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TOP SHIPS INC.
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(Registrant)
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Dated: May 15, 2017
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By:
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/s/ Evangelos Pistiolis
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Evangelos Pistiolis
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Chief Executive Officer
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A. |
The Company and the Investor are executing and delivering this Agreement in reliance upon the exemption from securities registration afforded by Rule 903 of Regulation S ("Regulation S") as promulgated by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "1933 Act").
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B. |
The Company has authorized the issuance of a promissory note in the original principal amount of $5,000,000, in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A (the "Note").
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C. |
The Investor wishes to purchase, and the Company wishes to sell, upon the terms and conditions stated in this Agreement, the original principal amount of the Note.
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D. |
The parties have agreed that the obligation to repay the Note shall be an unsecured obligation of the Company.
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1.
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PURCHASE AND SALE OF NOTE.
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2.
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INVESTOR'S REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES.
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(i)
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it is not in the United States and is not a "U.S. Person" as defined in Rule 902 of Regulation S promulgated under the 1933 Act (a "U.S. Person");
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(ii)
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the Note was not offered to the Investor in the United States and at the time its buy order was made, it was outside the United States;
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(iii)
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this Agreement was delivered to, completed, executed and delivered by, the Investor (or its authorized signatory) outside the United States;
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(iv)
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the Investor is not a "distributor" of securities, as that term is defined in Regulation S under the 1933 Act, nor a dealer in securities, and is not purchasing the Note for the account or benefit of, directly or indirectly, any U.S. Person;
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(v)
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the current structure of this transaction and all transactions and activities contemplated hereunder is not a scheme to evade the registration requirements of the 1933 Act; and
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(vi)
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it has not purchased the Note as a result of any form of "directed selling efforts" (as such term is used in Regulation S under the 1933 Act) or "general solicitation" or "general advertising" (as such terms are used under Rule 502(c) of Regulation D promulgated under the 1933 Act), including, but not limited to, any advertisements, articles, notices or other communications published in any newspaper, magazine or similar media or on the Internet or broadcast over radio, television or the Internet, or any seminar or meeting whose attendees have been invited by general solicitation or general advertising.
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(j)
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Residency. The Investor is a resident of the British Virgin Islands.
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3.
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REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE COMPANY.
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4.
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COVENANTS.
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(i)
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At least five (5) Business Days prior to any proposed or intended Subsequent Placement involving a Variable Rate Transaction, the Company shall deliver to the Investor a written notice of its proposal or intention to effect a Subsequent Placement involving a Variable Rate Transaction (each such notice, a "Pre-Notice"), which Pre-Notice shall not contain any information (including, without limitation, material, non-public information) other than: either (A) (i) a statement that the Company proposes or intends to effect a Subsequent Placement involving a Variable Rate Transaction, (ii) a statement that the statement in clause (i) above does not constitute material, non-public information and (iii) a statement informing the Investor that it is entitled to receive an Offer Notice (as defined below) with respect to such Subsequent Placement involving a Variable Rate Transaction upon its written request or (B) if the existence of such Subsequent Placement involving a Variable Rate Transaction is, as of the date of such Pre-Notice, material, non-public information, a statement that the Company wishes to share material non-public information with the Investor. Upon the written request of the Investor within three (3) Business Days after the Company's delivery to the Investor of such Pre-Notice, and only upon a written request by the Investor, the Company shall promptly, but no later than one (1) Business Day after such request, deliver to the Investor an irrevocable written notice (the "Offer Notice") of any proposed or intended issuance or sale or exchange (the "Offer") of the securities being offered (the "Offered Securities") in a Subsequent Placement involving a Variable Rate Transaction, which Offer Notice shall (w) identify and describe the Offered Securities, (x) describe the price and other terms upon which they are to be issued, sold or exchanged, and the aggregate number or amount of the Offered Securities to be issued, sold or exchanged, (y) identify the Persons (if known) to which or with which the Offered Securities are to be offered, issued, sold or exchanged and (z) offer to issue and sell to or exchange with the Investor in accordance with the terms of the Offer all of the Offered Securities.
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(ii)
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To accept an Offer, in whole or in part, the Investor must deliver a written notice to the Company prior to the end of the fifth (5th) Business Day after the Investor's receipt of the Offer Notice (the "Offer Period"), setting forth the portion of the Offered Securities that the Investor elects to purchase (in either case, the "Notice of Acceptance"). Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the Company desires to modify or amend the terms and conditions of the Offer prior to the expiration of the Offer Period, the Company may deliver to the Investor a new Offer Notice and the Offer Period shall expire on the fifth (5th) Business Day after the Investor's receipt of such new Offer Notice.
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(iii)
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The Company shall have five (5) Business Days from the expiration of the Offer Period above (i) to offer, issue, sell or exchange all or any part of such Offered Securities as to which a Notice of Acceptance has not been given by the Investor (the "Refused Securities") pursuant to a definitive agreement(s) (the "Subsequent Placement Agreement"), but only to the offerees described in the Offer Notice (if so described therein) and only upon terms and conditions (including, without limitation, unit prices and interest rates) that are not more favorable to the acquiring Person or Persons or less favorable to the Company than those set forth in the Offer Notice and (ii) to publicly announce (a) the execution of such Subsequent Placement Agreement, and (b) either (x) the consummation of the transactions contemplated by such Subsequent Placement Agreement or (y) the termination of such Subsequent Placement Agreement, which shall be filed with the SEC on a Report of Foreign Issuer on Form 6-K with such Subsequent Placement Agreement and any documents contemplated therein filed as exhibits thereto.
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(iv)
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In the event the Company shall propose any change to the Offer of the Offered Securities, including the size, the terms of the Offered Securities, the terms or conditions of the Offer, the offerees, the dates relating to the Offer or any other terms or conditions of the Offer or the Offered Securities, and only in the case the Investor had previously agreed to participate in such Offer, then the Company shall provide written notice to the Investor in an amended Offer Notice setting forth the changes in the Offer not less than three (3) Business Days prior to the closing of such Offer, and the Investor shall have two (2) Business Days after receipt of such written notice to confirm to the Company in a revised Notice of Acceptance that its interest to participate in the Offer, as amended, still stands.
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(v)
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Upon the closing of the issuance, sale or exchange of all or less than all of the Refused Securities, the Investor shall acquire from the Company, and the Company shall issue to the Investor, the number or amount of Offered Securities specified in its Notice of Acceptance. The purchase by the Investor of any Offered Securities is subject in all cases to the preparation, execution and delivery by the Company and the Investor of a separate purchase agreement relating to such Offered Securities reasonably satisfactory in form and substance to the Investor and its counsel.
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(vi)
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Any Offered Securities not acquired by the Investor or other Persons in accordance with this Section 4(k) may not be issued, sold or exchanged until they are again offered to the Investor under the procedures specified in this Agreement.
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(vii)
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The Company and the Investor agree that if the Investor elects to participate in the Offer, neither the Subsequent Placement Agreement with respect to such Offer nor any other transaction documents related thereto (collectively, the "Subsequent Placement Documents") shall include any term or provision whereby the Investor shall be required to agree to any restrictions on trading as to any securities of the Company or be required to consent to any amendment to or termination of, or grant any waiver, release or the like under or in connection with, any agreement previously entered into with the Company or any instrument received from the Company.
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(viii)
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Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Section 4(k) and unless otherwise agreed to by the Investor in writing, the Company shall either confirm in writing to the Investor that the transaction with respect to the Subsequent Placement involving a Variable Rate Transaction has been abandoned or shall publicly disclose its intention to issue the Offered Securities, in either case, in such a manner such that the Investor will not be in possession of any material, non-public information, by the fifth (5th) Business Day following delivery of the Offer Notice. If by such fifth (5th) Business Day, no public disclosure regarding a transaction with respect to the Offered Securities has been made, and no notice regarding the abandonment of such transaction has been received by the Investor, such transaction shall be deemed to have been abandoned and the Investor shall not be in possession of any material, non-public information with respect to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries. Should the Company decide to pursue such transaction with respect to the Offered Securities, the Company shall provide the Investor with another Offer Notice and the Investor will again have the right of participation set forth in this Section 4(k).
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(ix)
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The restrictions contained in this Section 4(k) shall not apply in connection with the issuance of any (a) Common Shares or Convertible Securities issued pursuant to strategic mergers or acquisitions of other assets or businesses, or strategic licensing or development transactions; provided that (x) the primary purpose of such issuance is not to raise capital as determined in good faith by the Investor, (y) the purchaser or acquirer of such Common Shares or Convertible Securities in such issuance solely consists of either (1) the actual participants in such strategic licensing or development transactions, (2) the actual owners of such assets or securities acquired in such merger or acquisition or (3) the shareholders, partners or members of the foregoing Persons, and (z) the number or amount (as the case may be) of such Common Shares or Convertible Securities issued to such Person by the Company shall not be disproportionate to such Person's actual participation in such strategic licensing or development transactions or ownership of such assets or securities to be acquired by the Company (as applicable); (b) Common Shares or Convertible Securities issued to the Investor, or its designee(s), pursuant to any agreement between the Company and the Investor (or any affiliate thereof); or (c) Common Shares or Convertible Securities issued in connection with any transaction involving the Company and any one or more of its Affiliates, Subsidiaries, or any of their respective officers or directors or Affiliates of officers or directors of the Company.
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5.
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REGISTER; TRANSFER AGENT INSTRUCTIONS; LEGEND.
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(d)
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Failure to Timely Deliver. If the Company fails to issue and deliver (or cause to be delivered) to the Investor by the Required Delivery Date a Note so delivered to the Company by such Investor that is free from all restrictive and other legends, then, in addition to all other remedies available to such Investor, the Company shall pay in cash to such Investor on each day after the Required Delivery Date that the issuance is not timely effected an amount equal to 2% of the original principal amount of such Investor's Note.
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6.
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CONDITIONS TO THE COMPANY'S OBLIGATION TO SELL.
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(i)
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The Investor shall have executed each of the other Transaction Documents to which it is a party and delivered the same to the Company.
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(ii)
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The Investor shall have delivered to the Company the Purchase Price for the Note being purchased by the Investor at the Closing by wire transfer of immediately available funds pursuant to the wire instructions provided by the Company.
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(iii)
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The representations and warranties of the Investor shall be true and correct in all material respects as of the date when made and as of the Closing Date as though originally made at that time (except for representations and warranties that speak as of a specific date, which shall be true and correct as of such date), and the Investor shall have performed, satisfied and complied in all material respects with the covenants, agreements and conditions required by this Agreement to be performed, satisfied or complied with by such Investor at or prior to the Closing Date.
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7.
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CONDITIONS TO THE INVESTOR'S OBLIGATION TO PURCHASE.
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(i)
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The Company and each Subsidiary (as the case may be) shall have duly executed and delivered to the Investor each of the Transaction Documents to which it is a party and the Company shall have duly executed and delivered to the Investor the Note being purchased by the Investor at the Closing pursuant to this Agreement.
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(ii)
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The Investor shall have received the opinions of Seward & Kissel LLP, the Company's U.S. and Marshall Islands counsel, dated as of the Closing Date, in the forms acceptable to such Investor.
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(iii)
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The Company shall have delivered to the Investor a certificate evidencing the formation and good standing of the Company issued by the Secretary of State (or comparable office) of such jurisdiction of formation as of a date within fifteen (15) days of the Closing Date.
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(iv)
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The Company shall have delivered to such Investor a certificate, in the form acceptable to the Investor, executed by the Secretary of the Company and dated as of the Closing Date, as to the Signing Resolutions consistent with Section 3(b) as adopted by the Company's board of directors in a form reasonably acceptable to the Investor, together with a copy of the Signing Resolutions signed by each member of the Company's board of directors.
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(v)
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Each and every representation and warranty of the Company shall be true and correct as of the date when made and as of the Closing Date as though originally made at that time (except for representations and warranties that speak as of a specific date, which shall be true and correct as of such date) and the Company shall have performed, satisfied and complied in all respects with the covenants, agreements and conditions required to be performed, satisfied or complied with by the Company at or prior to the Closing Date. The Investor shall have received a certificate, executed by the Chief Executive Officer of the Company, dated as of the Closing Date, to the foregoing effect and as to such other matters as may be reasonably requested by the Investor in the form acceptable to the Investor.
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(vi)
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The Company shall have obtained all governmental, regulatory or third party consents and approvals, if any, necessary for the sale of the Securities.
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(vii)
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No statute, rule, regulation, executive order, decree, ruling or injunction shall have been enacted, entered, promulgated or endorsed by any court or governmental authority of competent jurisdiction that prohibits the consummation of any of the transactions contemplated by the Transaction Documents.
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(viii)
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No event or series of events shall have occurred that reasonably would have or result in a Material Adverse Effect.
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(ix)
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Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has filed for and/or is subject to any bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or liquidation proceedings or other proceedings for relief under any bankruptcy law or any law for the relief of debtors instituted by or against the Company.
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(x)
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All reports, schedules, registrations, forms, statements, information and other documents required to have been filed by the Company with the Commission pursuant to the reporting requirements of the 1934 Act, including all material required to have been filed pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the 1934 Act, shall have been filed with the Commission under the 1934 Act.
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(xi)
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The Company and its Subsidiaries shall have delivered to the Investor such other documents, instruments or certificates relating to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement as the Investor or its counsel may reasonably request.
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8.
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TERMINATION.
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9.
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MISCELLANEOUS.
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TOP Ships Inc.
1 Vas. Sofias and Meg. Alexandrou Str,
151 24, Marousi
Athens, Greece
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Telephone:
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+011 30 210-812-8180
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Fax:
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+011 30 210-805-6441
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E-Mail:
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atsirikos@topships.org
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Attention:
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Alexandros Tsirikos
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Seward & Kissel LLP
One Battery Park Plaza
New York, NY 10004
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Telephone:
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(212) 574-1200
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Facsimile:
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(212) 480-8421
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E-mail address:
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Wolfe@sewkis.com
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Attention:
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Gary Wolfe, Esq.
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Xanthe Holdings Ltd.
Palm Grove House
P.O. Box 438
Road Town, Tortola
British Virgin Islands
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Facsimile:
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+350 20077343
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E-mail:
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Eli@hassett.biz
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Attention:
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Eliyahu Hassett
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Mintz, Levin, Cohn, Ferris, Glovsky and Popeo, P.C.
666 Third Avenue
New York, New York 1001
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Facsimile:
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(212) 935-3000
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Email address:
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ajmarsico@mintz.com
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Attention:
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Anthony J. Marsico, Esq.
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(i)
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In consideration of the Investor's execution and delivery of the Transaction Documents and acquiring the Securities thereunder and in addition to all of the Company's other obligations under the Transaction Documents, the Company shall defend, protect, indemnify and hold harmless the Investor and each holder of any Securities and all of their shareholders, partners, members, officers, directors, employees and direct or indirect investors and any of the foregoing Persons' agents or other representatives (including, without limitation, those retained in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement) (collectively, the "Indemnitees") from and against any and all actions, causes of action, suits, claims, losses, costs, penalties, fees, liabilities and damages, and expenses in connection therewith (irrespective of whether any such Indemnitee is a party to the action for which indemnification hereunder is sought), and including reasonable attorneys' fees and disbursements (the "Indemnified Liabilities"), incurred by any Indemnitee as a result of, or arising out of, or relating to (a) any misrepresentation or breach of any representation or warranty made by the Company in any of the Transaction Documents, (b) any breach of any covenant, agreement or obligation of the Company contained in any of the Transaction Documents or (c) any cause of action, suit, proceeding or claim brought or made against such Indemnitee by a third party (including, without limitation, for these purposes a derivative action brought on behalf of the Company or any Subsidiary) or which otherwise involves such Indemnitee that arises out of, relates to or results from (i) the execution, delivery, performance or enforcement of any of the Transaction Documents, (ii) any transaction financed or to be financed in whole or in part, directly or indirectly, with the proceeds of the issuance of the Securities, (iii) any disclosure properly made by the Investor pursuant to Section 4(i), or (iv) the status of the Investor or holder of the Securities either as an investor in the Company pursuant to the transactions contemplated by the Transaction Documents or as a party to this Agreement (including, without limitation, as a party in interest or otherwise in any action or proceeding for injunctive or other equitable relief). To the extent that the foregoing undertaking by the Company may be unenforceable for any reason, the Company shall make the maximum contribution to the payment and satisfaction of each of the Indemnified Liabilities which is permissible under applicable law.
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(ii)
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Promptly after receipt by an Indemnitee under this Section 9(k) of notice of the commencement of any action or proceeding (including any governmental action or proceeding) involving an Indemnified Liability, such Indemnitee shall, if a claim in respect thereof is to be made against the Company under this Section 9(k), deliver to the Company a written notice of the commencement thereof, and the Company shall have the right to participate in, and, to the extent the Company so desires, to assume control of the defense thereof with counsel mutually satisfactory to the Company and the Indemnitee; provided, however, that an Indemnitee shall have the right to retain its own counsel with the fees and expenses of such counsel to be paid by the Company if: (i) the Company has agreed in writing to pay such fees and expenses; (ii) the Company shall have failed promptly to assume the defense of such Indemnified Liability and to employ counsel reasonably satisfactory to such Indemnitee in any such Indemnified Liability; or (iii) the named parties to any such Indemnified Liability (including any impleaded parties) include both such Indemnitee and the Company, and such Indemnitee shall have been advised by counsel that a conflict of interest is likely to exist if the same counsel were to represent such Indemnitee and the Company (in which case, if such Indemnitee notifies the Company in writing that it elects to employ separate counsel at the expense of the Company, then the Company shall not have the right to assume the defense thereof and such counsel shall be at the expense of the Company), provided further, that in the case of clause (iii) above the Company shall not be responsible for the reasonable fees and expenses of more than one (1) separate legal counsel for such Indemnitee. The Indemnitee shall reasonably cooperate with the Company in connection with any negotiation or defense of any such action or Indemnified Liability by the Company and shall furnish to the Company all information reasonably available to the Indemnitee which relates to such action or Indemnified Liability. The Company shall keep the Indemnitee reasonably apprised at all times as to the status of the defense or any settlement negotiations with respect thereto. The Company shall not be liable for any settlement of any action, claim or proceeding effected without its prior written consent, provided, however, that the Company shall not unreasonably withhold, delay or condition its consent. The Company shall not, without the prior written consent of the Indemnitee, consent to entry of any judgment or enter into any settlement or other compromise which does not include as an unconditional term thereof the giving by the claimant or plaintiff to such Indemnitee of a release from all liability in respect to such Indemnified Liability or litigation, and such settlement shall not include any admission as to fault on the part of the Indemnitee. Following indemnification as provided for hereunder, the Company shall be subrogated to all rights of the Indemnitee with respect to all third parties, firms or corporations relating to the matter for which indemnification has been made. The failure to deliver written notice to the Company within a reasonable time of the commencement of any such action shall not relieve the Company of any liability to the Indemnitee under this Section 9(k), except to the extent that the Company is materially and adversely prejudiced in its ability to defend such action.
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(iii)
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The indemnification required by this Section 9(k) shall be made by periodic payments of the amount thereof during the course of the investigation or defense, as and when bills are received or Indemnified Liabilities are incurred.
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(iv)
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The indemnity agreement contained herein shall be in addition to (A) any cause of action or similar right of the Indemnitee against the Company or others, and (B) any liabilities the Company may be subject to pursuant to the law.
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COMPANY:
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TOP SHIPS INC.
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By:
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/s/ Alexandros Tsirikos | ||
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Name: Alexandros Tsirikos
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Title: CFO
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INVESTOR:
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XANTHE HOLDINGS LTD.
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By:
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/s/ Eliyahu Hassett | ||
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Name: Eliyahu Hassett
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Title: Director
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Issuance Date: May 15, 2017
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Original Principal Amount: U.S.$5,000,000
Purchase Price: U.S.$5,000,000
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1.
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PAYMENTS OF PRINCIPAL. On the Maturity Date, the Company shall pay to the Holder an amount in cash representing all outstanding Principal, accrued and unpaid Interest and accrued and unpaid Late Charges (as defined in Section 23(c)) on such Principal and Interest). Other than as specifically permitted by this Note, the Company may not prepay any portion of the outstanding Principal, accrued and unpaid Interest or accrued and unpaid Late Charges on Principal and Interest, if any.
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2.
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INTEREST; INTEREST RATE.
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(a)
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Interest on this Note shall commence accruing on the Issuance Date, shall accrue daily at the Interest Rate on the outstanding Principal amount from time to time, shall be computed on the basis of a 360-day year and twelve 30-day months and shall be payable in cash to the Holder on the the Maturity Date or any applicable Redemption Date (each, an "Interest Date").
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(b)
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From and after the occurrence and during the continuance of any Event of Default, the Interest Rate shall automatically be increased to twelve percent (12.0%) per annum. In the event that such Event of Default is subsequently cured, the adjustment referred to in the preceding sentence shall cease to be effective as of the date of such cure; provided that the Interest as calculated and unpaid at such increased rate during the continuance of such Event of Default shall continue to apply to the extent relating to the days after the occurrence of such Event of Default through and including the date of such cure of such Event of Default.
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3.
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RESERVED.
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4.
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RIGHTS UPON EVENT OF DEFAULT.
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(a)
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Event of Default. Each of the following events shall constitute an "Event of Default":
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(i)
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the Company's or any Subsidiary's (as defined in the Note Purchase Agreement) failure to pay to the Holder any amount of Principal, Interest, Late Charges or other amounts when and as due under this Note (including, without limitation, the Company's or any Subsidiary's failure to pay any redemption payments or amounts hereunder) or any other Transaction Document (as defined in the Note Purchase Agreement) or any other agreement, document, certificate or other instrument delivered in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby, except, in the case of a failure to pay Interest and Late Charges when and as due, in which case only if such failure remains uncured for a period of at least five (5) days;
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(ii)
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the occurrence of any default under, redemption of or acceleration prior to maturity of an aggregate of any Indebtedness of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries in excess of $1,000,000;
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(iii)
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bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or liquidation proceedings or other proceedings for the relief of debtors shall be instituted by or against the Company or any Subsidiary and, if instituted against the Company or any Subsidiary by a third party, shall not be dismissed within thirty (30) days of their initiation;
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(iv)
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the commencement by the Company or any Subsidiary of a voluntary case or proceeding under any applicable federal, state or foreign bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or other similar law or of any other case or proceeding to be adjudicated a bankrupt or insolvent, or the consent by it to the entry of a decree, order, judgment or other similar document in respect of the Company or any Subsidiary in an involuntary case or proceeding under any applicable federal, state or foreign bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or other similar law or to the commencement of any bankruptcy or insolvency case or proceeding against it, or the filing by it of a petition or answer or consent seeking reorganization or relief under any applicable federal, state or foreign law, or the consent by it to the filing of such petition or to the appointment of or taking possession by a custodian, receiver, liquidator, assignee, trustee, sequestrator or other similar official of the Company or any Subsidiary or of any substantial part of its property, or the making by it of an assignment for the benefit of creditors, or the execution of a composition of debts, or the occurrence of any other similar federal, state or foreign proceeding, or the admission by it in writing of its inability to pay its debts generally as they become due, the taking of corporate action by the Company or any Subsidiary in furtherance of any such action or the taking of any action by any Person to commence a Uniform Commercial Code foreclosure sale or any other similar action under federal, state or foreign law;
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(v)
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the entry by a court of (i) a decree, order, judgment or other similar document in respect of the Company or any Subsidiary of a voluntary or involuntary case or proceeding under any applicable federal, state or foreign bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or other similar law or (ii) a decree, order, judgment or other similar document adjudging the Company or any Subsidiary as bankrupt or insolvent, or approving as properly filed a petition seeking liquidation, reorganization, arrangement, adjustment or composition of or in respect of the Company or any Subsidiary under any applicable federal, state or foreign law or (iii) a decree, order, judgment or other similar document appointing a custodian, receiver, liquidator, assignee, trustee, sequestrator or other similar official of the Company or any Subsidiary or of any substantial part of its property, or ordering the winding up or liquidation of its affairs, and the continuance of any such decree, order, judgment or other similar document or any such other decree, order, judgment or other similar document unstayed and in effect for a period of thirty (30) consecutive days;
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(vi)
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a final judgment or judgments for the payment of money aggregating in excess of $1,000,000 are rendered against the Company and/or any of its Subsidiaries and which judgments are not, within thirty (30) days after the entry thereof, bonded, discharged or stayed pending appeal, or are not discharged within thirty (30) days after the expiration of such stay; provided, however, any judgment which is covered by insurance or an indemnity from a credit worthy party shall not be included in calculating the $1,000,000 amount set forth above so long as the Company provides the Holder a written statement from such insurer or indemnity provider (which written statement shall be reasonably satisfactory to the Holder) to the effect that such judgment is covered by insurance or an indemnity and the Company or such Subsidiary (as the case may be) will receive the proceeds of such insurance or indemnity within thirty (30) days of the issuance of such judgment;
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(vii)
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the Company and/or any Subsidiary, individually or in the aggregate, either (i) fails to pay, when due, or within any applicable grace period, any payment with respect to any Indebtedness in excess of $1,000,000 due to any third party (other than, with respect to unsecured Indebtedness only, payments contested by the Company and/or such Subsidiary (as the case may be) in good faith by proper proceedings and with respect to which adequate reserves have been set aside for the payment thereof in accordance with GAAP) or is otherwise in breach or violation of any agreement for monies owed or owing in an amount in excess of $1,000,000, which breach or violation permits the other party thereto to declare a default or otherwise accelerate amounts due thereunder, or (ii) suffer to exist any other circumstance or event that would, with or without the passage of time or the giving of notice, result in a default or event of default under any agreement binding the Company or any Subsidiary, which default or event of default would or is likely to have a material adverse effect on the business, assets, operations (including results thereof), liabilities, properties, condition (including financial condition) or prospects of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, individually or in the aggregate;
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(viii)
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other than as specifically set forth in another clause of this Section 4(a), the Company or any Subsidiary breaches any representation, warranty, covenant or other term or condition of any Transaction Document, except, in the case of a breach of a covenant or other term or condition that is curable, only if such breach remains uncured for a period of five (5) consecutive Business Days;
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(ix)
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any Material Adverse Effect (as defined in the Note Purchase Agreement) occurs;
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(x)
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any Change of Control occurs; or
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(xi)
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any breach or failure in any respect of the Company to fully comply with Section 13(b) of this Note and Section 4(b) of the Note Purchase Agreement.
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(b)
|
Notice of an Event of Default; Redemption Right. Upon the occurrence of an Event of Default with respect to this Note, the Company shall within one (1) Business Day deliver written notice thereof via facsimile and overnight courier (with next day delivery specified) (an "Event of Default Notice") to the Holder. At any time after the earlier of the Holder's receipt of an Event of Default Notice and the Holder becoming aware of an Event of Default, the Holder may require the Company to redeem, at any time during the period commencing on the date the Holder first becomes aware of such Event of Default through and including the tenth (10th) Business Day after the later of (x) the date the Holder receives the applicable Event of Default Notice with respect there and (y) the date such Event of Default has been cured, all or any portion of this Note by delivering written notice thereof (the "Event of Default Redemption Notice") to the Company, which Event of Default Redemption Notice shall indicate the portion of this Note the Holder is electing to redeem. Each portion of this Note subject to redemption by the Company pursuant to this Section 4(b) shall be redeemed by the Company in cash at a price equal to the product of (i) the Outstanding Amount to be redeemed multiplied by (ii) the Redemption Premium (the "Event of Default Redemption Price"). Redemptions required by this Section 4(b) shall be made in accordance with the provisions of Section 10. To the extent redemptions required by this Section 4(b) are deemed or determined by a court of competent jurisdiction to be prepayments of this Note by the Company, such redemptions shall be deemed to be voluntary prepayments. In the event of the Company's redemption of any portion of this Note under this Section 4(b), the Holder's damages would be uncertain and difficult to estimate because of the parties' inability to predict future interest rates and the uncertainty of the availability of a suitable substitute investment opportunity for the Holder. Accordingly, any redemption premium due under this Section 4(b) is intended by the parties to be, and shall be deemed, a reasonable estimate of the Holder's actual loss of its investment opportunity and not as a penalty.
|
5.
|
RIGHTS UPON FUNDAMENTAL TRANSACTION. The Company shall not enter into or be party to a Fundamental Transaction unless the Successor Entity assumes in writing all of the obligations of the Company under this Note and the other Transaction Documents in accordance with the provisions of this Section 5 pursuant to written agreements in form and substance satisfactory to the Holder and approved by the Holder prior to such Fundamental Transaction, including agreements to deliver to each holder of Notes in exchange for such Notes a security of the Successor Entity evidenced by a written instrument substantially similar in form and substance to the Notes, including, without limitation, having a principal amount and interest rate equal to the principal amounts then outstanding and the interest rates of the Notes held by such holder, and having similar ranking to the Notes, and satisfactory to the Holder. Upon the occurrence of any Fundamental Transaction, the Successor Entity shall succeed to, and be substituted for (so that from and after the date of such Fundamental Transaction, the provisions of this Note and the other Transaction Documents referring to the "Company" shall refer instead to the Successor Entity), and may exercise every right and power of the Company and shall assume all of the obligations of the Company under this Note and the other Transaction Documents with the same effect as if such Successor Entity had been named as the Company herein. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Holder may elect, at its sole option, by delivery of written notice to the Company to waive this Section 5 to permit the Fundamental Transaction without the assumption of this Note. The provisions of this Section 5 shall apply similarly and equally to successive Fundamental Transactions.
|
6.
|
[Intentionally Omitted]
|
7.
|
NONCIRCUMVENTION. The Company hereby covenants and agrees that the Company will not, by amendment of its articles of incorporation, bylaws or through any reorganization, transfer of assets, consolidation, merger, scheme of arrangement, dissolution, issue or sale of securities, or any other voluntary action, avoid or seek to avoid the observance or performance of any of the terms of this Note, and will at all times in good faith carry out all of the provisions of this Note and take all action as may be required to protect the rights of the Holder of this Note.
|
8.
|
RESERVED.
|
9.
|
COMPANY OPTIONAL REDEMPTION. At any time after the Issuance Date, the Company shall have the right to redeem all or any portion of the Outstanding Amount then remaining under this Note (each, a "Company Optional Redemption Amount") on a Company Optional Redemption Date (each as defined below) (each, a "Company Optional Redemption"). The portion of this Note subject to redemption pursuant to this Section 9 shall be redeemed by the Company in cash at a price equal to 100% of the Outstanding Amount being redeemed (the "Company Optional Redemption Price"). The Company may exercise its right to require redemption under this Section 9 by delivering an irrevocable written notice thereof by facsimile and overnight courier to the Holder (each, a "Company Optional Redemption Notice" and the date the Holder receives such notice is referred to as the "Company Optional Redemption Notice Date"). The Company may deliver only one Company Optional Redemption Notice under this Section 9 in any five (5) Trading Day period. The Company Optional Redemption Notice shall (A) state the date on which the Company Optional Redemption shall occur (the "Company Optional Redemption Date"), which date shall not be less than three (3) Business Days nor more than ninety (90) calendar days following the Company Optional Redemption Notice Date, and (B) state the total Outstanding Amount of this Note which is being redeemed in such Company Optional Redemption from the Holder pursuant to this Section 9 on the Company Optional Redemption Date. Redemptions made pursuant to this Section 9 shall be made in accordance with Section 10.
|
10.
|
REDEMPTIONS.
|
(a)
|
Mechanics. The Company shall deliver the applicable Event of Default Redemption Price to the Holder within five (5) Business Days after the Company's receipt of the Holder's Event of Default Redemption Notice. The Company shall deliver the applicable Company Optional Redemption Price to the Holder on the applicable Company Optional Redemption Date. In the event of a redemption of less than all of the Outstanding Amount of this Note, the Company shall promptly cause to be issued and delivered to the Holder a new Note (in accordance with Section 17(d)) representing the outstanding Principal which has not been redeemed. In the event that the Company does not pay the Redemption Price to the Holder within the time period required, at any time thereafter and until the Company pays such unpaid Redemption Price in full, the Holder shall have the option, in lieu of redemption, to require the Company to promptly return to the Holder all or any portion of this Note representing the Outstanding Amount that was submitted for redemption and for which the applicable Redemption Price (together with any Late Charges thereon) has not been paid. Upon the Company's receipt of such notice, (x) the Redemption Notice shall be null and void with respect to such Outstanding Amount, and (y) the Company shall immediately return this Note, or issue a new Note (in accordance with Section 17(d)) to the Holder representing such Outstanding Amount. The Holder's delivery of a notice voiding a Redemption Notice and exercise of its rights following such notice shall not affect the Company's obligations to make any payments of Late Charges which have accrued prior to the date of such notice with respect to the Outstanding Amount subject to such notice.
|
11.
|
VOTING RIGHTS. The Holder shall have no voting rights as the holder of this Note, except as required by law and as expressly provided in this Note.
|
12.
|
INTENTIONALLY OMITTED.
|
13.
|
COVENANTS. Until all of the Notes have been redeemed or otherwise satisfied in accordance with their terms:
|
(a)
|
Rank. Subject to Section 13(b), all payments due under this Note (i) shall rank junior to the Company's loan and credit facilities outstanding as of the Issuance Date and (ii) shall be pari passu with all other Indebtedness of the Company and its Subsidiaries.
|
(b)
|
Equity Proceeds to Repay Note. All net proceeds that the Company receives from and after the Issuance Date of this Note from the sale of any equity securities of the Company shall be utilized exclusively to repay any outstanding amounts under this Note until this Note is repaid in full and is no longer outstanding.
|
(c)
|
Reserved.
|
(d)
|
Restricted Payments. The Company shall not, and the Company shall cause each of its Subsidiaries to not, directly or indirectly, redeem, defease, repurchase, repay or make any payments in respect of, by the payment of cash or cash equivalents (in whole or in part, whether by way of open market purchases, tender offers, private transactions or otherwise), all or any portion of any Indebtedness, whether by way of payment in respect of principal of (or premium, if any) or interest on, such Indebtedness if at the time such payment is due or is otherwise made or, after giving effect to such payment, (i) an event constituting an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing or (ii) an event that with the passage of time and without being cured would constitute an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing.
|
(e)
|
Restricted Issuances. The Company shall not, directly or indirectly, without the prior written consent of the holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Notes then outstanding, (i) issue any Notes (other than as contemplated by the Note Purchase Agreement and the Notes) or (ii) issue any other securities that would cause a breach or default under the Notes.
|
(f)
|
Restriction on Redemption and Cash Dividends. The Company shall not, and the Company shall cause each of its Subsidiaries to not, directly or indirectly, redeem, repurchase or declare or pay any cash dividend or distribution on any of its capital stock (other than any obligations to do so outstanding as of the Issuance Date).
|
(g)
|
Restriction on Transfer of Assets. The Company shall not, and the Company shall cause each of its Subsidiaries to not, directly or indirectly, sell, lease, license, assign, transfer, spin-off, split-off, close, convey or otherwise dispose of any material assets or rights of the Company or any Subsidiary owned or hereafter acquired whether in a single transaction or a series of related transactions, other than (i) sales, leases, licenses, assignments, transfers, conveyances and other dispositions of such assets or rights by the Company and its Subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business, it being expressly understood and acknowledged that the Subsidiaries are expected to and are allowed to sell various vessels currently owned and (ii) sales of inventory in the ordinary course of business. Notwithstanding the foregoing, this provision shall not apply to any transactions pursuant to a binding agreement existing on the date hereof.
|
(h)
|
Reserved.
|
(i)
|
Change in Nature of Business. The Company shall not, and the Company shall cause each of its Subsidiaries to not, directly or indirectly, engage in any material line of business substantially different from those lines of business conducted by the Company and each of its Subsidiaries on the Issuance Date or any business substantially related or incidental thereto. The Company shall not, and the Company shall cause each of its Subsidiaries to not, directly or indirectly, modify its or their corporate structure or purpose.
|
(j)
|
Preservation of Existence, Etc. The Company shall maintain and preserve, and cause each of its Subsidiaries to maintain and preserve, its existence, rights and privileges, and become or remain, and cause each of its Subsidiaries to become or remain, duly qualified and in good standing in each jurisdiction in which the character of the properties owned or leased by it or in which the transaction of its business makes such qualification necessary.
|
(k)
|
Maintenance of Properties, Etc. The Company shall maintain and preserve, and cause each of its Subsidiaries to maintain and preserve, all of its properties which are necessary or useful in the proper conduct of its business in good working order and condition, ordinary wear and tear excepted, and comply, and cause each of its Subsidiaries to comply, at all times with the provisions of all leases to which it is a party as lessee or under which it occupies property, so as to prevent any material loss or forfeiture thereof or thereunder.
|
(l)
|
Maintenance of Intellectual Property. The Company will, and will cause each of its Subsidiaries to, take all reasonable action necessary or advisable to maintain all of the Intellectual Property Rights of the Company and/or any of its Subsidiaries that are necessary or material to the conduct of its business in full force and effect.
|
(m)
|
Maintenance of Insurance. The Company shall maintain, and cause each of its Subsidiaries to maintain, insurance with responsible and reputable insurance companies or associations (including, without limitation, comprehensive general liability, hazard, rent and business interruption insurance) with respect to its properties (including all real properties leased or owned by it) and business, in such amounts and covering such risks as is required by any governmental authority having jurisdiction with respect thereto or as is carried generally in accordance with sound business practice by companies in similar businesses similarly situated.
|
(n)
|
Material Transactions with Affiliates. The Company shall not, nor shall it permit any of its Subsidiaries to, enter into, renew, extend or be a party to, any material transaction or series of related material transactions (including, without limitation, the purchase, sale, lease, transfer or exchange of property or assets of any kind or the rendering of services of any kind) with any affiliate, except (i) pursuant to agreements in existence as of the date hereof; (ii) in the ordinary course of business in a manner and to an extent consistent with past practice and necessary or desirable for the prudent operation of its business, for fair consideration and on terms no less favorable to it or its Subsidiaries than would be obtainable in a comparable arm's length transaction with a Person that is not an affiliate thereof; or (iii) any transaction completed with Evangelos J. Pistiolis and/or his affiliates.
|
14.
|
PARTICIPATION. The Holder, as the holder of this Note, shall not be entitled to any dividends paid or distributions made to the holders of Common Shares.
|
15.
|
AMENDING THE TERMS OF THIS NOTE. The prior written consent of the Holder shall be required for any change or amendment to this Note.
|
16.
|
TRANSFER. This Note may be offered, sold, assigned or transferred by the Holder without the consent of the Company, subject only to the provisions of Section 5 of the Note Purchase Agreement.
|
17.
|
REISSUANCE OF THIS NOTE.
|
(a)
|
Transfer. If this Note is to be transferred, the Holder shall surrender this Note to the Company, whereupon the Company will forthwith issue and deliver upon the order of the Holder a new Note (in accordance with Section 17(d)), registered as the Holder may request, representing the outstanding Principal being transferred by the Holder and, if less than the entire outstanding Principal is being transferred, a new Note (in accordance with Section 17(d)) to the Holder representing the outstanding Principal not being transferred. The Holder and any assignee, by acceptance of this Note, acknowledge and agree that, by reason of the provisions of this Section 17(a), following redemption of any portion of this Note, the outstanding Principal represented by this Note may be less than the Principal stated on the face of this Note.
|
(b)
|
Lost, Stolen or Mutilated Note. Upon receipt by the Company of evidence reasonably satisfactory to the Company of the loss, theft, destruction or mutilation of this Note (as to which a written certification and the indemnification contemplated below shall suffice as such evidence), and, in the case of loss, theft or destruction, of any indemnification undertaking by the Holder to the Company in customary and reasonable form and, in the case of mutilation, upon surrender and cancellation of this Note, the Company shall execute and deliver to the Holder a new Note (in accordance with Section 17(d)) representing the outstanding Principal.
|
(c)
|
Note Exchangeable for Different Denominations. This Note is exchangeable, upon the surrender hereof by the Holder at the principal office of the Company, for a new Note or Notes (in accordance with Section 17(d) and in principal amounts of at least $1,000) representing in the aggregate the outstanding Principal of this Note, and each such new Note will represent such portion of such outstanding Principal as is designated by the Holder at the time of such surrender.
|
(d)
|
Issuance of New Notes. Whenever the Company is required to issue a new Note pursuant to the terms of this Note, such new Note (i) shall be of like tenor with this Note, (ii) shall represent, as indicated on the face of such new Note, the Principal remaining outstanding (or in the case of a new Note being issued pursuant to Section 17(a) or Section 17(c), the Principal designated by the Holder which, when added to the principal represented by the other new Notes issued in connection with such issuance, does not exceed the Principal remaining outstanding under this Note immediately prior to such issuance of new Notes), (iii) shall have an issuance date, as indicated on the face of such new Note, which is the same as the Issuance Date of this Note, (iv) shall have the same rights and conditions as this Note, and (v) shall represent accrued and unpaid Interest and Late Charges on the Principal and Interest of this Note, from the Issuance Date.
|
18.
|
REMEDIES, CHARACTERIZATIONS, OTHER OBLIGATIONS, BREACHES AND INJUNCTIVE RELIEF. The remedies provided in this Note shall be cumulative and in addition to all other remedies available under this Note and any of the other Transaction Documents at law or in equity (including a decree of specific performance and/or other injunctive relief), and nothing herein shall limit the Holder's right to pursue actual and consequential damages for any failure by the Company to comply with the terms of this Note. The Company covenants to the Holder that there shall be no characterization concerning this instrument other than as expressly provided herein. Amounts set forth or provided for herein with respect to payments and the like (and the computation thereof) shall be the amounts to be received by the Holder and shall not, except as expressly provided herein, be subject to any other obligation of the Company (or the performance thereof). The Company acknowledges that a breach by it of its obligations hereunder will cause irreparable harm to the Holder and that the remedy at law for any such breach may be inadequate. The Company therefore agrees that, in the event of any such breach or threatened breach, the Holder shall be entitled, in addition to all other available remedies, to an injunction restraining any such breach or any such threatened breach, without the necessity of showing economic loss and without any bond or other security being required. The Company shall provide all information and documentation to the Holder that is requested by the Holder to enable the Holder to confirm the Company's compliance with the terms and conditions of this Note.
|
19.
|
PAYMENT OF COLLECTION, ENFORCEMENT AND OTHER COSTS. If (a) this Note is placed in the hands of an attorney for collection or enforcement or is collected or enforced through any legal proceeding or the Holder otherwise takes action to collect amounts due under this Note or to enforce the provisions of this Note or (b) there occurs any bankruptcy, reorganization, receivership of the Company or other proceedings affecting Company creditors' rights and involving a claim under this Note, then the Company shall pay the costs incurred by the Holder for such collection, enforcement or action or in connection with such bankruptcy, reorganization, receivership or other proceeding, including, without limitation, attorneys' fees and disbursements. The Company expressly acknowledges and agrees that no amounts due under this Note shall be affected, or limited, by the fact that the purchase price paid for this Note was less than the original Principal amount hereof.
|
20.
|
CONSTRUCTION; HEADINGS. This Note shall be deemed to be jointly drafted by the Company and the Holder and shall not be construed against any Person as the drafter hereof. The headings of this Note are for convenience of reference and shall not form part of, or affect the interpretation of, this Note. Terms used in this Note but defined in the other Transaction Documents shall have the meanings ascribed to such terms on the Closing Date in such other Transaction Documents unless otherwise consented to in writing by the Holder.
|
21.
|
FAILURE OR INDULGENCE NOT WAIVER. No failure or delay on the part of the Holder in the exercise of any power, right or privilege hereunder shall operate as a waiver thereof, nor shall any single or partial exercise of any such power, right or privilege preclude other or further exercise thereof or of any other right, power or privilege. No waiver shall be effective unless it is in writing and signed by an authorized representative of the waiving party.
|
22.
|
DISPUTE RESOLUTION. In the case of a dispute as to the determination of any Redemption Price or fair market value (as the case may be) or the arithmetic calculation of the applicable Redemption Price (as the case may be), the Company or the Holder (as the case may be) shall submit the disputed determinations or arithmetic calculations (as the case may be) via facsimile (i) within two (2) Business Days after receipt of the applicable notice giving rise to such dispute to the Company or the Holder (as the case may be) or (ii) if no notice gave rise to such dispute, at any time after the Holder learned of the circumstances giving rise to such dispute. If the Holder and the Company are unable to agree upon such determination or calculation within two (2) Business Days of such disputed determination or arithmetic calculation (as the case may be) being submitted to the Company or the Holder (as the case may be), then the Company shall, within two (2) Business Days, submit via facsimile (a) the disputed determination of any Redemption Price or fair market value (as the case may be) to an independent, reputable investment bank selected by the Company and approved by the Holder or (b) the disputed arithmetic calculation of any Redemption Price to an independent, outside accountant selected by the Holder that is reasonably acceptable to the Company. The Company shall cause at its expense the investment bank or the accountant (as the case may be) to perform the determinations or calculations (as the case may be) and notify the Company and the Holder of the results no later than ten (10) Business Days from the time it receives such disputed determinations or calculations (as the case may be). Such investment bank's or accountant's determination or calculation (as the case may be) shall be binding upon all parties absent demonstrable error.
|
23.
|
NOTICES; CURRENCY; PAYMENTS.
|
(a)
|
Notices. Whenever notice is required to be given under this Note, unless otherwise provided herein, such notice shall be given in accordance with Section 9(f) of the Note Purchase Agreement. The Company shall provide the Holder with prompt written notice of all actions taken pursuant to this Note, including in reasonable detail a description of such action and the reason therefore.
|
(b)
|
Currency. All dollar amounts referred to in this Note are in United States Dollars ("U.S. Dollars"), and all amounts owing under this Note shall be paid in U.S. Dollars. All amounts denominated in other currencies (if any) shall be converted into the U.S. Dollar equivalent amount in accordance with the Exchange Rate on the date of calculation. "Exchange Rate" means, in relation to any amount of currency to be converted into U.S. Dollars pursuant to this Note, the U.S. Dollar exchange rate as published in the Wall Street Journal on the relevant date of calculation (it being understood and agreed that where an amount is calculated with reference to, or over, a period of time, the date of calculation shall be the final date of such period of time).
|
(c)
|
Payments. Whenever any payment of cash is to be made by the Company to any Person pursuant to this Note, unless otherwise expressly set forth herein, such payment shall be made in lawful money of the United States of America by a certified check drawn on the account of the Company and sent via overnight courier service to such Person at such address as previously provided to the Company in writing, provided that the Holder may elect to receive a payment of cash via wire transfer of immediately available funds by providing the Company with prior written notice setting out such request and the Holder's wire transfer instructions. Whenever any amount expressed to be due by the terms of this Note is due on any day which is not a Business Day, the same shall instead be due on the next succeeding day which is a Business Day. Any amount of Principal or other amounts due under the Transaction Documents which is not paid when due (solely to the extent such amount is not then accruing interest at the Default Rate) shall result in a late charge being incurred and payable by the Company in an amount equal to interest on such amount at the rate of twelve percent (12.0%) per annum from the date such amount was due until the same is paid in full ("Late Charge").
|
24.
|
CANCELLATION. After all Principal, accrued Interest, Late Charges and other amounts at any time owed on this Note have been paid in full, this Note shall automatically be deemed canceled, shall be surrendered to the Company for cancellation and shall not be reissued.
|
25.
|
WAIVER OF NOTICE. To the extent permitted by law, the Company hereby irrevocably waives demand, notice, presentment, protest and all other demands and notices in connection with the delivery, acceptance, performance, default or enforcement of this Note and the Note Purchase Agreement.
|
26.
|
GOVERNING LAW. This Note shall be construed and enforced in accordance with, and all questions concerning the construction, validity, interpretation and performance of this Note shall be governed by, the internal laws of the State of New York, without giving effect to any choice of law or conflict of law provision or rule (whether of the State of New York or any other jurisdictions) that would cause the application of the laws of any jurisdictions other than the State of New York. The Company hereby irrevocably submits to the exclusive jurisdiction of the state and federal courts sitting in The City of New York, Borough of Manhattan, for the adjudication of any dispute hereunder or in connection herewith or with any transaction contemplated hereby or discussed herein, and hereby irrevocably waives, and agrees not to assert in any suit, action or proceeding, any claim that it is not personally subject to the jurisdiction of any such court, that such suit, action or proceeding is brought in an inconvenient forum or that the venue of such suit, action or proceeding is improper. By the execution and delivery of this Note, the Company acknowledges that it has, by separate written instrument, irrevocably designated and appointed Seward & Kissel LLP, located at One Battery Park Plaza, New York, NY 10004 (together with any successor, the "Agent for Service") as its authorized agent upon which process may be served in any suit or proceeding arising out of or relating to this Note that may be instituted in any state or federal court sitting in The City of New York, Borough of Manhattan, or brought under federal or state securities laws, and acknowledges that the Agent for Service has accepted such designation. The Company further agrees to take any and all action, including the execution and filing of any and all such documents and instruments, as may be necessary to continue such designation and appointment of the Agent for Service in full force and effect so long as the Note shall be outstanding. Service upon such Agent for Service in accordance with this Section 26 shall be deemed completed whether or not forwarded to or received by the Company. If such Agent for Service ceases to be able to act as such, resigns as such Agent for Service or to have an address in The City of New York, Borough of Manhattan, the Company agrees to irrevocably appoint a new agent acceptable to the Investor to receive on behalf of the Company service of any legal process and to deliver to the Investor within 14 days a copy of a written acceptance of appointment by such agent. Nothing contained herein shall be deemed to limit in any way any right to serve process in any manner permitted by law. In the event that any provision of this Note is invalid or unenforceable under any applicable statute or rule of law, then such provision shall be deemed inoperative to the extent that it may conflict therewith and shall be deemed modified to conform with such statute or rule of law. Any such provision which may prove invalid or unenforceable under any law shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision of this Note. Nothing contained herein shall be deemed or operate to preclude the Holder from bringing suit or taking other legal action against the Company in any other jurisdiction to collect on the Company's obligations to the Holder, to realize on any collateral or any other security for such obligations, or to enforce a judgment or other court ruling in favor of the Holder. THE COMPANY HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES ANY RIGHT IT MAY HAVE TO, AND AGREES NOT TO REQUEST, A JURY TRIAL FOR THE ADJUDICATION OF ANY DISPUTE HEREUNDER OR IN CONNECTION WITH OR ARISING OUT OF THIS NOTE OR ANY TRANSACTION CONTEMPLATED HEREBY.
|
27.
|
MAXIMUM PAYMENTS. Nothing contained herein shall be deemed to establish or require the payment of a rate of interest or other charges in excess of the maximum permitted by applicable law. In the event that the rate of interest required to be paid or other charges hereunder exceed the maximum permitted by such law, any payments in excess of such maximum shall be credited against amounts owed by the Company to the Holder and thus refunded to the Company.
|
28.
|
CERTAIN DEFINITIONS. For purposes of this Note, the following terms shall have the following meanings:
|
(a)
|
"Business Day" means any day other than Saturday, Sunday or other day on which commercial banks in The City of New York are authorized or required by law to remain closed.
|
(b)
|
"Change of Control" means any Fundamental Transaction other than (i) any merger of the Company or any of its, direct or indirect, wholly-owned Subsidiaries with or into any of the foregoing Persons, (ii) any reorganization, recapitalization or reclassification of the Common Shares in which holders of the Company's voting power immediately prior to such reorganization, recapitalization or reclassification continue after such reorganization, recapitalization or reclassification to hold publicly traded securities and, directly or indirectly, are, in all material respects, the holders of the voting power of the surviving entity (or entities with the authority or voting power to elect the members of the board of directors (or their equivalent if other than a corporation) of such entity or entities) after such reorganization, recapitalization or reclassification, (iii) pursuant to a migratory merger effected solely for the purpose of changing the jurisdiction of incorporation of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or (iv) any transaction involving Evangelos J. Pistiolis and/or his affiliates.
|
(c)
|
"Closing Date" shall have the meaning set forth in the Note Purchase Agreement, which date is the date the Company initially issued the Note pursuant to the terms of the Note Purchase Agreement.
|
(d)
|
"Common Shares" means (i) the Company's common shares, US$0.01 par value per share, and (ii) any capital stock into which such common shares shall have been changed or any share capital resulting from a reclassification of such common shares.
|
(e)
|
"Fundamental Transaction" means that (i) the Company or any of its Subsidiaries shall, directly or indirectly, in one or more related transactions, (1) consolidate or merge with or into (whether or not the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is the surviving corporation) any other Person, or (2) sell, lease, license, assign, transfer, convey or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of its respective properties or assets to any other Person, or (3) allow any other Person to make a purchase, tender or exchange offer that is accepted by the holders of more than 50% of the outstanding shares of Voting Stock of the Company (not including any shares of Voting Stock of the Company held by the Person or Persons making or party to, or associated or affiliated with the Persons making or party to, such purchase, tender or exchange offer), or (4) consummate a stock or share purchase agreement or other business combination (including, without limitation, a reorganization, recapitalization, spin-off or scheme of arrangement) with any other Person whereby such other Person acquires more than 50% of the outstanding shares of Voting Stock of the Company (not including any shares of Voting Stock of the Company held by the other Person or other Persons making or party to, or associated or affiliated with the other Persons making or party to, such stock or share purchase agreement or other business combination), or (ii) any "person" or "group" (as these terms are used for purposes of Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the 1934 Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder) is or shall become the "beneficial owner" (as defined in Rule 13d-3 under the 1934 Act), directly or indirectly, of 50% of the aggregate ordinary voting power represented by issued and outstanding Voting Stock of the Company. Fundamental Transaction shall not mean any transaction involving the Company and any one or more of its Affiliates, Subsidiaries, or any of their respective officers or directors or the affiliates of officers or directors of the Company.
|
(f)
|
"GAAP" means United States generally accepted accounting principles, consistently applied.
|
(g)
|
"Interest Rate" means six percent (6.0%) per annum, as may be adjusted from time to time in accordance with Section 2.
|
(h)
|
"Maturity Date" shall mean August 23, 2017; provided, however, the Maturity Date may be extended at the option of the Holder (i) in the event that, and for so long as, an Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing or any event shall have occurred and be continuing that with the passage of time and the failure to cure would result in an Event of Default or (ii) through the date that is twenty (20) Business Days after the consummation of a Fundamental Transaction in the event that a Fundamental Transaction is publicly announced or a Fundamental Transaction Notice is delivered prior to the Maturity Date.
|
(i)
|
"Outstanding Amount" means the sum of (i) the portion of the Principal to be redeemed or otherwise with respect to which this determination is being made, (ii) accrued and unpaid Interest with respect to such Principal and (iii) accrued and unpaid Late Charges with respect to such Principal and Interest.
|
(j)
|
"Parent Entity" of a Person means an entity that, directly or indirectly, controls the applicable Person and whose common shares or equivalent equity security is quoted or listed on an Eligible Market, or, if there is more than one such Person or Parent Entity, the Person or Parent Entity with the largest public market capitalization as of the date of consummation of the Fundamental Transaction.
|
(k)
|
"Person" means an individual, a limited liability company, a partnership, a joint venture, a corporation, a trust, an unincorporated organization, any other entity or a government or any department or agency thereof.
|
(l)
|
"Redemption Notices" means, collectively, the Event of Default Redemption Notices and the Company Optional Redemption Notices, and each of the foregoing, individually, a "Redemption Notice."
|
(m)
|
"Redemption Premium" means (i) in the case of the Events of Default described in Section 4(a) (other than Sections 4(a)(iii) through 4(a)(v)), 120% or (ii) in the case of the Events of Default described in Sections 4(a)(iii) through 4(a)(v), 100%.
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(n)
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"Redemption Prices" means, collectively, Event of Default Redemption Prices and the Company Optional Redemption Prices and each of the foregoing, individually, a "Redemption Price."
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(o)
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"Note Purchase Agreement" means that certain Note Purchase Agreement, dated as of the Closing Date, by and between the Company and the Holder pursuant to which the Company issued this Note, as may be amended from time to time.
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(p)
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"Subsidiaries" shall have the meaning as set forth in the Note Purchase Agreement.
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(q)
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"Successor Entity" means the Person (or, if so elected by the Holder, the Parent Entity) formed by, resulting from or surviving any Fundamental Transaction or the Person (or, if so elected by the Holder, the Parent Entity) with which such Fundamental Transaction shall have been entered into.
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(r)
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"Voting Stock" of a Person means capital stock of such Person of the class or classes pursuant to which the holders thereof have the general voting power to elect, or the general power to appoint, at least a majority of the board of directors, managers, trustees or other similar governing body of such Person (irrespective of whether or not at the time capital stock of any other class or classes shall have or might have voting power by reason of the happening of any contingency).
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29.
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DISCLOSURE. Upon receipt or delivery by the Company of any notice in accordance with the terms of this Note, unless the Company has in good faith determined that the matters relating to such notice do not constitute material, non-public information relating to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, the Company shall within one (1) Business Day after any such receipt or delivery publicly disclose such material, non-public information on a report on Form 6-K or otherwise. In the event that the Company believes that a notice contains material, non-public information relating to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, the Company so shall indicate to such Holder contemporaneously with delivery of such notice, and in the absence of any such indication, the Holder shall be allowed to presume that all matters relating to such notice do not constitute material, non-public information relating to the Company or its Subsidiaries. Nothing contained in this Section 29 shall limit any obligations of the Company, or any rights of the Holder, under Section 4(i) of the Note Purchase Agreement.
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TOP SHIPS INC.
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By:
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/s/ Alexandros Tsirikos | ||
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Name: Alexandros Tsirikos
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Title: CFO
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