 PLEASE PROVIDE
YOUR TIN IN THE BOX AT THE RIGHT
AND CERTIFY BY SIGNING AND
DATING BELOW.
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TIN ____________________ Social
Security Number or
Employer Identification Number |
Part 2 TIN Applied For ¨
CERTIFICATION UNDER PENALTIES OF PERJURY, I CERTIFY THAT:
(1) The number shown on this form is my correct Taxpayer Identification
Number (or I am waiting for a Taxpayer Identification Number to be
issued to me),
(2) I am not subject to backup withholding because: (a) I am exempt
from backup withholding, or (b) I have not been notified by the
Internal Revenue Service (the IRS) that I am subject to backup
withholding as a result of a failure to report all interest or
dividends, or (c) the IRS has notified me that I am no longer subject
to backup withholding, and
(3) I am a U.S. person (including a U.S. resident alien).
You must cross out item (2) of the above certification if you have been notified by the IRS that
you are subject to backup withholding because of under reporting of interest or dividends on your
tax returns and you have not been notified by the IRS that you are no longer subject to backup
withholding. (Also see instructions in the enclosed Guidelines.)
NOTE: FAILURE TO COMPLETE AND RETURN THIS FORM MAY RESULT IN BACKUP WITHHOLDING OF 28% OF ANY
REPORTABLE PAYMENTS. PLEASE REVIEW THE GUIDELINES FOR CERTIFICATION OF TAXPAYER IDENTIFICATION
NUMBER ON SUBSTITUTE FORM W-9 FOR ADDITIONAL DETAILS.
YOU MUST COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING CERTIFICATE IF YOU CHECKED
THE BOX IN PART 2 OF SUBSTITUTE FORM W-9.
CERTIFICATE OF AWAITING TAXPAYER IDENTIFICATION NUMBER
I certify under penalties of perjury that a taxpayer identification
number has not been issued to me, and either (a) I have mailed or
delivered an application to receive a taxpayer identification
number to the appropriate Internal Revenue Service Center or Social
Security Administration Office or (b) I intend to mail or deliver
an application in the near future. I understand that if I do not
provide a taxpayer identification number by the time of payment, a
percentage of all reportable payments (currently 28%) made to me
thereafter will be withheld until I provide a properly certified
taxpayer identification number.
12
exv99w2
Exhibit 99.2
NOTICE OF GUARANTEED DELIVERY
FOR TENDER OF
11% SENIOR SECURED NOTES DUE 2015
OF
VECTOR GROUP LTD.
Pursuant to the Prospectus dated , 2011
This Notice of Guaranteed Delivery, or one substantially equivalent to this form, must be used
to tender Original Notes (as defined below) pursuant to the Exchange Offer (as defined below)
described in the prospectus dated , 2011 (the Prospectus), of Vector Group Ltd., a
Delaware corporation (the Company), if (i) certificates for the outstanding 11% Senior Secured
Notes due 2015 of the Company (the Original Notes) are not immediately available, (ii) time will
not permit the Original Notes, the letter of transmittal and all other required documents to be
delivered to U.S. Bank National Association (the Exchange Agent) prior to 5:00 p.m., New York
City time, on , 2011, or such later date and time to which the Exchange Offer may be
extended (such date and time, the Expiration Date), or (iii) the procedures for delivery by
book-entry transfer cannot be completed on a timely basis. This Notice of Guaranteed Delivery, or
one substantially equivalent to this form, must be delivered by hand or sent by facsimile
transmission or mail to the Exchange Agent, and must be received by the Exchange Agent prior to the
Expiration Date. See The Exchange Offer Guaranteed Delivery Procedures in the Prospectus.
Capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the same meaning given them in the
Prospectus.
The Exchange Agent for the Exchange Offer is:
U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION
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By Registered or Certified Mail:
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By Hand or Overnight Courier:
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By Facsimile: |
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U.S. Bank National Association
60 Livingston Avenue
St. Paul, MN 55107
Attn: Specialized Finance Dept
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U.S. Bank National Association
60 Livingston Avenue
St. Paul, MN 55107
Attn: Specialized Finance Dept.
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U.S. Bank National Association
(651) 495-8158
Attn: Specialized Finance Dept. |
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For information, call: |
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(800) 934-6802 |
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DELIVERY OF THIS NOTICE OF GUARANTEED DELIVERY TO AN ADDRESS OTHER THAN AS SET FORTH ABOVE OR
TRANSMISSION OF THIS NOTICE OF GUARANTEED DELIVERY VIA FACSIMILE TO A NUMBER OTHER THAN AS SET
FORTH ABOVE DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A VALID DELIVERY. THE METHOD OF DELIVERY OF ALL DOCUMENTS,
INCLUDING CERTIFICATES, IS AT THE RISK OF THE HOLDER. INSTEAD OF DELIVERY BY MAIL, WE RECOMMEND
USE OF AN OVERNIGHT OR HAND DELIVERY SERVICE. IN ALL CASES, YOU SHOULD ALLOW SUFFICIENT TIME TO
ASSURE DELIVERY TO THE EXCHANGE AGENT BEFORE THE EXPIRATION DATE. YOU SHOULD READ THE INSTRUCTIONS
ACCOMPANYING THE LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL CAREFULLY BEFORE YOU COMPLETE THIS NOTICE OF GUARANTEED
DELIVERY.
This Notice of Guaranteed Delivery is not to be used to guarantee signatures. If a signature
on a letter of transmittal is required to be guaranteed by an Eligible Institution under the
instructions thereto, such signature guarantee must appear in the applicable space provided in the
signature box on the letter of transmittal.
Ladies and Gentlemen:
The undersigned acknowledges receipt of the Prospectus and the related letter of transmittal
(the Letter of Transmittal) which describes the offer by the Company (the Exchange Offer) to
exchange registered 11% Senior Secured Notes due 2015 of the Company (the New Notes) for a like
principal amount of Original Notes. The undersigned further acknowledges that it may tender some
or all of its Original Notes in connection with the Exchange Offer, but only in an amount equal to
$1,000 principal amount or in integral multiples of $1,000 in excess thereof.
The undersigned hereby tenders to the Company, upon the terms and subject to the conditions
set forth in the Prospectus and the Letter of Transmittal, the aggregate principal amount of
Original Notes indicated below pursuant to the guaranteed delivery procedures set forth in the
Prospectus under the caption The Exchange Offer Guaranteed Delivery Procedures.
The undersigned understands that no withdrawal of a tender of Original Notes may be made after
the Expiration Date. The undersigned understands that for a withdrawal of a tender of Original
Notes to be effective, a written notice of withdrawal that complies with the requirements of the
Exchange Offer must be timely received by the Exchange Agent at one of its addresses specified on
the cover of this Notice of Guaranteed Delivery prior to the Expiration Date.
The undersigned understands that the exchange of Original Notes for New Notes pursuant to the
Exchange Offer will be made only after timely receipt by the Exchange Agent of (1) such Original
Notes (or confirmation of book-entry transfer of such Original Notes into the Exchange Agents
account at The Depository Trust Company (DTC)) and (2) a Letter of Transmittal (or facsimile
thereof) with respect to such Original Notes, properly completed and duly executed, with any
required signature guarantees, and any other documents required by the Letter of Transmittal or, in
lieu thereof, a message from DTC stating that the tendering holder has expressly acknowledged
receipt of, and agrees to be bound by and held accountable under, the Letter of Transmittal.
All authority conferred or agreed to be conferred by this Notice of Guaranteed Delivery shall
not be affected by, and shall survive, the death or incapacity of the undersigned, and every
obligation of the undersigned under this Notice of Guaranteed Delivery shall be binding on the
heirs, executors, administrators, trustees in bankruptcy, personal and legal representatives,
successors and assigns of the undersigned.
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Name(s) of Registered Holder(s): |
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(Please Print or Type) |
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Signature(s): |
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Address(es): |
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Area Code(s) and Telephone Number(s): |
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If Original Notes will be delivered by book-entry transfer at DTC, insert Depository Account Number: |
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Certificate Number(s)* |
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Principal Amount of Original Notes Tendered** |
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Need not be completed if the Original Notes being tendered are in book-entry form. |
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Must be an amount equal to $1,000 principal amount or in integral multiples of $1,000 in excess
thereof. |
This Notice of Guaranteed Delivery must be signed by the registered holder(s) of Original
Notes exactly as its (their) name(s) appear(s) on certificates for Original Notes or on a security
position listing as the owner of Original Notes, or by person(s) authorized to become registered
holder(s) by endorsements and documents transmitted with this Notice of Guaranteed Delivery. If
signature is by a trustee, executor, administrator, guardian, attorney-in-fact, officer or other
person acting in a fiduciary or representative capacity, such person must provide the following
information.
DO NOT SEND ORIGINAL NOTES WITH THIS FORM. ORIGINAL NOTES SHOULD BE SENT TO THE EXCHANGE
AGENT TOGETHER WITH A PROPERLY COMPLETED AND DULY EXECUTED LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL.
3
GUARANTEE OF DELIVERY
(NOT TO BE USED FOR SIGNATURE GUARANTEE)
The undersigned, a member firm of a registered national securities exchange or of the
Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, a commercial bank or trust company having an office or a
correspondent in the United States or an eligible guarantor institution within the meaning of
Rule 17Ad-15 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act), hereby (1)
represents that each holder of Original Notes on whose behalf this tender is being made owns the
Original Notes covered hereby within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act, (2)
represents that such tender of Original Notes complies with Rule 14e-4 of the Exchange Act and (3)
guarantees that the undersigned will deliver to the Exchange Agent the certificates representing
the Original Notes being tendered hereby for exchange pursuant to the Exchange Offer in proper form
for transfer (or a confirmation of book-entry transfer of such Original Notes into the Exchange
Agents account at the book-entry transfer facility of DTC) with delivery of a properly completed
and duly executed Letter of Transmittal (or facsimile thereof), with any required signature
guarantees, and any other documents required by the Letter of Transmittal, or in lieu of a Letter
of Transmittal a message from DTC stating that the tendering holder has expressly acknowledged
receipt of, and agrees to be bound by and held accountable under, the Letter of Transmittal, all
within three New York Stock Exchange trading days after the Expiration Date.
Authorized Signature
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Name: |
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(Please Print or Type) |
The institution that completes the Notice of Guaranteed Delivery (a) must deliver the same to
the Exchange Agent at its address set forth above by hand, or transmit the same by facsimile or
mail, prior to the Expiration Date, and (b) must deliver the certificates representing any Original
Notes (or a confirmation of book-entry transfer of such Original Notes into the Exchange Agents
account at DTC), together with a properly completed and duly executed Letter of Transmittal (or
facsimile thereof), with any required signature guarantees, and any other documents required by the
Letter of Transmittal or a message from DTC stating that the tendering holder has expressly
acknowledged receipt of, and agrees to be bound by and held accountable under, the Letter of
Transmittal in lieu thereof, to the Exchange Agent within the time period shown herein. Failure to
do so could result in a financial loss to such institution.
4
exv99w3
Exhibit 99.3
NOTICE OF WITHDRAWAL
OF TENDER OF ANY OR ALL OF THE
11% SENIOR SECURED NOTES DUE 2015
OF
VECTOR GROUP LTD.
Pursuant to the Prospectus dated , 2011
This notice of withdrawal, or one substantially equivalent to this form, must be used to
withdraw tenders of any of the Original Notes (as defined below) pursuant to the Companys (as
defined below) offer (the Exchange Offer) to exchange an aggregate principal amount of up to
$90,000,000 of registered 11% Senior Secured Notes due 2015 for an equal principal amount of the
Companys outstanding 11% Senior Secured Notes due 2015 (the Original Notes), described in the
prospectus dated , 2011 (as the same may be amended or supplemented from time to time, the
Prospectus), of Vector Group Ltd., a Delaware corporation (the Company). Except as otherwise
provided in the Prospectus, holders of any of the Original Notes may withdraw their tenders of
Original Notes at any time prior to 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on , 2011, or such
later date and time to which the Exchange Offer may be extended (such date and time, the
Expiration Date). To withdraw a tender, a holder must deliver this notice of withdrawal, or one
substantially equivalent to this form, by hand or by facsimile transmission or mail to U.S. Bank
National Association (the Exchange Agent) prior to the Expiration Date. See The Exchange Offer
Withdrawal of Tenders in the Prospectus. Capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall
have the same meaning given to them in the Prospectus.
The Exchange Agent for the Exchange Offer is:
U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION
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By Registered or Certified Mail:
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By Hand or Overnight Courier:
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By Facsimile: |
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U.S. Bank National Association
60 Livingston Avenue
St. Paul, MN 55107
Attn: Specialized Finance Dept
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U.S. Bank National Association
60 Livingston Avenue
St. Paul, MN 55107
Attn: Specialized Finance Dept.
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U.S. Bank National Association
(651) 495-8158
Attn: Specialized Finance Dept. |
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For information, call: |
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(800) 934-6802 |
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DELIVERY OF THIS NOTICE OF WITHDRAWAL TO AN ADDRESS OTHER THAN AS SET FORTH ABOVE OR
TRANSMISSION OF THIS NOTICE OF WITHDRAWAL VIA FACSIMILE TO A NUMBER OTHER THAN AS SET FORTH ABOVE
DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A VALID WITHDRAWAL. THE METHOD OF DELIVERY OF ALL DOCUMENTS, INCLUDING
CERTIFICATES, IS AT THE RISK OF THE HOLDER. INSTEAD OF DELIVERY BY MAIL, WE RECOMMEND USE OF AN
OVERNIGHT OR HAND DELIVERY SERVICE. IN ALL CASES, YOU SHOULD ALLOW SUFFICIENT TIME TO ASSURE
DELIVERY TO THE EXCHANGE AGENT BEFORE THE EXPIRATION DATE. YOU SHOULD READ THE SECTION OF THE
PROSPECTUS ENTITLED THE EXCHANGE OFFER WITHDRAWAL OF TENDERS AND THE INSTRUCTIONS ACCOMPANYING
THE LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL CAREFULLY BEFORE YOU COMPLETE THIS NOTICE OF WITHDRAWAL.
Ladies and Gentlemen:
The undersigned hereby withdraws, upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in
the Prospectus and the related letter of transmittal, the aggregate principal amount of Original
Notes indicated below pursuant to the procedures for withdrawals set forth in the Prospectus under
the caption The Exchange Offer Withdrawal of Tenders.
The undersigned understands that no withdrawal of a tender of Original Notes may be made after
the Expiration Date. The undersigned understands that for a withdrawal of a tender of Original
Notes to be effective, a written notice of withdrawal that complies with the requirements of the
Exchange Offer must be timely received by the Exchange Agent at its address specified on the cover
of this notice of withdrawal prior to the Expiration Date.
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Name of Person who Deposited the |
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Original Notes to be Withdrawn: |
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(Please Print or Type) |
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Name in which the Original Notes to be Withdrawn |
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are to be Registered, if Different from Depositor: |
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(Please Print or Type) |
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Signature(s): |
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Address(es): |
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Area Code(s) and Telephone Number(s): |
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If Original Notes will be delivered by book-
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entry transfer at DTC, insert Depository |
Account Number: |
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Total Principal Amount of the |
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Original Notes to be Withdrawn: |
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(must be an amount equal to $1,000 principal amount or integral multiples of |
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$1,000 in excess thereof) |
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Certificate Number(s)* |
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Principal Amount of Original Notes Withdrawn** |
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* |
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Need not be completed if the Original Notes being withdrawn are in book-entry form. |
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Must be an amount equal to $1,000 principal amount or integral multiples of $1,000 in excess
thereof. |
This notice of withdrawal must be signed by the depositor(s) of Original Notes in the same
manner as the original signature on the letter of transmittal by which such Original Notes were
tendered, with any required signature guarantees, or be accompanied by documents of transfer
sufficient to have the trustee register the transfer of such Original Notes into the name of the
person withdrawing the tender. If signature is by a trustee, executor, administrator, guardian,
attorney-in-fact, officer or other person acting in a fiduciary or representative capacity, such
person must provide the following information:
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Name(s): |
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Title(s): |
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Signature(s): |
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Address(es): |
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3
exv99w4
Exhibit 99.4
Vector Group Ltd.
Offer to Exchange
Up to $90,000,000 Principal Amount Outstanding of
11% Senior Secured Notes due 2015
for
a Like Principal Amount of
11% Senior Secured Notes due 2015
which have been registered under the Securities Act of 1933
Pursuant to the Prospectus, dated , 2011
To Brokers, Dealers, Commercial Banks, Trust Companies and Other Nominees:
Vector Group Ltd., a Delaware corporation (the Company), hereby offers to exchange (the
Exchange Offer), upon and subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the Prospectus dated
, 2011 (the Prospectus), and the enclosed letter of transmittal (the Letter of
Transmittal), up to $90,000,000 aggregate principal amount of registered 11% Senior Secured Notes
due 2015 of the Company, which will be freely transferable (the New Notes), for any and all of
the Companys outstanding 11% Senior Secured Notes due 2015, which have certain transfer
restrictions (the Original Notes). The Exchange Offer is intended to satisfy certain obligations
of the Company contained in the Registration Rights Agreement dated December 3, 2010, among the
Company, the subsidiary guarantors listed on the signature pages thereto, and Jefferies & Company,
Inc., as the initial purchaser of the Original Notes.
We are requesting that you contact your clients for whom you hold Original Notes regarding the
Exchange Offer. For your information and for forwarding to your clients for whom you hold Original
Notes registered in your name or in the name of your nominee, or who hold Original Notes registered
in their own names, we are enclosing the following documents:
1. Prospectus dated , 2011;
2. The Letter of Transmittal for your use and for the information of your clients;
3. A Notice of Guaranteed Delivery to be used to accept the Exchange Offer if certificates for
Original Notes are not immediately available or time will not permit all required documents to
reach U.S. Bank National Association (the Exchange Agent) prior to the Expiration Date (as
defined below) or if the procedure for book-entry transfer cannot be completed on a timely basis;
4. A Notice of Withdrawal to be used to withdraw tenders of Original Notes.
5. A form of letter which may be sent to your clients for whose account you hold Original
Notes registered in your name or the name of your nominee, with space provided for obtaining such
clients instructions with regard to the Exchange Offer; and
6. Guidelines for Certification of Taxpayer Identification Number on Substitute Form W-9.
Your prompt action is requested. The Exchange Offer will expire at 5:00 p.m., New York City
time, on ___________ , 2011 (such date and time, the Expiration Date), unless extended by the
Company. Any Original Notes tendered pursuant to the Exchange Offer may be withdrawn at any time
prior to the Expiration Date.
To participate in the Exchange Offer, a duly executed and properly completed Letter of
Transmittal (or facsimile thereof), with any required signature guarantees, and any other documents
required by the Letter of Transmittal or a message from The Depository Trust Company stating that
the tendering holder has expressly
acknowledged receipt of, and agrees to be bound by and held accountable under, the Letter of
Transmittal, must be sent to the Exchange Agent and certificates representing the Original Notes
(or confirmation of book-entry transfer of such Original Notes into the Exchange Agents account at
The Depository Trust Company) must be delivered to the Exchange Agent, all in accordance with the
instructions set forth in the Letter of Transmittal and the Prospectus.
If holders of Original Notes wish to tender but it is impracticable for them to forward their
certificates for Original Notes prior to the expiration of the Exchange Offer or to comply with the
book-entry transfer procedures on a timely basis, a tender may be effected by following the
guaranteed delivery procedures described in the Prospectus under The Exchange Offer Guaranteed
Delivery Procedures.
Any inquiries you may have with respect to the Exchange Offer or requests for additional
copies of the enclosed materials should be directed to the Exchange Agent at its address and
telephone number set forth on the front of the Letter of Transmittal.
Very truly yours,
Vector Group Ltd.
NOTHING HEREIN OR IN THE ENCLOSED DOCUMENTS SHALL CONSTITUTE YOU OR ANY
OTHER PERSON AS AN AGENT OF THE COMPANY OR THE EXCHANGE AGENT, OR AUTHORIZE
YOU OR ANY OTHER PERSON TO USE ANY DOCUMENT OR MAKE ANY STATEMENTS ON
BEHALF OF ANY OF THEM WITH RESPECT TO THE EXCHANGE OFFER, EXCEPT FOR
STATEMENTS EXPRESSLY MADE IN THE PROSPECTUS OR THE LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL.
2
exv99w5
Exhibit 99.5
Vector Group Ltd.
Offer to Exchange
Up to $90,000,000 Principal Amount Outstanding of
11% Senior Secured Notes due 2015
for
a Like Principal Amount of
11% Senior Secured Notes due 2015
which have been registered under the Securities Act of 1933
Pursuant to the Prospectus, dated , 2011
To Our Clients:
Enclosed for your consideration is a Prospectus dated , 2011 (the Prospectus),
and the related letter of transmittal (the Letter of Transmittal), relating to the offer (the
Exchange Offer) of Vector Group Ltd., a Delaware corporation (the Company), to exchange up to
$90,000,000 aggregate principal amount of registered 11% Senior Secured Notes due 2015 of the
Company, which will be freely transferable (the New Notes), for any and all of the Companys
outstanding 11% Senior Secured Notes due 2015, which have certain transfer restrictions (the
Original Notes), upon the terms and subject to the conditions described in the Prospectus and the
related Letter of Transmittal. The Exchange Offer is intended to satisfy certain obligations of
the Company contained in the Registration Rights Agreement dated December 3, 2010, among the
Company, the subsidiary guarantors listed on the signature pages thereto, and Jefferies & Company,
Inc., as the initial purchaser of the Original Notes.
This material is being forwarded to you as the beneficial owner of the Original Notes carried
by us for your account but not registered in your name. A tender of such Original Notes may only
be made by us as the holder of record and pursuant to your instructions, unless you obtain a
properly completed bond power from us or arrange to have the Original Notes registered in your
name.
Accordingly, we request instructions as to whether you wish us to tender on your behalf the
Original Notes held by us for your account, pursuant to the terms and conditions set forth in the
enclosed Prospectus and Letter of Transmittal.
Please forward your instructions to us as promptly as possible in order to permit us to tender
the Original Notes on your behalf in accordance with the provisions of the Exchange Offer. The
Exchange Offer will expire at 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on , 2011 (such date and
time, the Expiration Date), unless extended by the Company. Any Original Notes tendered pursuant
to the Exchange Offer may be withdrawn any time prior to the Expiration Date.
Your attention is directed to the following:
1. The Exchange Offer is for any and all Original Notes.
2. The Exchange Offer is subject to certain conditions set forth in the Prospectus in the
section captioned The Exchange Offer Conditions to the Exchange Offer.
3. The Exchange Offer expires at 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the Expiration Date, unless
extended by the Company.
If you wish to have us tender your Original Notes, please so instruct us by completing,
executing and returning to us the instruction form on the back of this letter.
The Letter of Transmittal is furnished to you for information only and may not be used
directly by you to tender Original Notes, unless you obtain a properly completed bond power from us
or arrange to have the Original Notes registered in your name.
2
INSTRUCTIONS WITH RESPECT TO THE EXCHANGE OFFER
The undersigned acknowledge(s) receipt of this letter and the enclosed materials referred to
herein relating to the Exchange Offer made by the Company with respect to the Original Notes.
This will instruct you to tender the Original Notes held by you for the account of the
undersigned, upon and subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the Prospectus and the
related Letter of Transmittal.
o Please tender the Original Notes held by you for the account of the undersigned as
indicated below:
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Aggregate Principal Amount of Original Notes |
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11% Senior Secured Notes due 2015 |
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(must be an amount equal to $1,000 principal amount or |
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integral multiples of $1,000 in excess thereof) |
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o Please do not tender any Original
Notes held by you for the account of the
undersigned. |
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Signature(s) |
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Please print name(s) here |
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Dated: , 2011 |
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Address(es) |
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Area Code(s) and Telephone Number(s) |
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Tax Identification or Social Security No(s). |
None of the Original Notes held by us for your account will be tendered unless we receive
written instructions from you to do so. Unless a specific contrary instruction is given in the
space provided, your signature(s) hereon shall constitute an instruction to us to tender all the
Original Notes held by us for your account.
3
exv99w6
Exhibit 99.6
GUIDELINES FOR CERTIFICATION OF TAXPAYER IDENTIFICATION
NUMBER ON SUBSTITUTE FORM W-9
To ensure compliance with requirements imposed by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service, we inform
you that any tax advice contained in this letter (including any attachments) was not intended or
written to be used, and cannot be used, by any taxpayer for the purpose of avoiding tax-related
penalties under the U.S. Internal Revenue Code. The tax advice contained in this letter (including
any attachments) was written to support the transaction(s) or matter(s) addressed by the letter.
Each taxpayer should seek advice based on the taxpayers particular circumstances from an
independent advisor.
Guidelines for Determining the Proper Identification Number to Give the Payor. A Social
Security Number (SSN) has nine digits separated by two hyphens: i.e., 000-00-0000. An Employer
Identification Number (EIN) has nine digits separated by only one hyphen, i.e., 00-0000000. The
table below will help determine the number to give the payor.
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Give the SOCIAL |
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SECURITY number |
For this type of account: |
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Individual
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The individual |
2.
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Two or more individuals (joint account)
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The actual owner of
the account or, if
combined funds, the
first individual on
the account(1) |
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Custodian account of a minor (Uniform Gift to Minors Act)
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The minor(2) |
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a. The usual revocable savings trust account
(grantor is also trustee)
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The grantor-trustee(1) |
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b. So-called trust account that is not a legal or
valid trust under state law
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The actual owner(1) |
5.
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Sole proprietorship or single-owner LLC
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The owner(3) |
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Give the EMPLOYER |
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IDENTIFICATION number |
For this type of account: |
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of |
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Sole proprietorship or single-owner LLC
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The owner(3) |
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A valid trust, estate, or pension trust
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8.
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Corporation or LLC electing corporate status on Form 8832
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The corporation or LLC |
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Association, club, religious, charitable, educational or
other tax-exempt organization account
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The organization |
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Partnership or multi-member LLC
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The partnership |
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A broker or registered nominee
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The broker or nominee |
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Account with the Department of Agriculture in the name
of a public entity (such as state or local government,
school district, or prison) that receives agricultural
program payments
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The public entity |
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a joint account has an SSN, that persons number must be furnished. |
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Circle the minors name and furnish the minors SSN. |
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You must show your individual name and you may also enter your business or doing business
as name. You may use either your SSN or EIN (if you have one). If you are a sole
proprietor, IRS encourages you to use your SSN. |
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List first and circle the name of the legal trust, estate, or pension trust. (Do not furnish
the taxpayer identification number of the personal representatives or trustee unless the legal
entity itself is not designated in the account title.) |
NOTE: If no name is circled when more than one name is listed, the number will be considered to be
that of the first name listed.
Obtaining a Number
If you do not have a taxpayer identification number or you do not know your number, obtain
Form SS-5, Application for a Social Security Card (for individuals), or Form SS-4, Application for
Employer Identification Number (for business and all other entities), or Form W-7, Application for
Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (for alien individuals required to file U.S. tax returns)
at the local office of the Social Security Administration or the Internal Revenue Service and apply
for a number. You can get IRS Forms from the IRS by calling 1-800-829-3676 or from the IRSs
internet website at www.irs.gov.
Payees Exempt from Backup Withholding
Payees specifically exempted from backup withholding on ALL payments include the following:
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An organization exempt from tax under section 501(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of
1986, as amended (the Code), or any IRA, or a custodial account under section
403(b)(7) of the Code if the account satisfies the requirements of section 401(f)(2) of
the Code. |
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The United States or any agency or instrumentalities thereof. |
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A state, the District of Columbia, a possession of the United States, or any
political subdivision or instrumentality thereof. |
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A foreign government, a political subdivision of a foreign government, or any agency
or instrumentality thereof. |
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An international organization or any agency, or instrumentality thereof. |
Other payees that may be exempt from backup withholding include:
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A corporation. |
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A financial institution. |
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A middleman known in the investment community as a nominee or custodian. |
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A registered dealer in securities or commodities registered in the United States,
the District of Columbia, or a possession of the United States. |
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A futures commission merchant registered with the Commodity Futures Trading
Commission. |
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A real estate investment trust. |
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A common trust fund operated by a bank under section 584(a) of the Code. |
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A trust exempt from tax under section 664 of the Code or described in section 4947
of the Code. |
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An entity registered at all times during the tax year under the Investment Company
Act of 1940. |
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A foreign central bank of issue. |
Payments of interest not generally subject to backup withholding include the following:
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Payments of interest on obligations issued by individuals. NOTE: You may be subject
to backup withholding if this interest is $600 or more and is paid in the course of the
payors trade or business and you have not provided your correct taxpayer
identification number to the payor. |
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Payments otherwise subject to U.S. federal income tax withholding. |
Exempt payees described above should file a Form W-9 to avoid possible erroneous backup
withholding. FILE THIS FORM WITH THE PAYOR, FURNISH YOUR TAXPAYER IDENTIFICATION NUMBER, WRITE
EXEMPT ON THE FACE OF THE FORM, SIGN AND DATE THE FORM AND RETURN IT TO THE PAYOR. IF YOU ARE A
NONRESIDENT ALIEN OR A FOREIGN ENTITY NOT SUBJECT TO BACKUP WITHHOLDING, FILE WITH THE PAYOR A
COMPLETED INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE FORM W-8BEN (CERTIFICATE OF FOREIGN STATUS OF BENEFICIAL OWNER
FOR UNITED STATES TAX WITHHOLDING) OR, IF APPLICABLE, FORM W-8ECI (CERTIFICATE OF FOREIGN PERSONS
CLAIM FOR EXEMPTION FROM WITHHOLDING ON INCOME EFFECTIVELY CONNECTED WITH THE CONDUCT OF A TRADE OR
BUSINESS IN THE UNITED STATES).
Privacy Act Notice
Section 6109 of the Code requires most recipients of dividends, interest, or other payments to
give correct taxpayer identification numbers to payors who must file an information return with the
IRS. The IRS uses the numbers for identification purposes and to help verify the accuracy of your
tax return. Payors must be given the numbers whether or not recipients are required to file tax
returns. Payors must generally withhold 28% (subject to further adjustment under applicable law)
of taxable interest, dividends, and certain other payments, to a payee who does not furnish a
taxpayer identification number to a payor. Certain penalties may also apply. The IRS may also
provide this information to the Department of Justice for civil and criminal litigation and to
cities, states and the District of Columbia, and U.S. possessions to carry out their tax laws. The
IRS may also disclose this information to other countries under a tax treaty, to federal and state
agencies to enforce non-tax criminal laws, or federal law enforcement and intelligence agencies to
combat terrorism.
Penalties
(1) Penalty for Failure to Furnish Taxpayer Identification Number. If you fail to furnish
your correct taxpayer identification number to a payor, you are subject to a penalty of $50 for
each such failure unless your failure is due to reasonable cause and not to willful neglect.
(2) Civil penalty for false information with respect to withholding. If you make a false
statement with no reasonable basis that results in no backup withholding, you are subject to a $500
penalty.
(3) Criminal penalty for falsifying information. Willfully falsifying certifications or
affirmations may subject you to criminal penalties including fines and/or imprisonment.
(4) Misuse of taxpayer identification numbers. If the payor discloses or uses taxpayer
identification numbers in violation of U.S. federal law, the payor may be subject to civil and
criminal penalties.
FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, CONTACT YOUR TAX ADVISOR OR THE IRS.
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