-----BEGIN PRIVACY-ENHANCED MESSAGE----- Proc-Type: 2001,MIC-CLEAR Originator-Name: webmaster@www.sec.gov Originator-Key-Asymmetric: MFgwCgYEVQgBAQICAf8DSgAwRwJAW2sNKK9AVtBzYZmr6aGjlWyK3XmZv3dTINen TWSM7vrzLADbmYQaionwg5sDW3P6oaM5D3tdezXMm7z1T+B+twIDAQAB MIC-Info: RSA-MD5,RSA, L0CoQfcU97rL5FmMXyGWNkMttssH41zipzsIPDPa/ZqfX4z8yAIyuZWWGddN8uhO O9owxctPmig1vwNttIgKHg== 0001193125-10-123465.txt : 20100518 0001193125-10-123465.hdr.sgml : 20100518 20100518172039 ACCESSION NUMBER: 0001193125-10-123465 CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE: 8-K PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT: 5 CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT: 20100514 ITEM INFORMATION: Entry into a Material Definitive Agreement ITEM INFORMATION: Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities ITEM INFORMATION: Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers: Compensatory Arrangements of Certain Officers ITEM INFORMATION: Financial Statements and Exhibits FILED AS OF DATE: 20100518 DATE AS OF CHANGE: 20100518 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: GSI GROUP INC CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0001076930 STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: MISCELLANEOUS ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, EQUIPMENT & SUPPLIES [3690] IRS NUMBER: 980110412 STATE OF INCORPORATION: A3 FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: 8-K SEC ACT: 1934 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 000-25705 FILM NUMBER: 10843447 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 125 MIDDLESEX TURNPIKE STREET 2: . CITY: BEDFORD STATE: MA ZIP: 01730 BUSINESS PHONE: 781-266-5700 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: 125 MIDDLESEX TURNPIKE STREET 2: . CITY: BEDFORD STATE: MA ZIP: 01730 FORMER COMPANY: FORMER CONFORMED NAME: GSI LUMONICS INC DATE OF NAME CHANGE: 19990401 FORMER COMPANY: FORMER CONFORMED NAME: GSI LUMONICS DATE OF NAME CHANGE: 19990331 FORMER COMPANY: FORMER CONFORMED NAME: LUMONICS INC DATE OF NAME CHANGE: 19990115 8-K 1 d8k.htm FORM 8-K Form 8-K

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 8-K

CURRENT REPORT

Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported):

May 14, 2010

GSI GROUP INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

New Brunswick, Canada   000-25705   98-0110412

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation)

 

(Commission

File Number)

 

(IRS Employer

Identification No.)

125 Middlesex Turnpike

Bedford, Massachusetts 01730

(Address of Principal Executive Offices)

(Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (781) 266-5700

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

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions (see General Instruction A.2. below):

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

 

 


Item 1.01 Entry into a Material Definitive Agreement.

The May Plan Support Agreement and The Backstop Commitment Agreement

On May 14, 2010, GSI Group Inc. (the “Company”) and two of its United States subsidiaries, GSI Group Corporation (“GSI”) and MES International, Inc. (“MES” and, collectively with the Company and GSI, the “Debtors”) entered into a Restructuring Plan Support Agreement (the “May Plan Support Agreement”) with the Official Committee of Equity Holders in the Debtors’ Chapter 11 cases (the “Equity Committee”), the individual members of the Equity Committee (the “Committee Members”) and eight of the ten beneficial holders (the “Consenting Noteholders”) of GSI’s 11% Senior Notes due 2013 in the principal amount of $210 million (the “Senior Notes”). The Consenting Noteholders hold approximately 88.1% of the outstanding principal amount of the Senior Notes. Pursuant to the May Plan Support Agreement, the Equity Committee, the Committee Members and the Consenting Noteholders have agreed to support a modified plan, in the form of the Fourth Modified Joint Chapter 11 Plan of Reorganization for the Debtors as filed with the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware (the “Court”) on May 14, 2010, and attached as Exhibit A to the May Plan Support Agreement (the “May Plan”). The May Plan forms a part of the May Plan Support Agreement. In connection with the May Plan Support Agreement, the Debtors and the Consenting Noteholders entered into a Backstop Commitment Agreement (“Backstop Commitment Agreement”) on May 14, 2010, pursuant to which the Consenting Noteholders (“Backstop Investors”) have agreed to backstop the rights offering contemplated by the May Plan. The Backstop Commitment Agreement was also filed with the Court on May 14, 2010.

Background

On November 20, 2009 (the “Petition Date”), the Debtors entered into a Noteholder Restructuring Plan Support Agreement (the “November Plan Support Agreement”) with the Consenting Noteholders. Pursuant to such agreement, the Consenting Noteholders agreed, subject to certain conditions, to support the Joint Chapter 11 Plan of Reorganization (the “November Plan”) proposed by the Debtors, which was filed together with the Debtors’ voluntary petitions for relief (the “Chapter 11 Petitions”) under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code (the “Bankruptcy Code”) in the Court (the “Chapter 11 Cases”) on the Petition Date and modified on January 8, 2010. On March 16, 2010, the Debtors and the Consenting Noteholders agreed to amend the November Plan Support Agreement (the “March Plan Support Agreement”) and the Consenting Noteholders agreed to support a modified plan, which was filed with the Court on March 16, 2010 and subsequently further modified and filed on April 9, 2010 (the “April Plan”).

Following the Petition Date, the Debtors have continued to operate their business as “debtors-in-possession” under the jurisdiction of the Court and in accordance with the applicable provisions of the Bankruptcy Code and orders of the Court.

On May 7, 2010, the Debtors reached an agreement in principle with the Equity Committee and the Consenting Noteholders as to modifications to the April Plan and a new plan support agreement. The May Plan Support Agreement is consistent with the terms of this agreement in principle and supersedes the March Plan Support Agreement.

The May Plan as Contemplated by the May Plan Support Agreement

Under the May Plan, the Company’s existing shareholders (including those shareholders who may also be noteholders) would retain an ownership in the Company of between 48.9% and 87.3% of the Company’s post-reorganization common shares, subject to the release and distribution of new common shares placed in reserve until resolution of certain pending litigation unrelated to the Chapter 11 Cases and depending on the level of shareholder participation in the proposed rights offering. Under the terms of the rights offering, the Company’s shareholders will have a right to buy up to $85 million in the aggregate of new common shares of the reorganized Company for a purchase price of $1.80 per share. All of the proceeds from the rights offering, together with approximately $10 million of the Company’s cash, would be used for partial satisfaction of the Senior Notes. In addition, the Backstop Investors would exchange a minimum of $20 million of Senior Notes for new common shares of the reorganized Company at $1.80 per share, regardless of the number of shares purchased by shareholders in the rights offering. Senior Notes in the principal amount of $5 million would also be exchanged for additional common shares of the reorganized Company at $1.80 per share. The principal amount of Senior


Notes remaining after these various exchanges then would be exchanged for new senior secured notes (the “New Senior Notes”) on terms substantially similar to those contemplated by the April Plan and set forth in the form of indenture filed with the Court on May 14, 2010. Pursuant to the May Plan, the noteholders also will receive payment in cash of all pre- and post petition interest accrued on the Senior Notes.

The capitalization of the Company following the consummation of the transactions contemplated by the May Plan will depend on the level of shareholder participation in the rights offering. If no shareholders were to subscribe for new common shares in the rights offering, the existing shareholders (including those shareholders who may also be noteholders) would receive up to 48.9% of the Company’s post-reorganization outstanding shares (subject to the distribution of the above mentioned reserve), the noteholders would receive approximately 51.1% of the Company’s post-reorganization outstanding shares, and the Company would issue $110 million in principal amount of New Senior Notes. If the rights offering were fully subscribed by the shareholders, the existing shareholders (including those shareholders who may also be noteholders) would receive approximately 87.3% of the Company’s post-reorganization outstanding shares (subject to the distribution of the above mentioned reserve), the noteholders would receive approximately 12.7% of the Company’s post-reorganization outstanding shares, and the Company would issue $90 million in principal amount of New Senior Notes.

Pursuant to the May Plan, the Company’s subsidiary GSI Group Limited (“GSI UK”) would, on account of its unsecured note, share ratably in the distributions to the noteholders (aggregate distributions by the Company would be increased to reflect the amount of the GSI UK note), provided that the parties to the May Plan Support Agreement have agreed that the treatment of the GSI UK note may be modified in certain circumstances, including, without limitation, to provide for the reinstatement of the claims based on the GSI UK note as a substitute treatment of the claims arising under such note.

As contemplated by the May Plan, the reorganized Company’s board of directors would be comprised of seven directors, to include two directors selected by the Required Noteholders (as that term is defined in the May Plan Support Agreement), two directors with industry expertise selected by the Equity Committee, one director selected by mutual agreement between the Required Noteholders and the Equity Committee, one director to be selected from the Company’s current board of directors, and the chief restructuring officer of the reorganized Company.

The recoveries summarized above and the other modified terms of the Company’s restructuring are more fully described in the May Plan, which is an exhibit to the May Plan Support Agreement attached hereto as Exhibit 10.1 and incorporated herein by reference.

The May Plan Support Agreement.

The Debtors’ proposed financial restructuring, as set forth in the May Plan, has the support of the Equity Committee, the Committee Members and the Consenting Noteholders, who collectively hold approximately 88.1% in principal amount of the outstanding Senior Notes and make up 80% in number of all holders of the Senior Notes. The May Plan Support Agreement supersedes the March Plan Support Agreement.

The May Plan Support Agreement requires the Equity Committee, the Committee Members and the Consenting Noteholders, and their successors and assigns, (i) to support the May Plan by agreeing to change any prior votes against and not to withdraw, change or revoke any prior votes in favor of the Plan, and if the Court requires additional solicitation of votes for the May Plan, to vote for the May Plan, (ii) not to object to confirmation of the May Plan and not to object to, or otherwise commence, any proceeding to oppose or alter the May Plan or support an alternative restructuring, and (iii) except as otherwise permitted in the May Plan Support Agreement, not to take any other action, including commencing any legal proceeding, that is inconsistent with, or that would materially prevent, hinder or delay the consummation of, the restructuring.

The May Plan Support Agreement provides that the Company, subject to its fiduciary duties, shall use its best efforts to (i) support and complete the restructuring and all transactions contemplated by the May Plan, (ii) take any and all necessary and appropriate actions in furtherance of the restructuring, (iii) complete the restructuring and all transactions contemplated under the May Plan within set time-frames, (iv) obtain any and all required regulatory and/or third-party approvals for the restructuring, and (v) not directly or indirectly seek, solicit, support, consent to, or participate in the negotiation or formulation of alternate plans of reorganization, certain other corporate transactions, such as mergers, dissolutions, or a sale of substantially all of the Company’s assets or any other action that is inconsistent with the reorganization as contemplated by the May Plan Support Agreement.


The May Plan Support Agreement further provides that, if the Company, in accordance with its fiduciary duties, prior to the confirmation of the May Plan consummates (a) a merger or other business combination or similar transaction, (b) any sale or other disposition of all or substantially all the assets of the Company; or (c) any other financial restructuring of the Company (each, an “Alternate Transaction”), then the Company shall pay each holder of Senior Notes its pro rata portion of a cash fee equal to $4.2 million and, to the extent the GSI UK note claim is impaired under the Plan, pay GSI UK a cash fee equal to $0.4 million. Pursuant to the terms of the May Plan Support Agreement, the Company may not consummate an Alternate Transaction after the date the May Plan is confirmed and prior to the date it is effective. Additionally, the Company may not, prior to the effective date of the May Plan, enter into a binding agreement regarding an Alternate Transaction to be consummated following the effective date of the May Plan and the Company is required to conduct any discussions regarding such a transaction contemplated to be consummated following the effective date in consultation with an advisory board consisting of one representative appointed by the Required Noteholders, one representative appointed by the Equity Committee and the Company’s Chief Restructuring Officer.

The support of the Equity Committee, the Committee Members and the Consenting Noteholders under the May Plan Support Agreement will terminate under certain circumstances, including, without limitation, at the option of the Required Noteholders if (i) the Debtors are in material breach of any obligations under the May Plan Support Agreement, (ii) the Debtors file any motion or pleading with the Court that is inconsistent in a material respect with the May Plan Support Agreement or the May Plan, (iii) the Court grants relief that is materially inconsistent with the May Plan Support Agreement or the May Plan, (iv) the Debtors fail to achieve certain milestones with respect to the approval of the May Plan Support Agreement, the commencement of the Rights Offering, the expiration of the subscription election period for the Rights Offering or confirmation or effectiveness of the May Plan, (v) a trustee is appointed in the Chapter 11 Cases or any of the Chapter 11 Cases is dismissed or converted to a case under Chapter 7 of the Bankruptcy Code or if the Debtors make a motion for such appointment, dismissal or conversion, (vi) the Court enters an order invalidating, disallowing, subordinating, recharacterizing or limiting the principal and interest components of the Senior Note claims or disgorging any amounts paid prior to the Petition Date from any holder of the Senior Note claims. The May Plan Support Agreement also will terminate automatically if the Backstop Commitment Agreement is terminated.

The foregoing summary of the May Plan Support Agreement is a summary only and is qualified, in all respects, by the provisions of the May Plan Support Agreement, which is attached hereto as Exhibit 10.1 and incorporated herein by reference.

The Backstop Commitment Agreement

Pursuant to the Backstop Commitment Agreement, the Backstop Investors have agreed to backstop the entire rights offering contemplated by the May Plan by exchanging, for new common shares of the reorganized Company, a principal amount of Senior Notes equal to the number of unsubscribed common shares multiplied by the purchase price of $1.80 per share and, regardless of the number of shares purchased by shareholders in the rights offering, exchanging a minimum of $20 million of principal amount of Senior Notes for new common shares. The Backstop Commitment Agreement further provides that the Backstop Investors will receive a cash backstop fee equal to $4.25 million, which is 5% of $85 million, the maximum proceeds from the rights offering, that is payable upon consummation of the May Plan or an earlier termination of the Backstop Commitment Agreement. The Backstop Commitment Agreement includes termination provisions, including, without limitation, the (a) right of the Backstop Investors to terminate the agreement, if the Debtors fail to achieve certain milestones with respect to Court approval of the May Plan Support Agreement, the commencement of the Rights Offering, the expiration of the subscription election period for the Rights Offering or confirmation or effectiveness of the Plan, or if the Company enters into an Alternate Transaction and (b) the right of the Company to terminate the agreement following certain material breaches of the Backstop Commitment Agreement by a Backstop Investor that are not cured either by such investor or the other Backstop Investors.

The foregoing summary of the Backstop Commitment Agreement is a summary only and is qualified, in all respects, by the provisions of the Backstop Commitment Agreement, which is attached hereto as Exhibit 10.2 and incorporated herein by reference.


FTI Engagement Letter

Item 5.02 below is incorporated herein by reference.

 

Item 3.02 Unregistered Sale of Equity Securities.

On May 14, 2010 the Debtors entered into the Backstop Commitment Agreement covering the sale, upon the effective date of the May Plan, of new common shares of the reorganized Company. The disclosure under Item 1.01 with respect to the Backstop Commitment Agreement is incorporated herein by reference.

 

Item 5.02. Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers; Compensatory Arrangements of Certain Officers.

On May 14, 2010, the Debtors entered into an engagement letter (the “Engagement Letter”) with FTI Consulting, Inc. (“FTI”) to provide for the services of Michael E. Katzenstein as Chief Restructuring Officer (“CRO”) and certain other temporary employees and management services to support Mr. Katzenstein in his role. The Engagement Letter remains subject to approval by the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware (the “Court”), where the Chapter 11 Cases are currently pending.

Pursuant to the terms of the Engagement Letter, Mr. Katzenstein will remain employed by FTI and will perform services as CRO through FTI, reporting to the Company’s Board of Directors. Mr. Katzenstein will not receive any compensation from the Debtors and will not participate in any of the Debtors’ employee benefit plans. The Debtors will instead compensate FTI for Mr. Katzenstein’s services as CRO and the services of Gabriel E. Bresler, as Associate CRO, at an aggregate rate of $175,000 per month (the “Monthly Fee”). Mr. Katzenstein’s appointment is not set for any term and FTI or the Debtors may terminate the agreement to provide services at any time upon giving thirty (30) days written notice.

The Engagement Letter further provides that if, during the term of the engagement or during the three (3) months following the termination of the Engagement Letter (with the possibility that such three (3) month period could be extended in the case of a Sale) (i) certain preparations for the Debtors’ 2009 audit are completed and (ii) the Debtors completes a Restructuring or Sale (as such terms are defined in the Engagement Letter), FTI will earn a completion fee of $1,400,000 (the “Completion Fee”). The Completion Fee is payable in cash on the later of the date the audit preparations are completed, the effective date of the Restructuring or on the closing of the Sale, as the case may be. Each Monthly Fee actually paid after August 6, 2010, will be credited against the Completion Fee when earned.

The Engagement Letter further provides that the Debtors will use commercially reasonable best efforts to insure Mr. Katzenstein and Mr. Bresler under the Debtors’ directors and officers insurance; and unless it is unable to do so at a commercially reasonable cost, purchase a three (3) year directors and officers insurance “tail” or runoff policy covering the period of FTI’s service.

The description of the material terms of the Engagement Letter above is qualified in its entirely by reference to the actual Engagement Letter, a copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit 10.3 and incorporated herein by reference.

 

Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits.

(d) Exhibits:

 

Exhibit No.

  

Description

10.1    Restructuring Plan Support Agreement, dated May 14, 2010, by and among the Company, GSI, MES, the Equity Committee, the Equity Holders, Liberty Harbor Master Fund I, L.P., Tinicum Capital Partners II, L.P., Highbridge International LLC, Special Value Continuation Partners, L.P., Special Value Expansion Fund, LLC, Tennenbaum Opportunities Partners V, LP, Special Value Opportunities Fund, LLC, and Hale Capital Partners, LP.
10.2    Backstop Commitment Agreement, dated May 14, 2010, by and among the Company, GSI, MES, Liberty Harbor Master Fund I, L.P., Tinicum Capital Partners II, L.P., Highbridge International LLC, Special Value Continuation Partners, L.P., Special Value Expansion Fund, LLC, Tennenbaum Opportunities Partners V, LP, Special Value Opportunities Fund, LLC, and Hale Capital Partners, LP.
10.3    Engagement Letter, executed May 14, 2010, by and among the Company, GSI, MES and FTI.


Safe Harbor and Forward Looking Information

Certain statements in this current report are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and are based on current expectations and assumptions that are subject to risks and uncertainties. All statements contained in this current report that do not relate to matters of historical fact should be considered forward-looking statements, and are generally identified by words such as “expect,” “intend,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “plan,” and other similar expressions. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements related to: the agreement with the Consenting Noteholders, the Equity Committee and the Committee Members and the proposed modifications to the April Plan; the ability of the Company to successfully emerge from the Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings; whether the U.S. Bankruptcy Court will approve the restructuring plan; the Company’s ability to substantially reduce its outstanding indebtedness and interest burden; the completion of the reorganization and the effects of the reorganization on existing debt holders and shareholders, including anticipated dilution and ownership post-reorganization; and other statements that are not historical facts. These forward looking statements contain estimates and involve a number of risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors that could affect future results and cause actual results and events to differ materially from historical and expected results and those expressed or implied in the forward looking statements, including, but not limited to, the following: the ability of the Company to successfully complete the transactions contemplated by the agreements; the outcome of the Company’s Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings, including whether or not the proposed plan is ultimately approved by the U.S. Bankruptcy Court and the final terms thereof; the potential adverse impact of the Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings on the Company’s business, financial condition or results of operations; the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstance that could give rise to the termination of the plan support agreement that the Company has entered into with the Consenting Noteholders, the Equity Committee and the Committee Members; the highly unpredictable nature of the semiconductor and electronics materials processing industry; the Company’s ability to manage its significant indebtedness in light of current economic and business conditions; the results of the proposed restructuring including the issuance of a substantial amount of equity securities in exchange for a portion of the Company’s current indebtedness and the dilutive impact of such issuance, and the incurrence of additional material obligations as part of any such restructuring; the Company’s ability to reduce operating expenses and achieve anticipated cost reductions and savings; the Company’s ability to grow and increase profitability; future liquidity and valuation of auction rate securities; changes in accounting standards; failures of the Company to properly identify the timing of when revenue should be recognized; the Company’s ability to quickly increase manufacturing capacity and promptly respond to fluctuating product demands; the Company’s need to invest in research and development; the Company’s ability to develop and deliver new competitive technology and enhancements and customer acceptance thereof; failure to identify and manage weaknesses in internal controls; the effects of competition; risks related to consolidation of operations and the integration of operations and employees of acquired businesses, including Excel; the Company’s inability to recognize synergies of acquired businesses, including Excel; the Company’s ability to complete and file its delayed periodic reports with the SEC on a timely basis; the Company’s ability to regain listing of the Company’s shares on Nasdaq; and the risks of existing and future litigation and governmental or other regulatory inquiry or proceedings arising out of or related to the Company’s revenue recognition practices. Other important risk factors that could affect the outcome of the events set forth in these statements and that could affect the Company’s operating results and financial condition are discussed in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008 and in the Company’s subsequent filings with the SEC made prior to or after the date hereof. Such statements are based on the Company’s management’s beliefs and assumptions and on information currently available to the Company’s management. The Company disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements as a result of developments occurring after the date of this document.


SIGNATURES

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

 

Date: May 18, 2010     GSI Group Inc.
    By:   /s/ Glenn E. Davis
       

Glenn E. Davis

Principal Financial Officer


EXHIBIT INDEX

 

Exhibit No.

  

Description

10.1    Restructuring Plan Support Agreement, dated May 14, 2010, by and among the Company, GSI, MES, the Equity Committee, the Equity Holders, Liberty Harbor Master Fund I, L.P., Tinicum Capital Partners II, L.P., Highbridge International LLC, Special Value Continuation Partners, L.P., Special Value Expansion Fund, LLC, Tennenbaum Opportunities Partners V, LP, Special Value Opportunities Fund, LLC, and Hale Capital Partners, LP.
10.2    Backstop Commitment Agreement, dated May 14, 2010, by and among the Company, GSI, MES, Liberty Harbor Master Fund I, L.P., Tinicum Capital Partners II, L.P., Highbridge International LLC, Special Value Continuation Partners, L.P., Special Value Expansion Fund, LLC, Tennenbaum Opportunities Partners V, LP, Special Value Opportunities Fund, LLC, and Hale Capital Partners, LP.
10.3    Engagement Letter, executed May 14, 2010, by and among the Company, GSI, MES and FTI.
EX-10.1 2 dex101.htm RESTRUCTURING PLAN SUPPORT AGREEMENT Restructuring Plan Support Agreement

Exhibit 10.1

Execution Copy

RESTRUCTURING PLAN SUPPORT AGREEMENT

This RESTRUCTURING PLAN SUPPORT AGREEMENT is made and entered into as of May 14, 2010 (this “Agreement”) by and among (i) GSI Group Inc. (“Holdings”), GSI Group Corporation and MES International, Inc. (collectively, the “Company” or the “Debtors”), (ii) the Equity Committee (as defined below), (iii) each of the members of the Equity Committee listed on the signature pages hereto (the “Equity Holders”) and (iv) the Noteholders (as defined below). The Company, the Equity Committee and each Noteholder and any subsequent person or entity that becomes a party hereto in accordance with the terms hereof are referred herein as the “Parties” and individually as a “Party.” Capitalized terms used in this Agreement but not defined herein shall have the meaning given to them in the in the Fourth Modified Joint Chapter 11 Plan of Reorganization of MES International, Inc., GSI Group Inc. and GSI Group Corporation dated May 14, 2010 in the form attached as Exhibit A hereto (as amended, supplemented or otherwise modified as provided in this Agreement, the “Plan”).

W H E R E A S

A. On November 20, 2009 (the “Petition Date”), the Company commenced voluntary reorganization cases (the ”Chapter 11 Cases”) under chapter 11 of title 11 of the United States Code, 11 U.S.C. §§ 101-1532 (the “Bankruptcy Code”), in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware (the “Bankruptcy Court”).

B. On the Petition Date, the Debtors filed the initial disclosure statement. On January 8, 2010, the Bankruptcy Court approved the disclosure statement, which was subsequently modified on January 11, 2010.

C. On April 9, 2010, the Company filed its Third Modified Joint Chapter 11 Plan of Reorganization (the “Third Modified Plan”).

D. The Equity Committee and the Noteholders support the proposal outlined in the Term Sheet, dated May 7, 2010 (the “Restructuring”) pursuant to the terms of this Agreement.

E. As a result of ongoing discussions and developments, the Company, in the exercise of its business judgment and consistent with its fiduciary duties, the Equity Committee (also consistent with any fiduciary duties it may have to others) and the Noteholders, now enter into this Agreement, whereby the Parties support the confirmation of the Plan (as defined above) and the Prior Agreement is superseded in its entirety.

F. On November 19, 2009, the Company and the Noteholders entered into a Plan Support Agreement, which was subsequently amended and restated on March 16, 2010 (the “Prior Agreement”), whereby the Company and the Noteholders agreed to implement a restructuring of the Company pursuant to the terms and conditions set forth in the Third Modified Plan.

G. The Company intends to effectuate a Rights Offering (as defined in the Plan) to holders of Holdings Common Shares (as defined below) pursuant to the terms and conditions set forth in the Plan and the Rights Offering Documents, including, without limitation, the Rights Offering Procedures (as defined in the Plan).


H. The Noteholders have agreed to provide a backstop to the Rights Offering pursuant to the terms and conditions set forth in the backstop commitment agreement attached hereto as Exhibit B and made a part hereof (the “Backstop Commitment Agreement”) and the Plan.

I. The Company intends to use its best efforts to obtain Bankruptcy Court approval of the Plan in accordance with the Bankruptcy Code and on terms consistent with this Agreement and the Equity Committee and each Noteholder intends to cooperate as set forth herein.

J. This Agreement, the Plan, the Plan Documents and the two letter agreements dated as of the date hereof by and among the Company, the Equity Committee and the Noteholders (the “Side Letters”) set forth the agreement among the Parties concerning their commitment, subject to the terms and conditions hereof and thereof, to implement the Restructuring.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the covenants and agreements contained herein, and for other valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, each Party, intending to be legally bound, hereby agrees as follows:

1. Definitions. The following terms shall have the following definitions:

Advisory Board” shall consist of (i) a representative appointed by the Required Noteholders, (ii) a representative appointed by the Equity Committee and (iii) the Company’s Chief Restructuring Officer.

Affiliate” means, with respect to any Person, any other Person which directly or indirectly controls, or is under common control with, or is controlled by, such Person. As used in this definition, “control” (including, with its correlative meanings “controlled by” and “under common control with”) shall mean, with respect to any Person, the possession, directly or indirectly, of power to direct or cause the direction of management or policies (whether through ownership of securities or partnership or other ownership interests, by contract or otherwise) of such Person.

Addendum” has the meaning set forth in section 19 hereof.

Agreement” has the meaning set forth in the preamble hereof.

Alternate Transaction” means (a) a merger or other business combination or similar transaction involving the Debtors, (b) any sale or other disposition of all or substantially all the assets of the Debtors pursuant to Section 363 of the Bankruptcy Code or pursuant to a plan of reorganization, not contemplated by the Plan or permitted pursuant to this Agreement or (c) any plan of reorganization, plan of liquidation, or financial restructuring of the Debtors not supported by the Required Noteholders. For the avoidance of doubt, any transaction expressly permitted under this Agreement or any transaction to which the Required Noteholders consent shall not be an Alternate Transaction.

Assumption Agreement” has the meaning set forth in section 19 hereof.

 

- 2 -


Backstop Commitment” shall have the meaning set forth in the Plan.

Backstop Commitment Agreement” has the meaning set forth in recitals hereof.

Ballot” means the ballot for voting on the First Modified Plan distributed with the disclosure statement accompanying the First Modified Plan.

Bankruptcy Code” has the meaning set forth in the recitals hereof.

Bankruptcy Court” has the meaning set forth in the recitals hereof.

Bankruptcy Rules” means the Federal Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure.

Business Day” means any day other than Saturday, Sunday and any day that is a legal holiday or a day on which banking institutions in New York, New York are authorized by law or other governmental action to close.

Canadian Counsel” has the meaning set forth in section 6(a) hereof.

Chapter 11 Cases” has the meaning set forth in the recitals hereof.

Claims” means all “claims” (as such term is defined in section 101 of the Bankruptcy Code), including all Senior Note Claims.

Collateral Perfection Counsel” has the meaning set forth in section 6(a) hereof.

Confirmation Date” has the meaning set forth in the Plan.

Confirmation Order” has the meaning set forth in section 11 hereof.

Company” has the meaning set forth in the preamble hereof.

Debtors” has the meaning set forth in the preamble hereof.

Equity Committee” means the statutory committee of equity security holders appointed in the Chapter 11 Cases on December 22, 2009.

Equity Holders” has the meaning set forth in the preamble hereof.

First Modified Plan” mean the Company’s First Modified Plan of Reorganization filed with the Bankruptcy Court in the Chapter 11 Cases.

Holdings” has the meaning set forth in the preamble hereof.

Holdings Common Shares” means common shares of Holdings, no par value.

Holdings Equity Interest” has the meaning set forth in the Plan.

Houlihan Lokey” has the meaning set forth in section 6(a) hereof.

 

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Local Counsel” has the meaning set forth in section 6(a) hereof.

Lock-Up Effective Date” has the meaning set forth in section 2 hereof.

Milestones” shall mean the following milestones:

 

May 14, 2010    filing of (i) a motion or application seeking the entry of an order of the Bankruptcy Court authorizing the assumption of this Agreement under Sections 363 and 365 of the Bankruptcy Code and/or Rule 9019 of the Bankruptcy Rules (the “Approval Order”) and (ii) the Plan.
May 21, 2010    Entry of the Approval Order
May 28, 2010    Entry of Confirmation Order
June 4, 2010    Commencement of Rights Offering
July 15, 2010    Subscription deadline for Rights Offering
July 23, 2010    Occurrence of Plan Effective Date

as such above dates may be waived or adjusted (for not more than 30 days in the aggregate) only with the prior written consent of the Required Noteholders, such consent not to be unreasonably withheld. Any request by the Company for adjustment of the Milestone shall be accompanied by a certificate of the chief restructuring officer of the Company attesting that the Company is not pursuing an Alternate Transaction.

New Indenture” has the meaning set forth in the Plan.

NH Legal Counsel” has the meaning set forth in section 6(a) hereof.

Noteholders” means any Senior Noteholder that executed this Agreement or delivers an executed Addendum to the Company in accordance with this Agreement.

Noteholder Representative” has the meaning set forth in section 6(b) hereof.

Parties” has the meaning set forth in the preamble hereof.

Person” means an individual, a partnership, a joint venture, a limited liability company, a corporation, a trust, an unincorporated organization, a group or any legal entity or association.

Petition Date” has the meaning set forth in the recitals hereof.

Plan” has the meaning set forth in the preamble hereof.

Plan Documents” means (i) the Plan and the exhibits thereto, (ii) the Backstop Commitment Agreement, (iii) the Rights Offering Documents, and (iv) the Confirmation Order, in each case, in form and substance reasonably acceptable to the Required Noteholders and, except in the case of the Backstop Commitment Agreement, the Security Agreement and the New Indenture and related agreements, documents, exhibits, annexes and schedules (provided that the Security Agreement and the New Indenture shall be substantially in the form filed with

 

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the Bankruptcy Court on April 9, 2010 as revised to reflect the principal amount of the New Senior Secured Notes as contemplated by the Plan and elimination of provisions related to the issuance of Preferred Stock as such term is defined in the Indenture filed with the Bankruptcy Court on April 9, 2010) the Equity Committee.

Plan Effective Date” has the meaning set forth in the Plan.

Plan Modification Amendment” means any amendment, modification or supplement to the Plan or Plan Documents that (i) affects, or has any impact upon, the treatment of Senior Note Claims or Holdings Equity Interests or rights of any holder of Senior Note Claims or Holdings Equity Interests under the Plan; (ii) affects, or has an impact upon, the economic interests of the holders of Senior Note Claims or Holdings Equity Interests; or (iii) has any adverse overall economic effect (direct or consequential) on the Company and its direct and indirect subsidiaries.

Post-Effective Date Transaction” means any of the following, which shall occur only after the Plan Effective Date: (a) a merger or other business combination or similar transaction involving the Company or any of its affiliates, (b) any sale or other disposition of all or substantially all the assets of the Company; or (c) financial restructuring of the Company.

Prior Agreement” has the meaning set forth in the recitals hereof.

Registration Rights Agreement” has the meaning set forth in the Plan.

Required Noteholders” means, as of any date of determination, Senior Noteholders holding in the aggregate more than sixty-six and two-thirds percent (66 2/3%) of the Senior Note Claims (but not less than $153,334,000) and represent more than one-half (1/2) of the Senior Noteholders holding Senior Notes.

Restructuring” has the meaning set forth in the recitals hereof.

Retainers” has the meaning set forth in Section 6(a) hereof.

Rights Offering” has the meaning set forth in the Plan.

Rights Offering Documents” means certain documents relating to the Rights Offering, the subscription forms related to the Rights Offering, instructions to the subscription forms and the Rights Offering Disclosure.

Rights Offering Disclosure” means the supplemental disclosure to be provided in connection with the Rights Offering.

Senior Notes” means the 11% Senior Notes due 2013 in the aggregate principal amount of $210,000,000 issued pursuant to the Indenture.

Senior Note Claims” means all claims arising under or relating to the Senior Notes and all agreements and instruments relating thereto that remain unpaid and outstanding as of the Plan Effective Date, including, without limitation, the aggregate principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon, plus accrued and unpaid fees, costs and expenses.

 

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Senior Noteholders” means the holders of the Senior Note Claims.

Side Letters” has the meaning set forth in the recitals hereof.

Termination Date” has the meaning set forth in section 7 hereof.

Termination Event” has the meaning set forth in section 7 hereof.

Third Modified Plan” has the meaning set forth in the recitals hereof.

Transfer” has the meaning set forth in section 19 hereof.

Transferee” has the meaning set forth in section 19 hereof

2. Lock-Up Effective Date. This Agreement shall be effective (the “Lock-Up Effective Date”) and bind the Debtors, the Equity Committee and each Noteholder upon the last to occur of each of the following: (a) the Company’s execution of this Agreement, (b) the Equity Committee’s execution of this Agreement, (c) each Equity Holder’s execution of this Agreement and (d) execution of this Agreement by the Required Noteholders.

3. Plan. The Plan is expressly incorporated herein and is made part of this Agreement. The Plan may be amended, modified or supplemented by the Company, and any term or condition of the Plan may be waived by the Company, in any manner not materially inconsistent with this Agreement; provided, however, that any Plan Modification Amendment, subject to the provisions of the Side Letters shall require prior written consent of (i) a majority of the members of the Equity Committee and (ii) the Required Noteholders, which consent may not be unreasonably withheld or delayed.

4. Commitment of the Noteholders, the Equity Holders and the Equity Committee. Prior to the applicable Termination Event (as defined below) and subject to the occurrence of the Lock-Up Effective Date and the terms and conditions hereof:

 

  (a) Each Equity Holder agrees to timely file a notice with the Bankruptcy Court indicating that those Ballots submitted with respect to the First Modified Plan on account of its Holdings Equity Interest (now owned or hereafter acquired) shall be changed to be votes accepting the Plan and such Equity Holder shall not thereafter withdraw, change or revoke such vote unless the Termination Date has occurred;

 

  (b) The Equity Committee and each Equity Holder agrees to use reasonable best efforts to cause holders of Holdings Equity Interest who voted to reject the First Modified Plan to timely file a notice with the Bankruptcy Court indicating that those Ballots submitted with respect to the First Modified Plan on account of their Holdings Equity Interest shall be changed to be votes to accept the Plan;

 

  (c) Each Noteholder agrees not to withdraw, change or revoke its vote (or cause its vote to be withdrawn, changed or revoked) with respect to the Plan;

 

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  (d) The Equity Committee shall upon filing of the Plan with the Bankruptcy Court issue a press release indicating its support of the Plan;

 

  (e) Solely to the extent that the Bankruptcy Court determines that it is necessary to solicit votes on the Plan, each Equity Holder and each Noteholder agrees to timely vote or cause to be voted all such holder’s Holdings Common Shares and Senior Note Claims, as applicable, in favor of the Plan in accordance with any applicable procedures set forth in a disclosure statement and any accompanying solicitation materials, and timely return a duly-executed ballot in connection therewith;

 

  (f) If requested by the Debtors, each Noteholder, the Equity Committee and each Equity Holder agrees to support the Company’s position that no further solicitation of holders of claims is necessary to confirm the Plan or effectuate the Restructuring;

 

  (g) Each Noteholder, the Equity Committee and each Equity Holder agrees not to object to confirmation of the Plan or object to, or otherwise commence any proceeding to oppose the Plan, or support an alternative restructuring;

 

  (h) Each Noteholder agrees not to amend or modify its Addendum;

 

  (i) Each Noteholder, the Equity Committee and each Equity Holder agrees, except as otherwise permitted herein, not take any other action, including, without limitation, initiating or joining any legal proceeding, that is inconsistent with, or that would materially prevent, hinder or delay the consummation of, the Restructuring in accordance with the Plan Documents; and

 

  (j) Subject to the provision of section 5(a) below, the Noteholders, the Equity Committee and each Equity Holder agrees to not directly or indirectly seek, solicit, support, consent to, or participate in the negotiation or formulation of any Alternate Transaction, plan of reorganization, proposal, offer, dissolution, winding up, liquidation, reorganization, merger or restructuring for the Company other than the Plan; provided, however, that this provision shall not restrict the Noteholders, the Equity Committee and each Equity Holder from responding to inquiries received from third parties relating to a potential Alternate Transaction.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing in this Agreement shall be construed to prohibit any Party from appearing as a party-in-interest in any matter to be adjudicated in the Chapter 11 Cases so long as such appearance and the positions advocated in connection therewith are not materially inconsistent with this Agreement, the Plan and the Restructuring and are not for the purpose of materially hindering, delaying or preventing the consummation of the Restructuring.

 

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5. Commitment of the Company.

(a) Restructuring. Subject to its fiduciary duties as debtor in possession based upon advice of counsel, the Company agrees to use its best efforts to (i) support and complete the Restructuring in accordance with the Plan Documents and all transactions contemplated by the Plan Documents, (ii) take any and all necessary and appropriate actions in furtherance of the Restructuring in accordance with the Plan Documents, (iii) complete the Restructuring in accordance with the Plan Documents and all transactions contemplated under the Plan Documents within the Milestones, (iv) obtain any and all regulatory and/or third-party approvals required to consummate the Restructuring in accordance with the Plan Documents, and (v) not directly or indirectly seek, solicit, support, consent to, or participate in the negotiation or formulation of (x) any plan of reorganization, proposal, offer, dissolution, winding up, liquidation, reorganization, merger or restructuring for the Company other than the Plan, (y) any disposition outside the ordinary course of business or inconsistent with the Plan Documents of all, substantially all, or a material portion of the assets of the Company, or (z) any other action that is inconsistent with, or that would delay or obstruct the proposed confirmation or consummation of the Plan. The limitations set forth in Section 5(a) above shall not preclude the Company from considering a Post-Effective Date Transaction provided that (i) the Company shall not execute any binding agreements or commitments regarding a Post-Effective Date Transaction prior to the Plan Effective Date and (ii) any discussions regarding a Post-Effective Date Transaction shall be conducted by the Company in consultation with the Advisory Board.

(b) Alternate Transaction. If the Company, in accordance with its fiduciary duty consummates an Alternate Transaction, then the Company shall upon consummation of such Alternate Transaction (i) pay each Senior Noteholder its pro rata portion of a cash fee equal to $4.2 million, which shall not be subject to disgorgement and (ii) to the extent the GSI UK Note Claim is impaired under the Plan, pay GSI UK a cash fee equal to $0.4 million which shall not be subject to disgorgement. No Alternative Transaction shall be consummated after the Confirmation Date and prior to the Plan Effective Date.

6. Fees and Retainers.

(a) Fees and Retainers. The Company agrees to pay the reasonable fees, costs and expenses of (i) Schulte Roth & Zabel LLP (“Schulte”), legal counsel for the Noteholders, (ii) Delaware counsel (“Local Counsel”), Canadian legal counsel (“Canadian Counsel”) and counsel in the United Kingdom, Germany and Japan (“Collateral Perfection Counsel”) to assist with perfection of stock pledges contemplated under the Plan for the Noteholders; (iii) Houlihan Lokey Howard & Zukin Capital, Inc. (“Houlihan Lokey”), financial advisor for the Noteholders and (iv) if not paid on or before the date hereof, up to an additional $50,000 for Duff & Phelps in connection with solvency opinions, all of which shall be payable regardless of whether the Restructuring is consummated. In furtherance of the foregoing, the Company has provided by wire transfer (A) to Schulte, Local Counsel, Canadian Counsel and Houlihan Lokey all invoiced fees and expenses incurred through the Petition Date; (B) the following retainers (“Retainers”) to: (i) Schulte the sum of $525,000 as a retainer (but not as a cap) for invoiced fees and expenses incurred after the Petition Date, with any such amount in excess of the invoiced fees and expenses being returned to the Company upon the earlier to occur of the Termination Date and the Plan Effective Date; (ii) Local Counsel, the sum of $75,000 as a retainer (but not as a cap) for

 

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invoiced fees and expenses incurred after the Petition Date, with any such amount in excess of the invoiced fees and expenses being returned to the Company upon the earlier to occur of the Termination Date and the Plan Effective Date; and (iii) Houlihan Lokey the sum of $400,000 as a retainer (but not as a cap) for invoiced fees and expenses incurred after the Petition Date, with any such amount in excess of the invoiced fees and expenses being returned to the Company upon the earlier to occur of the Termination Date and the Plan Effective Date. After the full application of Retainers, the Debtors shall pay approved invoices of Schulte, Local Counsel, Canadian and Collateral Perfection Counsel (collectively, the “NH Legal Counsel”) and Houlihan Lokey for professional fees and expenses (net of any good faith disputes which shall be resolved pursuant to section 6(b) herein) no later than 30 days after receipt of such invoice.

(b) Fee Dispute Resolutions. With respect to fees incurred after the Petition Date, NH Legal Counsel shall deliver to the Company and a representative appointed by the Noteholders (the “Noteholder Representative,” who initially shall be Thomas Secor) their respective invoices for review. Fourteen (14) days from the date on which the invoice has been provided to the Company and the Noteholder Representative, each of the NH Legal Counsel may draw on their respective Retainers to the extent of any portion of the invoiced fees that the Company has not disputed in writing to the Noteholder Representative. If any portion of the invoiced fees has been so disputed, the Company and the Noteholder Representative (with the support of the Noteholders) agree to cooperate for 20 days to reach an amicable solution to such dispute. Thereafter, any unresolved dispute shall be settled by arbitration administered by the American Arbitration Association in accordance with its Commercial Arbitration Rules (with respect to which the parties shall be deemed to be the Noteholders and the Company), and judgment on the award rendered by the arbitrator(s) may be entered in any court having jurisdiction thereof. The arbitrators shall award to the prevailing party, if any, as determined by the arbitrators, all of its costs and fees. “Costs and fees” mean all reasonable pre-award expenses of the arbitration, including the arbitrators’ fees, administrative fees, travel expenses, out-of-pocket expenses such as copying and telephone, court costs, witness fees, and attorneys’ fees.

7. Termination. At the option of the Party or Parties specified below (unless such Party seeking to terminate either (i) caused the Termination Event (as defined below) or (ii) is in material breach of its obligations under this Agreement), this Agreement and the obligations of the Parties hereunder may be terminated upon the occurrence of any of the following events (each a “Termination Event”):

 

  (a) At the option of the Required Noteholders, if the Company is in material breach of any of its obligations under this Agreement, including any of the Company’s commitments set forth in section 5(a)(i), (ii), (iv), or (v) above, or any other agreement governing the Restructuring pursuant to the Plan to which the Company and any Required Noteholders are parties, and any such breach by the Company is not cured by the later of (i) five (5) Business Days after receipt of written notice from the Required Noteholders or (ii) the expiration of the cure period under the applicable agreement;

 

  (b)

At the option of the Required Noteholders, if the Company files any motion or pleading with the Bankruptcy Court that is not consistent in any material respect with this Agreement or any Plan Document, and such motion or pleading has not

 

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  been withdrawn within five (5) Business Days of the Company receiving notice from the Required Noteholders that such motion or pleading is inconsistent with this Agreement or any Plan Document, provided that such notice must be issued within five (5) Business Days after service of such motion or pleading and, so long as the first scheduled hearing on such motion or pleading is scheduled upon not less than twenty (21) days notice, no later than ten (10) days prior to the scheduled hearing on such motion or pleading;

 

  (c) At the option of the Company or the Required Noteholders, if the Bankruptcy Court (other than at the request of the Party electing such termination) grants relief that is materially inconsistent with this Agreement or the Plan;

 

  (d) At the option of the Company, the Equity Committee, the Equity Holders and the Noteholders, if all parties (the Company, the Equity Committee, the Equity Holders and the Noteholders) agree in writing to terminate this Agreement;

 

  (e) At the option of the Required Noteholders, if, after the full application of any Retainers, the Company shall fail to pay, in accordance with section 6, approved invoices of NH Legal Counsel or Houlihan Lokey for professional fees and expenses (net of any good faith disputes which shall be resolved pursuant to section 6(b) herein), provided that any breach existing as of the date hereof shall be subject to the Company’s right to cure by no later than 5:00 p.m. (Eastern Time) on May 21, 2010;

 

  (f) At the option of the Required Noteholders, if the Company moves (1) to voluntarily dismiss any of the Chapter 11 Cases, (2) for conversion of any of the Chapter 11 Cases to a case under chapter 7 of the Bankruptcy Code, or (3) for appointment of a trustee or an examiner with expanded powers pursuant to Section 1104 of the Bankruptcy Code in any of the Chapter 11 Cases;

 

  (g) At the option of the Required Noteholders, if (1) a trustee or an examiner with expanded powers is appointed in any of the Chapter 11 Cases, or (2) any of the Chapter 11 Cases is dismissed or converted to a case under chapter 7 of the Bankruptcy Code;

 

  (h) At the option of the Required Noteholders, if the Bankruptcy Court enters an order invalidating, disallowing, subordinating, recharacterizing or limiting in any respect, the principal and interest components of the Senior Note Claims other than as set forth herein or in the Plan or disgorging any amounts paid prior to the Petition Date from any holder of the Senior Note Claim;

 

  (i) At the option of the Company or the Required Noteholders, if the Equity Committee, any Equity Holder or any Noteholder takes any action that would be a material breach of this Agreement or the Backstop Commitment Agreement if such breach is not cured within five (5) Business Days after receipt of written notice from the Company;

 

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  (j) At the option of the Company or the Required Noteholders, if any court of competent jurisdiction or other competent governmental or regulatory authority shall have issued a final and non-appealable order making illegal or otherwise preventing, prohibiting or materially restricting the Restructuring in a way that cannot reasonably be remedied;

 

  (k) At the option of the Company, if it elects to file a plan of reorganization which constitutes an Alternate Transaction with the Bankruptcy Court or consummates any other Alternate Transaction in accordance with the exercise of its fiduciary out rights and indefeasibly pays in full in cash the fee described in section 5(b);

 

  (l) At the option of the Required Noteholders, if the Company withdraws the Plan or files, proposes or otherwise supports any chapter 11 plan other than the Plan;

 

  (m) At the option of the Required Noteholders, if the Company fails to meet any of the Milestones;

 

  (n) Automatically, if the Backstop Commitment is terminated;

 

  (o) At the option of the Equity Committee, if the Required Noteholders have failed to vote to accept the Plan;

 

  (p) At the option of the Required Noteholders or the Equity Committee, as provided in the Side Letters; or

 

  (q) At the option of the Required Noteholder, if any prior breach of the Company’s payment obligations under the Prior Agreement with respect to payment of NH Legal Counsel shall not be cured by 5:00 p.m. (Eastern Time) on May 21, 2010.

The date on which this Agreement is terminated in accordance with the foregoing provisions shall be referred to as the “Termination Date.” The act of termination by any Party pursuant to this Agreement shall not be a violation of the automatic stay of section 362 of the Bankruptcy Code; provided, however, that nothing herein shall prejudice any Party’s rights to argue that the termination was not proper under the terms of this Agreement. Sections 6, 9, and 29 survive the termination of this Agreement.

The cure periods in section 7(a), 7(b) and 7(i) shall be reduced from five (5) Business Days to two (2) Business Days if the applicable Termination Event occurs after entry of the Confirmation Order and prior to the Subscription Expiration Date (as defined in the Plan).

8. Access and Disclosure.

(a) Access. The Company shall afford the Noteholders and their respective attorneys, consultants, accountants and other authorized representatives full access, upon reasonable notice during normal business hours, and at other reasonable times, to all properties, books, contracts, commitments, records, management personnel, lenders and advisors of the Company; provided, however, that if in the reasonable judgment of counsel to the Company such access would void the right of the Company to maintain its attorney-client privilege, attorney work product or any other applicable privilege as to non-disclosure of information, then denial of such access shall not constitute a Termination Event.

 

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(b) Rights Offering Disclosure The Company shall provide the Equity Committee and the Noteholders with copies of the Rights Offering Disclosure within a reasonable time prior to distributing or filing such Rights Offering Disclosure in connection with the Rights Offering in order to allow for the review and comment on such disclosure. The Rights Offering Disclosure shall be in form and substance reasonably acceptable to (i) a majority of the members of the Equity Committee and (ii) the Required Noteholders. For the avoidance of doubt, any objection to any such Rights Offering Disclosure pursuant to the immediately preceding sentence on the grounds that such information is insufficient or unlikely to allow for the Bankruptcy Court to issue a finding that such disclosure is consistent with Section 1145 or Section 1125(e) of the Code shall be deemed to be reasonable.

9. Disclosure of Material Information. On or before 8:30 a.m., New York City time on earlier of (i) the 4th Business Day following the Termination Date, or (ii) the Business Day prior to the Rights Offering Commencement Date (as defined in the Plan), the Company shall disclose publicly (including by filing a Current Report on Form 8-K, if the Company is permitted to make such filing), if the Company has not previously so publicly disclosed such information, a summary of information, which constitutes material nonpublic information provided by the Company, any of its Subsidiaries or any of their respective officers or directors, or, to the Company’s knowledge, any of their respective employees or agents, to the Equity Committee and any of the Noteholders as is necessary (as reasonably determined by the Company) to permit any Noteholder and any Equity Holder who are in possession of such information to offer and sell (without contravening applicable law) any securities issued under the Plan, which summary with respect to the Company’s business plan as prepared by the Company’s financial advisor CRG Partners shall include a summary of the Company’s consolidated projections for all of the Company’s business units and not a summary of the information on a business unit basis. Immediately after the filing of such current report on Form 8-K, the Company hereby releases (a) the Noteholders from any and all obligations, if any, imposed on the Noteholders pursuant to Section 1(b) and the proviso in the second to last sentence of Section 5 of those certain confidentiality agreements entered into between the Company and such Noteholders and (b) the Equity Holders from any and all obligations, if any, imposed on such holders pursuant to that certain confidentiality agreement entered into between the Company and the Equity Committee. The Company shall not, and shall cause each of its Subsidiaries and each of their respective officers, directors, employees and agents, not to, provide any Noteholders or the Equity Committee with any material, nonpublic information regarding the Company or any of its Subsidiaries from and after the public disclosure pursuant to this section 9 without the express written consent of such Noteholder or Equity Committee, as applicable.

10. Entire Agreement. This Agreement, including the exhibits, schedules and annexes hereto, including the Plan, the Plan Documents and the Side Letters, constitutes the entire agreement of the Parties with respect to the subject matter of this Agreement, and supersedes all other prior negotiations, agreements and understandings, whether written or oral, among the Parties with respect to the subject matter of this Agreement; provided, however, that except as provided otherwise in section 9 above, any confidentiality agreement between the Equity Committee, any Noteholder and any other Party shall survive this Agreement and shall continue

 

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to be in full force and effect irrespective of the terms of this Agreement. With respect to the Company and the Noteholders, this Agreement shall supersede and replace the Prior Agreement and the Prior Agreement shall be of no further force and effect; provided, however, nothing contained herein shall, prior to the entry of the Approval Order, (i) release the Company from its obligation to pay NH Legal Counsel and Houlihan Lokey as set forth in section 7 of the Prior Agreement or (ii) affect the acknowledgement and agreement contained in section 32 of the Prior Agreement.

11. Confidentiality; Publicity; Side Letter. Unless required by applicable law or regulation or requested by any regulatory authority, no Party shall disclose the amount of a Noteholder’s holdings of Claims without the prior written consent of such Noteholder; and if such disclosure is so required by law or regulation or requested by a regulatory authority, the Party required to disclose shall, to the extent permitted by law or advised by counsel, use commercially reasonable efforts to afford each Noteholder a reasonable opportunity to review and comment upon any such disclosure prior to the making of such disclosure; provided, however, that each Noteholder acknowledges and agrees that the Company may disclose such information in connection with tabulating votes with respect to the Plan and obtaining entry of an order confirming the Plan (the “Confirmation Order”). The foregoing shall not prohibit the Company from disclosing the existence of this Agreement or the approximate aggregate holdings of claims by the Noteholders in the aggregate. The Side Letters contains highly confidential information regarding a provisional agreement of the Noteholders and the Equity Committee to permit the Company to modify the Plan in certain respects regarding particular claims. The Parties believe that public disclosure of the Side Letters may impair the Company’s ability to confirm the Plan. Upon the request of any party, copies of the Side Letters shall be provided to the Bankruptcy Court (in camera) and to the Office of the United States Trustee (in confidence).

12. No Waiver. Nothing herein shall be construed as a waiver by any Party of any or all of such Party’s rights, and the Parties expressly reserve any and all of their respective rights. Pursuant to Federal Rule of Evidence 408, state law equivalents and any other applicable rules of evidence, this Agreement and all negotiations relating hereto shall not be admissible into evidence in any proceeding other than a proceeding to enforce its terms.

13. Reservation of Rights. This Agreement and the Restructuring are part of a proposed compromise and settlement by and among the Company, the Equity Committee and the Noteholders. Except as expressly provided in this Agreement, nothing herein is intended to, or does, in any manner waive, limit, impair or restrict the ability of each of the Parties hereto to protect and preserve their rights, remedies and interests. Except as expressly set forth herein, nothing herein shall be deemed an admission of any kind. If the transactions contemplated herein are not consummated, or if this Agreement is terminated for any reason, the Parties hereto fully reserve any and all of their rights, pursuant to Federal Rule of Evidence 408 and any applicable state rules.

14. Representations and Warranties of all Parties. Each Party (to the extent applicable) represents to each other Party that: (a) with respect to each Party that (i) is an individual, such Party has all requisite authority to enter into this Agreement and to carry out the transactions contemplated by, and perform its respective obligation under, this Agreement and (ii) is not an individual such Party is, as of the date of this Agreement, duly organized, validly existing, and in

 

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good standing under the laws of the jurisdiction of its organization, and has all requisite corporate, partnership or limited liability company power and authority, subject to the Debtors’ obtaining approval by the Bankruptcy Court, to enter into this Agreement and to carry out the transactions contemplated by, and perform its respective obligations under, this Agreement; (b) with respect to each Party that is not an individual, the execution and delivery of this Agreement and the performance of such Party’s obligations hereunder have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate or other action on its part; (c) the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement by such Party do not and shall not (i) violate any provision of law, rule or regulation applicable to it or, with respect to each Party that is not an individual, any of its subsidiaries or its certificate of incorporation, bylaws or other organizational documents or those of any of its subsidiaries or (ii) conflict with, result in a breach of or constitute (with due notice or lapse of time or both) a default under any material contractual obligation to which it or, with respect to each Party any of its subsidiaries is a party or under its certificate of incorporation, by-laws or other organizational documents; and (d) such Party (i) is a sophisticated Person with respect to the matters set forth in this Agreement; (ii) has adequate information to make an informed decision to enter into this Agreement; and (iii) has independently and without reliance upon any other Party, and based on such information as such Party has deemed appropriate, made its own analysis and decision to enter into this Agreement.

15. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which, when so executed, shall constitute the same instrument and the counterparts may be delivered by facsimile transmission or by electronic mail in portable document format (.pdf).

16. Amendments. Except as otherwise provided herein, this Agreement may not be modified, amended or supplemented without prior written consent of the Company, the Equity Committee and the Required Noteholders.

17. Headings. The headings of the sections, paragraphs and subsections of this Agreement are inserted for convenience only and shall not affect the interpretation hereof.

18. Relationship Among Parties. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the duties and obligations of the Parties under this Agreement shall be several, not joint. No Equity Holder or Noteholder shall have any responsibility for any trading by any other entity by virtue of this Agreement. No prior history, pattern or practice of sharing confidences among or between the Equity Holder and the Noteholders shall in any way affect or negate this understanding and agreement.

19. Acquisitions and Dispositions of Holdings Common Shares and Senior Notes Claims. It is understood and agreed that nothing in this Agreement shall restrict the ability of any of the Equity Holders and any Noteholder to trade in the debt or equity securities of the Company and its Subsidiaries without the consent of the Company, the Equity Committee or any Noteholder, subject to applicable securities laws and such other conditions and limitations on the Equity Holders by virtue of such Parties being members of the Equity Committee; provided, however, that (i) if prior to the entry of the Confirmation Order, an Equity Holder or Noteholder sells, contracts to sell, gives, assigns, hypothecates, pledges, encumbers, grants a security interest in, offers, sells any option or contract to purchase, purchases any option or contract to sell, grants any option, right or warrant to purchase, or otherwise transfers or disposes of all or any portion

 

- 14 -


of any Holdings Common Shares or Senior Note Claims held by such Equity Holder or Noteholder (any of the foregoing, a “Transfer”) to any Person (each such Person, a “Transferee”), the Transferee must, as a condition precedent to such Transfer execute a addendum substantially in the form set forth in Schedule 1 (the “Addendum”) and an assumption in substantially the form set forth in Schedule 2 hereto (the “Assumption Agreement”) and deliver the same to the Company and (ii) a Noteholder, who is a party to the Backstop Commitment Agreement, may only Transfer Senior Notes Claims if (A) following such Transfer, the transferring Noteholder holds a sufficient amount of Senior Note Claims so as to be able to meet its obligations under the Backstop Commitment Agreement or (B) the Transferee, as a condition precedent to such Transfer, becomes a party to the Backstop Commitment Agreement and assumes the obligations of the Transferee under the Backstop Commitment Agreement with respect to the Senior Note Claims to be so transferred. Any Transfer that is made in violation of the immediately preceding sentence shall be null and void ab initio, and the Company and each Equity Holder or Noteholder, as applicable, shall have the right to enforce the voiding of such transfer. Any additional Holdings Common Shares or Senior Note Claims acquired by an Noteholder or Equity Holder shall automatically be deemed to be subject to the terms of this Agreement.

20. Independent Nature of Each Noteholder’s Obligations and Rights. The obligations of each Noteholder hereunder are several and not joint with the obligations of any other Noteholder hereunder, and no Noteholder shall be responsible in any way for the performance of the obligations of any other Noteholder hereunder. Nothing contained herein or in any other agreement or document, and no action taken by any Noteholder pursuant hereto or thereto, shall be deemed to constitute the Noteholders as a group, a partnership, an association, a joint venture or any other kind of entity, or create a presumption that the Noteholders are in any way acting in concert or as a group with respect to such obligations or the transactions contemplated by this Agreement. Each Noteholder shall be entitled to protect and enforce its rights. including, without limitation, the rights arising out of this Agreement, and it shall not be necessary for any other Noteholder to be joined as an additional Party in any proceeding for such purpose.

21. Independent Nature of Each Equity Holder’s Obligations and Rights. The obligations of each Equity Holder hereunder are several and not joint with the obligations of any other Equity Holder hereunder, and no Equity Holder shall be responsible in any way for the performance of the obligations of any other Equity Holder hereunder. Nothing contained herein or in any other agreement or document, and no action taken by any Equity Holder pursuant hereto or thereto, shall be deemed to constitute the Equity Holders as a group, a partnership, an association, a joint venture or any other kind of entity, or create a presumption that the Equity Holders are in any way acting in concert or as a group with respect to such obligations or the transactions contemplated by this Agreement. Each Equity Holder shall be entitled to protect and enforce its rights including, without limitation, the rights arising out of this Agreement, and it shall not be necessary for any other Equity Holder to be joined as an additional Party in any proceeding for such purpose.

22. Approvals. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, unless notified in writing to the contrary, for purposes of seeking approval of the Plan Documents or a Plan Modification, if any, the Company may rely on the written approval (including in portable document format (.pdf) or email) of Schulte Roth & Zabel LLP, counsel for the Noteholders, for approvals required by the Noteholders, and of Jones Day, counsel for the Equity Committee, for approvals required by the Equity Committee; provided, however, that any such approval from Jones Day must be delivered by any of Dan Winikka, Chris Hewitt or Carl Black

 

- 15 -


23. Specific Performance. It is understood and agreed by the Parties that money damages would be an insufficient remedy for any breach of this Agreement by any Party and each non-breaching Party shall be entitled to specific performance (including with respect to Section 6 of this Agreement) and injunctive or other equitable relief as a remedy of any such breach, including, without limitation, an order of the Bankruptcy Court or other court of competent jurisdiction requiring any Party to comply promptly with any of its obligations hereunder.

24. Governing Law & Disputes. This Agreement shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of New York, without regard to such state’s choice of law provisions which would require the application of the law of any other jurisdiction. By its execution and delivery of this Agreement, and subject to section 6(b) which governs disputes relating to fees and retainers payable pursuant to section 6(a) of this Agreement, each of the Parties irrevocably and unconditionally agrees for itself that the Bankruptcy Court shall have exclusive jurisdiction of all matters arising out of or in connection with this Agreement.

25. WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL. EACH OF THE PARTIES TO THIS AGREEMENT HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES ALL RIGHT TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY ACTION, PROCEEDING OR COUNTERCLAIM ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY.

26. Severability. If any provision of this Agreement is found by any court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid or unenforceable, the provision that would otherwise be prohibited, invalid or unenforceable shall be deemed amended to apply to the fullest extent that it would be valid and enforceable, and the invalidity or unenforceability of such provision shall not affect the validity of the remaining provisions of this Agreement so long as this Agreement as so modified continues to express, without material change, the original intentions of the Parties as to the subject matter hereof and the prohibited nature, invalidity or unenforceability of the provision(s) in question does not substantially impair the respective expectations or reciprocal obligations of the Parties or the practical realization of the benefits that would otherwise be conferred upon the Parties. The Parties will endeavor in good faith negotiations to replace the prohibited, invalid or unenforceable provision(s) with a valid provision(s), the effect of which comes as close as possible to that of the prohibited, invalid or unenforceable provision(s).

27. Notices. All notices, requests and other communications hereunder must be in writing and will be deemed to have been duly given only if delivered personally, by internationally recognized overnight courier service, by facsimile transmission, or by registered or certified mail (postage prepaid, return receipt requested) to the Parties at the following addresses or facsimile numbers:

If to the Company:

GSI Group Inc.

125 Middlesex Turnpike

Bedford, Massachusetts 01730

Attention: Chief Restructuring Officer

Telephone:

Fax Number: 781-266-5115

 

- 16 -


With a copies to (which shall not constitute notice):

Brown Rudnick LLP

One Financial Center

Boston, Massachusetts 02111

Attn: William R. Baldiga, Esq.

Telephone: (617) 856-8586

Facsimile: (617) 856-8201

E-Mail: wbaldiga@brownrudnick.com

FTI Consulting, Inc.

3 Times Square

9th Floor

New York, New York 10036

Attn: Michael Katzenstein

Telephone: (212) 247-1010

Facsimile: (212) 841-9350

E-mail: mike.katzenstein@fticonsulting.com

If to a Noteholder (or a Transferee thereof):

To the address or facsimile number set forth below such Noteholder’s signature

(or as directed by such Transferee).

With a copy to (which shall not constitute notice):

Schulte Roth & Zabel LLP

919 Third Avenue

New York, New York 10022

Attn: David M. Hillman, Esq.

Telephone: (212) 756-2000

Facsimile: (212) 593-5955

E-mail: david.hillman@srz.com

If to the Equity Committee:

Jones Day

2727 North Harwood Street

Dallas, Texas 75201

Attn: Daniel P. Winikka

Telephone: (214) 220-3939

Facsimile: (214) 969-5100

E-Mail: dpwinikka@jonesday.com

 

- 17 -


Any notice given by delivery, mail or courier shall be effective when received. Any notice given by facsimile shall be effective upon oral or machine confirmation of transmission.

28. Remedies Cumulative. All rights, powers and remedies provided under this Agreement or otherwise available in respect hereof at law or in equity shall be cumulative and not alternative, and the exercise of any right, power, or remedy thereof by any Party shall not preclude the simultaneous or later exercise of any other such right, power or remedy by such Party.

29. No Third-Party Beneficiaries. The terms and provisions of this Agreement are intended solely for the benefit of the Parties hereto and their respective successors and permitted assigns, and it is not the intention of the Parties to confer third-party beneficiary rights upon any other Person.

30. Allowed Amount. The Company acknowledges and agrees and shall acknowledge and agree in the Chapter 11 Cases that, as of the Petition Date, the Company is indebted and liable to the Senior Noteholders, without objection, dispute, disallowance, defense, counterclaim, avoidance, recharacterization or offset of any kind or nature under the Indenture and the Senior Notes in the aggregate principal amount of $210,000,000 (plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon and fees, expenses and other obligations (including any reasonable fees and expenses of the Trustee and the advisors (NH Legal Counsel and Houlihan Lokey) to the Noteholders that are chargeable or reimbursable under the Indenture or the Senior Notes or this Agreement)) incurred under or in connection with the Indenture and the Senior Notes. The Plan shall include a settlement under Bankruptcy Code section 1123(b)(3) and Bankruptcy Rule 9019 irrevocably and fully allowing the Senior Note Claim as of the Confirmation Date.

31. Holding Period. For the purposes of Rule 144 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the Company acknowledges that the holding period of the Senior Notes may be tacked onto the holding period of the New Common Shares (as defined in the Plan) received by the Noteholders pursuant to the Plan, including, without limitation in connection with the Backstop Commitment. The Company agrees not to take a position contrary to this section 30.

[REMAINDER OF PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK]

 

- 18 -


GSI GROUP INC., on behalf of itself and its affiliates and subsidiaries listed below
By:   /s/ Marina Hatsopoulos
Name:   Marina Hatsopoulos
Title:   Director

GSI Group Corporation

MES International, Inc.


Execution Copy

 

OFFICIAL COMMITTEE OF EQUITY SECURITY HOLDERS
By:   /s/ Stephen W. Bershad
Name:   Stephen W. Bershad
By:   /s/ Bradley Louis Radoff
Name:   Bradley Louis Radoff
JEC II Associates, LLC
By:   /s/ Michael Torok
Name:   Michael Torok
Title:   Vice President
EQUITY HOLDERS
/s/ Stephen W. Bershad
Name:   Stephen W. Bershad
/s/ Bradley Louis Radoff
Name:   Bradley Louis Radoff
JEC II Associates, LLC
By:   /s/ Michael Torok
Name:   Michael Torok
Title:   Vice President

[Signature Page to Restructuring Plan Support Agreement]


Execution Copy

 

NOTEHOLDERS, each in its individual capacity thereof
HALE CAPITAL PARTNERS, LP
By:    /s/ Martin Hale, Jr.
  Name:    Martin Hale, Jr.
  Title:   Managing Member
LIBERTY HARBOR MASTER FUND I, L.P.
By:   Liberty Harbor I GP, LLC, its general partner
  By:   /s/ Gregg J. Felton
    Name:    Gregg J. Felton
    Title:   President
TINICUM CAPITAL PARTNERS II, L.P.
By:   Tinicum Lantern II LLC, Its General Partner
  By:   /s/ Eric Ruttenberg
    Name:    Eric Ruttenberg
    Title:   Managing Partner
HIGHBRIDGE INTERNATIONAL LLC
By:  

Highbridge Capital Management, LLC

Its Trading Manager

  By:   /s/ Mark J. Vanacore
    Name:    Mark J. Vanacore
    Title:   Managing Director


SPECIAL VALUE CONTINUATION PARTNERS, L.P.
By:   Tennenbaum Capital Partners, LLC
  Its: Investment Manager
SPECIAL VALUE EXPANSION FUND, LLC
By:   Tennenbaum Capital Partners, LLC
  Its: Investment Manager

TENNENBAUM OPPORTUNITIES

PARTNERS V, LP

By:   Tennenbaum Capital Partners, LLC
  Its: Investment Manager

SPECIAL VALUE OPPORTUNITIES

FUND, LLC

By:   Tennenbaum Capital Partners, LLC
  Its: Investment Manager
Each of the above by:
  By:    /s/ Howard Levkowitz
    Name:   Howard Levkowitz
    Title:   Managing Partner

 

22


Execution Copy

Schedule 1

ADDENDUM

Reference is made to that certain Restructuring Plan Support Agreement (as amended, modified or supplemented from time to time, the “Agreement”) by and among GSI Group, Inc. and each of its subsidiaries and affiliates that are debtors in the Chapter 11 Cases (collectively, “Company”) the Equity Committee, each Equity Holder and each of the Noteholders party thereto from time to time. Each capitalized term used but not defined herein shall have the meaning given to it in the Agreement.

Upon execution and delivery of this Addendum by the undersigned, as provided in section 19 of the Agreement, the undersigned hereby becomes a Noteholder or Equity Holder, as applicable thereunder and bound thereby effective as of the Lock-Up Effective Date.

By executing and delivering this Addendum, the undersigned represents and warrants, for itself and for the benefit of each party to the Agreement, that:

 

  (a) as of the date of this Addendum, (i) with respect to a Transferee, who becomes a Noteholder, is the legal and beneficial owner of the principal amount of the Senior Note Claims (the “Senior Note Amount”), or advisor for beneficial holders of such Senior Note Amount as set forth below its signature, except to the extent that it may have entered into an agreement to transfer all or a portion of such Senior Note Amount and the transferee has executed and delivered an Assumption and Joinder Agreement therefor (a copy of which is attached to this Addendum) and (ii) with respect to a Transferee, who becomes an Equity Holder, is the legal and beneficial owner of the Holdings Common Shares or is the nominee, investment manager or advisor for beneficial holders of such Holdings Common Shares as set forth below its signature, except to the extent that it may have entered into an agreement to transfer all or a portion of such Holdings Common Shares and the transferee has executed and delivered an Assumption and Joinder Agreement therefor (a copy of which is attached to this Addendum);

 

  (b) other than pursuant to the Agreement, its ownership of the Senior Note Amount or Holdings Common Shares, as applicable, is free and clear of any pledge, lien, security interest, charge, claim, equity, option, proxy, voting restriction, right of first refusal, or other limitation on disposition or encumbrances of any kind that would adversely affect in any way such Transferee’s performance of its obligations contained in the Agreement at the time such obligations are required to be performed;

 

  (c)

as of the date of this Addendum, with respect to each Transferee that (i) is an individual, such Transferee has all requisite authority to enter into this Addendum and to carry out the transactions contemplated by, and perform its respective obligation under, the Agreement and (ii) is not an individual


  such Transferee is, it is duly organized, validly existing, and in good standing under the laws of the state of its organization, and has all requisite corporate, partnership, or limited liability company power and authority to enter into this Addendum and to carry out the transactions contemplated by, and perform its respective obligations under, the Agreement;

 

  (d) assuming the due execution and delivery of the Agreement by the Company the Addendum and the Agreement are legally valid and binding obligations of it, enforceable against it in accordance with its terms, except as may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency or similar laws, or by equitable principles relating to or limiting creditors’ rights generally; and

 

  (e) as of the date of this Addendum, it is not aware of any event that, due to any fiduciary or other duty to any other person, would prevent it from taking any action required of it under the Agreement and this Addendum.

By executing and delivering this Addendum, the undersigned agrees to be bound by all the terms of the Agreement and will take all necessary action to cause the Trustee in connection with the Restructuring and the Plan to vote to accept the Plan unless a Termination Event has occurred and become effective with respect to the Agreement.

The undersigned acknowledges and agrees that once delivered to the Company, it may not revoke, withdraw, amend, change or modify this Addendum unless a Termination Event has occurred and become effective with respect to the Agreement.

THIS ADDENDUM SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED AND INTERPRETED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, WITHOUT REGARD TO CONFLICTS OF LAW PRINCIPLES THAT WOULD REQUIRE THE APPLICATION OF THE LAWS OF ANOTHER JURISDICTION.

This Addendum may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which, when so executed, shall constitute the same instrument and the counterparts may be delivered by facsimile transmission or by electronic mail in portable document format (.pdf).

[Signature on Following Page]

 

2


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Addendum to be duly executed and delivered by their proper and duly authorized officers as of this          day of                 , 2010.

 

TRANSFEREE WHO BECOMES A NOTEHOLDER
[NAME]
 

as a Noteholder

[Please type the legal name of the undersigned above]

By:    
Name:  
Title:  
[If second signature is necessary:]
By:    
Name:  
Title:  
Principal Amount of Senior Notes: $            
TRANSFEREE WHO BECOMES AN EQUITY HOLDER
[NAME]
 
as an Equity Holder
[Please type the legal name of the undersigned above]
By:    
Name:  
Title:  
[If second signature is necessary:]
By:    
Name:  
Title:  
Holdings Common Shares:             

 

3


Execution Copy

Schedule 2

ASSUMPTION AND JOINDER AGREEMENT

Reference is made to (i) that certain Restructuring Plan Support Agreement (as amended, modified or supplemented from time to time, the “Agreement”), dated as of                     , 2010, by and among GSI Group, Inc. (“GSI Group”) and each of its subsidiaries and affiliates that are a debtor in the Chapter 11 Cases (collectively, “Company”), the Equity Committee, each Equity Holder and each of the Noteholders party thereto from time to time, and (ii) that certain Addendum, dated as of                     , 2010 (the “Transferor Addendum”) submitted by                                 , as transferor (the “Transferor”). Each capitalized term used but not defined herein shall have the meaning given to it in the Agreement.

As a condition precedent to becoming the holder or owner of

¨                                  dollars ($            ) in principal amount of the Senior Note Claims

¨                                  Holdings Common Shares

held as of the date hereof by the Transferor, the undersigned (the “Transferee”) hereby agrees to become bound by all the terms, conditions and obligations set forth in the Agreement and the Transferor Addendum copies of which are attached hereto as Annex I. This Assumption and Joinder Agreement shall take effect and shall become an integral part of the Agreement and the Transferor Addendum immediately upon its execution, and the Transferee shall be deemed to be bound by all of the terms, conditions and obligations of the Agreement and the Transferor Addendum as of the date thereof. The (i) Transferee acquiring Holdings Common Shares from an Equity Holder shall hereafter be deemed to be a “Equity Holder” and a “Party” for all purposes under the Agreement, and (ii) Transferee acquiring Senior Note Claims from a Noteholder shall hereafter be deemed to be a “Noteholder” and a “Party” for all purposes under the Agreement.

[Signatures on Following Page]


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Assumption and Joinder Agreement has been duly executed by each of the undersigned as of the date specified below.

Date:                     , 2010

 

         
Name of Transferor     Name of Transferee
         
Authorized Signatory of Transferor     Authorized Signatory of Transferee
         
(Type or Print Name and Title of Authorized Signatory)     (Type or Print Name and Title of Authorized Signatory)
       
    Address of Transferee:
     
     
     
    Attn:
     
    Tel:
     
    Fax:
     
    E-mail:
     

 

2


Execution Copy

Exhibit A

PLAN

(See attached.)

[Signature Page to Restructuring Plan Support Agreement]


UNITED STATES BANKRUPTCY COURT

FOR THE DISTRICT OF DELAWARE

 

In re:

 

MES INTERNATIONAL, INC., et al., 1

 

                                                 Debtors.

  )

)

)

)

)

)

)

)

    

Chapter 11

 

Case No. 09-14109 (PJW)

 

Jointly Administered

 

 

FOURTH MODIFIED JOINT CHAPTER 11 PLAN OF REORGANIZATION

FOR MES INTERNATIONAL, INC., GSI GROUP INC. AND

GSI GROUP CORPORATION

 

 

 

Dated: May 14, 2010    BROWN RUDNICK LLP
   Co-Counsel to Debtors-in-Possession
   William R. Baldiga, Esq.
   One Financial Center
   Boston, Massachusetts 02111
   Tel: (617) 856-8200
   Fax: (617) 856-8201
   SAUL EWING LLP
   Co-Counsel to Debtors-in-Possession
   Mark Minuti, Esq.
   222 Delaware Avenue, Suite 1200
   P. O. Box 1266
   Wilmington, DE 19899
   (302) 421-6840 (office)
   (302) 421-5873 (fax)

 

 

1

The Debtors and the last four digits of their respective taxpayer identification numbers are as follows:

MES International, Inc. (1964); GSI Group Inc. (0412); and GSI Group Corporation (9358). The Debtors’ headquarters is located at 125 Middlesex Turnpike, Bedford, MA 01730.


TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

              Page
ARTICLE I. DEFINITIONS AND INTERPRETATION    1
 

1.1.

   Definitions    1
 

1.2.

   Interpretation    1
 

1.3.

   Application of Definitions and Rules of Construction Contained in the Bankruptcy Code    1
 

1.4.

   Other Terms    1
 

1.5.

   Appendices and Plan Documents    1
ARTICLE II. CLASSIFICATION OF CLAIMS AND EQUITY INTERESTS    2
 

2.1.

   Administrative Claims and Tax Claims    2
 

2.2.

   Claims and Equity Interests    2
 

2.3.

   Elimination of Classes    3
 

2.4.

   Impairment Controversies    3
ARTICLE III. PROVISIONS FOR TREATMENT OF CLAIMS AND EQUITY INTERESTS UNDER THE PLAN    3
 

3.1.

   Classes 1A, 1B and 1C (collectively “Class 1”) – Priority Claims    3
 

3.2.

   Classes 2A, 2B and 2C (collectively “Class 2”) – Secured Claims    4
 

3.3.

   Classes 3A, 3B and 3C (collectively “Class 3”) – General Unsecured Claims    4
 

3.4.

   Classes 4A, 4B and 4C (collectively “Class 4”) – Intercompany Claims    4
 

3.5.

   Classes 5A and 5B (collectively “Class 5”) – Note Claims    5
 

3.6.

   Class 6A - Holdings Equity Interest and Section 510(b) Claims – Class 6A Claims and Interests    5
 

3.7.

   Class 6B – GSI Equity Interests    6
 

3.8.

   Class 6C – MES Equity Interests    6
 

3.9.

   Class 6A Reserve Provisions    6
ARTICLE IV. PROVISIONS FOR TREATMENT OF UNCLASSIFIED CLAIMS UNDER THE PLAN    8
 

4.1.

   Unclassified Claims    8
 

4.2.

   Treatment of Administrative Claims    8
 

4.3.

   Treatment of Tax Claims    9

ARTICLE V. ACCEPTANCE OR REJECTION OF THE PLAN; EFFECT OF REJECTION BY ONE OR MORE CLASSES OF CLAIMS OR EQUITY INTERESTS

   10
 

5.1.

   Classes Entitled to Vote    10
 

5.2.

   Class Acceptance Requirement    10
 

5.3.

   Cramdown    10
 

5.4.

   Confirmation in All Cases    10

ARTICLE VI. MEANS FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PLAN

   10
 

6.1.

   Operations between the Confirmation Date and the Effective Date    10

 

i


 

6.2.

   Reporting Requirements Under Exchange Act, Listing on Securities Exchange and Registration Rights Agreement    11
 

6.3.

   Reorganized Holdings Constituent Documents    11
 

6.4.

   New Corporate Structure for Reorganized Holdings    11
 

6.5.

   Cancellation of Holdings Equity Interests, GSI UK Note and Senior Notes    11
 

6.6.

   New Common Shares, New Equity Awards and Rights    12
 

6.7.

   Rights Offering    13
 

6.8.

   ARS Sale    13
 

6.9.

   New Senior Secured Notes    13
 

6.10.

   Other General Corporate Matters    14
 

6.11.

   Continued Corporate Existence of the Debtors    14
 

6.12.

   Re-vesting of Assets    14
 

6.13.

   Management    15
 

6.14.

   Boards of Directors    15
 

6.15.

   Officers    16
 

6.16.

   New Equity Awards and Management Incentive Plan    16
 

6.17.

   Causes of Action    17
 

6.18.

   Appointment of the Disbursing Agent    17
 

6.19.

   Sources of Cash for Plan Distributions    17
 

6.20.

   Releases by the Debtors    17
 

6.21.

   Releases by Creditors and Equity Security Holders    18
 

6.22.

   Fixing of Principal Balance of GSI UK Note    19

ARTICLE VII. PLAN DISTRIBUTION PROVISIONS

   19
 

7.1.

   Plan Distributions    19
 

7.2.

   Timing of Plan Distributions    19
 

7.3.

   Address for Delivery of Plan Distributions/Unclaimed Plan Distributions    19
 

7.4.

   De Minimis Plan Distributions    20
 

7.5.

   Time Bar to Cash Payments    20
 

7.6.

   Manner of Payment under the Plan    20
 

7.7.

   Expenses Incurred on or after the Effective Date and Claims of the Disbursing Agent    20
 

7.8.

   Fractional Plan Distributions    20
 

7.9.

   Special Plan Distribution Provisions for Equity Interests and Senior Note Claims    21
 

7.10.

   Surrender and Cancellation of Instruments    22

ARTICLE VIII. PROCEDURES FOR RESOLVING AND TREATING CONTESTED CLAIMS

   22
 

8.1.

   Objection Deadline    22
 

8.2.

   Prosecution of Contested Claims    23
 

8.3.

   Claims Settlement    23
 

8.4.

   Entitlement to Plan Distributions Upon Allowance    23
 

8.5.

   Estimation of Claims    23

ARTICLE IX. CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO CONFIRMATION OF THE PLAN AND THE OCCURRENCE OF THE EFFECTIVE DATE

   24
 

9.1.

   Conditions Precedent to Confirmation    24
 

9.2.

   Conditions Precedent to the Occurrence of the Effective Date    24

 

ii


 

9.3.

   Waiver of Conditions    25
 

9.4.

   Effect of Non-Occurrence of the Effective Date    25

ARTICLE X. THE DISBURSING AGENT

   25
 

10.1.

   Powers and Duties    25
 

10.2.

   Plan Distributions    26
 

10.3.

   Exculpation    26

ARTICLE XI. TREATMENT OF EXECUTORY CONTRACTS AND UNEXPIRED LEASES

   26
 

11.1.

   Assumption and Rejection of Executory Contracts and Unexpired Leases    26
 

11.2.

   Cure    28
 

11.3.

   Claims Arising from Rejection, Expiration or Termination    28

ARTICLE XII. RETENTION OF JURISDICTION

   29

ARTICLE XIII. MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

   31
 

13.1.

   Payment of Statutory Fees    31
 

13.2.

   Satisfaction of Claims    31
 

13.3.

   Special Provisions Regarding Insured Claims    31
 

13.4.

   Subrogation    32
 

13.5.

   Third Party Agreements; Subordination    32
 

13.6.

   Exculpation    32
 

13.7.

   Discharge of Liabilities    32
 

13.8.

   Discharge of Debtors    33
 

13.9.

   Notices    34
 

13.10.

   Headings    34
 

13.11.

   Governing Law    34
 

13.12.

   Expedited Determination    35
 

13.13.

   Exemption from Transfer Taxes    35
 

13.14.

   Retiree Benefits    35
 

13.15.

   Notice of Entry of Confirmation Order and Relevant Dates    35
 

13.16.

   Interest and Attorneys’ Fees    35
 

13.17.

   Modification of the Plan    35
 

13.18.

   Revocation of Plan    36
 

13.19.

   Setoff Rights    36
 

13.20.

   Compliance with Tax Requirements    37
 

13.21.

   Rates; Currency    37
 

13.22.

   Injunctions    37
 

13.23.

   Binding Effect    38
 

13.24.

   Severability    38
 

13.25.

   No Admissions    38
 

13.26.

   Senior Notes Settlement    38

 

iii


TABLE OF EXHIBITS

 

Exhibit

  

Name

A    Glossary of Defined Terms
B    List of Plan Documents

 

iv


MES International, Inc., GSI Group Inc. and GSI Group Corporation, debtors and debtors in possession in the above-captioned chapter 11 cases for which joint administration has been granted, hereby collectively and jointly propose the following chapter 11 plan of reorganization:

ARTICLE I.

DEFINITIONS AND INTERPRETATION

 

1.1. Definitions.

The capitalized terms used herein shall have the respective meanings set forth in the Glossary of Defined Terms attached hereto as Exhibit “A”.

 

1.2. Interpretation.

Unless otherwise specified, all section, article and exhibit references in the Plan are to the respective section in, article of, or exhibit to, the Plan, as the same may be amended, supplemented, waived or modified from time to time in accordance with the terms hereof. Words denoting the singular number shall include the plural number and vice versa, as appropriate, and words denoting one gender shall include the other gender. The Disclosure Statement may be referred to for purposes of interpretation to the extent any term or provision of the Plan is determined by the Bankruptcy Court to be ambiguous.

 

1.3. Application of Definitions and Rules of Construction Contained in the Bankruptcy Code.

Words and terms defined in section 101 of the Bankruptcy Code shall have the same meanings when used in the Plan, unless a different definition is given in the Glossary of Defined Terms. The rules of construction contained in section 102 of the Bankruptcy Code shall apply to the construction of the Plan.

 

1.4. Other Terms.

The words “herein,” “hereof,” “hereto,” “hereunder” and others of similar import refer to the Plan as a whole and not to any particular section, subsection or clause contained in the Plan.

 

1.5. Appendices and Plan Documents.

All appendices to the Plan and the Plan Documents are incorporated into the Plan by this reference and are a part of the Plan as if set forth in full herein. All Plan Documents shall be filed with the Clerk of the Bankruptcy Court not less than seven (7) days prior to the commencement of the Confirmation Hearing. Holders of Claims and Equity Interests may obtain a copy of the Plan Documents, once filed, by a written request sent to the following address:

Brown Rudnick LLP

One Financial Center

Boston, Massachusetts 02111

Attention: William R. Baldiga, Esq.

E-mail: wbaldiga@brownrudnick.com

Telephone: (617) 856-8200

Facsimile: (617) 856-8201

 

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ARTICLE II.

CLASSIFICATION OF CLAIMS AND EQUITY INTERESTS

For the purposes of organization, voting and all other confirmation matters, except as otherwise provided herein, all Claims against and all Equity Interests in each of the Debtors shall be classified as set forth in this Article II.

 

2.1. Administrative Claims and Tax Claims.

As provided by section 1123(a)(1) of the Bankruptcy Code, Administrative Claims and Tax Claims shall not be classified under the Plan, and shall instead be treated separately as unclassified Claims on the terms set forth in Article IV.

 

2.2. Claims and Equity Interests.

The classes of Claims against the Debtors and the Equity Interests in the Debtors shall be classified under the Plan as follows:

 

Class

  

Designation

  

Impairment

  

Whether Entitled to Vote

Class 1A    Holdings Priority Claims    Unimpaired    No (deemed to accept)
Class 1B    GSI Priority Claims    Unimpaired    No (deemed to accept)
Class 1C    MES Priority Claims    Unimpaired    No (deemed to accept)
Class 2A    Holdings Secured Claims    Unimpaired    No (deemed to accept)
Class 2B    GSI Secured Claims    Unimpaired    No (deemed to accept)
Class 2C    MES Secured Claims    Unimpaired    No (deemed to accept)
Class 3A    Holdings General Unsecured Claims    Unimpaired    No (deemed to accept)
Class 3B    GSI General Unsecured Claims    Unimpaired    No (deemed to accept)
Class 3C    MES General Unsecured Claims    Unimpaired    No (deemed to accept)
Class 4A    Holdings Intercompany Claims    Unimpaired    No (deemed to accept)

 

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Class

  

Designation

  

Impairment

  

Whether Entitled to Vote

Class 4B    GSI Intercompany Claims    Unimpaired    No (deemed to accept)
Class 4C    MES Intercompany Claims    Unimpaired    No (deemed to accept)
Class 5A    Holdings Note Claims    Impaired    Yes
Class 5B    GSI Note Claims    Impaired    Yes
Class 6A    Holdings Equity Interests    Impaired    Yes
Class 6B    GSI Equity Interests    Unimpaired    No (deemed to accept)
Class 6C    MES Equity Interests    Unimpaired    No (deemed to accept)

 

2.3. Elimination of Classes.

Any Class of Claims that does not consist, as of the date of the Confirmation Hearing, of at least one Allowed Claim, Disputed Claim or a Claim temporarily Allowed under Rule 3018 of the Bankruptcy Rules, shall be deemed deleted from this Plan for all purposes.

 

2.4. Impairment Controversies.

If a controversy arises as to whether any Claim or Equity Interest, or any class of Claims or Equity Interests, is impaired under the Plan, the Bankruptcy Court shall, after notice and a hearing, determine such controversy.

ARTICLE III.

PROVISIONS FOR TREATMENT OF CLAIMS

AND EQUITY INTERESTS UNDER THE PLAN

The classes of Claims against the Debtors and Equity Interests in the Debtors shall be treated under the Plan as follows:

 

3.1. Classes 1A, 1B and 1C (collectively “Class 1”) – Priority Claims.

Each Allowed Priority Claim against any of the Debtors shall be unimpaired under the Plan and, pursuant to section 1124 of the Bankruptcy Code, all legal, equitable and contractual rights as to an Allowed Priority Claim shall be fully Reinstated and retained, and such Allowed Priority Claim shall, at the sole option of the applicable Debtor, receive the following treatment: (i) be paid on the Plan Distribution Date in full in Cash with Post-Petition Interest from the Petition Date through the Effective Date; (ii) be paid in accordance with the terms under which such Allowed Priority Claim arose, or (iii) receive such other treatment as may be agreed upon in writing by the holder of such Claim; provided that such agreed upon treatment may not provide the holder of such Claim with a return having a present value as of the Effective Date that is greater than the amount of such Allowed Priority Claim.

 

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3.2. Classes 2A, 2B and 2C (collectively “Class 2”) – Secured Claims.

Each Allowed Secured Claim against any of the Debtors shall be unimpaired under the Plan and, at the sole option of the applicable Debtor, shall receive the following treatment: (i) shall receive on the Plan Distribution Date on account of such Allowed Secured Claim a Cash payment in an amount equal to the amount of the Allowed Secured Claim as of the Effective Date with Post-Petition Interest from the Petition Date through the Effective Date; (ii) shall retain its liens securing such Allowed Secured Claim and receive on account of such Allowed Secured Claim deferred cash payments having a present value on the Effective Date equal to the amount of such Allowed Secured Claim with Post-Petition Interest from the Petition Date through the Effective Date; (iii) shall realize the “indubitable equivalent” of such Allowed Secured Claim; (iv) the property securing the Allowed Secured Claim shall be sold free and clear of liens, with such liens to attach to the proceeds of the sale and the treatment of such liens on proceeds as provided in clause (ii), (iii) or (vi) of this subparagraph; (v) if such Allowed Secured Claim is subject to a valid right of recoupment or setoff, such Claim shall be setoff to the extent of the amount subject to setoff in accordance with sections 506(a) and 553 of the Bankruptcy Code; (vi) shall retain its liens securing such Allowed Secured Claim and be paid in accordance with the terms under which such Allowed Secured Claim arose; or (vii) shall receive such other treatment as may be agreed upon in writing by the holder of such Claim and such Debtor; provided that such agreed upon treatment may not provide the holder of such Claim with a return having a present value as of the Effective Date that is greater than the amount of such Allowed Secured Claim.

 

3.3. Classes 3A, 3B and 3C (collectively “Class 3”) – General Unsecured Claims.

Each Allowed General Unsecured Claim against the Debtors shall be unimpaired under the Plan and, pursuant to section 1124 of the Bankruptcy Code, all legal, equitable and contractual rights as to such Allowed General Unsecured Claim shall be fully Reinstated and retained, and such Allowed General Unsecured Claim shall, at the sole option of the Debtors, receive the following treatment: (i) be paid on the Plan Distribution Date in full in Cash with Post-Petition Interest from the Petition Date through the Effective Date, (ii) be paid in accordance with the terms under which such Allowed General Unsecured Claim arose, or (iii) receive such other treatment as may be agreed upon in writing by the holder of such Claim and the Debtors; provided that such agreed upon treatment may not provide the holder of such Claim with a return having a present value as of the Effective Date that is greater than the amount of such Allowed General Unsecured Claim.

 

3.4. Classes 4A, 4B and 4C (collectively “Class 4”) – Intercompany Claims.

Each Allowed Intercompany Claim against the Debtors shall, at the sole discretion of the applicable Debtor, receive the following treatment: (i) be unimpaired under the Plan and, pursuant to section 1124 of the Bankruptcy Code, all legal, equitable and contractual rights as to an Allowed Intercompany Claim shall be fully Reinstated and retained, (ii) be paid in accordance with the terms under which such Allowed Intercompany Claim arose, (iii) receive such other treatment as may be agreed upon in writing by the holder of such Claim; provided that such agreed upon treatment may not provide the holder of such Claim with a return having a present value as of the Effective Date that is greater than the amount of such Allowed Intercompany Claim, or (iv) be canceled and be of no further force or effect.

 

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3.5. Classes 5A and 5B (collectively “Class 5”) – Note Claims.

On the Plan Distribution Date, each Allowed Note Claim shall receive the following in full satisfaction of such Allowed Note Claim:

(i) a payment in Cash for interest (at the non-default rate) due under such Allowed Note Claim to the extent such interest is accrued, due and payable under the Allowed Note Claim and unpaid as of the Petition Date, at the contractual (non-default) rate provided in such Senior Note or GSI UK Note, as applicable, if any;

(ii) a payment in Cash for all reasonable fees, expenses (including, without limitation, all amounts payable to the Indenture Trustee) and all other amounts (other than principal, accrued interest or any penalties) due under such Allowed Note Claim as set forth in Section 13.26(a) to the extent such fees, expenses and other amounts are due and payable under the Allowed Note Claim as set forth in Section 13.26(a) and unpaid as of the Effective Date;

(iii) a payment in Cash of Post-Petition Interest from the Petition Date through the Effective Date;

(iv) a Pro Rata Share of the Notes Payment;

(v) a Pro Rata Share of the Contingent Excess Cash;

(vi) a Pro Rata Share of the Supplemental Equity Exchange; and

(vi) a Pro Rata Share of the New Senior Secured Notes, but only as and to the extent such Senior Note has not been exchanged in connection with the Note Exchanges or paid pursuant to the Notes Payment;

provided, however, that the provisions of Section 3.5(ii) above shall not apply to any fees, expenses and other amounts arising under the Backstop Commitment Agreement.

 

3.6. Class 6A – Holdings Equity Interest and Section 510(b) Claims – Class 6A Claims and Interests.

On the Effective Date, all Class 6A Claims and Interests shall be cancelled or discharged, as applicable, and on account of each Allowed Class 6A Claim and Interest there shall be distributed on the Plan Distribution Date:

(i) a Pro Rata Share of that number of New Common Shares to be issued in respect of all of the Class 6A Claims and Interests that is equal to the number of Holdings Common Shares issued and outstanding immediately preceding the Effective Date (excluding treasury stock) plus the number of Holdings Common Shares that are not

 

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issued but are earned and have vested prior to or vest as of the Effective Date, subject to adjustment pursuant to Section 3.9 below, which shall be subject to dilution based upon additional New Common Shares to be issued in connection with the Rights Offering, Note Exchanges, New Equity Awards and the Management Incentive Plan and subject to adjustment pursuant to Section 3.9 below; and

(ii) a Pro Rata Share of Rights, to be issued in respect of Allowed Class 6A Claims and Interests based on Holdings Common Shares outstanding immediately preceding the Effective Date (excluding treasury stock and Holdings Common Shares that have not vested as of the Rights Offering Commencement Date), to participate in the Rights Offering.

All Equity Interests in Holdings which are either unexercised or unvested (following any applicable acceleration provisions of such Equity Interest) as of the Effective Date, including treasury stock and all options, warrants, calls, rights, participation rights, puts, awards, commitments (and therefore are not included in the definition of Holdings Equity Interests), all Shareholder Rights (including any Shareholder Right not yet exercisable pursuant to the Shareholder Rights Plan) and any other agreements of any character to acquire such Equity Interest shall be cancelled and terminated on the Effective Date. The Holders of Shareholder Rights shall neither receive nor retain any property under the Plan on account of such Shareholder Rights unless the Bankruptcy Court orders otherwise. The Holders of Equity Interests in Holdings which are identified on Schedule 6.16(a) hereof and are unexercised or unvested as of the Effective Date (other than Shareholder Rights) shall receive Plan Distributions only pursuant to Section 6.16(a) and Schedule 6.16(a) hereof.

 

3.7. Class 6B – GSI Equity Interests.

Each GSI Equity Interest shall be unimpaired under the Plan and, pursuant to section 1124 of the Bankruptcy Code, all of the legal, equitable and contractual rights as to such Equity Interests shall be fully reinstated and retained on and after the Effective Date and shall become Equity Interests held by Reorganized Holdings pursuant to the terms of the Plan.

 

3.8. Class 6C – MES Equity Interests.

Each MES Equity Interest shall be unimpaired under the Plan and, pursuant to section 1124 of the Bankruptcy Code, all of the legal, equitable and contractual rights as to such Equity Interests shall be fully reinstated and retained on and after the Effective Date.

 

3.9. Class 6A Reserve Provisions.

The treatment provided to the holders of Allowed Class 6A Claims and Interests under Section 3.6 hereof is subject to the following adjustment:

(a) an amount of New Common Shares equal to 6.165% of the New Common Shares to be distributed under Section 3.6 hereof, which shall be subject to dilution based up additional New Common Shares to be issued in connection with the Rights Offering, Note Exchanges, New Equity Awards and the Management Incentive Plan, shall be set aside in a reserve (“Class 6A Reserve”); and

 

6


(b) any Plan Distribution pursuant to Section 3.6 hereof on account of Allowed Section 510(b) Claims that become allowed after the Effective Date shall be made solely out of the Class 6A Reserve and any portion of such Allowed Section 510(b) Claim which cannot be so covered shall not be entitled to any Plan Distribution.

Any New Common Shares in the Class 6A Reserve shall be voted by the Escrow Agent proportionally in the same manner as the New Common Shares are voted.

The Class 6A Reserve shall be subject to the terms of the Escrow Agreement and shall become available for distribution first to the holders of Section 510(b) Claims and then to holders of Allowed Holdings Equity Interests only at such time as the Securities Class Action (i) has become subject to a final settlement or a Final Order and (ii) any available insurance for such Allowed Section 510(b) Claims has been exhausted or is determined to be unavailable to satisfy all or a portion of such Claims, pursuant to one or more Final Orders. At such time, the Class 6A Reserve will be distributed pursuant to Section 3.9 hereof and the terms of the Escrow Agreement first to holders of Section 510(b) Claims that are Allowed at such time (subject, for the avoidance of doubt, to any deduction of such Claims pursuant to Section 13.3 hereof). To the extent all or any portion of the Class 6A Reserve is not distributed to holders of Allowed Section 510(b) Claims, such remaining portion of the Class 6A Reserve shall be distributed to holders of Allowed Holdings Equity Interests on a Pro Rata basis.

The Class 6A Reserve shall be treated as a disputed ownership fund pursuant to Treasury Regulations Section 1.468B-9(b)(1) or as otherwise determined by the Debtors. The Escrow Agent shall file income tax returns for the Class 6A Reserve pursuant to Treasury Regulations Section 1.468B-9(c)(1) or as otherwise determined by the Debtors and shall pay all taxes owed on any net income or gain of the Class 6A Reserve on a current basis solely from the assets of such Class 6A Reserve. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Debtor may (with the consent of the Required Noteholders) determine that it is more efficient to treat the Class 6A Reserve as something other than a disputed ownership fund under Treasury Regulations Section 1.468-9(b)(1) (e.g., an IRC Section 641 trust).

Nothing in the Plan shall be deemed to affect, or otherwise prejudice, the rights of the holders of Section 510(b) Claims to pursue, collect on, or receive a recovery or proceeds from, any policy of insurance providing coverage for such Claims.

The Debtors reserve the right, following a final settlement or Final Order reducing the size of the class in the Securities Class Action but not disposing of the Securities Class Action, to seek an order from the Court reducing the number of New Common Shares held in the Class 6A Reserve. Any New Common Shares released from the Class 6A Reserve as a result of such an order shall be promptly distributed to holders of Holdings Equity Interests that are Allowed on such date on a Pro Rata basis.

 

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ARTICLE IV.

PROVISIONS FOR TREATMENT

OF UNCLASSIFIED CLAIMS UNDER THE PLAN

 

4.1. Unclassified Claims.

Administrative Claims and Tax Claims are treated in accordance with sections 1129(a)(9)(A) and 1129(a)(9)(C) of the Bankruptcy Code, respectively. Such Claims are not designated as classes of Claims for the purposes of this Plan or for the purposes of sections 1123, 1124, 1125, 1126 or 1129 of the Bankruptcy Code.

 

4.2. Treatment of Administrative Claims.

All Administrative Claims shall be treated as follows:

(a) Time for Filing Administrative Claims.

The holder of an Administrative Claim, other than (i) a Fee Claim, (ii) a liability incurred and payable in the ordinary course of business by a Debtor (and not past due), or (iii) an Administrative Claim that has been Allowed on or before the Effective Date, must file with the Bankruptcy Court and serve on the Debtors, any Committee and the Office of the United States Trustee, notice of such Administrative Claim within forty (40) days after service of Notice of Confirmation. Such notice must include at a minimum (A) the name of the Debtor(s) which are purported to be liable for the Claim, (B) the name of the holder of the Claim, (C) the amount of the Claim, and (D) the basis of the Claim. Failure to file and serve such notice timely and properly shall result in the Administrative Claim being forever barred and discharged.

(b) Time for Filing Fee Claims.

Each Professional Person who holds or asserts a Fee Claim shall be required to file with the Bankruptcy Court, and serve on all parties required to receive notice, a Fee Application within thirty (30) days after the Effective Date. The failure to timely file and serve such Fee Application shall result in the Fee Claim being forever barred and discharged.

(c) Allowance of Administrative Claims and Fee Claims.

An Administrative Claim with respect to which notice has been properly filed and served pursuant to Section 4.2(a) shall become an Allowed Administrative Claim if no objection is filed within thirty (30) days after the later of (i) the Effective Date, or (ii) the date of service of the applicable notice of Administrative Claim or such later date as may be approved by the Bankruptcy Court on motion of a party in interest, without notice or a hearing. If an objection is filed within such thirty (30) day period (or any extension thereof), the Administrative Claim shall become an Allowed Administrative Claim only to the extent allowed by Final Order. A Fee Claim in respect of which a Fee Application has been properly filed and served pursuant to Section 4.2(b) shall become an Allowed Administrative Claim only to the extent allowed by order of the Bankruptcy Court.

 

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(d) Payment of Allowed Administrative Claims.

Each Allowed Administrative Claim shall, at the sole option of the Debtors, receive (i) on the Plan Distribution Date, the amount of such Allowed Claim in Cash, (ii) with respect to Allowed Administrative Claims representing liabilities incurred in the ordinary course of business by the Debtors, payment when and as such Administrative Claims become due and owing by their ordinary course terms, or (iii) such other treatment as may be agreed upon in writing by the Debtors or the Disbursing Agent, as the case may be, and the holder of such Claim; provided, that such treatment shall not provide to the holder of such Claim a return having a present value as of the Effective Date in excess of such Allowed Administrative Claim. If a portion of an Administrative Claim is disputed, the undisputed portion of such Administrative Claim shall be timely paid as provided above.

(e) Allocation of Payments.

All payments made in respect of Allowed Administrative Claims pursuant to this Section shall be allocated among the Debtors, as determined by the Debtors in consultation with the Disbursing Agent (or, but only if there is a dispute as to the same, by the Bankruptcy Court), on a fair and equitable basis.

 

4.3. Treatment of Tax Claims.

At the election of the Debtors, each Allowed Tax Claim shall receive, in full satisfaction of such Allowed Tax Claim, (a) the amount of such Allowed Tax Claim, with Post-Confirmation Interest thereon, in equal annual Cash payments on each anniversary of the Effective Date, until the fifth anniversary of the Petition Date (provided that the Debtors may prepay the balance of any such Allowed Tax Claim at any time without penalty); (b) a lesser amount in one Cash payment as may be agreed upon in writing by the holder of such Claim; or (c) such other treatment as may be agreed upon in writing by the holder of such Claim and the Debtors; provided, that such agreed-upon treatment may not provide the holder of such Claim with a return having a present value as of the Effective Date that is greater than the amount of such holder’s Allowed Tax Claim. The Confirmation Order shall enjoin any holder of an Allowed Tax Claim from commencing or continuing any action or proceeding against any responsible person, officer or director of the Debtors that otherwise would be liable to such holder for payment of a Tax Claim so long as the Debtors are in compliance with this Section. So long as the holder of an Allowed Tax Claim is enjoined from commencing or continuing any action or proceeding against any responsible person, officer or director under this Section or pursuant to the Confirmation Order, the statute of limitations for commencing or continuing any such action or proceeding shall be tolled.

 

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ARTICLE V.

ACCEPTANCE OR REJECTION OF THE PLAN;

EFFECT OF REJECTION BY ONE OR MORE

CLASSES OF CLAIMS OR EQUITY INTERESTS

 

5.1. Classes Entitled to Vote.

Each Class of Claims or Equity Interests that is impaired and will (or may) receive or retain property or any interest in property under this Plan, shall be entitled to vote to accept or reject this Plan. By operation of law, each Class of Claims that is unimpaired is deemed to have accepted the Plan and, therefore, is not entitled to vote to accept or reject the Plan.

 

5.2. Class Acceptance Requirement.

A class of Claims shall have accepted the Plan if it is accepted by at least two-thirds (2/3) in amount and more than one-half (1/2) in number of the Allowed Claims in such class that have voted on the Plan. A class of Equity Interests shall have accepted the Plan if it is accepted by holders of at least two-thirds (2/3) of the Allowed Equity Interests in such class that actually vote on the Plan.

 

5.3. Cramdown.

If all applicable requirements for confirmation of this Plan are met as set forth in section 1129(a)(1) through (16) of the Bankruptcy Code, except subsection (8) thereof, then this Plan shall be treated as a request that the Bankruptcy Court confirm this Plan in accordance with section 1129(b) of the Bankruptcy Code notwithstanding the failure to satisfy the requirements of section 1129(a)(8), on the basis that the Plan is fair and equitable and does not discriminate unfairly with respect to each class of Claims or Equity Interests that is impaired under, and has not accepted, this Plan.

 

5.4. Confirmation in All Cases.

Except as provided in Section 13.18, the Plan shall not be deemed to have been confirmed in any respect unless and until the Plan has been confirmed as to each of the Debtors.

ARTICLE VI.

MEANS FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PLAN

 

6.1. Operations between the Confirmation Date and the Effective Date.

During the period from the Confirmation Date through and until the Effective Date, the Debtors shall continue to operate their businesses as Debtors in Possession, subject to the Bankruptcy Code, the Bankruptcy Rules and all orders of the Bankruptcy Court that are then in full force and effect.

 

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6.2. Reporting Requirements Under Exchange Act, Listing on Securities Exchange and Registration Rights Agreement.

(a) Reporting Requirements and Listing. Reorganized Holdings shall use its best efforts to be a mandatory reporting company under Section 12 of the Exchange Act, but it shall have no liability if it is unable to do so. In addition, Reorganized Holdings shall use its best efforts to list, as promptly as practicable after the Effective Date, the New Common Shares on a national securities exchange or for quotation on a national automated interdealer quotation system, but it shall have no liability if it is unable to do so. Persons receiving distributions of New Common Shares, by accepting such distributions, will be deemed to have agreed to cooperate with Reorganized Holdings’ reasonable requests to assist it in its efforts to list the New Common Shares on a national securities exchange or quotation system including, without limitation, but subject to Section 6.14(a), by appointing or supporting the appointment of a sufficient number of directors to the board of directors of Reorganized Holdings who satisfy the independence and other requirements of any such national securities exchange or quotation system.

(b) Registration Rights Agreement. On the Effective Date, Reorganized Holdings shall enter into the Registration Rights Agreement.

 

6.3. Reorganized Holdings Constituent Documents.

As of the Effective Date, the Reorganized Holdings Constituent Documents are hereby authorized without further act or action under applicable law, regulation, order or rule and the Debtors and Reorganized GSI Entities, as applicable, are authorized to file such Reorganized Holdings Constituent Documents with the applicable Secretary(s) of State or the Director under the New Brunswick Business Corporations Act, as applicable.

 

6.4. New Corporate Structure for Reorganized Holdings.

(a) General. Except as otherwise set forth in the Plan, prior to or as of the Effective Date the Debtors may cause any or all of the Debtors to engage in any restructuring transactions deemed necessary or appropriate (including, without limitation, those merging, dissolving or transferring assets between or among the Debtors and/or the Non-Debtor Subsidiaries that are not Debtors in the Chapter 11 Cases) to implement the provisions of this Plan or to take any other actions consistent with this Plan and not prohibited by applicable law.

(b) GSI UK Transfer. On the Effective Date, (i) Holdings shall transfer the GSI UK Shares to GSI Limited Holdings, and (ii) GSI Limited Holdings shall subsequently transfer the GSI UK Shares to GSI Limited Holdings II.

 

6.5. Cancellation of Holdings Equity Interests, GSI UK Note and Senior Notes.

On the Effective Date, except as otherwise provided for herein:

(i) the Holdings Equity Interests, the GSI UK Note and the Senior Notes and any other note, bond, indenture or other instrument or document evidencing or creating any indebtedness or obligation of the Debtors related to the Holdings Equity Interests, the GSI UK Note or the Senior Notes shall be canceled and terminated; and

 

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(ii) the obligations of the Debtors under any agreements, indentures or certificates of designation governing the Holdings Equity Interests, the GSI UK Note, the Senior Notes and any other note, bond, indenture or other instrument or document evidencing or creating any indebtedness or obligation of the Debtors related to the Holdings Equity Interests, the GSI UK Note and the Senior Notes shall be discharged;

provided, however, that each indenture or other agreement that governs the rights of a Holder of Senior Note Claims and that is administered by an indenture trustee, an agent or a servicer shall continue in effect solely for the purposes of (a) allowing such indenture trustee, agent or servicer to make the distributions to be made on account of such Claims under the Plan as provided in Article III hereof, and (b) permitting such indenture trustee, agent or servicer to maintain any rights or liens it may have for fees, costs and expenses under such indenture or other agreement; provided, further, that the provisions of clause (ii) of this paragraph shall not affect the discharge of the Debtors’ liabilities under the Bankruptcy Code and the Confirmation Order or result in any expense or liability to the Reorganized GSI Entities; and provided further that such cancellation and discharge shall not impair the rights of any person to receive distributions under the Plan. Any actions taken by an indenture trustee, an agent or a servicer that are not for the purposes authorized in this Section 6.5 of the Plan shall not be binding upon the Debtors.

 

6.6. New Common Shares, New Equity Awards and Rights.

As consideration for the issuance by Reorganized GSI to Reorganized Holdings of a number of newly issued shares of common stock of Reorganized GSI which reflects the Note Claims exchanged in the Note Exchanges, Reorganized Holdings shall issue from Reorganized Holdings’ treasury to the Senior Noteholders and GSI UK their Pro Rata Share of the total amount of New Common Shares to be issued in respect of all of the Class 5 Note Claims.

As of the Effective Date, the reservation for issuance, as applicable, and the issuance by Reorganized Holdings of the New Common Shares (including the New Common Shares issuable upon exercise of the Rights or exercise or vesting of the New Equity Awards), the Rights and the New Equity Awards is hereby authorized without further act or action under applicable law, regulation, order or rule.

The Confirmation Order shall provide that the issuance of (a) the (i) New Common Shares issuable (x) to holders of Allowed Class 6A Claims and Interests and (y) pursuant to the Supplemental Equity Exchange, (ii) New Equity Awards, (iii) Rights, (iv) New Common Shares issuable upon exercise of the Rights or exercise or vesting of New Equity Awards shall be exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act in accordance with section 1145 of the Bankruptcy Code and applicable Canadian securities laws, and (b) the securities issuable to the Backstop Investors shall be exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act in accordance with section 1145 of the Bankruptcy Code, or, if and to the extent section 1145 does not apply, Section 4(2) of the Securities Act.

 

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6.7. Rights Offering.

Each holder of Holdings Common Shares shall have the opportunity to participate in the Rights Offering on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the Rights Offering Procedures. To the extent that any such holder does not fully elect to exercise its Rights by 11:59 p.m., New York City Time, on the Subscription Expiration Date, such unexercised Rights shall expire, and the Backstop Investors shall purchase the remaining amount of New Common Shares offered in the Rights Offering pursuant to and in accordance with the Backstop Commitment Agreement. Pursuant to the Backstop Commitment, the Backstop Investors shall exchange (the “Backstop Exchange”) a minimum face amount of $20 million (but in no event no more than the Rights Offering Amount) of Senior Notes held by the Backstop Investors, after giving effect to the Notes Payment, for New Common Shares at the Purchase Price Per Share as provided in the Rights Offering Documents. The Backstop Investors shall purchase such New Common Shares by, at each of their option to be exercised in their sole and absolute discretion, paying cash or exchanging the principal amount of Senior Notes equal to such Backstop Investor’s Purchase Price (as defined in the Backstop Commitment Agreement). All Cash proceeds from the Rights Offering shall be used to partially fund the Notes Payment.

 

6.8. ARS Sale.

Holdings or Reorganized Holdings, as the case may be, shall effectuate, as necessary, the ARS Sale. All proceeds from the ARS Sale available on the Effective Date, if any, shall be used to partially fund the Notes Payment.

 

6.9. New Senior Secured Notes.

(a) Authorization and Issuance.

As of the Effective Date, the issuance by Reorganized GSI of the New Senior Secured Notes is hereby authorized without further act or action under applicable law, regulation, order or rule.

As of the Effective Date, the guarantee by Reorganized Holdings and Reorganized MES of the New Senior Secured Notes is hereby authorized without further act or action under applicable law, regulation, order or rule.

The Confirmation Order shall provide that the issuance of the New Senior Secured Notes shall be exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act in accordance with section 1145 of the Bankruptcy Code and applicable Canadian securities laws.

(b) New Indenture. On the Effective Date, Reorganized Holdings, Reorganized GSI and Reorganized MES shall enter into, and shall cause their respective Subsidiaries party to the New Indenture to enter into, the New Indenture providing for the issuance of the New Senior Secured Notes and guarantees of such notes. Reorganized GSI shall qualify the New Indenture in accordance with the Trust Indenture Act of 1939.

 

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(c) Security Documents. On or before the Effective Date, (i) Reorganized Holdings, Reorganized GSI and Reorganized MES shall execute and shall cause their respective Subsidiaries party to the Security Documents to execute the Security Documents and (ii) if the Security Document is not a document that is to be executed, then Reorganized Holdings, Reorganized GSI and Reorganized MES shall deliver or shall cause their respective Subsidiaries to deliver the Security Documents.

 

6.10.   Other General Corporate Matters.

On or after the Effective Date, the Reorganized GSI Entities will be authorized to take such action as is necessary under the laws of the Province of New Brunswick, Canada, the State of Michigan, the State of Delaware, federal law and other applicable law to effect the terms and provisions of this Plan. Without limiting the foregoing, the issuance of the New Common Shares, the approval of the Reorganized Holdings Constituent Documents, the election and the appointment of directors and officers, and any other matter involving the corporate structure of the Reorganized Holdings shall be deemed to have occurred and shall be in effect from and after the Effective Date pursuant to section 303 and other applicable provisions of the Delaware General Corporation Law, section 450.1861 of the Michigan General Corporation Act and section 132 of the New Brunswick Business Corporation Act without any requirement of further action by the stockholders or directors of the Debtors or the Reorganized GSI Entities. All obligations of the Debtors to indemnify and hold harmless their current and former directors, officers and employees, whether arising under the Debtors’ constituent documents, contract, law or equity, shall be assumed by, and assigned to, the Reorganized GSI Entities upon the occurrence of the Effective Date with the same effect as though such obligations constituted executory contracts that are assumed (or assumed and assigned, as applicable) under section 365 of the Bankruptcy Code, and all such obligations shall be fully enforceable in accordance with their terms from and after the Effective Date. Except as provided in Section 6.19 hereof, the prosecution of any so indemnified Cause of Action shall, upon the occurrence of the Effective Date, be enjoined and prohibited.

 

6.11.   Continued Corporate Existence of the Debtors.

Each of the Debtors shall continue to exist after the Effective Date as a separate entity, with all the powers available to such legal entity, in accordance with applicable law and pursuant to the Reorganized Holdings Constituent Documents, which shall become effective upon the occurrence of the Effective Date. On or after the Effective Date, the Debtors may, within their sole and exclusive discretion, take such action as permitted by applicable law and their constituent documents, as they determine may be reasonable and appropriate.

 

6.12.   Re-vesting of Assets.

Upon the occurrence of the Effective Date, except as otherwise expressly provided in the Plan, title to all of the Assets of the Debtors and their Estates shall vest in the Reorganized GSI Entities free and clear of all liens, Claims, Causes of Action, interests, security interests and other encumbrances and without further order of the Bankruptcy Court. On and after the occurrence of the Effective Date, the Reorganized GSI Entities may operate their businesses and may use, acquire and dispose of their Assets free of any restrictions of the Bankruptcy Code.

 

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6.13.   Management.

Except as set forth in Section 6.14 hereof, upon the occurrence of the Effective Date, the management and operation of each of the Reorganized GSI Entities shall be the general responsibility of each such entity’s then current board of directors and management. The Confirmation Order shall ratify and approve all actions taken by each of the Debtors from the Petition Date through the Effective Date.

 

6.14.   Boards of Directors.

(a) Reorganized Holdings.

On the Effective Date, the board of directors of Reorganized Holdings shall be set at seven members (including the Chief Restructuring Officer of Reorganized Holdings, two members selected by the Required Noteholders, two members with industry expertise selected by the Equity Committee, one member selected by mutual agreement between the Required Noteholders and the Equity Committee (the “Consensual Board Member”), and one member selected by the Board of Directors of Holdings prior to the Effective Date, which member shall be selected from the members of such board as of the date hereof, provided that at least a majority of the Board of Directors shall satisfy the NASDAQ Stock Market’s definition of “Independent Directors”). A member of the Equity Committee may be selected to serve as a member of the board of directors of Reorganized Holdings only if such Equity Committee member subscribed to the Rights Offering to the fullest extent permissible based upon the amount of Holdings Common Shares held by such Equity Committee member as of May 7, 2010. The directors shall serve in accordance with the applicable Reorganized Holdings Constituent Documents, as the same may be amended from time to time.

Each of Liberty Harbor, LLC, Tennenbaum Capital Partners, LLC, and Highbridge Capital Management, LLC (each a “Noteholder Observer Party”) shall, at its expense, have the right to observe all meetings and deliberations of the board of directors of Reorganized Holdings. A Noteholder Observer Party shall lose its rights under this paragraph if at any time it holds less than 3% of the New Common Shares then outstanding.

(b) Reorganized GSI. From and after the Effective Date, Reorganized Holdings, as sole stockholder of Reorganized GSI and as contemplated by the Bylaws of Reorganized GSI, shall continue to be authorized to take actions required to be taken by the board of directors of Reorganized GSI.

(c) Reorganized MES. From and after the Effective Date, the Consensual Board Member shall be the sole member of the initial board of directors of Reorganized MES.

(d) Continuing Directors. From and after the Effective Date, the members of the board of directors (or managers, as applicable) of the Reorganized GSI Entities shall be selected and determined in accordance with the provisions of the respective Reorganized Holdings Constituent Documents and applicable law.

 

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6.15.   Officers.

Subject to any applicable employment agreements and applicable law, from and after the Effective Date, the officers of the Reorganized GSI Entities shall be selected and appointed by the respective boards of directors of such entities, in accordance with, and pursuant to, the provisions of applicable law and the respective Reorganized Holdings Constituent Documents.

 

6.16.   New Equity Awards and Management Incentive Plan.

(a) New Equity Awards. On the Effective Date each Holder of

(1) options to purchase common shares of Holdings that are set forth on Schedule 6.16(a) hereof and have not been exercised as of the Effective Date as reflected on Schedule 6.16(a) (“Old Options”) shall be assumed and remain outstanding and exercisable for New Common Shares subject to the same terms as the Old Options, including, without limitation, the exercise price (“New Options”), provided that if distributions to Holders of Holdings Common Shares pursuant to Section 3.6 are made by way of issuing such Holders a fractional New Common Share for each Holdings Common Share so held (“Fractional Distribution”), the number of New Common Shares issuable upon exercise of such New Option shall similarly be adjusted down to reflect the Fractional Distribution (for the avoidance of doubt, no underlying contract or agreement pursuant or in accordance to which such Old Options is issued shall be assumed); and

(2) restricted shares of Holdings that are set forth on Schedule 6.16(a) hereof and have not vested as of the Effective Date as reflected on the Schedule 6.16(a) (“Old Restricted Shares”) shall be assumed and remain outstanding on the same terms as the Old Restricted Shares, including, without limitation, the vesting provisions (“New Restricted Shares”) provided that the number of New Restricted shall be adjusted down to reflect any Fractional Distribution (for the avoidance of doubt, no underlying contract or agreement pursuant or in accordance to which such Old Options is issued shall be assumed).

The rights afforded holders of Old Options and Old Restricted Shares pursuant to this Section 6.16(a) shall be in exchange for and in complete satisfaction, discharge, and release of all Claims and Equity Interests on account of such Old Options and Old Restricted Shares, against the Debtors and the Debtors in Possession, or any of their Estates, Assets, properties, or interests in property.

(b) Management Incentive Plan. As soon as reasonably practicable after the Effective Date, the board of directors of Reorganized Holdings will establish and implement a new management incentive plan under which New Common Shares in an amount not to exceed 8% of the Post-Effective Date Fully Diluted Capital Stock of Reorganized Holdings will be reserved for management of Reorganized Holdings. Any such allocation under such new management incentive plan will be determined by the board of directors of Reorganized Holdings, which allocation may consist of, among other things, restricted stock and/or time

 

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and performance based options, and will take account of any other bonus and compensation plans. The members of management and the employees entitled to participate in the new management incentive plan, and the awards for each, will be determined by the board of directors of Reorganized Holdings in its sole and absolute discretion.

 

6.17.   Causes of Action.

Except as otherwise provided in the Plan, all Causes of Action of any of the Debtors and their respective Estates, shall, upon the occurrence of the Effective Date, be transferred to, and be vested in, the Reorganized GSI Entities. Except as otherwise provided in the Plan, the Reorganized GSI Entities’ rights to commence, prosecute or settle such Causes of Action shall be preserved notwithstanding the occurrence of the Effective Date. The Debtors hereby waive, and do not preserve, any Avoidance Actions.

No Person may rely on the absence of a specific reference in the Plan or the Disclosure Statement to any Cause of Action against them as any indication that the Debtors will not pursue any and all available Causes of Action against them. The Debtors and the Estates, as applicable, expressly reserve all rights to prosecute any and all Causes of Action against any Person, except only for any Avoidance Action and except as otherwise expressly provided in the Plan or the Plan Documents. Unless any Causes of Action against a Person are expressly waived, relinquished, exculpated, released, compromised or settled in the Plan or a Final Order, the Debtors expressly reserve all such Causes of Action for later adjudication and, therefore, no preclusion doctrine, including without limitation, the doctrines of res judicata, collateral estoppel, issue preclusion, claim preclusion, estoppel (judicial, equitable or otherwise) or laches shall apply to such Causes of Action upon or after the confirmation or consummation of the Plan.

 

6.18.   Appointment of the Disbursing Agent.

Upon the occurrence of the Effective Date, Reorganized Holdings shall be appointed to serve as the Disbursing Agent, and shall have all powers, rights, duties and protections afforded the Disbursing Agent under the Plan. Reorganized Holdings may delegate or assign such appointment in its discretion.

 

6.19.   Sources of Cash for Plan Distributions.

All Cash necessary for the Disbursing Agent to make Plan Distributions and any other payments shall be obtained from the Debtors’ existing Cash balances.

 

6.20.   Releases by the Debtors.

As of the Effective Date, for good and valuable consideration, the Debtors and the Reorganized GSI Entities (in their individual capacities and as Debtors in Possession) shall be deemed to release and forever waive and discharge all claims, obligations, suits, judgments, damages, demands, debts, rights, causes of action and liabilities, whether liquidated or unliquidated, fixed or contingent, matured or unmatured, known or unknown, foreseen or unforeseen, then existing or thereafter arising, in law, equity or

 

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otherwise that are based in whole or part on any act, omission, transaction, event or other occurrence taking place on or prior to the Effective Date in any way relating to the Chapter 11 Cases, this Plan or the Disclosure Statement, and that could have been asserted by or on behalf of the Debtors or their Estates or the Reorganized GSI Entities against any of the Released Parties; provided, however, that nothing in this Section shall be construed to release any party or entity from (x) willful misconduct or gross negligence as determined by a Final Order, or (y) any objections by the Debtors or the Reorganized GSI Entities to Claims or Equity Interests filed by such party or entity against any Debtor and/or its Estate. For purposes of this Section 6.20, “Released Parties” shall also include the Equity Committee and its members, in their capacity as members of the Equity Committee and as individual entities, and with respect to each of the foregoing entities, such entity’s current and former affiliates, predecessors, successors in interest, parent entities, subsidiaries, attorneys, accountants, officers, partners, managers, directors, principals, members, equity holders, partners, employees, agents, investment bankers, auditors, restructuring and other consultants, financial advisors and other professionals, in each case in their capacity as such.

 

6.21.   Releases by Creditors and Equity Security Holders.

Subject to the occurrence of the Effective Date, for good and valuable consideration, the adequacy of which is hereby confirmed, each holder of a Claim or Equity Interest that votes to accept the Plan, solely in its capacity as the holder of such Claim or Equity Interest, shall be presumed conclusively absolutely, unconditionally and irrevocably to have released and forever waived and discharged any Cause of Action and any and all claims, obligations, suits, judgments, damages, demands, debts, rights, causes of action and liabilities, whether direct or derivative, liquidated or unliquidated, fixed or contingent, matured or unmatured, known or unknown, foreseen or unforeseen, then existing or thereafter arising, in law, equity or otherwise that are based in whole or part on any act, omission, transaction, event or other occurrence taking place on or prior to the Effective Date in any way relating to the Chapter 11 Cases, this Plan, the Disclosure Statement, any Debtor, the Debtors’ restructuring or the purchase, sale or rescission of the purchase or sale of any security of any Debtor, the subject matter of, or the transactions or events giving rise to, any Claim or Equity Interest that is treated in the Plan, the business or contractual arrangements between any Debtor and any Released Party, the restructuring of Claims and Equity Interests prior to or in the Chapter 11 Cases or any act or omission, transaction, agreement, event or other occurrence taking place on or before the Effective Date of the Plan and including any claim that could have been asserted by or on behalf of the Debtors or their Estates or the Reorganized GSI Entities, in each case, against any of the Released Parties; provided, however, that nothing in this Section shall be construed to release any party from willful misconduct or gross negligence as determined by a Final Order; provided further that the foregoing releases shall not apply to any holder of a Claim or Equity Interest if such holder opted out of the releases provided for in this Section 6.21 by a timely written election pursuant to such holder’s ballot.

 

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6.22.   Fixing of Principal Balance of GSI UK Note.

For administrative ease (given that the GSI UK Note is denominated in British pounds and the exchange rate between United States Dollars and British Pounds fluctuates daily), it shall be assumed that the outstanding principal balance of the GSI UK Note is fixed at $20,000,000 for purposes of Plan Distributions, and the difference (in United States Dollars) between $20,000,000 and the value as of the Petition Date (in United States Dollars) of GBP 12,500,000 shall be added or subtracted, as the case may be, to the intercompany account maintained between GSI UK and GSI.

ARTICLE VII.

PLAN DISTRIBUTION PROVISIONS

 

7.1. Plan Distributions.

The Disbursing Agent shall make all Plan Distributions. In the event a Plan Distribution is payable on a day other than a Business Day, such Plan Distribution shall instead be paid on the immediately succeeding Business Day, but shall be deemed to have been made on the date otherwise due. For federal income tax purposes, except to the extent a Plan Distribution is made in connection with reinstatement of an obligation pursuant to section 1124 of the Bankruptcy Code, a Plan Distribution will be allocated first to the principal amount of a Claim and then, to the extent the Plan Distribution exceeds the principal amount of the Claim, to the portion of the Claim representing accrued but unpaid interest.

 

7.2. Timing of Plan Distributions.

Each Plan Distribution shall be made on the relevant Plan Distribution Date therefor and shall be deemed to have been timely made if made on such date or within ten (10) days thereafter.

 

7.3. Address for Delivery of Plan Distributions/Unclaimed Plan Distributions.

Subject to Bankruptcy Rule 9010, any Plan Distribution or delivery to a holder of an Allowed Claim shall be made at the address of such holder as set forth (a) in the Schedules, (b) on the proof of Claim filed by such holder, (c) in any notice of assignment filed with the Bankruptcy Court with respect to such Claim pursuant to Bankruptcy Rule 3001(e), and (d) in any notice served by such holder giving details of a change of address. If any Plan Distribution is returned to the Disbursing Agent as undeliverable, no Plan Distributions shall be made to such holder unless the Disbursing Agent is notified of such holder’s then current address within ninety (90) days after such Plan Distribution was returned. After such date, if such notice was not provided, a holder shall have forfeited its right to such Plan Distribution, and the undeliverable Plan Distributions shall be returned to the Reorganized GSI Entities.

 

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7.4. De Minimis Plan Distributions.

No Plan Distribution of less than ten dollars ($10.00) need be made by the Disbursing Agent to the holder of any Claim unless a request therefor is made in writing to the Disbursing Agent. If no request is made as provided in the preceding sentence within ninety (90) days of the Effective Date, all such Plan Distributions shall revert to the Reorganized GSI Entities.

 

7.5. Time Bar to Cash Payments.

Checks issued in respect of Allowed Claims shall be null and void if not negotiated within one hundred and eighty (180) days after the date of issuance thereof. Requests for reissuance of any voided check shall be made directly to the Disbursing Agent by the holder of the Allowed Claim to whom such check was originally issued. Any claim in respect of such a voided check shall be made within one hundred and eighty (180) days after the date of issuance of such check. If no request is made as provided in the preceding sentence, any claims in respect of such voided check shall be discharged and forever barred and such unclaimed Plan Distribution shall revert to the Reorganized GSI Entities.

 

7.6. Manner of Payment under the Plan.

Unless the Person receiving a Plan Distribution agrees otherwise, any Plan Distribution to be made in Cash under the Plan shall be made, at the election of the Disbursing Agent, by check drawn on a domestic bank or by wire transfer from a domestic bank. Cash payments to foreign creditors may, in addition to the foregoing, be made, at the option of the Disbursing Agent in such funds and by such means as are necessary or customary in a particular foreign jurisdiction.

 

7.7. Expenses Incurred on or after the Effective Date and Claims of the Disbursing Agent.

Except as otherwise ordered by the Bankruptcy Court or as provided herein, the amount of any reasonable fees and expenses incurred (or to be incurred) by the Disbursing Agent on or after the Effective Date (including, but not limited to, taxes) shall be paid when due. Professional fees and expenses incurred by the Disbursing Agent from and after the Effective Date in connection with the effectuation of the Plan shall be paid in the ordinary course of business. Any dispute regarding compensation shall be resolved by agreement of the parties, or if the parties are unable to agree, as determined by the Bankruptcy Court.

 

7.8. Fractional Plan Distributions.

(a) When any distribution on account of an Allowed Claim or Allowed Equity Interest pursuant to the Plan would otherwise result in the issuance of a number of New Common Shares (including New Common Shares issuable upon the exercise or vesting of New Equity Awards) that is not a whole number, the actual distribution of New Common Shares shall be rounded as follows: (i) fractions of  1/2 or greater shall be rounded to the next higher whole number, and (ii) fractions of less than  1/2 shall be rounded to the next lower whole number; provided, however, that the Disbursing Agent, or the Indenture Trustee, as the case may be, shall have the authority to further adjust, after taking into account the rounding provided in this

 

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Section 7.8, the number of New Common Shares to be distributed (including New Common Shares issuable upon the exercise or vesting of New Equity Awards) to each holder of Claims or Equity Interest, as applicable, in Classes 5 and 6A (by increasing or decreasing by 1 the number of such shares) as necessary in order for the holders of Claims or Equity Interest, as applicable, in Classes 5 and 6A, as appropriate, to receive New Equity Awards or New Common Shares in the amounts specified in Article III, Section 6.16(a) and Schedule 6.16(a) hereto; provided, further, that this Section 7.8(a) shall not apply to Rights distributed in the Rights Offering or the New Common Shares issued pursuant to the exercise of Rights in connection with the Rights Offering and the Backstop Exchange, each of which shall be governed by the Rights Offering Procedures or Backstop Commitment Agreement, as applicable.

(b) The New Senior Secured Notes shall be issued in a minimum face amount (the “Face Amount Minimum”) and integral multiples (“Integral Multiples”) as provided in the New Indenture. When any distribution on account of an Allowed Claim pursuant to the Plan would otherwise result in the issuance of a New Senior Secured Note (A) in an amount less than the Face Amount Minimum, the face amount of each New Senior Secured Note shall be rounded as follows: (i) amounts that are greater than or equal to 50% of the Face Amount Minimum shall be rounded up to the Face Amount Minimum; and (ii) amounts that are less than 50% of the Face Amount Minimum shall be rounded down and no New Senior Secured Notes shall be issued for such Allowed Clam; and (B) in an amount in excess of the Face Amount Minimum but less than an Integral Multiple, the face amount of each New Senior Secured Note shall be rounded as follows for the portion in excess of the Integral Multiple: (i) amounts that are greater than or equal to 50% of the Integral Multiple shall be rounded to the next higher Integral Multiple; and (ii) amounts that are less than 50% of the Integral Multiple shall be rounded to the next lower Integral Multiple; provided, however, that the Disbursing Agent, or the Indenture Trustee, as the case may be, shall have the authority to further adjust, after taking into account the rounding provided in this Section 7.8, the Pro Rata portion of New Senior Secured Notes to be distributed to each holder of Claims in Class 5 (by increasing or decreasing by the Face Amount Minimum the amount of such New Senior Secured Notes) as necessary in order for the holders of Claims in Class 5 as appropriate, to receive New Senior Secured Notes in the amounts specified in Article III hereto.

 

7.9. Special Plan Distribution Provisions for Equity Interests and Senior Note Claims.

For the purpose of making Plan Distributions, the transfer ledger in respect of the Holdings Equity Interests and Senior Notes shall be closed as of the close of business on the Plan Distribution Record Date, and the Disbursing Agent and its agent shall be entitled to recognize and deal for all purposes herein with only those holders of record stated on the transfer ledger maintained by the stock transfer agent for the Holdings Equity Interests and Senior Notes as of the close of business on the Plan Distribution Record Date, provided, however, that with respect to making Plan Distributions on account of Restricted Shares of Holdings, which shares have vested as of the Effective Date, but which have not been issued as of the Effective Date and are therefore not reflected on the transfer ledger, Plan Distributions shall be made in accordance with Holdings’ Restricted Share ledger as set forth in Schedule 6.16(a). On the Effective Date, (a) all Holdings Equity Interests, Old Options, Old Restricted Shares and Senior Notes shall be cancelled and annulled and (b) all Section 510(b) Claims shall be discharged, and all rights thereunder shall be settled and compromised in full in exchange for the Plan Distributions to be made to the holders of Holdings Equity Interests, Senior Note Claims, Old Options, Old Restricted Shares and Section 510(b) Claims as applicable.

 

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7.10.   Surrender and Cancellation of Instruments.

As a condition to receiving any Plan Distribution, on or before the Plan Distribution Date, the holder of an Allowed Claim or Allowed Equity Interest evidenced by a certificate, instrument or note, other than any such certificate, instrument or note that is being reinstated or being left unimpaired under the Plan, shall (i) surrender such certificate, instrument or note representing such Claim or Equity Interest, including, without limitation, any guaranties except to the extent assumed by the Debtors, and (ii) execute and deliver such other documents as may be necessary to effectuate the Plan. Such certificate, instrument or note, including any such guaranties, shall thereafter be cancelled and extinguished. The Disbursing Agent shall have the right to withhold any Plan Distribution to be made to or on behalf of any holder of such Claims or Equity Interests unless and until (1) such certificates, instruments or notes, including any such guaranties, are surrendered, or (2) any relevant holder provides to the Disbursing Agent an affidavit of loss or such other documents as may be required by the Disbursing Agent together with an appropriate indemnity in the customary form. Any such holder who fails to surrender such certificates, instruments or notes, including any such guaranties, or otherwise fails to deliver an affidavit of loss and indemnity prior to the second anniversary of the Effective Date, shall be deemed to have forfeited its Claims or Equity Interests, as applicable, and shall not participate in any Plan Distribution. All property in respect of such forfeited Claims or Equity Interests, as applicable, shall revert to the Reorganized GSI Entities. In the event such certificate, instrument or note is held in the name of, or by a nominee of, the Depository Trust Company, the Debtors shall seek the cooperation of the Depository Trust Company and/or the Indenture Trustee in facilitating distributions.

ARTICLE VIII.

PROCEDURES FOR RESOLVING

AND TREATING CONTESTED CLAIMS

 

8.1. Objection Deadline.

As soon as practicable, but in no event later than sixty (60) days after the Effective Date (subject to being extended by the order of the Bankruptcy Court upon motion of the Disbursing Agent without notice or a hearing), objections to Claims shall be filed with the Bankruptcy Court and served upon the holders of each of the Claims to which objections are made.

 

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8.2. Prosecution of Contested Claims.

The Disbursing Agent may object to the allowance of any scheduled or filed Claims as to which liability is disputed in whole or in part. All objections that are filed and prosecuted as provided herein shall be litigated to Final Order or compromised and settled in accordance with Section 8.3.

 

8.3. Claims Settlement.

Notwithstanding any requirements that may be imposed pursuant to Bankruptcy Rule 9019, from and after the Effective Date, the Disbursing Agent shall have authority to settle or compromise all Claims and Causes of Action without further review or approval of the Bankruptcy Court.

 

8.4. Entitlement to Plan Distributions Upon Allowance.

Notwithstanding any other provision of the Plan, and except as set forth at Section 4.2 of this Plan as to Administrative Claims, no Plan Distribution (including any distributions out of the Class 6A Reserve) shall be made with respect to any Claim to the extent it is a Contested Claim, unless and until such Contested Claim becomes an Allowed Claim, subject to the setoff rights as provided in Section 13.19. When a Claim that is not an Allowed Claim as of the Effective Date becomes an Allowed Claim, the holder of such Allowed Claim shall thereupon become entitled to receive the Plan Distributions in respect of such Claim, the same as though such Claim had been an Allowed Claim on the Effective Date less any applicable taxes, and without interest or other compensation for the time elapsed after the Effective Date, provided that any distributions on account of Allowed Section 510(b) Claims that become Allowed after the Effective Date shall only be made out of the Class 6A Reserve in accordance with Section 3.9.

 

8.5. Estimation of Claims.

The Disbursing Agent may, at any time, request that the Bankruptcy Court estimate any Claim pursuant to section 502(c) of the Bankruptcy Code regardless of whether the Disbursing Agent has previously objected to such Claim or whether the Bankruptcy Court has ruled on any such objection, and the Bankruptcy Court will retain jurisdiction to estimate any Claim at any time during litigation concerning any objection to any Claim, including during the pendency of any appeal relating to any such objection. In the event that the Bankruptcy Court estimates any Contested Claim, that estimated amount will constitute the Allowed amount of such Claim for all purposes under the Plan. All of the objection, estimation, settlement and resolution procedures set forth in the Plan are cumulative and not necessarily exclusive of one another. Claims may be estimated and subsequently compromised, settled, withdrawn or resolved by any mechanism approved by the Bankruptcy Court.

 

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ARTICLE IX.

CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO

CONFIRMATION OF THE PLAN AND

THE OCCURRENCE OF THE EFFECTIVE DATE

 

9.1. Conditions Precedent to Confirmation.

The following are conditions precedent to confirmation of the Plan:

(a) The Clerk of the Bankruptcy Court shall have entered on the docket of the Chapter 11 Cases an order or orders (i) approving the Disclosure Statement as containing “adequate information” pursuant to section 1125 of the Bankruptcy Code, (ii) authorizing the solicitation of votes with respect to the Plan, (iii) determining that all votes are binding and have been properly tabulated as acceptances or rejections of the Plan, (iv) confirming and giving effect to the terms and provisions of the Plan, (v) determining that all applicable tests, standards and burdens in connection with the Plan have been duly satisfied and met by the Debtors and the Plan, (vi) approving the Plan Documents, (vii) the Confirmation Order consistent with the Plan Support Agreement and (viii) authorizing the Debtors to execute, enter into, and deliver the Plan Documents and to execute, implement, and to take all actions otherwise necessary or appropriate to give effect to, the transactions and transfer of Assets contemplated by the Plan and the Plan Documents;

(b) The proposed Confirmation Order and Plan Documents are each in a form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Debtors, the Required Noteholders, and, except in the case of the Backstop Commitment Agreement, the Equity Committee;

(c) The Plan Support Agreement shall not have terminated in accordance with the terms thereof; and

(d) The proposed Confirmation Order shall include determinations that all of the settlements and compromises contained in the Plan meet the applicable standards under section 1123(b)(3) of the Bankruptcy Code and Bankruptcy Rule 9019 for approval and implementation.

 

9.2. Conditions Precedent to the Occurrence of the Effective Date.

The following are conditions precedent to the occurrence of the Effective Date:

(a) All necessary consents, authorizations and approvals shall have been given for the transfers of property and the payments provided for or contemplated by the Plan, including, without limitation, satisfaction or waiver of all conditions to the obligations of the Debtors under the Plan and the Plan Documents;

(b) The New Indenture shall be executed and have become effective and all conditions to the effectiveness thereof shall have been satisfied or waived;

 

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(c) The Confirmation Order or such portions thereof as are required shall have been confirmed and recognized by the Court of Queen’s Bench of New Brunswick;

(d) The Security Documents (i) shall be executed and have become effective and all conditions to the effectiveness thereof shall have been satisfied or waived or (ii) if not a document that is to be executed, then delivered;

(e) The Plan Documents (i) shall have been approved by the Bankruptcy Court, (ii) as applicable, shall have been executed by the Debtors, the Equity Committee, and the Backstop Investors and (iii) shall be in full force and effect;

(f) The Reorganized Holdings Constituent Documents shall have been filed with the applicable authority of their respective jurisdiction of incorporation and/or formation in accordance with such jurisdictions applicable laws;

(g) The Rights Offering and Backstop Commitment shall have been consummated on the terms and conditions set forth in the Rights Offering Documents; and

(h) The Effective Date shall have occurred by July 23, 2010, unless such date is extended pursuant to the terms of the Plan Support Agreement.

 

9.3. Waiver of Conditions.

The conditions set forth in Section 9.1 or Section 9.2 may be waived only as set forth in the Plan Support Agreement.

 

9.4. Effect of Non-Occurrence of the Effective Date.

If the Effective Date shall not occur, the Plan shall be null and void and nothing contained in the Plan shall: (a) constitute a waiver or release of any Claims against or Equity Interests in a Debtor; (b) prejudice in any manner the rights of the Debtors, including, without limitation, any right to seek a further extension of the exclusivity periods under section 1121(d) of the Bankruptcy Code; or (c) constitute an admission, acknowledgement, offer or undertaking by the Debtors.

ARTICLE X.

THE DISBURSING AGENT

 

10.1.   Powers and Duties.

Pursuant to the terms and provisions of the Plan, the Disbursing Agent shall be empowered and directed to (a) take all steps and execute all instruments and documents necessary to make Plan Distributions to holders of Allowed Claims and Equity Interests; (b) comply with the Plan and the obligations thereunder; (c) employ, retain or replace professionals to represent it with respect to its responsibilities; (d) object to Claims as specified in Article VIII, and prosecute such objections; (e) compromise and settle any issue or dispute regarding the amount, validity, priority, treatment or Allowance of any Claim as provided in Article VIII; (f)

 

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make annual and other periodic reports regarding the status of distributions under the Plan to the holders of Allowed Claims that are outstanding at such time; such reports to be made available upon request to the holder of any Contested Claim; and (g) exercise such other powers as may be vested in the Disbursing Agent pursuant to the Plan, the Plan Documents or order of the Bankruptcy Court.

 

10.2.   Plan Distributions.

Pursuant to the terms and provisions of the Plan, the Disbursing Agent shall make the required Plan Distributions specified under the Plan on the relevant Plan Distribution Date therefor.

 

10.3.   Exculpation.

Except as otherwise provided in this Section, the Disbursing Agent, together with its officers, managers, directors, employees, agents, and representatives, are exculpated pursuant to the Plan by all Persons, holders of Claims and Equity Interests, and all other parties in interest, from any and all Causes of Action arising out of the discharge of the powers and duties conferred upon the Disbursing Agent (and each of its respective paying agents), by the Plan Documents, any Final Order of the Bankruptcy Court entered pursuant to or in the furtherance of the Plan Documents, or applicable law, except solely for actions or omissions arising out of the Disbursing Agent’s willful misconduct or gross negligence. No holder of a Claim or an Equity Interest, or representative thereof, shall have or pursue any Cause of Action (a) against the Disbursing Agent or its respective officers, managers, directors, employees, agents and representatives for making Plan Distributions in accordance with the Plan Documents, or (b) against any holder of a Claim or an Equity Interest for receiving or retaining Plan Distributions as provided for by the Plan Documents. Nothing contained in this Section shall preclude or impair any holder of an Allowed Claim or Allowed Equity Interest from bringing an action in the Bankruptcy Court against any Debtor to compel the making of Plan Distributions contemplated by the Plan Documents on account of such Claim or Equity Interest.

ARTICLE XI.

TREATMENT OF EXECUTORY CONTRACTS AND UNEXPIRED LEASES

 

11.1.   Assumption and Rejection of Executory Contracts and Unexpired Leases.

(a) On the Effective Date, all executory contracts and unexpired leases of the Debtors shall be assumed pursuant to the provisions of section 365 of the Bankruptcy Code, except: (i) any executory contracts and unexpired leases that are the subject of separate motions to reject filed pursuant to section 365 of the Bankruptcy Code by the Debtors before the Effective Date; (ii) any contracts and leases listed in any Schedule 2 attached to the Disclosure Statement and any subsequently filed “Schedule of Rejected Executory Contracts and Unexpired Leases” to be filed by the Debtors with the Bankruptcy Court before the entry of, or as an exhibit to, the Confirmation Order; (iii) all executory contracts and unexpired leases rejected under this Plan (including any schedule hereto) or by order of the Bankruptcy

 

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Court entered before the Effective Date; (iv) any executory contract or unexpired lease that is the subject of a dispute over the amount or manner of cure pursuant to the next section hereof and for which the Debtors make a motion to reject such contract or lease based upon the existence of such dispute filed at any time; and (v) any agreement, obligation, security interest, transaction or similar undertaking that the Debtors believe is not executory or a lease that is later determined by the Bankruptcy Court to be an executory contract or unexpired lease that is subject to assumption or rejection under section 365 of the Bankruptcy Code.

(b) Inclusion of a contract, lease or other agreement on any Schedule 2 attached to the Disclosure Statement shall constitute adequate and sufficient notice that (i) any Claims arising thereunder or related thereto shall be treated as General Unsecured Claims under the Plan, and (ii) the Debtors are no longer bound by, or otherwise obligated to perform, any such obligations, transactions, or undertakings relating thereto or arising thereunder. The inclusion of a contract, lease or other agreement in Section 11.1(a) or on Disclosure Statement Schedule 3 or the “Schedule of Assumed and Assumed and Assigned Executory Contracts and Unexpired Leases” shall not constitute an admission by the Debtors as to the characterization of whether any such included contract, lease or other agreement is, or is not, an executory contract or unexpired lease or whether any claimants under any such contract, lease or other agreement are time-barred from asserting Claims against the Debtors. The Debtors reserve all rights with respect to the characterization of any such agreements.

(c) The Plan shall constitute a motion to reject such executory contracts and unexpired leases set forth in any Schedule 2 attached to the Disclosure Statement and any subsequently filed “Schedule of Rejected Executory Contracts and Unexpired Leases” to be filed by the Debtors with the Bankruptcy Court before the entry of, or as an exhibit to, the Confirmation Order, and the Debtors shall have no liability thereunder except as is specifically provided in the Plan. Entry of the Confirmation Order by the Clerk of the Bankruptcy Court shall constitute approval of such rejections pursuant to section 365(a) of the Bankruptcy Code and a finding by the Bankruptcy Court that each such rejected agreement, executory contract or unexpired lease is burdensome and that the rejection thereof is in the best interests of the Debtors and their Estates.

(d) The Plan shall constitute a motion to assume or assume and assign such executory contracts and unexpired leases assumed or assumed and assigned pursuant to Section 11.1(a) and the Debtors shall have no liability thereunder for any breach of any assumed and assigned executory contract or lease occurring after such assignment pursuant to section 365(k) of the Bankruptcy Code, except as is specifically provided in the Plan. Entry of the Confirmation Order by the Clerk of the Bankruptcy Court shall constitute approval of such assumption or assumption and assignment pursuant to sections 365(a), (b) and (f) of the Bankruptcy Code, and a finding by the Bankruptcy Court that the requirements of section 365(f) of the Bankruptcy Code have been satisfied. Any non-Debtor counterparty to an agreement listed on Schedule 3 or the “Schedule of Assumed and Assumed and Assigned Executory Contracts and Unexpired Leases,” or otherwise designated as being assumed in Section 11.1(a), who disputes the assumption and/or assignment of an executory contract or unexpired lease must file with the Bankruptcy Court, and serve upon the Debtors and any Committee, a written objection to the assumption and/or assignment, which objection shall

 

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set forth the basis for the dispute by no later than ten (10) Business Days prior to the Confirmation Hearing. The failure to timely object shall be deemed a waiver of any and all objections to the assumption or assumption and assignment of executory contracts and leases as set forth in Schedule 3 or the “Schedule of Assumed and Assumed and Assigned Executory Contracts and Unexpired Leases” or as otherwise designated as being assumed in Section 11.1(a).

 

11.2.   Cure.

At the election of the Debtors, any monetary defaults under each executory contract and unexpired lease to be assumed under this Plan shall be satisfied pursuant to section 365(b)(1) of the Bankruptcy Code: (a) by payment of the default amount in Cash on the Effective Date or as soon thereafter as practicable; or (b) on such other terms as agreed to by the parties to such executory contract or unexpired lease. In the event of a dispute regarding: (i) the amount of any cure payments; (ii) the ability to provide adequate assurance of future performance under the contract or lease to be assumed or assigned; or (iii) any other matter pertaining to assumption or assignment, the cure payments required by section 365(b)(1) of the Bankruptcy Code shall be made following the entry of a Final Order resolving the dispute and approving assumption or assignment, as applicable. Schedule 3 attached to the Disclosure Statement and any subsequently filed “Schedule of Assumed and Assumed and Assigned Executory Contracts and Unexpired Leases” sets forth the Debtors’ cure obligations for each agreement which a cure obligation must be satisfied as a condition to the assumption or assumption and assignment of such agreement. Any non-Debtor counterparty to an agreement listed on Schedule 3 attached to the Disclosure Statement and any subsequently filed “Schedule of Assumed and Assumed and Assigned Executory Contracts and Unexpired Leases” who disputes the scheduled cure obligation must file with the Bankruptcy Court, and serve upon the Debtors and any Committee, a written objection to the cure obligation, which objection shall set forth the basis for the dispute, the alleged correct cure obligation, and any other objection related to the assumption or assumption and assignment of the relevant agreement by no later than three (3) days prior to the commencement of the Confirmation Hearing. If a non-Debtor counterparty fails to file and serve an objection which complies with the foregoing, the cure obligation set forth on Schedule 3 attached to the Disclosure Statement and any subsequently filed “Schedule of Assumed and Assumed and Assigned Executory Contracts and Unexpired Leases” shall be binding on the non-Debtor counterparty, and the non-Debtor counterparty shall be deemed to have waived any and all objections to the assumption or assumption and assignment of the relevant agreement as proposed by the Debtors.

 

11.3.   Claims Arising from Rejection, Expiration or Termination.

Claims created by the rejection of executory contracts and unexpired leases or the expiration or termination of any executory contract or unexpired lease prior to the Confirmation Date must be filed with the Bankruptcy Court and served on the Debtors (a) in the case of an executory contract or unexpired lease rejected by the Debtors prior to the Confirmation Date, in accordance with the Bar Date Notice, or (b) in the case of an executory contract or unexpired lease that (i) was terminated or expired by its terms prior to the Confirmation Date, or (ii) is rejected pursuant to Section 11.1, no later than thirty (30) days after the Confirmation Date. Any such Claims for which a proof of claim is not filed and served by the deadlines set forth in the

 

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Bar Date Notice or this Section 11.3, as applicable, will be forever barred from assertion and shall not be enforceable against the Debtors, the Reorganized GSI Entities, their respective Estates, Affiliates, or Assets. Unless otherwise ordered by the Bankruptcy Court, all such Claims that are timely filed as provided herein shall be treated as General Unsecured Claims under the Plan subject to objection by the Disbursing Agent.

ARTICLE XII.

RETENTION OF JURISDICTION

Pursuant to sections 105(a) and 1142 of the Bankruptcy Code, the Bankruptcy Court shall retain and shall have exclusive jurisdiction over any matter (a) arising under the Bankruptcy Code, (b) arising in or related to the Chapter 11 Case or the Plan, or (c) that relates to the following:

(i) To hear and determine any and all motions or applications pending on the Confirmation Date or thereafter brought in accordance with Article XI hereof for the assumption, assumption and assignment or rejection of executory contracts or unexpired leases to which any of the Debtors is a party or with respect to which any of the Debtors may be liable, and to hear and determine any and all Claims and any related disputes (including, without limitation, the exercise or enforcement of setoff or recoupment rights, or rights against any third party or the property of any third party resulting therefrom or from the expiration, termination or liquidation of any executory contract or unexpired lease);

(ii) To determine any and all adversary proceedings, applications, motions, and contested or litigated matters that may be pending on the Effective Date or that, pursuant to the Plan, may be instituted by the Disbursing Agent or the Debtors, as applicable, after the Effective Date;

(iii) To hear and determine any objections to the allowance of Claims, whether filed, asserted, or made before or after the Effective Date, including, without express or implied limitation, to hear and determine any objections to the classification of any Claim and to allow, disallow or estimate any Contested Claim in whole or in part;

(iv) To issue such orders in aid of execution of the Plan to the extent authorized or contemplated by section 1142 of the Bankruptcy Code;

(v) To consider any modifications of the Plan, remedy any defect or omission, or reconcile any inconsistency in any order of the Bankruptcy Court, including, without limitation, the Confirmation Order;

(vi) To hear and determine all Fee Applications and applications for allowances of compensation and reimbursement of any other fees and expenses authorized to be paid or reimbursed under the Plan or the Bankruptcy Code;

 

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(vii) To hear and determine all controversies, suits, and disputes that may relate to, impact upon, or arise in connection with the Plan, the Plan Documents or their interpretation, implementation, enforcement, or consummation;

(viii) To hear and determine all controversies, suits, and disputes that may relate to, impact upon, or arise in connection with the Confirmation Order (and all exhibits to the Plan and Plan Documents) or its interpretation, implementation, enforcement, or consummation;

(ix) To the extent that Bankruptcy Court approval is required, to consider and act on the compromise and settlement of any Claim or Cause of Action by, on behalf of, or against any Estate;

(x) To determine such other matters that may be set forth in the Plan, or the Confirmation Order, or that may arise in connection with the Plan, or the Confirmation Order;

(xi) To hear and determine matters concerning state, local, and federal taxes, fines, penalties, or additions to taxes for which the Reorganized GSI Entities, the Debtors, the Debtors in Possession, or the Disbursing Agent may be liable, directly or indirectly, in accordance with sections 346, 505, and 1146 of the Bankruptcy Code;

(xii) To hear and determine all controversies, suits, and disputes that may relate to, impact upon, or arise in connection with any setoff and/or recoupment rights of the Debtors or any Person under the Plan;

(xiii) To hear and determine all controversies, suits, and disputes that may relate to, impact upon, or arise in connection with Causes of Action of the Debtors (but excluding Avoidance Actions) commenced by the Disbursing Agent, the Debtors or any third parties, as applicable, before or after the Effective Date;

(xiv) To enter an order or final decree closing the Chapter 11 Case;

(xv) To issue injunctions, enter and implement other orders or take such other actions as may be necessary or appropriate to restrain interference by any Person with consummation, implementation or enforcement of the Plan or the Confirmation Order;

(xvi) To enter any and all appropriate orders necessary to effectuate and otherwise enforce the Disclosure Statement Order and the Confirmation Order; and

(xvii) To hear and determine any other matters related hereto and not inconsistent with the Bankruptcy Code.

 

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ARTICLE XIII.

MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

 

13.1.   Payment of Statutory Fees.

All fees payable pursuant to section 1930 of title 28 of the United States Code, as determined by the Bankruptcy Court at the Confirmation Hearing, shall be paid by the Debtors on or before the Effective Date.

From and after the Effective Date, the Debtors shall pay the fees assessed under section 1930 of title 28 of the United States Code until entry of an order closing the Chapter 11 Cases.

 

13.2.   Satisfaction of Claims.

The rights afforded in the Plan and the treatment of all Claims and Equity Interests herein shall be in exchange for and in complete satisfaction, discharge, and release of all Claims and Equity Interests of any nature whatsoever, including any accrued Post-Petition Interest, against the Debtors and the Debtors in Possession, or any of their Estates, Assets, properties, or interests in property. Except as otherwise provided herein, on the Effective Date, all Claims against and Equity Interests in the Debtors and the Debtors in Possession shall be satisfied, discharged, and released in full. Neither the Reorganized GSI Entities nor the Debtors shall be responsible for any pre-Effective Date obligations of the Debtors or the Debtors in Possession, except those expressly assumed by the Reorganized GSI Entities or any such Debtor, as applicable. Except as otherwise provided herein, all Persons shall be precluded and forever barred from asserting against the Reorganized GSI Entities, the Debtors, their respective successors or assigns, or their Estates, Affiliates, Assets, properties, or interests in property any event, occurrence, condition, thing, or other or further Claims, Equity Interests or Causes of Action based upon any act, omission, transaction, or other activity of any kind or nature that occurred or came into existence prior to the Effective Date, whether or not the facts of or legal bases therefore were known or existed prior to the Effective Date.

 

13.3.   Special Provisions Regarding Insured Claims.

Plan Distributions to each holder of an allowed Insured Claim against any Debtor shall be in accordance with the treatment provided under the Plan for the Class in which such Allowed Insured Claim is classified; provided, however, that for purposes of calculating the Allowed amount of such Claim entitled to Plan Distribution there shall be deducted from such Claim: (i) the amount of any insurance proceeds actually received by such holder in respect of such Allowed Insured Claim and (ii) with respect to any Section 510(b) Claim any payment by a Debtor to the holder of such claim from the Debtors’ self insured retention amount. The Debtors shall be authorized to pay from cash an amount up to an aggregate cap of $300,000, the self-insured portion of any settlement of the Securities Class Action. Nothing in this Section 13.3 shall constitute a waiver of any claim, right, or Cause of Action the Debtors or their Estates may hold against any Person, including any insurer. Pursuant to section 524(e) of the Bankruptcy Code, nothing in the Plan shall release or discharge any insurer from any obligations to any Person under applicable law or any policy of insurance under which a Debtor is an insured or beneficiary.

 

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13.4.   Subrogation.

To the extent the holder of an Allowed Guarantee Claim (other than Senior Note Claims) receives a Plan Distribution from a Guarantor Debtor and/or its Estate, and except as provided below, such Guarantor Debtor shall be subrogated to the rights of the holder of such Allowed Guarantee Claim to collect and receive a Plan Distribution on account of such Claim from the Obligor Debtor and/or its Estate under the Plan.

 

13.5.   Third Party Agreements; Subordination.

The Plan Distributions to the various classes of Claims and Equity Interests hereunder shall not affect the right of any Person to levy, garnish, attach or employ any other legal process with respect to such Plan Distributions by reason of any claimed subordination rights or otherwise. All such rights and any agreements relating thereto shall remain in full force and effect, except as otherwise compromised and settled pursuant to the Plan. Plan Distributions shall be subject to and modified by any Final Order directing distributions other than as provided in the Plan. The right of the Debtors to seek subordination of any Claim (other than the Senior Note Claims) or Equity Interest pursuant to section 510 of the Bankruptcy Code is fully reserved, and the treatment afforded any Claim or Equity Interest that becomes a Subordinated Claim or subordinated Equity Interest at any time shall be modified to reflect such subordination. Unless the Confirmation Order provides otherwise, no Plan Distributions shall be made on account of a Subordinated Claim or subordinated Equity Interest.

 

13.6.   Exculpation.

None of the Released Parties shall have or incur any liability to any Person for any act or omission in connection with, or arising out of, the pursuit of confirmation of the Plan, the consummation of the Plan, the negotiation of the Plan and Plan Documents, the implementation or administration of the Plan and Plan Documents, or the property to be distributed under the Plan and Plan Documents, except for any willful misconduct or gross negligence, as finally determined by the Bankruptcy Court, and, in all respects shall be entitled to rely upon the advice of counsel and all information provided by other exculpated persons herein without any duty to investigate the veracity or accuracy of such information with respect to their duties and responsibilities under the Plan and Plan Documents and the negotiation of the Plan and Plan Documents. For purposes of this Section 13.6, “Released Parties” shall also include the Equity Committee and its members, in their capacity as members of the Equity Committee and as individual entities, and with respect to each of the foregoing entities, such entity’s current and former affiliates, predecessors, successors in interest, parent entities, subsidiaries, attorneys, accountants, officers, partners, managers, directors, principals, members, equity holders, partners, employees, agents, investment bankers, auditors, restructuring and other consultants, financial advisors and other professionals, in each case in their capacity as such.

 

13.7.   Discharge of Liabilities.

Except as otherwise provided in the Plan, upon the occurrence of the Effective Date, the Debtors shall be discharged from all Claims, Equity Interests and Causes of Action to the fullest extent permitted by section 1141 of the Bankruptcy Code, and all holders of Claims and Equity Interests shall be precluded from asserting against the Reorganized GSI Entities and their Affiliates, the Debtors, their Assets, or any property dealt with under the Plan, any further or other Cause of Action based upon any act or omission, transaction, event, thing, or other activity of any kind or nature that occurred or came into existence prior to the Effective Date.

 

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EXCEPT AS OTHERWISE PROVIDED IN THE PLAN, THE REORGANIZED GSI ENTITIES AND THEIR AFFILIATES SHALL NOT HAVE, AND SHALL NOT BE CONSTRUED TO HAVE OR MAINTAIN ANY LIABILITY, CLAIM OR OBLIGATION THAT IS BASED IN WHOLE OR IN PART ON ANY ACT, OMISSION, TRANSACTION, EVENT, OTHER OCCURRENCE OR THING OCCURRING OR IN EXISTENCE ON OR PRIOR TO THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF THE PLAN AND NO SUCH LIABILITIES, CLAIMS OR OBLIGATIONS FOR ANY ACTS SHALL ATTACH TO THE REORGANIZED GSI ENTITIES AND THEIR AFFILIATES.

 

13.8.   Discharge of Debtors.

Except as otherwise provided in the Plan or the Confirmation Order, on the Effective Date, without further notice or order, all Claims of any nature whatsoever shall be automatically discharged forever. Except as otherwise provided in the Plan or the Confirmation Order, on the Effective Date, the Debtors, their Estates and all successors thereto shall be deemed fully discharged and released from any and all Claims, including, but not limited to, demands and liabilities that arose before the Effective Date, and all debts of the kind specified in sections 502(g), 502(h), and 502(i) of the Bankruptcy Code, whether or not (a) a proof of claim based upon such debt is filed or deemed filed under section 501 of the Bankruptcy Code; (b) a Claim based upon such debt is allowed under section 502 of the Bankruptcy Code; or (c) the holder of a Claim based upon such debt has accepted the Plan. The Confirmation Order shall be a judicial determination of discharge of all liabilities of the Debtors, their Estates, and all successors thereto. As provided in section 524 of the Bankruptcy Code, such discharge shall void any judgment against the Debtors, their Estates or any successor thereto at any time obtained to the extent it relates to a discharged Claim, and operates as an injunction against the prosecution of any action against the Reorganized GSI Entities or property of the Debtors or their Estates to the extent it relates to a discharged Claim. Notwithstanding any language to the contrary contained in the Disclosure Statement, Plan and/or Confirmation Order, no provision shall preclude the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission from enforcing its police or regulatory powers; and provided further, notwithstanding any language to the contrary contained in the Disclosure Statement, Plan and/or Confirmation Order, no provision shall release any nondebtor from liability in connection with any legal action or claim brought by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. This paragraph shall not affect or limit the discharge granted to the Debtors under sections 524 and 1141 of the Bankruptcy Code.

 

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13.9.   Notices.

Any notices, requests, and demands required or permitted to be provided under the Plan, in order to be effective, shall be in writing (including, without express or implied limitation, by facsimile transmission), and, unless otherwise expressly provided herein, shall be deemed to have been duly given or made when actually delivered or, in the case of notice by facsimile transmission, when received and telephonically confirmed, to each of the following persons and addressed as follows:

GSI Group Inc.

c/o FTI Consulting, Inc.

Attention: Michael E. Katzenstein, Chief Restructuring Officer

3 Times Square, 9th Floor

New York, NY 10036

Telephone: (214) 384-4909

Facsimile: (214) 260-7127

Brown Rudnick LLP

Attention: William R. Baldiga, Esq.

One Financial Center

Boston, MA 02111

Telephone: (617) 856-8200

Facsimile: (617) 856-8201

Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati LLP

Attention: Robert D. Sanchez, Esq.

1700 K Street, NW

Fifth Floor

Washington, DC 20006

Telephone: (202) 973-8800

Facsimile: (202) 973-8899

Saul Ewing LLP

Attention: Mark Minuti, Esq.

222 Delaware Avenue, Suite 1200

P. O. Box 1266

Wilmington, DE 19899

Telephone: (302) 421-6840

Facsimile: (302) 421-5873

 

13.10.   Headings.

The headings used in the Plan are inserted for convenience only, and neither constitutes a portion of the Plan nor in any manner affect the construction of the provisions of the Plan.

 

13.11.   Governing Law.

Unless a rule of law or procedure is supplied by federal law (including the Bankruptcy Code and the Bankruptcy Rules), the laws of the State of Delaware, without giving effect to the conflicts of laws principles thereof, shall govern the construction of the Plan and any agreements, documents, and instruments executed in connection with the Plan, except as otherwise expressly provided in such instruments, agreements or documents.

 

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13.12.   Expedited Determination.

The Disbursing Agent is hereby authorized to file a request for expedited determination under section 505(b) of the Bankruptcy Code for all tax returns filed with respect to the Debtors.

 

13.13.   Exemption from Transfer Taxes.

Pursuant to section 1146 of the Bankruptcy Code, the issuance, transfer, or exchange of notes or equity securities under the Plan, the creation of any mortgage, deed of trust, lien, pledge or other security interest, the making or assignment of any lease or sublease, or the making or delivery of any deed or other instrument of transfer under, in furtherance of, or in connection with the Plan, shall not be subject to any stamp, real estate transfer, mortgage recording, or other similar tax.

 

13.14.   Retiree Benefits.

Pursuant to section 1129(a)(13) of the Bankruptcy Code, on and after the Effective Date, all retiree benefits (as that term is defined in section 1114 of the Bankruptcy Code), if any, shall continue to be paid in accordance with applicable law.

 

13.15.   Notice of Entry of Confirmation Order and Relevant Dates.

Promptly upon entry of the Confirmation Order, the Debtors shall publish as directed by the Bankruptcy Court and serve on all known parties in interest and holders of Claims and Equity Interests, notice of the entry of the Confirmation Order and all relevant deadlines and dates under the Plan, including, but not limited to, the deadline for filing notice of Administrative Claims, and the deadline for filing rejection damage Claims.

 

13.16.   Interest and Attorneys’ Fees.

(a) Interest accrued after the Petition Date will accrue and be paid on Claims only to the extent specifically provided for in this Plan, the Confirmation Order or as otherwise required by the Bankruptcy Court or by applicable law. No award or reimbursement of attorneys’ fees or related expenses or disbursements shall be allowed on, or in connection with, any Claim or Equity Interest, except as set forth in the Plan, the Plan Support Agreement or as ordered by the Bankruptcy Court.

(b) All reasonable, due and unpaid fees, costs and expenses of NH Professionals, shall, in each case, be paid on the Effective Date in accordance with the Plan Support Agreement and the Indenture.

 

13.17.   Modification of the Plan.

Subject to the limitations set forth in the Plan Support Agreement, modifications of the Plan, as provided in section 1127 of the Bankruptcy Code may be proposed in writing by the Debtors at any time before confirmation, provided that the Plan, as modified, meets the requirements of sections 1122 and 1123 of the Bankruptcy Code, and the Debtors shall have complied with section 1125 of the Bankruptcy Code. Subject to the terms of the Plan Support

 

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Agreement, the Debtors may modify the Plan at any time after confirmation and before substantial consummation, provided that the Plan, as modified, meets the requirements of sections 1122 and 1123 of the Bankruptcy Code and the Bankruptcy Court, after notice and a hearing, confirms the Plan as modified, under section 1129 of the Bankruptcy Code, and the circumstances warrant such modifications. Subject to the terms of the Plan Support Agreement, a holder of a Claim or Equity Interest that has accepted the Plan shall be deemed to have accepted such Plan as modified if the proposed alteration, amendment or modification does not materially and adversely change the treatment of the Claim or Equity Interest of such holder. Nothing herein is intended to modify or alter the rights of the parties under the Plan Support Agreement and that any amendment, modification or supplement to the Plan may only be made in accordance with the terms of the Plan Support Agreement.

 

13.18.   Revocation of Plan.

The Debtors reserve the right to revoke or withdraw the Plan and/or to adjourn the Confirmation Hearing with respect to any one or more of the Debtors prior to the occurrence of the Effective Date. If the Debtors revoke or withdraw the Plan with respect to any one or more of the Debtors, or if the Effective Date does not occur as to any Debtor, then, as to such Debtor, the Plan and all settlements and compromises set forth in the Plan and not otherwise approved by a separate Final Order shall be deemed null and void and nothing contained herein and no acts taken in preparation for consummation of the Plan shall be deemed to constitute a waiver or release of any Claims against or Equity Interests in such Debtor or to prejudice in any manner the rights of any of the Debtors or any other Person in any other further proceedings involving such Debtor.

In the event that the Debtors choose to adjourn the Confirmation Hearing with respect to any one or more of the Debtors, the Debtors reserve the right to proceed with confirmation of the Plan with respect to those Debtors in relation to which the Confirmation Hearing has not been adjourned. With respect to those Debtors for which the Confirmation Hearing has been adjourned, the Debtors reserve the right to amend, modify, revoke or withdraw the Plan and/or submit any new plan of reorganization at such times and in such manner as they consider appropriate, subject to the provisions of the Bankruptcy Code.

 

13.19.   Setoff Rights.

In the event that any Debtor has a Claim of any nature whatsoever against the holder of a Claim (other than the Senior Note Claims) against such Debtor, then such Debtor may, but is not required to, set off against the Claim (and any payments or other Plan Distributions to be made in respect of such Claim hereunder) such Debtor’s Claim against such holder, subject to the provisions of sections 553, 556 and 560 of the Bankruptcy Code. Neither the failure to set off nor the allowance of any Claim under the Plan shall constitute a waiver or release of any Claims that any Debtor may have against the holder of any Claim.

 

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13.20.   Compliance with Tax Requirements.

In connection with the Plan, the Debtors, the Disbursing Agent, as applicable, shall comply with all withholding and reporting requirements imposed by federal, state, local, and foreign taxing authorities and all Plan Distributions hereunder shall be subject to such withholding and reporting requirements. Notwithstanding the above, each holder of an Allowed Claim or Equity Interest that is to receive a Plan Distribution shall have the sole and exclusive responsibility for the satisfaction and payment of any tax obligations imposed by any government unit, including income, withholding and other tax obligations, on account of such Plan Distribution. The Disbursing Agent has the right, but not the obligation, to not make a Plan Distribution until such holder has made arrangements satisfactory to the Disbursing Agent for payment of any such tax obligations.

 

13.21.   Rates; Currency.

The Plan does not provide for the change of any rate that is within the jurisdiction of any governmental regulatory commission after the occurrence of the Effective Date. Where a Claim has been denominated in foreign currency on a proof of Claim, the Allowed amount of such Claim shall be calculated in legal tender of the United States based upon the conversion rate in place as of the Petition Date, and the amount of such Claim in legal tender of the United States’ as of the Petition Date shall be used for calculating Post-Petition Interest, if any.

 

13.22.   Injunctions.

On the Effective Date and except as otherwise provided herein, all Persons who have been, are or may be holders of Claims against or Equity Interests in the Debtors shall be permanently enjoined from taking any of the following actions against or affecting the Reorganized GSI Entities and their Affiliates, the Debtors, the Estates, the Assets or the Disbursing Agent, or any of their current or former respective members, directors, managers, officers, employees and agents and their respective professionals, successors and assigns or their respective assets and property, with respect to such Claims or Equity Interests (other than actions brought to enforce any rights or obligations under the Plan):

(a) commencing, conducting or continuing in any manner, directly or indirectly, any suit, action or other proceeding of any kind (including, without limitation, all suits, actions and proceedings that are pending as of the Effective Date, which must be withdrawn or dismissed with prejudice);

(b) enforcing, levying, attaching, collecting or otherwise recovering by any manner or means, whether directly or indirectly, any judgment, award, decree or order;

(c) creating, perfecting or otherwise enforcing in any manner, directly or indirectly, any encumbrance; and

(d) asserting any setoff, right of subrogation or recoupment of any kind; provided, that any defenses, offsets or counterclaims which the Debtors may have or assert in respect of the above referenced Claims or Equity Interests are fully preserved in accordance with Section 13.19.

 

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13.23.   Binding Effect.

The Plan shall be binding upon the Reorganized GSI Entities and their Affiliates, the Debtors, the holders of all Claims and Equity Interests, parties in interest, Persons and their respective successors and assigns. To the extent any provision of the Disclosure Statement or any other solicitation document may be inconsistent with the terms of the Plan, the terms of the Plan shall be binding and conclusive.

 

13.24.   Severability.

IN THE EVENT THE BANKRUPTCY COURT DETERMINES THAT ANY PROVISION OF THE PLAN IS UNENFORCEABLE EITHER ON ITS FACE OR AS APPLIED TO ANY CLAIM OR EQUITY INTEREST OR TRANSACTION, THE DEBTORS MAY MODIFY THE PLAN IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 13.17 SO THAT SUCH PROVISION SHALL NOT BE APPLICABLE TO THE HOLDER OF ANY SUCH CLAIM OR EQUITY INTEREST OR TRANSACTION. SUCH A DETERMINATION OF UNENFORCEABILITY SHALL NOT (A) LIMIT OR AFFECT THE ENFORCEABILITY AND OPERATIVE EFFECT OF ANY OTHER PROVISION OF THE PLAN OR (B) REQUIRE THE RESOLICITATION OF ANY ACCEPTANCE OR REJECTION OF THE PLAN.

 

13.25.   No Admissions.

AS TO CONTESTED MATTERS, ADVERSARY PROCEEDINGS AND OTHER CAUSES OF ACTION OR THREATENED CAUSES OF ACTIONS, THIS PLAN SHALL NOT CONSTITUTE OR BE CONSTRUED AS AN ADMISSION OF ANY FACT OR LIABILITY, STIPULATION OR WAIVER, BUT RATHER AS A STATEMENT MADE IN SETTLEMENT NEGOTIATIONS. THIS PLAN SHALL NOT BE ADMISSIBLE IN ANY NON-BANKRUPTCY PROCEEDING NOR SHALL IT BE CONSTRUED TO BE CONCLUSIVE ADVICE ON THE TAX, SECURITIES AND OTHER LEGAL EFFECTS OF THE PLAN AS TO HOLDERS OF CLAIMS AGAINST, AND EQUITY INTERESTS IN, HOLDINGS OR ANY OF ITS SUBSIDIARIES AND AFFILIATES, AS DEBTORS AND DEBTORS IN POSSESSION IN THESE CHAPTER 11 CASES.

 

13.26.   Senior Notes Settlement.

Pursuant to section 1123(b)(3) of the Bankruptcy Code and Bankruptcy Rule 9019 and subject to the occurrence of the Effective Date, the entry of the Confirmation Order shall constitute approval of a compromise and settlement of any objection, dispute, disallowance, defense, counterclaim, avoidance, subordination, recharacterization or offset of any kind or nature to:

(a) the Class 5 Senior Note Claim in the aggregate amount of (A) $210,000,000 in principal due and owing under the Senior Notes as of the Petition Date, plus (B) $6,031,666.67 in accrued pre-petition interest, plus (C) accrued post-petition interest, plus (D) reimbursement of reasonable fees and expenses as provided in section 6 of the Plan Support Agreement, and plus (E) any other obligations arising under the Senior Notes, the Indenture or the Plan Support Agreement (including any reasonable fees and expenses of the Trustee); and

 

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(b) the Holdings Equity Interest held by the holders of the Senior Notes.

The Senior Note Claim shall be an Allowed Class 5 Claim on the Confirmation Date and shall be entitled to the treatment provided under section 3.5 of the Plan. The Holdings Equity Interest held by the holders of the Senior Notes shall be an Allowed Class 6A Equity Interest on the Confirmation Date and shall be entitled to the treatment provided under section 3.6 of the Plan.

In consideration for the foregoing, the Noteholders (as defined in the Plan Support Agreement) agreed to: (i) enter into the Plan Support Agreement, (ii) support the Plan and the release and discharge provisions contained therein, (iii) withdraw proofs of claim numbers 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79 and 80 as soon as practical after the Effective Date; (iv) forebear from enforcing the pre-Petition Date guaranty obligation of Excel Technology Inc. based on any act that occurred prior to the Effective Date and (v) terminate the pre-Petition Date guaranty of Excel Technology Inc. upon the Effective Date and receipt by holders of Senior Note Claims of the Plan Distributions required to be made under Section 3.5 of the Plan.

[SIGNATURES ON NEXT PAGE]

 

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Dated: May 14, 2010

 

Respectfully submitted,
GSI Group Inc., on behalf of itself, GSI Group Corporation and MES International, Inc.
By:   /s/ Marina Hatsopoulos
Name:   Marina Hatsopoulos
Title:   Director

 

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EXHIBIT “A”

GLOSSARY OF DEFINED TERMS

 

1.           “Administrative Claim”    means a Claim incurred by a Debtor (or its Estate) on or after the Petition Date and before the Effective Date for a cost or expense of administration in the Chapter 11 Cases entitled to priority under sections 503(b) and 507(a)(1) of the Bankruptcy Code, including, without limitation, Fee Claims.
2.   “Affiliate”    means, with respect to any Person, all Persons that would fall within the definition assigned to such term in section 101(2) of the Bankruptcy Code, if such Person was a debtor in a case under the Bankruptcy Code.
3.   “Allowed”   

(a) when used with respect to any Claim, except for a Claim that is an Administrative Claim, means such Claim to the extent it is not a Contested Claim or a Disallowed Claim;

 

(b) with respect to an Administrative Claim, means such Administrative Claim to the extent it has become fixed in amount and priority pursuant to the procedures set forth in Section 4.2(c) of this Plan; and

 

(c) with respect to Equity Interests in any Debtor, means (i) the Equity Interests in any Debtor (except Holdings) as reflected in the stock transfer ledger or similar register of such Debtor as of the Effective Date; and (ii) with respect to Holdings, (A) the issued and outstanding common shares in Holdings as reflected in the stock transfer ledger as of the Effective Date and (B) with respect to Restricted Shares, as reflected on Holdings’ restricted share ledger as set forth in the Schedule 6.16(a) provided that such Restricted Shares have vested in accordance with their terms as specified in Schedule 6.16(a).

4.   “ARS Sale”    means the sale, liquidation or other disposition of the Debtors’ remaining auction rate securities.
5.   “Assets”    means, with respect to any Debtor, all of such Debtor’s right, title and interest of any nature in property of any kind, wherever located, as specified in section 541 of the Bankruptcy Code.

 

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6.           “Avoidance Actions”    means all Causes of Action of the Estates that arise under chapter 5 of the Bankruptcy Code.
7.   “Backstop Commitment”    means the Backstop Investors’ commitment to purchase at the Purchase Price Per Share all New Common Shares to be issued by Reorganized Holdings pursuant to Rights not exercised in the Rights Offering.
8.   “Backstop Commitment Agreement”    means the agreement among the Backstop Investors and the Debtors, dated as of May 14, 2010, pursuant to which the Backstop Investors agreed to provide the Backstop Commitment.
9.   “Backstop Exchange”    shall have the meaning set forth in Section 6.7 hereof.
10.   “Backstop Investors”    means the Noteholder signatories to the Backstop Commitment Agreement.
11.   “Bankruptcy Code”    means the Bankruptcy Reform Act of 1978, as codified at title 11 of the United States Code, as amended from time to time and applicable to the Chapter 11 Cases.
12.   “Bankruptcy Court”    means the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware, or such other court having jurisdiction over the Chapter 11 Cases.
13.   “Bankruptcy Rules”    means the Federal Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure, as prescribed by the United States Supreme Court pursuant to section 2075 of title 28 of the United States Code and as applicable to the Chapter 11 Cases.
14.   “Bar Date Notice”    means the Notice of Establishment of Bar Date for Filing Proofs of Claim Against the Estates, as approved by the Bar Date Order.
15.   “Bar Date Order”    means the Order Pursuant to Bankruptcy Rule 3003(c) (i) Establishing a Bar Date for Filing Certain Proofs of Claim; (ii) Establishing Ramifications for Failure to Comply Therewith; (iii) Approving Proof of Claim Form and Notice of Bar Date; and (iv) Approving Notice and Publication Procedures.
16.   “Business Day”    means any day other than a Saturday, a Sunday or any other day on which commercial banks are required or authorized to close for business in New York, New York.

 

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17.           “Cash”    means legal tender of the United States of America or readily marketable direct obligations of, or obligations guaranteed by, the United States of America.
18.   “Causes of Action”    means all claims, rights, actions, causes of action, liabilities, obligations, suits, debts, remedies, dues, sums of money, accounts, reckonings, bonds, bills, specialties, covenants, contracts, controversies, agreements, promises, variances, trespasses, damages or judgments, whether known or unknown, liquidated or unliquidated, fixed or contingent, matured or unmatured, foreseen or unforeseen, asserted or unasserted, arising in law, equity or otherwise.
19.   “Chapter 11 Cases”    means the cases commenced under chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code pending before the Bankruptcy Court with respect to each of the Debtors.
20.   “Claim”    means (a) any right to payment, whether or not such right is known or unknown, reduced to judgment, liquidated, unliquidated, fixed, contingent, matured, unmatured, disputed, undisputed, legal, equitable, secured, or unsecured; or (b) any right to an equitable remedy for breach of performance if such breach gives rise to a right of payment, whether or not such right to an equitable remedy is known or unknown, reduced to judgment, fixed, contingent, matured, unmatured, disputed, undisputed, secured, or unsecured.
21.   “Claims Agent”    means the entity designated by order of the Bankruptcy Court to process proofs of claim.
22.   “Claims Adjustment Amount”    means the excess amount, if any by which Allowed and unpaid filed and scheduled (excluding Disallowed Claims) Priority Claims (Class 1), Secured Claims (Class 2) and General Unsecured Claims (Class 3) exceed $22,500,000 in the aggregate.
23.   “Class 5 Notes”    means the Senior Notes and the GSI UK Note.
24.   “Class 6A Claims and Interests”    means Holdings Equity Interests and Section 510(b) Claims, collectively.

 

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25.           “Class 6A Reserve”    shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.9 hereof.
26.   “Committee”    means any official committee appointed in the Chapter 11 Cases.
27.   “Confirmation Date”    means the date on which the Clerk of the Bankruptcy Court enters the Confirmation Order on the docket of the Bankruptcy Court.
28.   “Confirmation Hearing”    means the hearing held by the Bankruptcy Court, as it may be continued from time to time, to consider confirmation of the Plan.
29.   “Confirmation Order”    means the order of the Bankruptcy Court confirming the Plan.
30.   “Consensual Board Member”    shall have the meaning set forth in Section 6.14 hereof.
31.   “Contested”   

(a) when used with respect to a Claim, means such Claim (i) to the extent it is listed in the Schedules as disputed, contingent, or unliquidated, in whole or in part, and as to which no proof of claim has been filed; (ii) if it is listed in the Schedules as undisputed, liquidated, and not contingent and as to which a proof of claim has been filed with the Bankruptcy Court, to the extent (A) the proof of claim amount exceeds the amount indicated in the Schedules, or (B) the proof of claim priority differs from the priority set forth in the Schedules, in each case as to which an objection was filed on or before the Objection Deadline, unless and to the extent allowed in amount and/or priority by a Final Order of the Bankruptcy Court; (iii) if it is not listed in the Schedules or was listed in the Schedules as disputed, contingent or unliquidated, in whole or in part, but as to which a proof of claim has been filed with the Bankruptcy Court, in each case as to which an objection was filed on or before the Objection Deadline, unless and to the extent allowed in amount and/or priority by a Final Order of the Bankruptcy Court; or (iv) as to which an objection has been filed on or before the Effective Date; provided, that a Claim that is fixed in amount and priority pursuant to the Plan or by Final Order on or before the Effective Date shall not be a Contested Claim; and

 

(b) when used with respect to an Equity Interest, means such Equity Interest to the extent it is not reflected on the applicable Debtor’s stock transfer register as of the Effective Date and with respect to Restricted Shares, Schedule 6.16(b) or if at such time there is an objection pending to the allowance thereof.

 

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32.           “Contingent Excess Cash”    means, for every dollar of Claims Adjustment Amount, Cash to be paid to the holders of Allowed Senior Note Claims and Allowed GSI UK Note Claims in accordance with the distribution provisions of the Plan in an amount equal to one cent per each one percent of ownership of New Common Shares held by holders of Allowed Senior Note Claims and Allowed GSI UK Note Claims on account of such Claims after giving effect to the Rights Offering, Supplemental Note Exchanges, New Equity Awards and the Management Incentive Plan but without giving effect to the New Common Shares issued pursuant to the Backstop Commitment.
33.   “Debtor”    means any of Holdings and its direct and indirect Subsidiaries that are debtors in the Chapter 11 Cases, including GSI and MES.
34.   “Disallowed”    when used with respect to a Claim, means a Claim, or such portion of a Claim, that has been disallowed by a Final Order.
35.   “Disbursing Agent”    means Reorganized Holdings or any agent selected by Reorganized Holdings, acting on behalf of the Debtors in (a) making the Plan Distributions contemplated under the Plan, the Confirmation Order, or any other relevant Final Order, and (b) performing any other act or task that is or may be delegated to the Disbursing Agent under the Plan.
36.   “Disclosure Statement Order”    means the order entered by the Bankruptcy Court (a) approving the Disclosure Statement as containing adequate information required under section 1125 of the Bankruptcy Code, and (b) authorizing the use of the Disclosure Statement for soliciting votes on the Plan.
37.   “Disclosure Statement”    means the disclosure statement filed with respect to the Plan, as it may be amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, and the exhibits and schedules thereto.

 

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38.           “Effective Date”    means the first Business Day after all of the conditions specified in Section 9.2 have been satisfied or waived (to the extent waivable) on which the Plan shall be substantially consummated (provided, however, that substantial consummation shall be deemed to have occurred no later than the receipt of distributions provided by the Senior Noteholders as set forth in Section 3.5(i) - (vii) hereof).
39.   “Equity Committee”    means the statutory committee of equity security holders appointed in the Chapter 11 Cases on December 22, 2009.
40.   “Equity Interest”    means any outstanding ownership interest in any of the Debtors, including, without limitation, interests evidenced by common or preferred stock, membership interests, options, warrants, restricted stock, restricted stock units or their equivalents, or other rights to purchase or otherwise receive any ownership interest in any of the Debtors and any right to payment or compensation based upon any such interest, whether or not such interest is owned by the holder of such right to payment or compensation.
41.   “Escrow Agent”    shall mean the Escrow Agent as set forth in the Escrow Agreement.
42.   “Escrow Agreement”    shall mean an escrow agreement by and among Reorganized Holdings on the account of holders of Section 510(b) Claims and the Escrow Agent, substantially in the form filed with the Bankruptcy Court as a Plan Supplement.
43.   “Estate”    means the estate of any Debtor created by section 541 of the Bankruptcy Code upon the commencement of the Chapter 11 Cases.
44.   “Exchange Act”    means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended and the rules and regulations of the Security and Exchange Commission promulgated thereunder.
45.   “Face Amount Minimum”    shall have the meaning ascribed to it in Section 7.8(b) hereof.
46.   “Fee Application”    means an application for allowance and payment of a Fee Claim (including any Claims for “substantial contribution” pursuant to section 503(b) of the Bankruptcy Code).

 

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47.           “Fee Claim”    means a Claim of a Professional Person.
48.   “Final Order”    means an order or judgment entered by the Bankruptcy Court or any other court of competent jurisdiction that has not been amended, modified or reversed, and as to which (a) no stay is in effect, (b) the time to seek rehearing, file a notice of appeal or petition for certiorari has expired and (c) no appeal, request for stay, petition seeking certiorari or other review is pending.
49.   “Fractional Distribution”    has the meaning set forth in Section 6.16(a) hereof.
50.   “General Unsecured Claims”    means any Claim against a Debtor other than an Administrative Claim, a Tax Claim, a Priority Claim, a Secured Claim, an Intercompany Claim or a Note Claim.
51.   “GSI”    means GSI Group Corporation, a Michigan corporation
52.   “GSI Limited Holdings”    means GSI Limited Holdings Corporation, a company organized under the laws of the Province of New Brunswick, Canada, which on the Effective Date will become a direct wholly-owned subsidiary of Holdings.
53.   “GSI Limited Holdings II”    means GSI Limited Holdings II Corporation, a company organized under the laws of the Province of New Brunswick, Canada, which on the Effective Date will become a direct wholly-owned subsidiary of GSI Limited Holdings.
54.   “GSI UK”    means GSI Group Limited, a company organized under the laws of England and Wales and a wholly owned Subsidiary of Holdings, which upon the Effective Date shall become a wholly owned subsidiary of GSI Limited Holdings II.
55.   “GSI UK Note”    means the 12.94% promissory note issued by GSI to GSI UK dated as of July 25, 2008 in the amount of GBP12,500,000.

 

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56.           “GSI UK Note Claim”    means the Claim against a Debtor arising pursuant to the GSI UK Note.
57.   “GSI UK Shares”    means all of the issued and outstanding shares of capital stock of GSI UK.
58.   “Guarantee Claim”    means a Claim against a Debtor arising pursuant to a guarantee of the obligations of any Obligor Debtor valid under applicable law.
59.   “Guarantor Debtor”    means a Debtor that has guaranteed the obligations of any Obligor Debtor.
60.   “Holdings Common Shares”    means common shares of Holdings, no par value.
61.   “Holdings Equity Interest”    means an Equity Interest in Holdings, including any such Equity Interest that is exercised or earned and vested as of the Effective Date (including any such Equity Interests that becomes vested by way of acceleration on the Effective Date pursuant to its terms), but excluding any such Equity Interest that is unexercised or unvested as of the Effective Date (which shall include treasury stock and all options, warrants, calls, rights, participation rights, puts, awards, commitments, Shareholder Rights (including any Shareholder Right not yet exercisable pursuant to the Shareholder Rights Plan) or any other agreements of any character to acquire such Equity Interest).
62.   “Holdings”    means GSI Group Inc., a company continuing to be organized under the laws of the Province of New Brunswick, Canada.
63.   “Indenture Trustee”    means the indenture trustee under the New Indenture
64.   “Insured Claim”    means any Claim against a Debtor for which the Debtor is entitled to indemnification, reimbursement, contribution or other payment under a policy of insurance wherein a Debtor is an insured or beneficiary of the coverage of any of the Debtors.
65.   “Integral Multiples”    shall have the meaning ascribed to it in Section 7.8(b) hereof.
66.   “Intercompany Claim”    means a Claim held by any Debtor or any wholly owned Subsidiary of any Debtor against any Debtor based on any fact, action, omission, occurrence or thing that occurred or came into existence prior to the Petition Date. For avoidance of doubt, any Claim by a Debtor for subrogation pursuant to Section 13.4, and the Allowed GSI UK Note Claim shall not be deemed an Intercompany Claim for purposes of Plan Distributions or otherwise under this Plan.

 

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67.           “Internal Revenue Code”    means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and any applicable rulings, regulations (including temporary and proposed regulations) promulgated thereunder, judicial decisions, and notices, announcements, and other releases of the United States Treasury Department or the IRS.
68.   “IRS”    means the United States Internal Revenue Service.
69.   “Management Incentive Plan”    means the management incentive plan contemplated by Section 6.16(b) hereof.
70.   “MES”    means MES International, Inc., a Delaware corporation and a wholly owned subsidiary of MicroE Systems, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of GSI.
71.   “New Common Shares”    means common shares of Reorganized Holdings.
72.   “New Equity Awards”    means New Options and New Restricted Shares
73.   “New Indenture”    means the Indenture to be dated on or about the Effective Date and to be entered into between Reorganized GSI, as Issuer, Reorganized Holdings and each of the Subsidiary Guarantors, as guarantors and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A. as trustee, providing for the issuance of New Senior Secured Notes. The New Indenture shall be substantially in the form filed with the Bankruptcy Court on May 14, 2010 as a Plan Document.
74.   “New Options”    has the meaning set forth in Section 6.16(a) hereof.
75.   “New Restricted Shares”    has the meaning set forth in Section 6.16(a) hereof.
76.   “New Senior Secured Notes”    means new senior secured notes of Reorganized GSI in the form attached to the New Indenture to be issued on or about the Effective Date. The principal amount of the New Senior Secured Notes shall be $230 million less the sum of (i) the Notes Payment plus (ii) the aggregate face amount of Senior Note Claims exchanged for New Common Shares pursuant to the Note Exchanges. The New Senior Secured Notes shall mature January 15, 2014 and have a coupon of 12.25% if paid in cash or 13.00% if paid in kind. The New Senior Secured Notes and the New Indenture shall be substantially in the form filed with the Bankruptcy Court as a Plan Document.

 

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77.           “NH Legal Counsel”    has the meaning set forth in Section 6(a) of the Plan Support Agreement.
78.   “NH Professionals”    means, collectively, NH Legal Counsel and Houlihan Lokey Howard & Zukin Capital, Inc.
79.   “Note Claims”    means the Senior Note Claims and the GSI UK Note Claims.
80.   “Noteholders”    means the holders of the Senior Notes who execute the Plan Support Agreement.
81.   “Note Exchanges”    means the exchange of Senior Notes for New Common Shares at the Purchase Price Per Share pursuant to the Backstop Exchange and the Supplemental Equity Exchange.
82.   “Noteholder Observer Parties”    shall have the meaning set forth in Section 6.14(a) hereof.
83.   “Notes Payment”    means a Cash payment or payments (a) to holders of Allowed Note Claims in the aggregate amount of $10,952,381 plus (b) to holders of Allowed Senior Notes Claims, the Rights Offering Proceeds plus (c) to the holder of the GSI UK Note Claim, the product of the aggregate amount of Rights Offering Proceeds times the proportion of the principal amount of the GSI UK Note ($20 million) to the original principal amount of the Senior Notes ($210 million).
84.   “Notice of Confirmation”    means the notice of entry of the Confirmation Order to be filed with the Bankruptcy Court and mailed by the Claims Agent to holders of Claims and Equity Interests.
85.   “Objection Deadline”    means the deadline for filing objections to Claims as set forth in Section 8.1 of the Plan.
86.   “Obligor Debtor”    means any Debtor that is the primary obligor of any obligations guaranteed by another Debtor.

 

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87.           “Old Equity Awards”    means Old Options and Old Restricted Shares.
88.   “Old Options”    has the meaning set forth in Section 6.16(a) hereof.
89.   “Old Restricted Shares”    has the meaning set forth in Section 6.16(a) hereof.
90.   “Person”    means an individual, corporation, partnership, limited liability company, joint venture, trust, estate, unincorporated association, unincorporated organization, governmental entity, or political subdivision thereof, or any other entity.
91.   “Petition Date”    means, with respect to any Debtor, the date on which the Chapter 11 Case of such Debtor was commenced.
92.   “Plan”    means this chapter 11 plan, either in its present form or as it may be amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, and the exhibits and schedules hereto, as the same may be in effect at the time such reference becomes operative.
93.   “Plan Distribution Date”    means (a) with respect to any Claim (other than a Senior Note Claim), (i) the Effective Date or a date that is as soon as reasonably practicable after the Effective Date, if such Claim is then an Allowed Claim, or (ii) a date that is as soon as reasonably practicable after the date such Claim becomes Allowed, if not Allowed on the Effective Date, (b) with respect to any Equity Interest, the Effective Date or a date that is as soon as reasonably practicable after the Effective Date and (c) with respect to the Senior Note Claims, the Effective Date or such other date after the Effective Date that is agreed to in writing with the Required Noteholders.
94.   “Plan Distribution”    means the payment or distribution under the Plan of Cash, Assets, securities or instruments evidencing an obligation under the Plan to the holder of an Allowed Claim or Allowed Equity Interest.
95.   “Plan Distribution Record Date”    means (a) with respect to any Claim, the Confirmation Date, (b) with respect to any Equity Interest, the Effective Date, and (c) with respect to the Senior Note Claims, the Subscription Expiration Date as set forth in the Rights Offering Documents.

 

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96.           “Plan Distribution Rights”    means the rights that are part of the plan distribution to holders of Allowed Class 6A Claims and Interests who hold Holdings Common Shares on the Plan Distribution Record Date (excluding Holdings Common Shares that have not vested as of the Rights Offering Commencement Date), to be issued and, to the extent such holder so elects, exercised on the Plan Distribution Date.
97.   “Plan Documents”    means the documents that aid in effectuating the Plan as specifically identified as such herein and filed with the Bankruptcy Court as specified in Section 1.5 of the Plan including, without limitation those listed on Exhibit B hereto, which shall be in form and substance reasonably acceptable to the Debtors, the Required Noteholders and, except with respect to the Backstop Commitment Agreement, the Equity Committee.
98.   “Plan Supplement”    means the supplement or supplements to the Plan containing certain documents relevant to the implementation of the Plan or the treatment of the Allowed Claims and Equity Interests thereunder (including without limitation the Plan Documents).
99.   “Plan Support Agreement”    means that certain restructuring plan support agreement, by and among the Debtors, the Equity Committee and each of the Noteholders dated as of May 14, 2010. The Plan Support Agreement will be filed with the Bankruptcy Court as a Plan Document.
100.   “Post-Effective Date Fully Diluted Capital Stock of Reorganized Holdings”    means the total number of New Common Shares issued pursuant to this Plan, including the Rights Offering and Note Exchanges, and all New Common Shares issuable upon exercise or vesting of New Equity Awards or in connection with any management incentive plan.
101.   “Post-Confirmation Interest”    means simple interest on an Allowed Claim at the rate payable on federal judgments as of the Effective Date or such other rate as the Bankruptcy Court may determine at the Confirmation Hearing is appropriate, such interest to accrue from the Plan Distribution Date applicable to a Claim to the date of actual payment with respect to such Claim.

 

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102.       “Post-Petition Interest”   

means with respect to:

 

(a) Secured Claims, unpaid interest accruing on such claims from the Petition Date through the Effective Date at the non-default rate set forth in the contract or other applicable document giving rise to such claims;

 

(b) Tax Claims, interest at the non-penalty rate set forth in the applicable state or federal law governing such Claims from the Petition Date through the Effective Date;

 

(c) Priority Claims, General Unsecured Claims and Note Claims, interest from the Petition Date through the Effective Date at

 

(i) the non-default rate set forth in the contract or other applicable document giving rise to such claims, or

 

(ii) such interest, if any, as otherwise agreed to by the holder of such Claim and the applicable Debtor, or

 

(iii) any other applicable rate of interest required to unimpair such Claim, as may be determined by the Bankruptcy Court; and

 

(d) Claims other than as listed in (a) through (c) herein, interest at 0%.

 

Notwithstanding the foregoing, Post-Petition Interest as it relates to a particular Allowed Claim shall (i) be considered to be $0.00 for distribution purposes under Article III or Article IV if the amount of relevant Allowed Claim already includes Post-Petition Interest so as to avoid a duplicate distribution of Post-Petition Interest, (ii) be reduced by the amount of Post-Petition Interest paid on such Claim during the pendency of the Chapter 11 Cases so as to avoid a duplicate distribution of Post-Petition Interest and (iii) only include interest accruing on such Claim through the earlier of the Effective Date or the date payment was made in the event payment on a Claim was made prior to the Effective Date.

 

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103.       “Priority Claim”    means any Claim to the extent such Claim is entitled to priority in right of payment under section 507(a) of the Bankruptcy Code, other than Secured Claims, Administrative Claims, and Tax Claims.
104.   “Pro Rata Share”    means the proportion that an Allowed Claim or Equity Interest bears to the aggregate amount of all Claims or Equity Interests in a particular class, including Contested Claims or Equity Interests, but excluding Disallowed Claims, (a) as calculated by the Disbursing Agent; or (b) as determined or estimated by the Bankruptcy Court.
105.   “Professional Person”    means a Person retained or to be compensated for services rendered or costs incurred on or after the Petition Date and on or prior to the Effective Date pursuant to sections 327, 328,329, 330, 331, 503(b), or 1103 of the Bankruptcy Code in the Chapter 11 Case and shall not include NH Professionals.
106.   “Purchase Price Per Share”    means the price of $1.80 per share.
107.   “Registration Rights Agreement”    means Registration Rights Agreement by and between Reorganized Holdings and the Backstop Investors, pursuant to which the Backstop Investors would have the right to require Reorganized Holdings to effect registered secondary offerings of the New Common Shares on terms and conditions to be negotiated and reflected in such Registration Rights Agreement which shall be in form and substance reasonably acceptable to the Required Noteholders, provided there shall be no more than two demand resale shelf registrations. The Registration Rights Agreement will be filed with the Bankruptcy Court as a Plan Document.
108.   “Reinstated” or “Reinstatement”   

means rendering a Claim unimpaired within the meaning of section 1124 of the Bankruptcy Code. Unless the Plan specifies a particular method of Reinstatement, when the Plan provides that an Allowed Claim will be Reinstated, such Claim will be Reinstated, at the applicable Reorganized Debtor’s sole discretion, in accordance with one of the following:.

 

a) The legal, equitable and contractual rights to which such Claim entitles the holder will be unaltered; or

 

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b) Notwithstanding any contractual provisions or applicable law that entitles the holder of such Claim to demand or receive accelerated payment of such Claim after the occurrence of a default:

 

i. any such default that occurred before or after the commencement of the applicable Chapter 11 Case, other than a default of a kind specified in section 365(b)(2) of the Bankruptcy Code, will be cured;

 

ii. the maturity of such Claim as such maturity existed before such default will be reinstated;

 

iii. the holder of such Claim will be compensated for any damages incurred as a result of any reasonable reliance by such holder on such contractual provision or such applicable law;

 

iv. if such Claim arises from any failure to perform a nonmonetary obligation, other than a default arising from failure to operate a nonresidential real property lease subject to section 365(b)(1)(A) of the Bankruptcy Code, the holder of such Claim will be compensated for any actual pecuniary loss incurred by such holder as a result of such failure; and

 

v. the legal, equitable or contractual rights to which such Claim entitles the holder of such Claim will not otherwise be altered.

109.       “Released Parties”    means, collectively, (a) the Debtors, the Reorganized GSI Entities, (b) each Noteholder, in its capacity as such, (c) each indenture trustee under the Senior Notes Indenture, and (d) with respect to each of the foregoing entities in clauses (a) through (c), such person’s current and former affiliates, predecessors, successors in interest, parent entities, subsidiaries, attorneys, accountants, officers, partners, managers, directors, principals, members, equity holders, partners, employees, agents, investment bankers, auditors, restructuring and other consultants, financial advisors (including any firm that provided fairness opinions or similar advice to the Debtors or their

 

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     boards of directors as to the transactions effectuated by this Plan) and other professionals, in each case in their capacity as such; provided, that if the Bankruptcy Court requires the Debtors to re-solicit approval of the Plan pursuant to Section 1125 of the Bankruptcy Code, then “Released Parties” shall also include the Equity Committee and its members, and with respect to each of the foregoing entities, such person’s current and former affiliates, predecessors, successors in interest, parent entities, subsidiaries, attorneys, accountants, officers, partners, managers, directors, principals, members, equity holders, partners, employees, agents, investment bankers, auditors, restructuring and other consultants, financial advisors and other professionals, in each case in their capacity as such.
110.       “Reorganized GSI Entities”    means Reorganized Holdings, together with its affiliated Debtors as reorganized.
111.   “Reorganized GSI”    means GSI, on or after the Effective Date.
112.   “Reorganized Holdings”    means Holdings, on or after the Effective Date, to be renamed Excel Technology, Inc. as of the Effective Date.
113.   “Reorganized Holdings Constituent Documents”    means the articles of reorganization of Reorganized Holdings and each of its affiliated Debtors, as amended or amended and restated as of the Effective Date, among other things, to (a) prohibit the issuance of non-voting equity securities by such Debtor as required by section 1123(a)(6) of the Bankruptcy Code, and (b) otherwise give effect to the provisions of this Plan. The Reorganized Holdings Constituent Documents shall be in substantially the form filed with the Bankruptcy Court as Plan Documents.
114.   “Reorganized MES”    means MES, on or after the Effective Date.
115.   “Required Noteholders”    has the meaning set forth in the Plan Support Agreement.
116.   “Restricted Shares”    means common shares of Holdings which pursuant to the awards for such shares are subject to vesting.
117.   “Rights”    means the non-transferable entitlement to elect to subscribe for New Common Shares upon the exercise of Plan Distribution Rights, which such election to so exercise by the applicable holder must be made on or prior to the Subscription Expiration Date.

 

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118.       “Rights Offering”    means the subscription election procedure for the exercise of the Plan Distribution Rights in the Rights Offering Amount to holders of Holdings Common Shares, as described in the Rights Offering Packet, provided that each applicable holder will be entitled to participate at the Rights Offering at the Pro Rata Rights Offering Percentage.
119.   “Rights Offering Amount”    means $85 million.
120.   “Rights Offering Commencement Date”    means the date upon which certain Rights Offering Documents are mailed or otherwise submitted or provided to holders of outstanding and vested but not yet issued Holdings Common Shares, and such date will also be the start of the subscription election period for the Rights Offering.
121.   “Rights Offering Disclosure”    has the meaning set forth in the Plan Support Agreement.
122.   “Rights Offering Documents”    means the documents effectuating the Rights Offering and Backstop Commitment.
123.   “Rights Offering Percentage”    means the percentage calculated by dividing (a) the Rights Offering Amount divided by the Purchase Price Per Share by (b) the number of shares outstanding immediately preceding the Effective Date (excluding treasury stock and Holdings Common Shares that had not vested as of the Rights Offering Commencement Date).
124.   “Rights Offering Procedures”    means the document setting forth the procedures for participating in the Rights Offering, as included in the Rights Offering Packet.
125.   “Rights Offering Packet”    means certain documents relating to the Rights Offering, including the Rights Offering Disclosure, Rights Offering Procedures, the subscription forms related to the Rights and instructions to the subscription forms, which packet shall be included as a Plan Document in Exhibit B hereto.
126.   “Rights Offering Proceeds”    means all Cash proceeds from the Rights Offering.

 

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127.       “Schedules”    means the schedules of assets and liabilities and list of Equity Interests and the statements of financial affairs filed by each of the Debtors with the Bankruptcy Court, as required by section 521 of the Bankruptcy Code and in conformity with the Official Bankruptcy Forms of the Bankruptcy Rules, as such schedules and statements have been or may be amended or supplemented by the Debtors in Possession from time to time in accordance with Bankruptcy Rule 1009.
128.   “Section 510(b) Claim”    shall mean any Claim subordinated pursuant to section 510(b) of the Bankruptcy Code arising from the rescission of a purchase or sale of any Holdings Equity Interest or rights relating to any Holdings Equity Interest, or any Claim for damages arising from the purchase or sale of any Holdings Equity Interest, including, in each case, common shares of Holdings or any Claim for reimbursement, contribution, or indemnification arising from or relating to any such Claims, including, for the avoidance of doubt, any Claims arising from the Securities Class Action.
129.   “Secured Claim”    means (a) a Claim secured by a lien on any Assets, which lien is valid, perfected, and enforceable under applicable law and is not subject to avoidance under the Bankruptcy Code or applicable non-bankruptcy law, and which is duly established in the Chapter 11 Cases, but only to the extent of the value of the holder’s interest in the collateral that secures payment of the Claim; (b) a Claim against the Debtors that is subject to a valid right of recoupment or setoff under section 553 of the Bankruptcy Code, but only to the extent of the Allowed amount subject to recoupment or setoff as provided in section 506(a) of the Bankruptcy Code; and (c) a Claim deemed or treated under the Plan as a Secured Claim; provided, that, to the extent that the value of such interest is less than the amount of the Claim which has the benefit of such security, the unsecured portion of such Claim shall be treated as a General Unsecured Claim unless, in any such case the class of which Claim is a part makes a valid and timely election in accordance with section 1111(b) of the Bankruptcy Code to have such Claim treated as a Secured Claim to the extent Allowed.

 

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130.       “Securities Act”    means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended and the rules and regulations of the Security and Exchange Commission promulgated thereunder.
131.   “Securities Class Action”    means that certain putative shareholder class action entitled Wiltold Trzeciakowski, Individually and on behalf of all others similarly situated v. GSI Group Inc., Sergio Edelstein, and Robert Bowen, Case No. 08-cv-12065 (GAO), filed on December 12, 2008, in the United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts in connection with the delayed filing of its results for the quarter ended September 26, 2008, and the announcement of a review of revenue transactions, alleging federal securities violations against Holdings and certain of Holdings’ current and former officers and directors.
132.   “Security Agreement”    means the Security Agreement to be executed and delivered by Reorganized Holdings, Reorganized GSI and each Subsidiary Guarantor, substantially in the form attached to the New Indenture and filed as a Plan Document.
133.   “Security Documents”    means (a) the Security Agreement, (b) all other security agreements, pledge agreements, collateral assignments, mortgages, deeds of trust, title policies, control agreements or other grants or transfer of security, creating (or purporting to create) a lien upon the collateral as contemplated by the New Indenture and the Security Agreement, (c) fee mortgages and other real estate-related documentation customarily requested by secured lenders lending directly against real estate assets and as may be reasonably requested by the Required Noteholders, and (d) leasehold mortgages (as reasonably requested by the Required Noteholders and which Reorganized Holdings shall use commercially reasonable efforts to obtain) or, if determined by the Required Noteholders in lieu of one or more leasehold mortgages, landlord waivers, which Reorganized Holdings shall use commercially reasonable efforts to obtain, in each case in form and substance reasonably acceptable to the Required Noteholders.

 

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134.       “Senior Note Claim”    each Claim of a Noteholder against Holdings and GSI and/or any Guarantee Claim with respect to the Senior Notes arising under or evidenced by the Senior Notes or the Indenture for the Senior Notes and related documents. Each Noteholder shall have a single Senior Note Claim on account of each Senior Note, which Claim shall encompass and include all Guarantee Claims as to such Senior Note.
135.   “Senior Notes”    means those certain 11% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2013 issued by GSI and guaranteed by Holdings and certain Subsidiaries, governed by the Senior Note Indenture.
136.   “Senior Notes Indenture”    means that certain Indenture, by and among GSI, Holdings and Excel Technology, Inc. (f/k/a Eagle Acquisition Corporation), as guarantors and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as trustee, dated as of August 20, 2008, relating to those certain 11% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2013 issued by GSI, as such Indenture has been supplemented by the First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of August 25, 2008 and the Second Supplemental Indenture, dated as of March 5, 2009.
137.   “Shareholder Rights”    means the rights issued under the Shareholder Rights Plan.
138.   “Shareholder Rights Plan”    means that certain Shareholder Rights Plan, dated April 22, 2005, by and between Holdings and Computershare Trust Company of Canada, as Rights Agent.
139.   “Subordinated Claim”    means a Claim (other than a Note Claim) against any Debtor subordinated by a Final Order.
140.   “Subsidiary”    means any entity of which Holdings owns directly or indirectly more than fifty percent (50%) of the outstanding capital stock or membership interests.
141.   “Subsidiary Guarantors”    means, collectively, Cambridge Technology, Inc., Continuum Electro-Optics, Inc., Control Laser Corp. (d/b/a Baublys Control Laser), Excel Technology, Inc. (as it may be renamed as of or about the Effective Date), MicroE Systems Corp., Reorganized MES, The Optical Corp., Photo Research, Inc., Quantronix Corp. and Synrad, Inc.

 

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142.       “Subscription Expiration Date”    means the Business Day reasonably determined by Holdings, in consultation with the Backstop Investors, on which the subscription election period for the Rights Offering shall expire, which date shall be no earlier than 20 Business Days after the Rights Offering Commencement Date.
143.   “Supplemental Equity Exchange”    means, after giving effect to the Notes Payment, the exchange of the face amount of $5,476,190 of Class 5 Notes, respectively, for New Common Shares at the Purchase Price Per Share.
144.   “Tax Claim”    means a Claim against any of the Debtors that is of a kind specified in section 507(a)(8) of the Bankruptcy Code.

 

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EXHIBIT “B”

PLAN DOCUMENTS

Articles of Reorganization of Reorganized Holdings

Plan Support Agreement

Backstop Commitment Agreement

Registration Rights Agreement

Escrow Agreement

New Indenture and New Senior Secured Notes

Security Agreement

Rights Offering Escrow Agreement

Rights Offering Packet

Schedule 6.16(a): Schedule of Unvested Restricted Stock and Unexercised Options and The Vesting Provisions Thereof

Schedule 6.16(b): Schedule of Vested Restricted Stock and The Vesting Provisions Thereof


Exhibit B

BACKSTOP COMMITMENT AGREEMENT

(See attached.)

 

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EX-10.2 3 dex102.htm BACKSTOP COMMITMENT AGREEMENT Backstop Commitment Agreement

Exhibit 10.2

EXECUTION COPY

BACKSTOP COMMITMENT AGREEMENT

BACKSTOP COMMITMENT AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”), dated as of May 14, 2010, by and among GSI Group Inc., a company organized under the laws of the Province of New Brunswick, Canada, which, as of the Effective Date (as defined below), shall be renamed Excel Technology, Inc. (the “Company”), and the investors identified on Schedule I hereto (each, a “Backstop Investor” and, collectively, the “Backstop Investors”).

RECITALS

WHEREAS, on November 20, 2009, the Company, MES International, Inc. and GSI Group Corporation (together with the Company, the “Debtors”) each filed voluntary petitions for relief under chapter 11 of title 11 of the United States Code (as amended, the “Bankruptcy Code”) in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware (the “Bankruptcy Court”) and the Debtors’ cases are being jointly administered (the “Bankruptcy Cases”);

WHEREAS, on the date hereof, the Debtors have filed with the Clerk of the Bankruptcy Court the Fourth Modified Joint Chapter 11 Plan of Reorganization of the Debtors (the “Plan”);

WHEREAS, pursuant to the Plan, the Company has agreed to commence a rights offering (the “Rights Offering”) whereby holders (each a “Holder” and collectively, the “Holders”) of Common Shares of the Company (“Existing Shares”) shall be granted non-transferable rights (“Rights”) to purchase, on a pro rata basis in proportion to their respective holdings of Existing Shares, up to an aggregate amount of 47,222,222 new Common Shares of the Company (“New Common Shares”) at a purchase price of $1.80 per share (“Per Share Purchase Price”) payable in cash for aggregate maximum proceeds to the Company of $85.0 million;

WHEREAS, in order to facilitate the Rights Offering, pursuant to this Agreement, and subject to the terms, conditions and limitations set forth herein and in consideration of the payment of the Commitment Fee (as defined herein), the Company is willing to sell, and the Backstop Investors are willing to purchase, on the Effective Date, for an aggregate purchase price payable by the deemed exchange and cancellation of a portion of Senior Note Claims (as defined below) equal to the Per Share Purchase Price, the greater of (i) 11,111,111 New Common Shares (the “Minimum Commitment Shares”) and (ii) the total number of New Common Shares not purchased by Holders in the Rights Offering (the “Unsubscribed Shares”); and

WHEREAS, the Company and each Backstop Investor is executing and delivering this Agreement in reliance upon the exemption from securities registration afforded by Section 1145 of the Bankruptcy Code and applicable Canadian securities laws.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and of the mutual agreements contained herein, and for other good and valuable consideration the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, and intending to be legally bound hereby, the parties hereto agree as follows:

Section 1. DEFINITIONS.

(a) As used in this Agreement, the following terms shall have the following meanings:

Addendum” has the meaning assigned to it in Section 10.8.


Affiliate” means, with respect to any specified Person, any other Person that directly, or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with, such specified Person.

Agreement” has the meaning assigned to it in the preamble hereto.

Approval Motion” has the meaning assigned to it in Section 5.1.

Approval Order” has the meaning assigned to it in Section 5.1.

Assumption Agreement” has the meaning assigned to it in Section 10.8.

Backstop Commitment” means the commitment of each Backstop Investor to acquire the number of New Common Shares equal to the product of (i) each such Backup Investor’s Backstop Percentage and (ii) the greater of (A) the Minimum Commitment Shares and (B) the Unsubscribed Shares.

Backstop Investor” has the meaning assigned to it in the preamble hereto.

Backstop Investor Default” has the meaning assigned to it in Section 8(b)(i).

Backstop Investor Material Adverse Effect” means any event, circumstance, development, change or effect that, individually or in the aggregate with all other events, circumstances, developments, changes or effects, has or would reasonably be expected to prevent, materially delay or materially impair the ability of a Backstop Investor to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby.

Backstop Percentage” means, at any time of determination, with respect to any Backstop Investor, the percentage set forth opposite the name of such Backstop Investor under the heading “Backstop Percentage” on Schedule I hereto (as such Schedule I may be updated pursuant to Section 10.8 hereof).

Backstop Purchase Price” means, with respect to any Backstop Investor, such Backstop Investor’s Backstop Percentage of the product of the (i) Per Share Purchase Price and (ii) the greater of (A) the Minimum Commitment Shares and (B) the Unsubscribed Shares.

Backstop Shares” has the meaning assigned to it in Section 2.2(a).

Bankruptcy Cases” has the meaning assigned to it in the recitals hereto.

Bankruptcy Code” means title 11 of the United States Code, as amended from time to time.

 

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Bankruptcy Court” has the meaning assigned to it in the recitals hereto.

Business Day” any day that is not a Saturday, a Sunday or other day on which banks are required or authorized by Law to be closed in the City of New York.

Closing” has the meaning assigned to it in Section 2.2(b).

Commitment Fee” means for each Backstop Investor a fee equal to 5% of the product of (i) such Backstop Investor’s Backstop Percentage and (ii) $85 million.

Company” has the meaning assigned to it in the preamble hereto.

Company Material Adverse Effect” means any event, circumstance, development, change or effect that, individually or in the aggregate with all other events, circumstances, developments, changes or effects, (a) has had or would reasonably be expected to have or result in a material adverse effect or change in the results of operations, properties, assets, liabilities or condition (financial or otherwise) of the Company and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole or (b) has or would reasonably be expected to prevent, materially delay or materially impair the ability of the Company to consummate the Rights Offering and the transactions contemplated hereby.

Confirmation Order” means the Order of the Bankruptcy Court confirming the Plan.

Contracts” means any contract, arrangement, note, bond, commitment, purchase order, sales order, franchise, guarantee, indemnity, indenture, instrument, lease, license or other agreement, understanding, instrument or obligation, whether written or oral, all amendments, supplements and modifications of or for any of the foregoing and all rights and interests arising thereunder or in connection therewith.

control” (including the terms “controlled by” and “under common control with”), with respect to the relationship between or among two or more Persons, means the possession, directly or indirectly or as trustee, personal representative or executor, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the affairs, policies or management of a Person, whether through the ownership of voting securities, as trustee, personal representative or executor, by Contract, credit arrangement or otherwise.

Debtors” has the meaning assigned to it in the recitals hereto.

Defaulting Backstop Investor” has the meaning assigned to it in Section 8(b)(i).

Default Purchase Right” has the meaning assigned to it in Section 8(b)(i).

Default Shares” has the meaning assigned to it in Section 8(b)(i).

DTC” has the meaning assigned to it in Section 2.2(b).

Effective Date” has the meaning assigned to it in the Plan.

 

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Encumbrance” means any security interest, pledge, mortgage, lien, claim, option, charge or encumbrance.

Exchange Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended from time to time, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, or any successor statute.

Exculpated Claims” has the meaning assigned to it in Section 9(b).

Exculpated Parties” has the meaning assigned to it in Section 9(b).

Existing Shares” has the meaning assigned to it in the recitals hereto.

Governmental Authority” means any federal, national, supranational, foreign, state, provincial, local, county, municipal or other government, any governmental, regulatory or administrative authority, agency, department, bureau, board, commission or official or any quasi-governmental or private body exercising any regulatory, taxing, importing or other governmental or quasi-governmental authority, or any court, tribunal, judicial or arbitral body, or any Self-Regulatory Organization.

Holder” has the meaning assigned to it in the recitals hereto.

Indemnitees” has the meaning assigned to it in Section 9(a).

Law” means any federal, national, supranational, foreign, state, provincial, local, county, municipal or similar statute, law, common law, writ, injunction, decree, guideline, policy, ordinance, regulation, rule, code, Order, constitution, treaty, requirement, judgment or judicial or administrative doctrines enacted, promulgated, issued, enforced or entered by any Governmental Authority.

Losses” has the meaning assigned to it in Section 9(a) hereof.

Milestone” has the meaning assigned to it in Section 5.6.

Milestone Dates” has the meaning assigned to it in Section 5.6.

Minimum Commitment Shares” has the meaning assigned to it in the recitals hereto.

New Common Shares” has the meaning assigned to it in the recitals hereto.

Non-Defaulting Backstop Investors” has the meaning assigned to it in Section 8(b)(i).

Order” means any order, writ, judgment, injunction, decree, rule, ruling, directive, stipulation, determination or award made, issued or entered by or with any Governmental Authority, whether preliminary, interlocutory or final.

Per Share Purchase Price” has the meaning assigned to it in the recitals hereto.

 

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Person” means any individual, partnership, firm, corporation, limited liability company, association, joint venture, trust, Governmental Authority, first nation, aboriginal or native group or band, unincorporated organization or other entity, as well as any syndicate or group that would be deemed to be a person under Section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act.

Plan” has the meaning assigned to it in the recitals hereto.

Plan Support Agreement” means that certain Restructuring Plan Support Agreement, made and entered into as of May 14, 2010, by and among (i) the Debtors, (ii) the Equity Committee (as defined therein), (iii) each of the members of the Equity Committee listed therein and (iv) the Backstop Investors.

Required Backstop Investors” means, as of any date of determination, Backstop Investors holding at least 60% of the Senior Note Claims held by all Backstop Investors as of such date.

Rights” has the meaning assigned to it in the recitals hereto.

Rights Offering” has the meaning assigned to it in the recitals hereto.

Rights Offering Packet” has the meaning assigned to it in the Plan.

Schulte Roth” has the meaning assigned to it in Section 10.8.

Securities Act” means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended from time to time, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, or any successor statute.

Self-Regulatory Organization” means the any securities exchange, futures exchange, contract market, any other exchange or corporation or similar self-regulatory body or organization applicable to a party to this Agreement.

Senior Note Claims” has the meaning assigned to such term in the Plan Support Agreement.

Senior Notes” has the meaning assigned to such term in the Plan Support Agreement.

Senior Notes Indenture” has the meaning assigned to such term in the Plan.

Subscription Commencement Date” has the meaning assigned to it in Section 2.1(a).

Subscription Expiration Date” has the meaning assigned to it in Section 2.1(a).

Subsidiaries” of any Person means any corporation, partnership, joint venture, limited liability company, trust, estate or other Person of which (or in which), directly or indirectly, more than 50% of (a) the issued and outstanding capital stock having ordinary voting power to elect a majority of the board of directors of such corporation (irrespective of whether at

 

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the time capital stock of any other class or classes of such corporation shall or might have voting power upon the occurrence of any contingency), (b) the interest in the capital or profits of such partnership, joint venture or limited liability company or other Person or (c) the beneficial interest in such trust or estate is at the time owned by such first Person, or by such first Person and one or more of its other Subsidiaries or by one or more of such Person’s other Subsidiaries.

Unsubscribed Shares” has the meaning assigned to it in the recitals hereto.

Section 2. RIGHTS OFFERING; BACKSTOP; COMMITMENT FEE.

2.1. Rights Offering.

(a) The Company shall commence the Rights Offering on or before June 4, 2010 (as such date may be extended pursuant to Section 5.6, the “Subscription Commencement Date”) and the Rights Offering shall remain open until no later than 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on July 15, 2010 (as such date may be extended pursuant to Section 5.6, the “Subscription Expiration Date”). The Rights Offering shall be conducted and consummated on the terms, subject to the conditions and in accordance with the Rights Offering Packet.

(b) The Company hereby agrees and undertakes to give, or to cause to be given, to the Backstop Investors as soon as reasonably practicable, but in no event later than two (2) Business Days, after the Subscription Expiration Date, by overnight mail, e-mail or by electronic facsimile transmission, (i) written notification setting forth (A) the total number of New Common Shares purchased by Holders in the Rights Offering pursuant to the exercise of Rights and the aggregate cash proceeds received by the Company therefor, (B) the number of Unsubscribed Shares, (C) the Backstop Purchase Price for each Backstop Investor and (D) the targeted Effective Date and (ii) a subscription form to be completed by each Backstop Investor to facilitate such Backstop Investor’s subscription for the New Common Shares purchased pursuant to this Agreement. The written notification and subscription form described herein shall be substantially in the form included in the Rights Offering Packet. In addition, on the first Business Day of each calendar week during the period beginning on the Subscription Commencement Date and ending on the Subscription Expiration Date, the Company shall give, or cause to be given, to the Backstop Investors by overnight mail, e-mail or by electronic facsimile transmission a written notification setting forth the then most current information as to the total amount of New Common Shares then subscribed for in the Rights Offering, the number of then unsubscribed New Common Shares, the Backstop Purchase Price for each Backstop Investor (as if the Rights Offering were to be concluded with the then current amount of subscribed for New Common Shares) and the targeted Effective Date.

2.2. Backstop.

(a) On the terms and subject to the conditions contained herein, and in reliance on the representations and warranties set forth in this Agreement, each of the Backstop Investors hereby agrees, severally and not jointly, to purchase on the Effective Date, and the Company hereby agrees to sell and issue to each such Backstop Investor, at the Backstop Purchase Price therefor, its Backstop Percentage of the greater of (i) the Minimum Commitment Shares and (ii) the Unsubscribed Shares. The New Common Shares which each of the Backstop

 

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Investors is required to purchase pursuant to this Section 2.2(a) are referred to herein as such Backstop Investor’s “Backstop Shares.” The Backstop Investors will purchase such New Common Shares by exchanging the principal amount of New Senior Notes equal to such Backstop Investor’s Backstop Purchase Price.

(b) The closing of the purchase and sale of the Backstop Shares hereunder (the “Closing”) will occur on the Effective Date contemporaneously with substantial consummation of the Plan. At the Closing, (i) unless the Company and the Required Backstop Investors mutually agree otherwise, payment for the Backstop Shares that each Backstop Investor has agreed to purchase shall be effected by each such Backstop Investor electronically delivering for cancellation the requisite Senior Notes to the balance account with the Depository Trust Company (“DTC”) designated in writing by the Company to the Backstop Investors prior to the Closing and (ii) the Company shall cause its transfer agent to credit the aggregate number of Backstop Shares to which such Backstop Investor is entitled to such Backstop Investor’s or its designee’s balance account with the DTC through its Deposit/Withdrawal at Custodian system and deliver to each Backstop Investor such certificates, documents or instruments required to be delivered by it to such Backstop Investor pursuant to this Agreement. The agreements, instruments, certificates and other documents to be delivered on the Effective Date by or on behalf of the Company shall be delivered to each applicable Backstop Investor in accordance with Section 10.3 hereof.

2.3. Commitment Fee.

(a) The Commitment Fee shall be earned upon the entry of the Confirmation Order by the Bankruptcy Court.

(b) On the earliest to occur of (i) substantial consummation of the Plan on the Effective Date, and (ii) two (2) Business Days after the termination of this Agreement pursuant to the terms of Section 8 hereof (other than Section 8(b)), the Company shall pay to each Backstop Investor, by wire transfer in immediately available funds to an account specified by such Backstop Investor to the Company not less than one (1) day prior to the applicable payment date, such Backstop Investor’s pro rata portion of the Commitment Fee based on such Backstop Investor’s Backstop Percentage.

Section 3. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE COMPANY. The Company hereby represents and warrants to each of the Backstop Investors as of the date hereof and as of the Effective Date (except for representations and warranties that are made as of a specific date, which are made only as of such date) as follows:

3.1. Organization and Qualification; Subsidiaries. The Company has been duly organized and is validly existing and, to the extent legally applicable, in good standing under the laws of their respective jurisdictions of organization, with the requisite power and authority to own its properties and conduct its business as currently conducted.

3.2. Authorization; Enforcement; Validity. Subject only to Bankruptcy Court approval, the Company has all necessary corporate power and authority to enter into this Agreement and to carry out its obligations hereunder (including, without limitation (x) the

 

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issuance of the Backstop Shares and (y) the payment of the Commitment Fee) in accordance with the terms hereof. The execution and delivery by the Company of this Agreement, the performance by the Company of its obligations hereunder (including, without limitation, (x) the issuance of the Backstop Shares and (y) the payment of the Commitment Fee), have been duly authorized by all requisite action on the part of the Company, and no other action on the part of the Company is necessary to authorize the execution and delivery by the Company of this Agreement or the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement. This Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by the Company, and assuming due authorization, execution and delivery by the other parties hereto and subject to Bankruptcy Court approval, this Agreement constitutes the legal, valid and binding obligation of the Company, enforceable against the Company in accordance with its terms, subject to bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or similar Laws now or hereafter in effect relating to creditors’ rights generally and subject to general principles of equity.

3.3. No Conflicts. Assuming that all consents, approvals, authorizations and other actions described in Section 3.4 have been obtained, and except as may result from any facts or circumstances relating solely to any of the Backstop Investors, the execution, delivery and performance by the Company of this Agreement and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby (including, without limitation, (x) the issuance of the Backstop Shares and (y) the payment of the Commitment Fee) do not and will not: (a) violate, conflict with or result in the breach of the certificate of incorporation, articles of incorporation, bylaws, certificate of formation, operating agreement, limited liability company agreement or similar formation or organizational documents of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries; (b) conflict with or violate any Law or Order applicable to the Company, any of its Subsidiaries or any of their respective assets or properties; (c) except for conflicts with terms of the Senior Notes Indenture, violate, conflict with, result in any breach of, constitute a default (or event which with the giving of notice or lapse of time, or both, would become a default) under, require any consent under, or give to others any rights of termination, amendment, acceleration, suspension, revocation or cancellation of, any note, bond, mortgage or indenture, Contract, agreement, lease, sublease, license, permit, franchise or other instrument or arrangement to which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is a party or to which any of their respective assets or properties are subject, or result in the creation of any Encumbrance on any of their respective assets or properties, except, in the case of clauses (b) and (c), for any such conflict, violation, breach or default that would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect.

3.4. Consents and Approvals. The execution, delivery and performance by the Company of this Agreement do not require any consent, approval, authorization or other Order of, action by, filing with or notification to, any Governmental Authority or any other Person under any of the terms, conditions or provisions of any Law or Order applicable to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or by which any of their respective assets or properties may be bound, any Contract to which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is a party or by which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries may be bound, except (a) the entry of the Approval Order and the Confirmation Order and the expiration, or waiver by the Bankruptcy Court, of the fourteen (14) day period set forth in Bankruptcy Rules 6004(h) and 3020(e), as applicable, and (b) where the failure to obtain such consent, approval, authorization, Order or action, or to make such filing or notification, would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Company Material Adverse Effect.

 

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Section 4. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE BACKSTOP INVESTORS. Each Backstop Investor represents and warrants, severally and not jointly, to the Company as of the date hereof and as of the Effective Date (except for representations and warranties that are made as of a specific date, which are made only as of such date), as follows:

4.1. Authorization; Enforcement; Validity. Such Backstop Investor has all necessary corporate, limited liability company or equivalent power and authority to enter into this Agreement and to carry out its obligations hereunder in accordance with the terms hereof. The execution and delivery by such Backstop Investor of this Agreement and the performance by such Backstop Investor of its obligations hereunder have been duly authorized by all requisite action on the part of the such Backstop Investor, and no other action on the part of such Backstop Investor is necessary to authorize the execution and delivery by such Backstop Investor of this Agreement or the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement. This Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by such Backstop Investor, and assuming due authorization, execution and delivery by the other parties hereto, this Agreement constitutes the legal, valid and binding obligation of such Backstop Investor, enforceable against such Backstop Investor in accordance with its terms, subject to bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or similar Laws now or hereafter in effect relating to creditors’ rights generally and subject to general principles of equity.

4.2. No Conflicts. The execution, delivery, and performance by such Backstop Investor of this Agreement do not and will not (i) violate any provision of the organizational documents of such Backstop Investor; (b) conflict with or violate any Law or Order applicable to such Backstop Investor or any of its respective assets or properties; (c) violate, conflict with, result in any breach of, constitute a default (or event which with the giving of notice or lapse of time, or both, would become a default) under, require any consent under, or give to others any rights of termination, amendment, acceleration, suspension, revocation or cancellation of, any note, bond, mortgage or indenture, Contract, agreement, lease, sublease, license, permit, franchise or other instrument or arrangement to which such Backstop Investor is a party or to which any of its assets or properties are subject, or result in the creation of any Encumbrance on any of its assets or properties, except, in the case of clauses (b) and (c), for any such conflict, violation, breach or default that would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Backstop Investor Material Adverse Effect on such Backstop Investor.

4.3. Consents and Approvals. No consent, approval, order, authorization, registration or qualification of or with any court or Governmental Authority or body having jurisdiction over such Backstop Investor is required in connection with the execution and delivery of this Agreement or the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby, except for any consent, approval, order or authorization required under the Bankruptcy Code.

4.4. Senior Notes. Each Backstop Investor is the beneficial owner (with the power and authority to vote and dispose of) of the Senior Notes beneficially owned by such Backstop Investor and specified opposite such Backstop Investor’s name on Schedule I hereto (as may be subsequently revised pursuant to Section 10.8), free and clear of all liens.

 

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4.5. Additional Accredited Representations and Warranties. If a Backstop Investor purchases New Common Shares for cash and the exemption from securities registration afforded by Section 1145 of the Bankruptcy Code is not available, such Backstop Investor’s representations and warranties shall also include the following:

(a) Acquisition for Investment. The Backstop Shares to be issued under this Agreement are being acquired by such Backstop Investor for its own account and not with a view toward resale in connection with the public sale or distribution thereof, except pursuant to sales or transfers registered or exempted within the meaning of the Securities Act; provided, however, that by making the representations and warranties herein, such Backstop Investor does not agree to hold any of the Backstop Shares for any minimum or other specific term and reserves the right to dispose of the Backstop Shares at any time in accordance with or pursuant to a registration statement or an exemption under the Securities Act. Such Backstop Investor is acquiring the Backstop Shares hereunder in the ordinary course of its business. Such Backstop Investor does not presently have any agreement or understanding, directly or indirectly, with any Person to distribute any of the Backstop Shares.

(b) Business Acumen; Risk of Loss. By reason of its business and financial experience and the business and financial experience of those persons it has retained for advice with respect to its investment in the New Common Shares, the Backstop Investor, together with its advisors, have such knowledge, sophistication and experience in business and financial matters that the Backstop Investor is capable of evaluating the merits and risks of investing in the New Common Shares, is able to bear the economic risk of such investment, and, at the present time, could afford a complete loss of such investment.

(c) Accredited Investor Status. Such Backstop Investor is an “accredited investor” as that term is defined in Rule 501(a) of Regulation D of the Securities Act.

(d) No Governmental Review. Such Backstop Investor understands that no United States federal or state agency or any other government or governmental agency has passed on or made any recommendation or endorsement of the Backstop Shares or the fairness or suitability of the investment in the Backstop Shares nor have such authorities passed upon or endorsed the merits of the offering of the Backstop Shares.

(e) Restricted Shares. The Backstop Investor understands that the New Common Shares will be issued without registration under the Securities Act of 1933 as amended (the “Act”) in reliance upon an exemption therefrom which is dependent upon the intent hereby expressed. The Backstop Investor further agrees that a restrictive legend regarding the restrictive status of such New Common Shares may be affixed to the certificates representing the New Common Shares and to all certificates issued hereafter representing any or all of the New Common Shares until in the opinion of counsel, which opinion must be reasonably satisfactory to the Company and its counsel, such legend is no longer required.

Section 5. ADDITIONAL COVENANTS.

5.1. Approval Motion and Approval Order. The Company agrees to file a motion and supporting papers (the “Approval Motion”) (including an order in form and substance satisfactory to the Backstop Investors) seeking an order of the Bankruptcy Court (the “Approval Order”) approving the Plan Support Agreement, to which this Agreement will be annexed.

 

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5.2. Best Efforts. Each of the Backstop Investors and, subject to its fiduciary duties as debtor in possession based upon advice of counsel, the Company, agree to use its best efforts to timely satisfy each of the conditions to be satisfied by it as provided in Sections 6 and 7 of this Agreement.

5.3. Further Assurances. Each party hereto shall do and perform, or cause to be done and performed, all such further acts and things, and shall execute and deliver all such other agreements, certificates, instruments and documents, as any other party hereto may reasonably request in order to carry out the intent and accomplish the purposes of this Agreement and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby.

5.4. Use of Proceeds. The Company shall use the net proceeds from the sale of New Common Shares issued pursuant to the Rights Offering solely as provided in the Plan.

5.5. Taxes. The Company will pay, and save and hold each Backstop Investor harmless from any and all liabilities (including interest and penalties) with respect to, or resulting from any delay or failure in paying, stamp and other taxes (other than income taxes), if any, which may be payable or determined to be payable on the execution and delivery or acquisition of the Backstop Shares hereunder.

5.6. Milestones. The Company will cause the following actions (each, individually a “Milestone” and collectively, the “Milestones”) to occur on or before the dates specified below (such corresponding date, the “Milestone Date”); provided, however, upon the written request of the Company, which request shall be accompanied by a certificate of the Chief Restructuring Officer of the Company certifying that the Company is not pursuing an Alternate Transaction (as such term is defined in the Plan Support Agreement), any of the Milestone Dates set forth below may be extended with the prior written consent of the Required Backstop Investors, such consent not to be unreasonably withheld; provided, that the aggregate number of days that the Milestones set forth below are so extended beyond the Milestone Dates specified below shall not exceed thirty (30) days in the aggregate for all such Milestone Dates:

(a) the Approval Order shall have been entered by the Bankruptcy Court by no later than May 21, 2010;

(b) the Confirmation Order shall have been entered by the Bankruptcy Court by no later than May 28, 2010;

(c) the Rights Offering shall have been commenced by the Company no later than June 4, 2010;

(d) the Subscription Expiration Date shall have occurred by no later than July 15, 2010; and

 

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(e) the Effective Date shall have occurred by no later than July 23, 2010.

For the avoidance of doubt and as an example, if the Milestone Date in clause (a) above is permissibly extended pursuant hereto to May 31, 2010 and the Milestone Date in clause (b) above is permissibly extended pursuant hereto to May 31, 2010, then a total of 13 of the maximum 30 extension days shall have been used.

5.7. Holding Period. For the purposes of Rule 144 under the Securities Act, the Company acknowledges that the holding period of the Senior Notes may be tacked onto the holding period of the New Common Shares received by the Backstop Investors pursuant to the Plan, including, without limitation in connection with the Backstop Commitment. The Company agrees not to take a position contrary to this Section 5.7.

Section 6. CONDITIONS TO THE BACKSTOP INVESTORS’ OBLIGATIONS. The obligations of each of the Backstop Investors to purchase the Backstop Shares pursuant to this Agreement on the Effective Date shall be subject to the satisfaction at or prior to the Effective Date of each of the following conditions, any one or more of which may be waived in writing by the Required Backstop Investors:

6.1. Representations and Warranties. (a) All of the representations and warranties made by the Company in this Agreement shall be true and correct as of the Effective Date as though made at and as of the Effective Date (except to the extent such representations and warranties expressly speak as of an earlier date, which shall be true and correct as of such date), except to the extent that the breach of any such representation or warranty would not reasonably be expected to have a Company Material Adverse Effect; (b) the Company shall have performed and complied in all material respects with all agreements and covenants required by this Agreement to be performed by the Company on or prior to the Effective Date; and (c) with respect to clauses (a) and (b), at the Closing there shall be delivered to the Backstop Investors a certificate signed by a duly authorized representative of the Company to the foregoing effect.

6.2. Approval Order. The Approval Order shall have been entered by the Bankruptcy Court.

6.3. Confirmation Order. The Confirmation Order shall have been entered by the Bankruptcy Court, shall not have been stayed pending appeal, and there shall not have been entered by any court of competent jurisdiction any reversal, modification or vacatur, in whole or in part, of the Confirmation Order.

6.4. Plan and Rights Offering Documents. The (i) Plan (and the exhibits thereto), (ii) the Rights Offering Documents, and (iii) the Confirmation Order shall each be in form and substance reasonably acceptable to the Required Backstop Investors; provided, however, that the Security Agreement and the New Indenture shall be substantially in the form filed with the Bankruptcy Court on April 9, 2010 as revised to reflect the principal amount of the New Senior Secured Notes as contemplated by the Plan and elimination of provisions related to the issuance of Preferred Stock as such term is defined in the Indenture filed with the Bankruptcy Court on April 9, 2010.

 

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6.5. Conditions to Confirmation. Each of the conditions precedent to the effectiveness of the Plan and the occurrence of the Effective Date shall have been satisfied or waived in accordance with the Plan.

6.6. Rights Offering. The Subscription Expiration Date shall have occurred.

6.7. Commitment Fee. The Company shall have paid to each Backstop Investor contemporaneously with the Closing, such Backstop Investor’s pro rata portion of the Commitment Fee.

6.8. Milestones. Each of the Milestones set forth in Section 5.6(a)-(e) shall have occurred on or prior to the applicable Milestone Date (after giving effect to any extensions permitted pursuant to Section 5.6)

Section 7. CONDITIONS TO THE COMPANY’S OBLIGATIONS. The obligations of Company to issue and sell the Backstop Shares to each of the Backstop Investors pursuant to this Agreement shall be subject to the satisfaction at or prior to the Effective Date of each of the following conditions, any one or more of which may be waived in writing by the Company:

7.1. Representations and Warranties. (a) All of the representations and warranties made by each Backstop Investor in this Agreement shall be true and correct as of the date hereof and as of the Effective Date as though made at and as of the Effective Date (except to the extent such representations and warranties expressly speak as of an earlier date, which shall be true and correct as of such date), except to the extent that the breach of any such representation or warranty would not reasonably be expected to have a Backstop Investor Material Adverse Effect on such Backstop Investor and (b) each Backstop Investor shall have performed and complied in all material respects with all agreements and covenants required by this Agreement to be performed by such Backstop Investor on or prior to the Effective Date.

7.2. Confirmation Order. The Confirmation Order shall have been entered by the Bankruptcy Court, shall not have been stayed pending appeal, and there shall not have been entered by any court of competent jurisdiction any reversal, modification or vacatur, in whole or in part, of the Confirmation Order.

7.3. Conditions to Confirmation. Each of the conditions precedent to the effectiveness of the Plan and the occurrence of the Effective Date shall have been satisfied in accordance with the Plan.

7.4. Rights Offering. The Subscription Expiration Date shall have occurred

7.5. Backstop Subscription Forms. The Company shall have received a duly executed subscription form from each Backstop Investor in accordance with Section 2.1(b).

 

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Section 8. TERMINATION.

(a) Termination by the Backstop Investors. The Agreement may be terminated at any time by the Required Backstop Investors:

(i) upon the failure of any of the conditions set forth in Section 6 (other than Section 6.8) hereof to be satisfied, which failure cannot be cured by July 23, 2010;

(ii) if any of the Milestones shall not have occurred on or prior to the applicable Milestone Date (after giving effect to any extensions permitted pursuant to Section 5.6);

(iii) if the Company alters, amends or modifies any term of this Agreement without the consent of the Backstop Investors; or

(iv) upon the entry by the Company into an Alternate Transaction (as such term is defined in the Plan Support Agreement).

(b) Termination by the Company.

(i) If any Backstop Investor takes any action that would be a breach of this Agreement, other than any breach that would not reasonably be expected to have a Backstop Investor Material Adverse Effect on such Backstop Investor, and if such breach is not cured within five (5) Business Days after receipt of written notice from the Company to such Backstop Investor (each, a “Backstop Investor Default” and any such defaulting Backstop Investor, a “Defaulting Backstop Investor”); provided, however, that if such breach is not cured by the Defaulting Backstop Investor, then following the expiration of the five (5) Business Day notice period, the Company shall follow the procedures set forth in clause (ii) below and each of the other Backstop Investors (the “Non-Defaulting Backstop Investors”) shall have the right (the “Default Purchase Right”) but not the obligation, to purchase on the Effective Date all or a portion of the Backstop Shares that were to be purchased by the Defaulting Backstop Investor (the “Default Shares”) at a price per share equal to the Per Share Purchase Price. To the extent that the Non-Defaulting Backstop Investors (in the aggregate) desire to purchase more than the total number of Default Shares, such Default Shares shall be allocated between the Non-Defaulting Backstop Investors pro rata, based on their respective Backstop Percentages. The purchase price for the Default Shares shall be payable, at the election of each Non-Defaulting Purchaser, in cash or by cancellation of Senior Notes in accordance with the procedures set forth in Section 2.2(b).

(ii) As soon as practicable after a Backstop Investor Default, but in no event later than two (2) Business Days following the Company becoming aware of such Backstop Investor Default, the Company shall send a written notice (in accordance with the notice provisions set forth in Section 10.3) to each Non-Defaulting Backstop Investor, specifying the number of Default Shares. The Non-Defaulting Backstop Investors shall have five (5) Business Days from receipt of such notice to elect to exercise the Default Purchase Right by notifying the Company of its or their election to purchase all or a portion of the Default Shares then available as a result of the Backstop Investor Default or find a third-party reasonably satisfactory to the Non-Defaulting Backstop Investors to replace the commitment of the

 

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Defaulting Backstop Investor. If at the conclusion of such ten (10) Business Day period, the Non-Defaulting Backstop Investors have not elected to exercise the Default Purchase Right in its entirety or have not found a third-party to replace the commitment of the Defaulting Backstop Purchaser, then the Company may terminate this Agreement.

(iii) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Section 8(b), in addition to any liability to the Company, the parties agree that any Defaulting Backstop Investor will be liable to the Non-Defaulting Backstop Investors for the consequences to the Non-Defaulting Backstop Investors of its breach and that the Non-Defaulting Backstop Purchasers can enforce rights of damages and/or specific performance pursuant to Section 10.17 immediately upon the expiration of the original five (5) Business Day notice period set forth Section 8(b)(i).

(iv) Any time periods granted by this Section 8(b) shall automatically extend the Milestone Date set forth in Section 5.6(e), without using the Company’s permissible extensions provided by Section 5.6.

(c) Mutual Termination. This Agreement may be terminated by the mutual written consent of the Company and the Required Backstop Investors.

(d) Effect of Termination. If this Agreement is terminated pursuant to this Section 8 (other than pursuant to Section 8(b)), the obligations of such parties contained in Sections 2.3, 9, 10.2 through 10.18 and this Section 8 shall survive any such termination. If this Agreement is terminated pursuant to this Section 8(b), the obligations of such parties contained in Sections 10.2 through 10.18 and this Section 8 shall survive any such termination.

Section 9. INDEMNIFICATION; EXCULPATION

(a) Indemnification. The Debtors will indemnify, save and hold harmless each Backstop Investor, and each of their respective directors, officers, stockholders, employees, partners, members, managers, representatives, attorneys, other professional advisors and agents and all of their respective heirs, successors, legal administrators, permitted assigns, and each Person who (within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act or Section 20 of the Exchange Act) controls any of the Backstop Investors and the officers, directors, agents and employees of any such controlling Person (collectively, the “Indemnitees”) from and against all losses, claims, damages, liabilities, costs (including, without limitation, the costs of investigation and reasonable attorneys’ fees) and expenses, as incurred by any or all of the Indemnitees in connection with any claim against them by a third party in connection with or arising from the execution, delivery and performance by the Debtors or any Indemnitee of this Agreement or the Rights Offering (collectively, the “Losses”); provided, however, that the foregoing indemnity will not apply to Losses of an Indemnitee to the extent that they are found by a final, non-appealable judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction to have resulted from: (A) any material breach by any Indemnitee of this Agreement; (B) such Indemnitee’s bad faith, willful or intentional misconduct or gross negligence; or (C) any violation of applicable Law by such Indemnitee. This indemnification provision will be in addition to the rights of each and all of the Indemnitees to bring an action against the Debtors for breach of any term of this Agreement. The Debtors acknowledge and agree that each and all of the Indemnitees shall be treated as third-party beneficiaries with rights to bring an action against the Debtors under this Section 9.

 

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(b) Exculpation. To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, no Debtor shall assert, and each Debtor hereby waives, any claim against the Backstop Investors and each of their respective directors, officers, stockholders, employees, partners, members, managers, representatives, attorneys, other professional advisors and agents and all of their respective heirs, successors, legal administrators, permitted assigns, and each Person who (within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act or Section 20 of the Exchange Act) controls any of the Backstop Investors and the officers, directors, agents and employees of any such controlling Person (collectively, the “Exculpated Parties”), on any theory of liability, for special, indirect, consequential or punitive damages, as opposed to direct or actual damages (whether or not the claim therefor is based on Contract, tort or duty imposed by any applicable legal requirement) to the extent any such claim arises out of, is in connection with, is a result of, or is in any way related to, this Agreement or the Rights Offering, and Debtors hereby waive, release and agree not to sue upon any such claim or any such damages, whether or not accrued and whether or not known or suspected to exist in their favor (collectively, the “Exculpated Claims”); provided, however, that the foregoing exculpation will not apply to Losses to the extent that they are found by a final, non-appealable judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction to have resulted from: (A) any material breach by any Exculpated Party of this Agreement; (B) any act or failure to act by an Exculpated Party of bad faith, willful or intentional misconduct or gross negligence; or (C) any violation of applicable law.

Section 10. MISCELLANEOUS.

10.1. Survival. The representations and warranties made in this Agreement will survive the execution and delivery of this Agreement and the Closing for the length of the applicable statute of limitations with respect thereto.

10.2. No Waiver of Rights. All waivers hereunder must be made in writing, and the failure of any party at any time to require another party’s performance of any obligation under this Agreement shall not affect the right subsequently to require performance of that obligation. Any waiver of any breach of any provision of this Agreement shall not be construed as a waiver of any continuing or succeeding breach of such provision or a waiver or modification of any other provision.

10.3. Notices. All notices, requests, claims, demands and other communications hereunder shall be in writing and shall be given or made (and shall be deemed to have been duly given or made upon receipt) by delivery in person, by an internationally recognized overnight courier service, by facsimile or registered or certified mail (postage prepaid, return receipt requested) to the respective parties hereto at the following addresses (or at such other address for any party as shall be specified by such party in a notice given in accordance with this Section 10.3)

 

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  (a) If to the Company, to:

GSI Group Inc.

125 Middlesex Turnpike

Bedford, MA 01730

Attention:

Facsimile:

with a copy (which shall not constitute notice to the Company) to

Brown Rudnick LLP

One Financial Center

Boston, Massachusetts 02111

Facsimile: (617) 856-8201

Attention: William R. Baldiga, Esq.

 

  (b) If to a Backstop Investor, to the mailing address or facsimile number set forth on Schedule I hereto.

with a copy (which shall not constitute notice to such Backstop Investor) to:

Schulte Roth & Zabel

919 Third Avenue

New York, New York 10022

Facsimile: (212) 593-5955

Attention: David M. Hillman, Esq.

                  Lawrence V. Gelber, Esq.

                  Eleazer N. Klein, Esq.

Any of the foregoing addresses or facsimile numbers may be changed by giving notice of such change in the foregoing manner, except that notices for changes of address or facsimile number shall be effective only upon receipt.

10.4. Headings. The section and subsection headings in this Agreement are inserted for convenience only and shall not affect in any way the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement.

10.5. Construction. The parties hereto and their respective legal counsel participated in the preparation of this Agreement, and therefore, this Agreement shall be construed neither against nor in favor of any of the parties hereto, but rather in accordance with the fair meaning thereof.

 

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10.6. Severability. If any term or other provision of this Agreement is invalid, illegal or incapable of being enforced by any Law or public policy, all other terms and provisions of this Agreement shall nevertheless remain in full force and effect for so long as the economic or legal substance of the transactions contemplated hereby is not affected in any manner materially adverse to any party hereto. Upon such determination that any term or other provision is invalid, illegal or incapable of being enforced, the parties hereto shall negotiate in good faith to modify this Agreement so as to effect the original intent of the parties as closely as possible in an acceptable manner in order that the transactions contemplated hereby are consummated as originally contemplated to the greatest extent possible.

10.7. Entire Agreement. This Agreement (including the Schedules and Exhibits hereto) and the agreements and documents referenced herein constitute the entire agreement of the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersede all prior agreements and undertakings, both written and oral, among the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof.

10.8. Successors and Assigns. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors and permitted assigns. Except as set forth below, neither this Agreement nor any of the rights, interests or obligations under this Agreement will be assigned by any party (whether by operation of law or otherwise) without the prior written consent of the other parties. The rights, obligations and interests hereunder may be assigned, delegated or transferred, in whole or in part, by any Backstop Investor in connection with a corresponding Transfer (as such term is defined in the Plan Support Agreement) of Senior Notes or Senior Note Claims to a Transferee (as such term is defined in the Plan Support Agreement); provided, however, that (A) following such Transfer, the transferring Backstop Investor continues to hold a sufficient amount of Senior Note Claims so as to be able to meet its obligations under this Agreement or (B) the Transferee, as a condition precedent to such Transfer, becomes a party to this Agreement and assumes the obligations of the transferring Backstop Investor under this Agreement by executing an addendum substantially in the form set forth in Exhibit A (the “Addendum”) and an assumption in substantially the form set forth in Exhibit B hereto (the “Assumption Agreement”) and deliver the same to Schulte Roth & Zabel LLP (“Schulte Roth”), counsel for the Backstop Investors, and a copy to the Company. Any Transfer that is made in violation of the immediately preceding sentence shall be null and void ab initio, and the Company and each Backstop Investor, as applicable, shall have the right to enforce the voiding of such transfer. Any additional Senior Notes acquired by a Backstop Investor shall automatically be deemed to be subject to the terms of this Agreement. Following any assignment of a Backstop Investor’s rights and obligations in this Agreement described in Section 10.8(B) above, Schedule I hereto shall be updated by Schulte Roth (in consultation with the assigning Backstop Investor and the Transferee) and delivered to the Company solely to reflect the name and address of the applicable Transferee or Transferees, the Senior Note Claims and the Backstop Percentage that shall apply to such Transferee or Transferees, and any changes to the Senior Note Claims and the Backstop Percentage applicable to the assigning Backstop Investor. Any update to Schedule I hereto described in the immediately preceding sentence shall not be deemed an amendment or modification of this Agreement. In performing this Agreement, the Company may rely solely on the most current Schedule I delivered by Schulte Roth.

10.9. No Third Party Beneficiaries. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure solely to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors and permitted assigns and, except as expressly set forth in Section 9, nothing herein, express or implied, is intended to or shall confer upon any other Person any legal or equitable right, benefit or remedy of any nature whatsoever, including any rights of employment for any specified period, under or by reason of this Agreement.

 

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10.10. Amendment. This Agreement may not be altered, amended, or modified except by a written instrument executed by or on behalf of the Company and the Required Backstop Investors. This Agreement shall become binding only after the same is signed and delivered by or on behalf of each of the parties hereto.

10.11. Governing Law. This Agreement shall be interpreted, construed and enforced in accordance with the laws of the State of New York, without regard to the conflicts of law principles thereof.

10.12. Consent to Jurisdiction. Each of the parties hereto (a) irrevocably and unconditionally agrees that any actions, suits or proceedings, at Law or equity, arising out of or relating to this Agreement or any agreements or transactions contemplated hereby shall be heard and determined in the Bankruptcy Court; (b) irrevocably submits to the jurisdiction of such court in any such action, suit or proceeding; (c) consents that any such action, suit or proceeding may be brought in such courts and waives any objection that such party may now or hereafter have to the venue or jurisdiction or that such action or proceeding was brought in an inconvenient court; and (d) agrees that service of process in any such action, suit or proceeding may be effected by providing a copy thereof by any of the methods of delivery permitted by Section 10.3 to such party at its address as provided in Section 10.3 (provided that nothing herein shall affect the right to effect service of process in any other manner permitted by Law).

10.13. Waiver of Jury Trial. EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO HEREBY WAIVES TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW ANY RIGHT IT MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY WITH RESPECT TO ANY LITIGATION DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY ARISING OUT OF, UNDER OR IN CONNECTION WITH THIS AGREEMENT OR THE TRANSACTIONS. EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO HEREBY (A) CERTIFIES THAT NO REPRESENTATIVE, AGENT OR ATTORNEY OF THE OTHER PARTY HAS REPRESENTED, EXPRESSLY OR OTHERWISE, THAT SUCH OTHER PARTY WOULD NOT, IN THE EVENT OF LITIGATION, SEEK TO ENFORCE THE FOREGOING WAIVER AND (B) ACKNOWLEDGES THAT IT HAS BEEN INDUCED TO ENTER INTO THIS AGREEMENT AND THE TRANSACTIONS, AS APPLICABLE, BY, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THE MUTUAL WAIVERS AND CERTIFICATIONS IN THIS SECTION 10.13.

10.14. Currency. Unless otherwise specified in this Agreement, all references to currency, monetary values and dollars set forth herein shall mean United States (U.S.) dollars and all payments hereunder shall be made in United States dollars.

10.15. Approvals. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, unless notified in writing to the contrary, for purposes of seeking approvals of the Backstop Investors hereunder, such as in accordance with Section 6.4, the Company may rely on the written approval (including email) of Schulte Roth, counsel for the Backstop Investors.

 

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10.16. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed and delivered (including by facsimile transmission) in one or more counterparts, and by the different parties hereto in separate counterparts, each of which when executed shall be deemed to be an original, but all of which taken together shall constitute one and the same agreement.

10.17. Specific Performance. Each party hereto acknowledges that, in view of the uniqueness of the securities referenced herein and the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, the other parties hereto would not have an adequate remedy at law for money damages in the event that this Agreement has not been performed in accordance with its terms, and therefore agrees that such other parties shall be entitled to specific enforcement of the terms hereof in addition to any other remedy to which it may be entitled, at law or in equity.

10.18. Rules of Construction. Unless the context of this Agreement clearly requires otherwise, references to the plural include the singular, references to the singular include the plural, the term “including” is not limiting, and the term “or” has, except where otherwise indicated, the inclusive meaning represented by the phrase “and/or.” The words “hereof,” “herein,” “hereby,” “hereunder” and similar terms in this Agreement refer to this Agreement as a whole and not to any particular provision of this Agreement. Section, subsection, clause, schedule, annex and exhibit references are to this Agreement unless otherwise specified. Any reference to this Agreement shall include all alterations, amendments, changes, extensions, modifications, renewals, replacements, substitutions, and supplements thereto and thereof, as applicable. Whenever the context may require, any pronoun includes the corresponding masculine, feminine and neuter forms.

[No further text appears; signature pages follow]

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of the day and year first above written.

 

GSI GROUP INC., on behalf of itself and its affiliates and subsidiaries listed below
By:   /s/ Marina Hatsopoulos
Name:   Marina Hatsopoulos
Title:   Director
GSI Group Corporation
MES International, Inc.

[signatures continued on next page]


HALE CAPITAL PARTNERS, LP
By:    /s/ Martin Hale, Jr.
  Name:    Martin Hale, Jr.
  Title:   Managing Member


LIBERTY HARBOR MASTER FUND I, L.P.
By:    Liberty Harbor I GP, LLC, its general partner
  By:    /s/ Gregg J. Felton
    Name:    Gregg J. Felton
    Title:   President


TINICUM CAPITAL PARTNERS II, L.P.
By:    Tinicum Lantern II LLC, Its General Partner
  By:    /s/ Eric Ruttenberg
    Name:    Eric Ruttenberg
    Title:   Managing Partner


SPECIAL VALUE CONTINUATION PARTNERS, L.P.
By:   Tennenbaum Capital Partners, LLC
  Its: Investment Manager
SPECIAL VALUE EXPANSION FUND, LLC
By:   Tennenbaum Capital Partners, LLC
  Its: Investment Manager

TENNENBAUM OPPORTUNITIES

PARTNERS V, LP

By:   Tennenbaum Capital Partners, LLC
  Its: Investment Manager
SPECIAL VALUE OPPORTUNITIES FUND, LLC
By:   Tennenbaum Capital Partners, LLC
  Its: Investment Manager
Each of the above by:
  By:    /s/ Howard Levkowitz
    Name:    Howard Levkowitz
    Title:   Managing Partner


HIGHBRIDGE INTERNATIONAL LLC
By:   Highbridge Capital Management, LLC
  Its Trading Manager
  By:    /s/ Mark J. Vanacore
    Name:    Mark J. Vanacore
    Title:   Managing Director


Schedule I

SCHEDULE OF BACKSTOP INVESTORS

 

Name and Address of Backstop Investors

   Initial Senior Note
Claims, as adjusted
pursuant to Section 10.8
   Backstop
Percentage
 

Liberty Harbor Master Fund I, L.P.

c/o Liberty Harbor, LLC

32 Old Slip

New York, NY 10005

Facsimile: (212) 428-3889

   $ 70,000,000    37.84

Highbridge International LLC

c/o Highbridge Capital Management, LLC

9 West 57 Street, 27th Floor

New York, New York 10019

Facsimile: (212) 287 4915

   $ 47,500,000    25.68

Tennenbaum Opportunities Partners V, LP

c/o Tennenbaum Capital Partners, LLC

2951 28th Street, Suite 1000

Santa Monica, CA 90405

Facsimile: (310) 899-4950

   $ 20,743,000    11.21

Special Value Continuation Partners, L.P.

c/o Tennenbaum Capital Partners, LLC

2951 28th Street, Suite 1000

Santa Monica, CA 90405

Facsimile: (310) 899-4950

   $ 7,778,000    4.20

Special Value Expansion Fund, LLC

c/o Tennenbaum Capital Partners, LLC

2951 28th Street, Suite 1000

Santa Monica, CA 90405

Facsimile: (310) 899-4950

   $ 5,632,000    3.04

Special Value Opportunities Fund, LLC

c/o Tennenbaum Capital Partners, LLC

2951 28th Street, Suite 1000

Santa Monica, CA 90405

Facsimile: (310) 899-4950

   $ 13,347,000    7.22

Tinicum Capital Partners II, LP

c/o Tinicum Inc.

One Maritime Plaza, Suite 1650

San Francisco, CA 94111

Facsimile: (212) 750-9264

   $ 15,000,000    8.11

Hale Capital Partners, LP

570 Lexington Ave, 49th Floor

New York, New York 10022

Facsimile: (212) 751-8822

   $ 5,000,000    2.70
             

Total:

   $ 185,000,000    100


Exhibit A

ADDENDUM

Reference is made to that certain Backstop Commitment Agreement (as amended, modified or supplemented from time to time, the “Agreement”) by and among GSI Group, Inc. and each of its subsidiaries and affiliates that are debtors in the Chapter 11 Cases (collectively, “Company”) and each of the Backstop Investors party thereto from time to time. Each capitalized term used but not defined herein shall have the meaning given to it in the Agreement.

Upon execution and delivery of this Addendum by the undersigned, as provided in Section 10.8 of the Agreement, the undersigned hereby becomes a Backstop Investor, as applicable thereunder and bound thereby effective as of the date of the Agreement.

By executing and delivering this Addendum, the undersigned represents and warrants, for itself and for the benefit of each party to the Agreement, that:

 

  (a) as of the date of this Addendum, the Transferee is the legal and beneficial owner of the principal amount of the Senior Notes set forth on the signature page hereto (the “Senior Note Amount”), or advisor for beneficial holders of such Senior Note Amount as set forth below its signature, except to the extent that it may have entered into an agreement to transfer all or a portion of such Senior Note Amount and the transferee has executed and delivered an Assumption and Joinder Agreement therefor (a copy of which is attached to this Addendum);

 

  (b) other than pursuant to the Agreement, its ownership of the Senior Note Amount is free and clear of any pledge, lien, security interest, charge, claim, equity, option, proxy, voting restriction, right of first refusal, or other limitation on disposition or encumbrances of any kind that would adversely affect in any way such Transferee’s performance of its obligations contained in the Agreement at the time such obligations are required to be performed;

 

  (c) as of the date of this Addendum, with respect to each Transferee that (i) is an individual, such Transferee has all requisite authority to enter into this Addendum and to carry out the transactions contemplated by, and perform its respective obligation under, the Agreement and (ii) is not an individual such Transferee is, it is duly organized, validly existing, and in good standing under the laws of the state of its organization, and has all requisite corporate, partnership, or limited liability company power and authority to enter into this Addendum and to carry out the transactions contemplated by, and perform its respective obligations under, the Agreement;

 

  (d) assuming the due execution and delivery of the Agreement by the Company the Addendum and the Agreement are legally valid and binding obligations of it, enforceable against it in accordance with its terms, except as may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency or similar laws, or by equitable principles relating to or limiting creditors’ rights generally; and


  (e) as of the date of this Addendum, it is not aware of any event that, due to any fiduciary or other duty to any other person, would prevent it from taking any action required of it under the Agreement and this Addendum.

By executing and delivering this Addendum, the undersigned agrees to be bound by all the terms of the Agreement.

The undersigned acknowledges and agrees that once delivered to the Company, it may not revoke, withdraw, amend, change or modify this Addendum unless the Agreement has been terminated.

THIS ADDENDUM SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED AND INTERPRETED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, WITHOUT REGARD TO CONFLICTS OF LAW PRINCIPLES THAT WOULD REQUIRE THE APPLICATION OF THE LAWS OF ANOTHER JURISDICTION.

This Addendum may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which, when so executed, shall constitute the same instrument and the counterparts may be delivered by facsimile transmission or by electronic mail in portable document format (.pdf).

[Signature on Following Page]


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Addendum to be duly executed and delivered by their proper and duly authorized officers as of this          day of                     , 2010.

 

TRANSFEREE WHO BECOMES A BACKSTOP INVESTOR
[NAME]
 
as a Backstop Investor
[Please type the legal name of the undersigned above]
By:    
Name:  
Title:  
[If second signature is necessary:]
By:    
Name:  
Title:  
Principal Amount of Senior Notes: $            


Exhibit B

ASSUMPTION AND JOINDER AGREEMENT

Reference is made to (i) that certain Backstop Commitment Agreement (as amended, modified or supplemented from time to time, the “Agreement”), dated as of                     , 2010, by and among GSI Group, Inc. (“GSI Group”) and each of its subsidiaries and affiliates that are a debtor in the Chapter 11 Cases (collectively, “Company”), and each of the Backstop Investors party thereto from time to time, and (ii) that certain Addendum, dated as of                     , 2010 (the “Transferor Addendum”) submitted by                     , as transferor (the “Transferor”). Each capitalized term used but not defined herein shall have the meaning given to it in the Agreement.

As a condition precedent to becoming the holder or owner of

¨                      dollars ($            ) in principal amount of the Senior Note Claims

held as of the date hereof by the Transferor, the undersigned (the “Transferee”) hereby agrees to become bound by all the terms, conditions and obligations set forth in the Agreement and the Transferor Addendum copies of which are attached hereto as Annex I. This Assumption and Joinder Agreement shall take effect and shall become an integral part of the Agreement and the Transferor Addendum immediately upon its execution, and the Transferee shall be deemed to be bound by all of the terms, conditions and obligations of the Agreement and the Transferor Addendum as of the date thereof. The Transferee acquiring Senior Note Claims from a Backstop Investor shall hereafter be deemed to be a “Backstop Investor” and a “party” for all purposes under the Agreement.

[Signatures on Following Page]


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Assumption and Joinder Agreement has been duly executed by each of the undersigned as of the date specified below.

Date:                     , 2010

 

         
Name of Transferor     Name of Transferee
         
Authorized Signatory of Transferor     Authorized Signatory of Transferee
         
(Type or Print Name and Title of Authorized Signatory)     (Type or Print Name and Title of Authorized Signatory)
       
    Address of Transferee:
     
     
     
    Attn:
     
    Tel:
     
    Fax:
     
    E-mail:
     
EX-10.3 4 dex103.htm ENGAGEMENT LETTER Engagement Letter

Exhibit 10.3

 

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FTI Consulting

3 Times Square

11th Floor

New York, NY 10036

212.247.1010 telephone

212.841.9350 facsimile

www.fticonsulting.com

CONFIDENTIAL

May 6, 2010

GSI Group, Inc.

GSI Group Corporation

MES International, Inc.

125 Middlesex Turnpike

Bedford, Massachusetts 01730

Attention:

Ms. Marina Hatsopoulos

Dear Ms. Hatsopoulos:

The purpose of this letter is to confirm the understanding and agreement (the “Agreement”) between GSI Group, Inc., GSI Group Corporation and MES International, Inc. (collectively, the “Client”) and FTI Consulting, Inc. (“FTI”) concerning the Client’s engagement of FTI to provide certain temporary employees to the Client to provide post-petition crisis and turnaround management services (the “Services”) in connection with Client’s current cases under Title 11, Chapter 11 of the United States Code (“Chapter 11”) which are being jointly administered under case 09-14109 in the District of Delaware (the “Court”). This Agreement is effective on May 6th, 2010 (the “Effective Date”). The FTI Standard Terms and Conditions attached hereto as Exhibit “A” are also incorporated herein and forms part of this Agreement.

 

1. Temporary Officers, Hourly Temporary Employees and Services

FTI will provide Michael E. Katzenstein to serve as the Client’s Chief Restructuring Officer (the “CRO”) and Gabriel E. Bresler to serve as the Client’s Associate Chief Restructuring Officer (the “Temporary Officers”) reporting to the Board of Directors. The Temporary Officers, as well as any additional Hourly Temporary Staff, (as defined below), shall have such duties as the Client’s board of directors (the “Board”), or any committee of the Board to whom appropriate authority has been delegated by the Board in connection with the Chapter 11 (the “Committee”), may from time to time determine, and shall at all times report to and be subject to supervision by the Board and/or Committee. Without limiting the foregoing, the Temporary Officers, as well as any Hourly Temporary Staff, shall work with other senior management of the Client, and other professionals, to provide the Services.

In addition to providing the Temporary Officers, FTI may also provide the Client with additional staff (the “Hourly Temporary Staff” and, together with the Temporary Officers, the “FTI Professionals”), subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement. The Hourly Temporary Staff may be assisted by or replaced by other FTI professionals reasonably satisfactory to the Board and/or Committee, as required, who shall also become Hourly Temporary Staff for purposes hereof. FTI will keep the Board and/or Committee reasonably informed as to FTI’s staffing and will not add additional Hourly Temporary Staff to the assignment without first consulting with the Client.


The engagement of FTI to perform the Services shall be subject to the approval of the Bankruptcy Court and shall be substantially as provided in this Agreement as modified by the retention order approved by the Bankruptcy Court. Client agrees, at Client’s expense, to file an application (the “Application”) to employ FTI as crisis and turnaround manager nunc pro tunc to the Effective Date pursuant to § 363 of the Bankruptcy Code. The Client agrees to file all required applications, including the Application, for the employment or retention of FTI at the earliest practical time.

The Services do not include (i) audit, legal, tax, environmental, accounting, actuarial, employee benefits, insurance advice or similar specialist and other professional services which are typically outsourced and which shall be obtained directly where required by the Client at Client’s expense; or (ii) investment banking, including valuation or securities analysis, including advising any party or representation of the Client on the purchase, sale or exchange of securities or representation of the Client in securities transactions. FTI is not a registered broker-dealer in any jurisdiction and will not offer advice or its opinion or any testimony on valuation or exchanges of securities or on any matter for which FTI is not appropriately licensed or accredited. An affiliate of FTI is a broker-dealer but is not being engaged by the Client to provide any investment banking or broker-dealer services. The Client agrees to supply office space, and office and support services to FTI as reasonably requested by FTI in connection with the performance of its duties hereunder.

FTI is providing certain non-bankruptcy services to the Client assisting the Chief Financial Officer with accounting and reporting services. FTI does not believe this assistance is related to the Chapter 11 cases.

 

2. Compensation to FTI

Monthly Fee

For services rendered in connection with this assignment, the Client agrees to pay FTI a monthly, non-refundable advisory fee of $175,000 per month for the services of Michael E. Katzenstein and Gabriel E. Bresler. Any additional professionals added as Hourly Temporary Staff will be billed at their current hourly rate. Fees are payable in advance and may be billed as frequently as weekly and will be billed not less frequently than monthly.

The monthly fee provided for Michael E. Katzenstein and Gabriel E. Bresler is a discounted fee that is less than the fees that the Client would incur if FTI were to bill it on an hourly basis. The normal hourly billing rates for any additional professionals with the skills and experience needed for engagements of this kind, for 2010 and which are subject to period revision, are as follows: Senior Managing Directors - $795 to $885; Managing Directors - $675 to $725; Directors - $545 to $620; Consultants - $305 to $485;

Completion Fee:

The Client agrees that FTI shall have a Completion Fee opportunity in partial consideration of the discounted monthly flat fee and to compensate FTI for achieving the restructuring objectives of the Client. If, during the term of this Agreement or during the three (3) months following the termination of this Agreement (which, if a Sale agreement is entered into during such three month period following termination, shall be extended in respect of such agreement until it has been consummated or terminated), the Audit Preparation is completed and Client completes a Restructuring or Sale, FTI

 

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will earn a Completion Fee of $1,400,000, payable in cash on the later of the date the Audit Preparation is completed, the effective date of the Restructuring or on closing of the Sale, as the case may be. After August 6, 2010, each Monthly Fee of $175,000 actually paid (but not amounts paid for Hourly Temporary Staff) will be credited against the Completion Fee when earned, but in no event will the Completion Fee be reduced below zero.

“Audit Preparation” means that the required Temporary Officers are prepared to approve the final 2009 financial statement closing package for submission to the Client’s external auditors for purposes of their 2009 audit procedures.

“Restructuring” means the entry of a final non-appealable order of the Bankruptcy Court confirming a plan of reorganization for the Client.

“Sale” means, collectively, any transaction or series of transaction involving an acquisition, merger, consolidation or other business combination pursuant to which the business or assets or substantially all of the assets of any or all of the entities constituting the Client are, directly or indirectly, combined with another company, other than in the ordinary course of business; the acquisition, directly or indirectly, by a buyer or buyers (which term shall include a “group” of persons as defined in Section 13(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended), of equity interests or options, or any combination thereof, constituting a majority of the then outstanding stock of any or all of the entities constituting the Client or possessing the majority of then outstanding voting power of any or all of the entities constituting the Client; any other purchase or acquisition, directly or indirectly, by a buyer or buyers of assets or substantially all of the assets, securities or other interests of any or all of the entities constituting the Client; and the formation of a joint venture partnership with any or all of the entities constituting the Client or direct investment in any or all of the entities constituting the Client for the purpose of effecting a transfer of an interest in the Client to a third party.

In the event that the Client closes upon a Sale in which the Audit Preparation is not necessary or required, then FTI shall be entitled to a reduced Completion Fee in a reasonable amount to be agreed upon by FTI and the Client taking into account FTI’s services in connection with such Sale. In the event that FTI and the Client are unable to agree on an appropriate amount of the reduced Completion Fee, such amount shall be set by the Bankruptcy Court.

The Completion Fee shall be subject to any required approval of the Bankruptcy Court having jurisdiction over the Chapter 11 Cases. The Client agrees to file any required Bankruptcy Court application for approval of the Completion Fee.

Expenses:

In addition to the fees outlined above, FTI will bill for reasonable direct expenses. On no less than a bi-weekly basis, FTI will provide the Client with reasonably detailed billing statements with respect to such expenses. Direct expenses include reasonable and customary out-of-pocket expenses which are billed directly to the engagement such as certain telephone, overnight mail, messenger, travel, meals, accommodations and other expenses specifically related to the engagement. Further, if FTI and/or any of its employees are required to testify or provide evidence at or in connection with any judicial or administrative proceeding relating to this matter, FTI will be compensated by you at its regular hourly rates and reimbursed for reasonable allocated and direct expenses (including counsel fees) with respect thereto.

 

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Cash on Account:

Immediately upon execution of this Agreement or as authorized by the Court, Client will fund the amount of $175,000 “on account,” to be held as an “evergreen retainer” and as continuing security for the payment of fees and expenses to FTI and to be applied to any unpaid amounts due to FTI at the completion of our engagement, with the unused portion of the retainer refunded to the Client upon payment in full of all fees and expenses. Notwithstanding the foregoing, FTI may apply the cash held on account to any unpaid invoices in the event the Client fails to make timely payment. Subject to obtaining any required Bankruptcy Court approvals, the Client agrees to increase or supplement the Cash on Account from time to time during the course of the Engagement in such amounts as the Client and we mutually shall agree are reasonably necessary to a level that will be sufficient to fund Engagement fees, charges, and disbursements to be incurred.

Invoicing and Payments:

FTI will send the Client periodic invoices for fees, charges and disbursements and, in certain circumstances, an invoice may be for estimated fees, charges and disbursements through a date certain. Each invoice constitutes a request for an interim payment against the fee to be determined at the conclusion of our Services. The Client agrees upon submission of each such invoice to wire the invoice amount to us within two (2) business days of our issuing the invoice, without prejudice to the Client’s right to advise us of any differences it may have with respect to such invoice.

Payments to FTI shall be made by wire transfer to the following account:

FTI Wire Instructions:

Bank of America

ABA # 0260-0959-3

Account # 003939577164

Additional Provisions Regarding Fees:

 

a) The Client agrees to promptly notify FTI if the Client or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates extends (or solicits the possible interest in receiving) an offer of employment to a principal or employee of FTI involved in this Engagement and agrees that FTI has earned and is entitled to a cash fee, upon hiring, equal to 150% of the aggregate first year’s annualized compensation, including any guaranteed or target bonus and equity award, to be paid to FTI’s former principal or employee that the Client or any of it subsidiaries or affiliates hires at any time up to one year subsequent to the date of the final invoice rendered by FTI with respect to this Engagement.

 

b) FTI may stop work or terminate the Agreement immediately upon the giving of written notice to the Client (i) if payments are not made in accordance with this Agreement, (ii) if the Application is not approved by the Bankruptcy Court, (iii) if the Chapter 11 case is dismissed or converted to a Chapter 7 proceeding, or (iv) if a Chapter 11 Trustee or other responsible person is appointed.

 

c)

(i) In the event that FTI is employed post-petition under § 363 of the Bankruptcy Code, FTI shall invoice the Client for its monthly fees every two weeks in advance and the Client shall pay FTI’s invoices promptly, within two (2) business days of invoice date. If, and only if, local Bankruptcy rules or the order approving the Application so require, FTI shall file with and serve on creditors entitled to notice thereof, a statement of staffing, professional services, compensation or expenses, on a quarterly basis, or as the Bankruptcy Court or rules may direct, and creditors and other parties

 

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  in interest shall have an opportunity to object thereto and request a hearing thereon. (ii) In the event that FTI is employed post-petition as a “professional person” pursuant to § 327 of the Bankruptcy Code, Bankruptcy Court approval will generally be required to pay FTI’s fees and expenses for Post-petition Services. In most cases of this size and complexity, on request of a party in interest, the bankruptcy court permits the payment of interim fees during the case. The Client agrees that in this situation it will, at the Client’s expense, request the Bankruptcy Court to establish a procedure for the payment of interim fees during the case that would permit payment of interim fees. If the Bankruptcy Court approves such a procedure, we will submit invoices on account against our final fee. These interim invoices will be based on such percentage as the bankruptcy court allows of our internal time charges and costs and expenses for the work performed during the relevant period and will constitute a request for an interim payment against the reasonable fee to be determined at the conclusion of our Engagement.

 

d) Any unpaid post-petition fees, charges and disbursements will be due and payable immediately upon entry of an order containing such court approval or at such time thereafter as instructed by the court. The Client understands that while the arrangement in this paragraph may be altered in whole or in part by the bankruptcy court, the Client shall nevertheless remain liable for payment of court approved post-petition fees and expenses. Such items are afforded administrative priority under 11 U.S.C. §503(b)(l). The Bankruptcy Code provides in pertinent part, at 11 U.S.C. §1l29(a)(9)(A), that a plan cannot be confirmed unless administrative claims are paid in full in cash on the effective date of any plan (unless the holders of such claims agree to different treatment). It is agreed and understood that the unused portion, if any, of the Cash on Account shall be held by us and applied against the final fee application filed and approved by the court.

 

e) Client agrees that FTI is not an employee of the Client and the FTI employees and independent FTI contractors who perform the Services are not employees of the Client, and they shall not receive a W-2 from the Client for any fees earned under this engagement, and such fees are not subject to any form of withholding by the Client. The Client shall provide FTI a standard form 1099 on request for fees earned under this Engagement.

 

f) Copies of Invoices shall be sent by facsimile or email as follows:

To the Client at:

GSI Group, Inc.

GSI Group Corporation

MES International, Inc.

125 Middlesex Turnpike

Bedford, Massachusetts 01730

Attention: Ms. Marina Hatsopoulos

 

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3. Term

This Agreement is terminable by the Client or by FTI at any time upon the giving of thirty (30) days written notice. Upon such termination by the Client (the “Termination Date”), FTI shall cease work and the Client shall have no further obligation for fees and expenses of FTI arising or incurred after the Termination Date, provided, however, that, notwithstanding any termination by Client or by FTI in the circumstances described in paragraph (b) of “Additional provisions Regarding Fees”,

 

  (A) The Client shall reimburse FTI for its out-of-pocket expenses (the “Termination Expenses”) incurred in connection with commitments made by FTI prior to the Termination Date with respect to advance travel arrangements reasonably incurred, to the extent FTI is unable to obtain refunds of such expenses. FTI shall provide the Client with reasonable documentation to substantiate all Termination Expenses for which payment is requested; and

 

  (B) Unless FTI is in default of this Agreement, termination shall not affect FTI’s entitlement to the Completion Fee; provided, however, that FTI shall not be entitled to the Completion Fee if it terminates this Agreement for reasons other than the circumstances described in paragraph (b) of “Additional Provisions Regarding Fees”.

 

4. Availability of Information

In connection with FTI’s activities on the Client’s behalf, the Client agrees (i) to furnish FTI with all information and data concerning the business and operations of the Client which FTI reasonably requests, and (ii) to provide FTI with reasonable access to the Client’s officers, directors, partners, employees, retained consultants, independent accountants, and legal counsel. FTI shall not be responsible for the truth or accuracy of materials and information received by FTI under this agreement.

 

5. Notices

Notices under this Agreement to the Client shall be provided as set forth in paragraph 2(f).

Notices to FTI shall be to:

3 Times Square, 9th Floor

New York, NY 10036

Attn: Michael E. Katzenstein

Phone: (214) 384-4909

Fax: (214) 260-7127

Email: mike.katzenstein@fticonsulting.com

Notices shall be provided by (a) fax and email, (b) hand delivery, or (c) overnight delivery. If provided by fax and email or hand delivery, they shall be deemed effective the date given. If provided by overnight delivery, they shall be deemed effective on the date of actual receipt.

 

6. Miscellaneous

This Agreement: represents the entire understanding of the parties hereto and supersedes any and all other prior agreements among the parties regarding the subject matter hereof; shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties and their respective heirs, representatives, successors and assigns; may be executed by facsimile (followed by originals sent via regular mail), and in two or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument; and may not be waived, modified or amended unless in writing and signed by a representative of the Client and FTI. The provisions of this Agreement shall be severable. No failure to delay in exercising any right, power or privilege related hereto, or any single or partial exercise thereof, shall operate as a waiver thereof.

 

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If this letter correctly sets forth our understanding, please so acknowledge by signing below and returning a signed copy of this letter to us.

 

Very truly yours,
FTI CONSULTING, INC.
By:   /s/ Michael E. Katzenstein
Name:   Michael E. Katzenstein
Title:   Senior Managing Director

 

ACCEPTED AND AGREED this              day of May, 2010.
GSI GROUP INC., on behalf of itself and its subsidiaries listed below
By:   /s/ Marina Hatsopoulos

Name:

Title:

 

Marina Hatsopoulos

Director

Date:   May 14, 2010
GSI GROUP CORPORATION
MES INTERNATIONAL, INC.

 

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EXHIBIT “A”

FTI CONSULTING, INC.

STANDARD TERMS AND CONDITIONS

The following are the Standard Terms and Conditions on which we will provide the Services to you set forth within the attached letter of engagement with GSI Group, Inc. GSI Corporation and MES International, Inc. dated May 6, 2010. The Engagement letter and the Standard Terms and Conditions (collectively the “Engagement Contract”) form the entire agreement between us relating to the Services and replace and supersede any previous proposals, letters of engagement, undertakings, agreements, understandings, correspondence and other communications, whether written or oral, regarding the Services. The headings and titles in the Engagement Contract are included to make it easier to read but do not form part of the Engagement Contract.

 

1. Reports and Advice

 

1.1 Use and purpose of advice and reports – Any advice given or report issued by us is provided solely for your use and benefit and only in connection with the purpose in respect of which the Services are provided. Unless required by law, you shall not provide any advice given or report issued by us to any third party, or refer to us or the Services, without our prior written consent. In no event, regardless of whether consent has been provided, shall we assume any responsibility to any third party to which any advice or report is disclosed or otherwise made available.

 

2. Information and Assistance

 

2.1 Provision of information and assistance – Our performance of the Services is dependent upon your providing us with such information and assistance as we may reasonably require from time to time.

 

2.2 Punctual and accurate information – You shall use reasonable skill, care and attention to ensure that all information we may reasonably require is provided on a timely basis and is accurate and complete and relevant for the purpose for which it is required. You shall also notify us if you subsequently learn that the information provided is incorrect or inaccurate or otherwise should not be relied upon.

 

2.3 No assurance on financial data – While our work may include an analysis of financial and accounting data, the Services will not include an audit, compilation or review of any kind of any financial statements or components thereof. Client management will be responsible for any and all financial information they provide to us during the course of this Engagement, and we will not examine or compile or verify any such financial information. Moreover, the circumstances of the Engagement may cause our advice to be limited in certain respects based upon, among other matters, the extent of sufficient and available data and the opportunity for supporting investigations in the time period. Accordingly, as part of this Engagement, we will not express any opinion or other form of assurance on financial statements of the Client.

 

2.4 Prospective financial information—In the event the Services involve prospective financial information, our work will not constitute an examination or compilation, or apply agreed-upon procedures, in accordance with standards established by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants or otherwise, and we will express no assurance of any kind on such information. There will usually be differences between estimated and actual results, because events and circumstances frequently do not occur as expected, and those differences may be material. We will take no responsibility for the achievability of results or events projected or anticipated by the management of the Client.

 

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3. Additional Services

 

3.1 Responsibility for other parties – You shall be solely responsible for the work and fees of any other party engaged by you to provide services in connection with the Engagement regardless of whether such party was introduced to you by us. Except as provided in this Engagement Contract, we shall not be responsible for providing or reviewing the advice or services of any such third party, including advice as to legal, regulatory, accounting or taxation matters. Further, we acknowledge that we are not authorized under our Engagement Contract to engage any third party to provide services or advice to you, other than our agents or independent contractors engaged to provide Services, without your written authorization.

 

4. Confidentiality

 

4.1 Restrictions on confidential information – Both parties agree that any confidential information received from the other party shall only be used for the purposes of providing or receiving Services under this or any other contract between us. Except as provided below, neither party will disclose the other party’s confidential information to any third party without the other party’s consent. Confidential information shall not include information that:

 

  4.1.1  is or becomes generally available to the public other than as a result of a breach of an obligation under this Clause 4.1;

 

  4.1.2  is acquired from a third party who, to the recipient party’s knowledge, owes no obligation of confidence in respect of the information; or

 

  4.1.3  is or has been independently developed by the recipient.

 

4.2 Disclosing confidential information – Notwithstanding Clause 1.1 or 4.1 above, either party will be entitled to disclose confidential information of the other to a third party to the extent that this is required by valid legal process, provided that (and without breaching any legal or regulatory requirement) where reasonably practicable not less than 2 business days’ notice in writing is first given to the other party.

 

4.3 Citation of engagement – Without prejudice to Clause 4.1 and Clause 4.2 above, to the extent our engagement is or becomes known to the public, we may cite the performance of the Services to our clients and prospective clients as an indication of our experience, unless we and you specifically agree otherwise in writing.

 

4.4 Internal quality reviews – Notwithstanding the above, we may disclose any information referred to in this Clause 4 to any other FTI entity or use it for internal quality reviews.

 

4.5 Maintenance of workpapers – Notwithstanding the above, we may keep one archival set of our working papers from the Engagement, including working papers containing or reflecting confidential information, in accordance with our internal policies.

 

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5. Termination

Termination of Engagement with notice – This Agreement is terminable by the Client or by FTI at any time upon the giving of thirty (30) days written notice. Upon such termination by the Client (the “Termination Date”), FTI shall cease work and the Client shall have no further obligation for fees and expenses of FTI arising or incurred after the Termination Date, provided, however, that, notwithstanding any termination by the Client or by FTI in the circumstances described in paragraph (b) of “Additional Provisions Regarding Fees”,

 

  a) The Client shall reimburse FTI for its out-of-pocket expenses (the “Termination Expenses”) incurred in connection with commitments made by FTI prior to the Termination Date with respect to advance travel arrangements reasonably incurred, to the extent FTI is unable to obtain refunds of such expenses. FTI shall provide the Client with reasonable documentation to substantiate all Termination Expenses for which payment is requested; and

 

  b) Unless FTI is in material default of this Agreement, termination shall not affect FTI’s entitlement to the Completion Fee; provided, however, that FTI shall not be entitled to the Completion Fee if it terminates this Agreement for reasons other than the circumstances described in paragraph (b) of “Additional Provisions Regarding Fees”.

 

5.1 Continuation of terms – The terms of the Engagement that by their context are intended to be performed after termination or expiration of this Engagement Contract, including but not limited to, Clauses 3 and 4 of the Engagement letter, and Clauses 1.1, 4, 6 and 7 of the Standard Terms and Conditions, are intended to survive such termination or expiration and shall continue to bind all parties.

 

6. Indemnification and Liability Limitation; Waiver of Jury Trial

 

6.1 Indemnification and Insurance – Subject to any limitation post-petition required by the Bankruptcy Court, the Client agrees to indemnify and hold harmless FTI and its shareholders, directors, officers, managers, employees, contractors, agents and controlling persons (each, an “Indemnified Party”) from and against any losses, claims, damages or expenses, or if same was or is or becomes a party to or witness or other participant in, or is threatened to be made a party to or witness or other participant in, any threatened, pending or completed action, suit, proceeding or alternative dispute resolution mechanism, or any hearing, inquiry or investigation, in each case by reason of (or arising in part out of) any event or occurrence related to this agreement or any predecessor agreement for services or the fact that any Indemnified Party is or was an agent, officer director, employee or fiduciary of the Client, or by reason of any action or inaction on the part of any Indemnified Party while serving in such capacity (an “Indemnifiable Event”) against expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees and disbursements), judgments, fines, settlements and other amounts actually and reasonably incurred in connection with any Indemnifiable Event. The Application shall include the assumption by the Client of FTI’s right to indemnification in respect of its actions under this Agreement prior to the Petition Date. The Indemnified Party shall promptly forward to the Client all written notifications and other matter communications regarding any claim that could trigger the Client’s indemnification obligations under this Section 6. If the Client so elects or is requested by an Indemnified Party, the Client will assume the defense of such action or proceeding, including the employment of counsel reasonably satisfactory to the Indemnified Party and the payment of the reasonable fees and disbursements of such counsel. In the event, however, such Indemnified Party is advised by counsel that having common counsel would present such counsel with a conflict of interest or if the defendants in, or targets of, any such action or proceeding include both an Indemnified Party and the Client, and such Indemnified Party is advised by counsel that there may be legal defenses available to it or other Indemnified Parties that are different from or in addition to those available to the Client, or if the Client fails to assume the defense of the action or proceeding or to employ counsel reasonably satisfactory to such Indemnified Party, in either case in a timely manner, then such Indemnified Party may employ separate counsel to represent or defend it in any such action or proceeding and the Client will pay the reasonable fees and disbursements of such counsel; provided, however, that the Client will not be required to pay the fees and disbursements of more than one separate counsel (in addition to local counsel) for an Indemnified Party in any jurisdiction in any single action or proceeding. In any action or proceeding the defense of which the Client assumes, the Indemnified Party will have the right to participate in such litigation and to retain its own counsel at such Indemnified Party’s own expense. The Client further agrees that the Client will not, without the prior written consent of the Indemnified Party (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed), settle or compromise or consent to the entry of any judgment in any pending or threatened claim, action, suit or proceeding in respect of which indemnification or contribution may be sought hereunder (whether or not the Indemnified Party or any other Indemnified

 

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  Party is an actual or potential party to such claim, action, suit or proceeding) unless (i) to the extent that such settlement, compromise or consent purports directly or indirectly to cover the Indemnified Party or any other Indemnified Party, such settlement, compromise or consent includes an unconditional release of the Indemnified Party and each other Indemnified Party from all liability arising out of such claim, action, suit or proceeding, or (ii) to the extent that such settlement, compromise or consent does not purport directly or indirectly to cover the Indemnified Party or any other Indemnified Party, the Client has given the Indemnified Party reasonable prior written notice thereof and used all reasonable efforts, after consultation with the Indemnified Party, to obtain an unconditional release of the other Indemnified Parties hereunder from all liability arising from all liability arising out of such claim, action, suit or proceeding. The Indemnified Party shall not enter into any closing agreement or final settlement that could trigger the Client’s indemnification obligations under this Section 6 without the written consent of the Client, which shall not unreasonably be withheld or delayed or conditioned. The Client will not be liable for any settlement of any action, claim, suit or proceeding affected without the Client’s prior written consent, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed or conditioned, but if settled with the consent of the Client or if there be a final judgment for the plaintiff, the Client agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Indemnified Party from and against any loss or liability by reason of such settlement or judgment, as the case may be.

 

6.2 This indemnity shall not apply to any portion of any such losses, claims, damages, liabilities and expenses to the extent it is found in a final judgment by a court of competent jurisdiction to have resulted primarily from the bad faith, gross negligence, willful misconduct or violation of law of any such Indemnified Party. The Client agrees to use commercially reasonable best efforts to (i) include Michael E. Katzenstein and Gabriel E. Bresler, and any other FTI personnel who assume officer or director positions with the Client or who perform Services hereunder, FTI and its agents, employees, officers, subcontractors, directors, joint venture partners and members, as insureds under the Client’s directors and officers insurance; and (ii) unless it is unable to do so at a commercially reasonable cost, purchase a three-year directors and officers insurance “tail” or runoff policy (or such a policy for such shorter period as Client has the right to or is otherwise able to purchase) covering the period of FTI’s service.

In connection with this engagement Client represents to FTI that Client hereby represents that (i) it has timely remitted and will continue to timely remit to the appropriate beneficiaries all employee source deductions, payroll and other taxes, benefits deductions, and contribution to employee benefit programs, and has timely collected and remitted sales and use and other similar taxes to appropriate collecting authorities and will continue timely to do so; (ii) there is no litigation or other proceeding pending, or to knowledge of Client, threatened (nor is Client aware of facts that could give rise to such), in each case that seeks or could give rise to personal liability of officers and directors of Client; and (iii) Client has been in continuing compliance with all applicable laws and regulations concerning the discharge, treatment, storage, transportation or use of hazardous materials and is aware of no facts or circumstances that could give rise to Client responsibility or liability under such laws and regulations.

 

6.3 Limitation of liability You agree that no Indemnified Person shall have any liability as a result of your retention of FTI, the execution and delivery of this Engagement Contract, the provision of Services or other matters relating to or arising from this Engagement Contract, other than liabilities that shall have been determined by final non-appealable order of a court of competent jurisdiction to have resulted from the gross negligence or willful misconduct of the Indemnified Person or Persons in respect of whom such liability is asserted.

 

6.4 WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL TO FACILITATE JUDICIAL RESOLUTION AND SAVE TIME AND EXPENSE, YOU AND FTI IRREVOCABLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY AGREE NOT TO DEMAND A TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY ACTION, PROCEEDING OR COUNTERCLAIM ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THE SERVICES OR ANY SUCH OTHER MATTER.

 

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7. Governing Law and Jurisdiction The Engagement Contract shall be governed by and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the State of New York, without giving effect to the choice of law provisions thereof. The Bankruptcy Court having jurisdiction over the Client’s Bankruptcy case shall have exclusive jurisdiction in relation to any claim, dispute or difference concerning the Engagement Contract and any matter arising from it. The parties submit to the jurisdiction of such Courts and irrevocably waive any right they may have to object to any action being brought in these Courts, to claim that the action has been brought in an inconvenient forum or to claim that those Courts do not have jurisdiction.

FTI CONSULTING, INC.

Confirmation of Standard Terms and Conditions

We agree to engage FTI Consulting, Inc. upon the terms set forth in these Standard Terms and Conditions as outlined above.

 

GSI GROUP, INC.
By:    
 

[Print Name]

[PrintTitle]

Date:    
GSI GROUP CAPITAL, INC.
By:    
 

[Print Name]

[PrintTitle]

Date:    
MES INTERNATIONAL, INC.
By:    
 

[Print Name]

[PrintTitle]

Date:    

 

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Exhibit B to Post-Petition Services Agreement

FTI Professionals

Temporary Officers

 

             Name  

Description

Michael E. Katzenstein*

  Chief Restructuring Officer

Gabriel E. Bresler*

  Associate Chief Restructuring Officer

Additional Hourly Temporary Staff

 

             Name  

Description

TBD

 
 
 

 

* Initial FTI Professionals
** Supplementary professional staff. Any use of these resources will not cause an increase in the Monthly Service Fee without the Client’s subsequent written approval.

 

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