0001144204-17-046680.txt : 20170906 0001144204-17-046680.hdr.sgml : 20170906 20170905213019 ACCESSION NUMBER: 0001144204-17-046680 CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE: SC 13D/A PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT: 2 FILED AS OF DATE: 20170906 DATE AS OF CHANGE: 20170905 GROUP MEMBERS: NEIL RAMSEY SUBJECT COMPANY: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: ZAIS Group Holdings, Inc. CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0001562214 STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: INVESTMENT ADVICE [6282] IRS NUMBER: 461314400 STATE OF INCORPORATION: DE FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: SC 13D/A SEC ACT: 1934 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 005-87370 FILM NUMBER: 171070117 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: TWO BRIDGE AVENUE STREET 2: SUITE 322 CITY: RED BANK STATE: NJ ZIP: 07701-1106 BUSINESS PHONE: (732) 978-7518 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: TWO BRIDGE AVENUE STREET 2: SUITE 322 CITY: RED BANK STATE: NJ ZIP: 07701-1106 FORMER COMPANY: FORMER CONFORMED NAME: HF2 FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT INC. DATE OF NAME CHANGE: 20130214 FORMER COMPANY: FORMER CONFORMED NAME: H2 FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT INC. DATE OF NAME CHANGE: 20121114 FILED BY: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: d.Quant Special Opportunities Fund, LP CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0001634131 IRS NUMBER: 522255857 STATE OF INCORPORATION: DE FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: SC 13D/A BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 1515 ORMSBY STATION COURT CITY: LOUISVILLE STATE: KY ZIP: 40223 BUSINESS PHONE: 502-245-6220 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: 706 JEFFERSON STREET CITY: TELL CITY STATE: IN ZIP: 47586 SC 13D/A 1 v474672_sc13da.htm SC 13D/A

 

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

 

SCHEDULE 13D

(Rule 13d-101)

 

INFORMATION TO BE INCLUDED IN STATEMENTS FILED PURSUANT

TO RULE 13d-1(a) AND AMENDMENTS THERETO FILED PURSUANT TO

RULE 13d-2(a)

 

(Amendment No. 4)

 

ZAIS GROUP HOLDINGS, INC.
(Name of Issuer)
 
Class A Common Stock, par value $0.0001 per share
(Title of Class of Securities)
 

98887G106

(CUSIP Number)
 

Eric T. Schwartz, Esq.

Graubard Miller

405 Lexington Avenue, 11th Floor

New York, NY 10174

(212) 818-8800

(Name, Address and Telephone Number of Person Authorized to Receive Notices and Communications)
 
September 5, 2017
(Date of Event which Requires Filing of this Statement)

 

If the filing person has previously filed a statement on Schedule 13G to report the acquisition that is the subject of this Schedule 13D, and is filing this schedule because of Rule 13d-1(e), 13d-1(f) or 13d-1(g), check the following box. ¨

 

Note: Schedules filed in paper format shall include a signed original and five copies of the schedule, including all exhibits. See Rule 13d-7 for other parties to whom copies are to be sent.

 

* The remainder of this cover page shall be filled out for a reporting person’s initial filing on this form with respect to the subject class of securities, and for any subsequent amendment containing information that would alter disclosures provided in a prior cover page.

 

The information required on the remainder of this cover page shall not be deemed to be “filed” for the purpose of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 or otherwise subject to the liabilities of that section of the Act but shall be subject to all other provisions of the Act (however, see the Notes).

 

 

 

 

CUSIP No. 98887G106 SCHEDULE 13D Page 1 of 6 Pages

 

 

1

 

NAMES OF REPORTING PERSONS

I.R.S. IDENTIFICATION NO. OF ABOVE PERSON (ENTITIES ONLY)

 

Ramguard LLC

 

2

 

CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP (SEE INSTRUCTIONS)

(a) ¨

(b) ¨

 

 

3

 

SEC USE ONLY

 

 

4

 

SOURCE OF FUNDS (SEE INSTRUCTIONS)

 

WC

 

5

 

CHECK IF DISCLOSURE OF LEGAL PROCEEDINGS IS REQUIRED PURSUANT TO ITEMS 2(d) OR 2(e) ¨

 

 

6

 

CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION

 

Delaware

 

 

 

 

NUMBER OF

SHARES

BENEFICIALLY

OWNED BY

EACH

REPORTING

PERSON

WITH

 

7

 

SOLE VOTING POWER

 

9,207,056

 

8

 

SHARED VOTING POWER

 

0

 

9

 

SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER

 

9,207,056

 

10

 

SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER

 

0

 

11

 

AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON

 

9,207,056

 

12

 

CHECK IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES CERTAIN SHARES (SEE INSTRUCTIONS) ¨

 

 

13

 

PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (11)

 

63.6%

 

14

 

 

TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON (SEE INSTRUCTIONS)

 

OO 

 

 

 

 

CUSIP No. 98887G106 SCHEDULE 13D Page 2 of 6 Pages

 

 

1

 

NAMES OF REPORTING PERSONS

I.R.S. IDENTIFICATION NO. OF ABOVE PERSON (ENTITIES ONLY)

 

Neil Ramsey

 

2

 

CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP (SEE INSTRUCTIONS)

(a) ¨

(b) ¨

 

 

3

 

SEC USE ONLY

 

 

4

 

SOURCE OF FUNDS (SEE INSTRUCTIONS)

 

AF

 

5

 

CHECK IF DISCLOSURE OF LEGAL PROCEEDINGS IS REQUIRED PURSUANT TO ITEMS 2(d) OR 2(e) ¨

 

 

6

 

CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION

 

United States

 

 

 

 

NUMBER OF

SHARES

BENEFICIALLY

OWNED BY

EACH

REPORTING

PERSON

WITH

 

7

 

SOLE VOTING POWER

 

9,585,287

 

8

 

SHARED VOTING POWER

 

0

 

9

 

SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER

 

9,585,287

 

10

 

SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER

 

0

 

11

 

AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON

 

9,585,287

 

12

 

CHECK IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES CERTAIN SHARES (SEE INSTRUCTIONS) ¨

 

 

13

 

PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (11)

 

66.2%

 

14

 

 

TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON (SEE INSTRUCTIONS)

 

IN 

 

 

 

 

CUSIP No. 98887G106 SCHEDULE 13D Page 3 of 6 Pages


This Amendment No. 4 to Schedule 13D amends and supplements the Schedule 13D originally filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) by Ramguard LLC (formerly known as d.Quant Special Opportunities Fund, L.P.) (“Ramguard”) and Neil Ramsey (“Ramsey,” and together with Ramguard, the “Reporting Persons”) on February 17, 2015, as previously amended by Amendment No. 1 thereto (“Amendment No. 1”) filed with the SEC by the Reporting Persons on March 9, 2015, Amendment No. 2 thereto (“Amendment No. 2”) filed with the SEC by the Reporting Persons on March 25, 2015 and Amendment No. 3 thereto (“Amendment No. 3”) filed with the SEC by the Reporting Persons on January 11, 2017 (as previously amended, the “Existing Schedule 13D,” and as amended hereby, this “Schedule 13D”), with respect to ownership of Class A common stock, par value $0.0001 per share (“Class A Common Stock”), of ZAIS Group Holdings, Inc. (formerly known as HF2 Financial Management Inc.), a Delaware corporation (the “Issuer”). Capitalized terms used herein which are not defined herein have the meanings given to them in the Existing Schedule 13D. Except as set forth below, the disclosure in the Existing Schedule 13D remains unchanged. Only those items amended or supplemented are reported herein.

 

The percentage of beneficial ownership reflected in this Schedule 13D is based upon 14,480,782 shares of Class A Common Stock outstanding as of August 14, 2017, as set forth in the Issuer’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on August 14, 2017.

 

Ramguard was formed upon the conversion of d.Quant Special Opportunities Fund, L.P. from a Delaware limited partnership into a Delaware limited liability company.

 

Item 1. Security and Issuer.

 

The class of equity securities to which this Schedule 13D relates is the Class A Common Stock of the Issuer. The Issuer’s principal executive offices are located at Two Bridge Avenue, Suite 322 Red Bank, NJ 07701.

 

Item 2. Identity and Background.

 

The persons filing this statement are Ramguard and Ramsey. The business address of each of the Reporting Persons is 1515 Ormsby Station Court, Louisville, KY 40223.

 

Ramguard is a private investment fund. Ramsey is the manager of Ramguard.

 

Neither of the Reporting Persons has, during the past five years, been convicted in a criminal proceeding (excluding traffic violations or similar misdemeanors).

 

Neither of the Reporting Persons has, during the past five years, been a party to a civil proceeding of a judicial or administrative body of competent jurisdiction and as a result of such proceeding was or is subject to a judgment, decree or final order enjoining future violations of, or prohibiting or mandating activities subject to, federal or state securities laws or finding any violation with respect to such laws.

 

Ramguard is a limited liability company formed under the laws of Delaware. Ramsey is a citizen of the United States.

 

Item 4. Purpose of Transaction.

 

On September 5, 2017, Ramguard entered into a Share Purchase Agreement (the “Share Purchase Agreement”) with Z Acquisition LLC (“Z Acquisition”) and Christian Zugel (“CZ”), pursuant to which Z Acquisition will acquire 6,500,000 shares of Class A Common Stock held by Ramguard (the “Target Shares”). CZ, the Issuer’s Chairman and Chief Investment Officer, is the sole member of Z Acquisition. The aggregate consideration to be paid to Ramguard is $26 million, or $4.00 per Target Share, payable in the manner set forth under Item 6 below.

 

 

 

 

CUSIP No. 98887G106 SCHEDULE 13D Page 4 of 6 Pages

 

The Share Purchase Agreement contemplates that Z Acquisition, CZ or their affiliates will file with the SEC a Rule 13e-3 transaction statement on Schedule 13E-3 relating to the purchase of the Target Shares and a possible acquisition of the remaining issued and outstanding shares of Class A Common Stock by Z Acquisition, CZ and their controlled affiliates and any third parties acting in concert with Z Acquisition and CZ (a “Take Private Transaction”), including a possible negotiated transaction by way of a merger. The Reporting Persons intend to dispose of the remainder of the shares of Class A Common Stock held by them in the Take Private Transaction. There can be no assurance, however, that Z Acquisition, CZ or their affiliates will reach an agreement with the Issuer with respect to a Take Private Transaction on terms acceptable to the Reporting Persons. The acquisition of the Target Shares is not conditioned upon the consummation of a Take Private Transaction.

 

In addition, except with respect to the Target Shares, each of the Reporting Persons may from time to time otherwise dispose of shares of Class A Common Stock, in the open market or in private transactions.

 

Other than as described in this Item 4, the Reporting Persons do not have any current plans or proposals that relate to or that would result in any of the transactions or other matters specified in clauses (a) through (j) of Item 4 of Schedule 13D.

 

Item 5. Interest in Securities of the Issuer.

 

Ramguard is the beneficial owner of 9,207,056 shares of the Class A Common Stock, or approximately 63.6% of the Issuer’s outstanding Class A Common Stock. Ramsey is the beneficial owner of 9,585,287 shares of the Class A Common Stock, or approximately 66.2% of the Issuer’s outstanding Class A Common Stock, consisting of (i) 9,207,056 shares of the Class A Common Stock held by Ramguard and (ii) 378,231 shares of Class A Common Stock held by NAR Special Global, LLC, of which Ramsey is the managing member. Each of the Reporting Persons has sole voting and dispositive power over the shares that it beneficially owns.

 

Since January 11, 2017, the date of filing of Amendment No. 3, except as described in Item 4 above, the Reporting Persons have not effected any transactions in the shares of Class A Common Stock.

 

Item 6. Contracts, Arrangements, Undertakings or Relationships with Respect to Securities of the Issuer.

 

On September 5, 2017, Ramguard entered into the Share Purchase Agreement, pursuant to which Z Acquisition will acquire the Target Shares held by Ramguard for an aggregate purchase price of $26 million, or $4.00 per Target Share, payable in the manner set forth below:

 

·On the closing, Z Acquisition will make a cash payment to Ramguard of $5 million and issue to Ramguard a note (the “Promissory Note”) in the principal amount of $13 million, with an interest rate of 8% per annum, payable quarterly in cash, and with a maturity date of December 31, 2019; and

 

·On or before each of January 30, 2018 and April 30, 2018, CZ will make a cash payment of $5 million and $3 million respectively to Ramguard, in each case together with interest in the amount of $125,000.

 

 

 

 

 

CUSIP No. 98887G106 SCHEDULE 13D Page 5 of 6 Pages

 

The Share Purchase Agreement also provides that in the event that within one year after the execution of the Share Purchase Agreement, Z Acquisition, CZ or any of their respective controlled affiliates enters into a definitive agreement with the Issuer or commences a tender offer recommended by the Issuer’s board for a Take Private Transaction at a price per share in excess of $4.00, each of the cash consideration amounts paid or payable to Ramguard and the initial principal amount of the Promissory Note shall be adjusted on a pro rata basis, such that Ramguard shall have received (or be entitled to receive) such greater per share consideration amount. A similar adjustment in the price payable for the Target Shares will be made if within the one (1) year period after the Share Purchase Agreement is executed, there is a change in control transaction or sale of a majority or more of the Class A Common Stock of the Issuer are acquired at a price per share in excess of $4.00.

 

In addition to the Promissory Note terms specified above, Ramguard will be granted a security interest over (a) all of the equity securities of Z Acquisition, (b) all of the Class A units of ZAIS Group Parent, LLC owned by CZ and (c) all of the equity securities of the Issuer and its subsidiaries held directly or indirectly by Z Acquisition, CZ and/or any entity wholly owned by Buyer or CZ, in each case, for so long as the Promissory Note remains outstanding. If and to the extent required at any time in order to comply with the federal margin regulations, CZ shall cause Z Acquisition either (x) to provide additional collateral for the outstanding balance of the Promissory Note or (y) prepay a portion of the outstanding balance under the Promissory Note. In the event that CZ or any entity (other than Z Acquisition) wholly owned directly or indirectly by CZ acquires any shares of the Issuer other than the Target Shares, CZ will cause such entity to become subject to the terms of the Promissory Note to the same extent as Z Acquisition and to provide collateral with the same obligations (including pledging obligations) as Z Acquisition.

 

The Promissory Note will also provide that upon a default, including a payment default and any default by Z Acquisition, the Issuer or any subsidiary in the payment of any judgment or the payment when due of any indebtedness for borrowed money in the amount of $1 million or more, which remains uncured beyond any applicable grace period, (i) the interest rate on the Promissory Note shall increase to 12.5% and (ii) Ramguard will have the right (but not the obligation) to declare all amounts outstanding immediately due and payable and to exercise its security interest in the collateral securing the Promissory Note, and to recover collection costs (including reasonable legal fees).

 

Additionally, until such time that a Take Private Transaction is consummated, if any of Z Acquisition, CZ or any of their controlled affiliates receives any dividend or distribution from the Issuer or CZ receives any compensatory payments or distributions in excess of his base salary, an amount equal to the net, after-tax cash proceeds received by Z Acquisition, CZ or any such controlled affiliate, as the case may be, will be used by Z Acquisition to repay outstanding principal under the Promissory Note. The additional terms of the Promissory Note will further provide that after consummation of a Take Private Transaction, Z Acquisition will cause the Issuer and the Issuer’s subsidiaries not to consummate any sale of material assets for a price in excess of $2.5 million, and/or make any compensatory payments or distributions to CZ in excess of his base salary; provided, however, that Ramguard’s prior written consent will not be required if an amount equal to the net, after-tax cash proceeds any such sale of assets will be distributed by the Issuer and or its subsidiaries to their equity owners and an amount equal to the net, after-tax proceeds of any such sale of assets or compensatory payment or distribution received by any of Z Acquisition, CZ or any of their controlled affiliates (other than the Issuer and its subsidiaries) will be used by Z Acquisition to repay outstanding principal under the Promissory Note. In addition, after consummation of a Take Private Transaction, Z Acquisition will not (i) enter into any agreement that would cause a change in control transaction or sale of a majority or more of the Class A Common Stock or (ii) make any distributions to its equity owners other than tax distributions until such time that the unpaid principal and any accrued and unpaid interest under the Promissory Note has been paid off.

 

 

 

 

CUSIP No. 98887G106 SCHEDULE 13D Page 6 of 6 Pages

 

Notwithstanding the above, the Promissory Note will also provide that in the event CZ at any time is no longer an employee or officer of the Issuer, or is no longer the controlling shareholder of the Issuer and/or Z Acquisition, the unpaid principal and accrued and unpaid interest under the Promissory Note will become immediately due and payable.

 

All unpaid principal and accrued and unpaid interest under the Promissory Note may be paid in full or in part at the election of CZ (x) on any quarterly interest payment date occurring on or after the date the purchase price payable by CZ pursuant to the Share Purchase Agreement has been paid in full or (y) at any time in order to comply with the second sentence of the third paragraph in this Item 6.

 

The Share Purchase Agreement is included as Exhibit 99.7 to this Schedule 13D and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

Item 7. Material to be filed as Exhibits.

 

99.1Joint Filing Agreement, dated as of February 17, 2015, by and between d.Quant Special Opportunities Fund, LP (now known as Ramguard LLC) and Neil Ramsey.*

 

99.2[Intentionally omitted]

 

99.3[Intentionally omitted]

 

99.4[Intentionally omitted]

 

99.5[Intentionally omitted]

 

99.6[Intentionally omitted]

 

99.7Share Purchase Agreement, dated as of September 5, 2017, by and among Z Acquisition LLC, Ramguard LLC and Christian Zugel.

 

* Previously filed.

 

 

 

 

SIGNATURE

 

After reasonable inquiry and to the best of my knowledge and belief, I certify that the information set forth in this statement is true, complete and correct.

 

Dated September 5, 2017

 

  RAMGUARD LLC  
       
       
  By: /s/ Neil Ramsey  
    Name: Neil Ramsey  
    Title: Manager  
       
       
       
  /s/ Neil Ramsey  
  Neil Ramsey  
       
       

 

 

 

EX-99.7 2 v474672_ex99-7.htm EXHIBIT 99.7

 

Exhibit 99.7

 

SHARE PURCHASE AGREEMENT

 

This SHARE Purchase Agreement (this “Agreement), dated as of September 5, 2017, is made by and among Z Acquisition LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“Buyer”), Ramguard LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (as successor-in-interest by conversion to d.Quant Special Opportunities Fund, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership) (“Seller”) and Christian Zugel (“CZ”).

 

RECITALS

 

WHEREAS, as of the date hereof, Seller owns 9,207,056 shares of Class A common stock, par value $0.0001 per share (“Class A Common Stock”), of ZAIS Group Holdings, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”).

 

WHEREAS, upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Agreement, Seller desires to sell, assign and transfer to Buyer, and Buyer desires to purchase from Seller, 6,500,000 shares of Class A Common Stock of the Company (the “Target Shares”), free and clear of all liens, encumbrances or other restrictions of any kind (“Liens”).

 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements herein contained and other good and valuable consideration, the parties hereto hereby approve and adopt this Agreement and mutually covenant and agree with each other as follows:

 

ARTICLE I
PURCHASE AND SALE

 

Purchase and Sale.

 

(a)       On the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Agreement, at the Closing (as defined below), Seller agrees to sell, transfer and assign to Buyer, and Buyer agrees to purchase from Seller, all of Seller’s right, title and interest in and to the Target Shares, free and clear of all Liens.

 

(b)       At the Closing, Seller shall deliver, or cause to be delivered, to Buyer one or more certificates representing the Target Shares, each duly endorsed in blank or accompanied by stock powers or other instruments of transfer in proper form for transfer.

 

Purchase Price.

 

(a)       The aggregate purchase price to be paid by Buyer for the Target Shares shall be an amount equal to $26,000,000, which shall consist of (i) $13,000,000 in cash (the “Cash Purchase Price”) and (ii) a promissory note reflecting the terms set forth on Schedule A attached hereto (the “Promissory Note”) secured by a pledge agreement reflecting the terms set forth on Schedule A attached hereto (the “Pledge Agreement”).

 

 

 

 

(b)       Buyer or CZ, as applicable, shall pay, or cause to be paid, the Cash Purchase Price to Seller in installments as follows, in each case, by wire transfer of immediately available funds to an account designated by Seller:

 

(i)       $5,000,000 shall be paid to Seller by Buyer on the Closing Date;

 

(ii)       $5,000,000, plus interest in the aggregate amount of $125,000, shall be paid to Seller by CZ on or prior to January 30, 2018; and

 

(iii)       $3,000,000, plus interest in the aggregate amount of $125,000, shall be paid to Seller by CZ on or prior to April 30, 2018.

 

(c)       Buyer shall issue the Promissory Note to Seller on the Closing Date.

 

(d)       Buyer, CZ and any other equity owners of Buyer shall deliver to Seller the executed Pledge Agreement and possession of the collateral described in the Pledge Agreement on the Closing Date.

 

Closing. Subject to the fulfillment or waiver of the conditions precedent set forth in Article V (other than those conditions that, by their terms, are intended to be satisfied at the Closing, but subject to the satisfaction or waiver of those conditions), the closing of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement (the “Closing) shall take place at the offices of Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP, One New York Plaza, New York, New York, at 9:00 a.m. New York City time on the third (3rd) business day after all of the conditions set forth in Article V have been satisfied or waived (other than those conditions that by their terms are intended to be satisfied at the Closing, but subject to the satisfaction or waiver of those conditions) or such other date as Buyer and Seller shall agree in writing. For purposes of this Agreement, the term “Closing Date” shall mean the date on which the Closing takes place. Seller may terminate this Agreement if the Closing does not occur within one hundred fifty (150) days from the date of this Agreement.

 

ARTICLE II
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF SELLER

 

Seller hereby represents and warrants to Buyer as of the date hereof and as of the Closing Date as follows:

 

Organization. Seller is duly formed, validly existing, and in good standing under the laws of the State of Delaware.

 

Power and Authority; Effect of Agreement. Seller has the requisite power and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement, to perform its obligations hereunder and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby. The execution, delivery and performance by Seller of this Agreement and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby have been duly authorized by all necessary company action. This Agreement is a valid and binding obligation of Seller, enforceable against Seller in accordance with the terms hereof, except as enforceability may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, moratorium, fraudulent conveyance and other similar laws affecting creditors’ rights generally and by general principles of equity (the “Bankruptcy and Equity Exception”).

 

 

 

 

No Conflicts. The execution, delivery and performance by Seller of this Agreement and the consummation by Seller of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement will not (a) conflict with or violate any provision of Seller’s organizational documents, (b) result in any violation or default, give rise to a right of termination or require any notice or consent, under any provision of any material contract to which Seller is a party or by which its properties are bound, (c) require any consent, approval, licence, permit, order or authorization of, or registration, declaration or filing with, or permit from, any federal, state, local or foreign government or any court of compenent jurisdiction, administrative agency, commission or other governmental authority or instrumentality (other than filings by Seller under Sections 13(d) and 16 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) or (d) conflict with or violate any laws, regulations, rules, statutes or orders (“Laws”) applicable to Seller, except, in the case of clauses (b), (c) and (d), where such conflict, violation, default, right of termination or requirement would not, and would not reasonably be expected to, prevent or materially delay the ability of Seller to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

 

Ownership of Target Shares. Seller owns beneficially and has good, valid and marketable title to the Target Shares, free and clear of all Liens. Seller has the right, authority and power to sell, assign and transfer the Target Shares to Buyer. Upon the delivery of the Target Shares to Buyer, Buyer will acquire beneficial and legal title to the Target Shares, free and clear of all Liens.

 

ARTICLE III
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF BUYER AND CZ

 

Buyer and CZ hereby jointly and severally represent and warrant to Seller as of the date hereof and as of the Closing Date as follows:

 

Organization. Buyer is duly formed, validly existing, and in good standing under the laws of the State of Delaware.

 

Power and Authority; Effect of Agreement. Buyer and CZ each have the requisite power and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement and, as applicable, the Promissory Note and the Pledge Agreement, to perform their respective obligations hereunder and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby. The execution, delivery and performance by Buyer of this Agreement and, as applicable, the Promissory Note and the Pledge Agreement and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby have been duly authorized by all necessary limited liability company action. This Agreement is a valid and binding obligation of each of Buyer and CZ, enforceable against Buyer and CZ in accordance with the terms hereof, except as enforceability may be limited by the Bankruptcy and Equity Exception. When executed and delivered at the Closing, each of the Promissory Note and the Pledge Agreement will be a valid and binding obligation of each of Buyer and, insofar as he is a party thereto, CZ, enforceable against Buyer and CZ in accordance with the terms thereof, except as enforceability may be limited by the Bankruptcy and Equity Exception.

 

 

 

 

No Conflicts. The execution, delivery and performance by Buyer and CZ of this Agreement and, as applicable, the Promissory Note and Pledge Agreement and the consummation by Buyer and CZ of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement will not (a) conflict with or violate any provision of Buyer’s organizational documents, (b) result in any violation or default, give rise to a right of termination or require any notice or consent, under any provision of any material contract to which Buyer or CZ, as applicable, is a party or by which its properties are bound, (c) require any consent, approval, licence, permit, order or authorization of, or registration, declaration or filing with, or permit from, any federal, state, local or foreign government or any court of compenent jurisdiction, administrative agency, commission or other governmental authority or instrumentality (other than the filing of the Schedule 13E-3 (as defined below)) or (d) conflict with or violate any Laws applicable to Buyer or CZ, as applicable, except, in the case of clauses (b), (c) and (d), where such conflict, violation, default, right of termination or requirement would not, and would not reasonably be expected to, prevent or materially delay the ability of Buyer or CZ, as applicable, to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

 

Financial Capacity. Each of Buyer and CZ (independent of and without any reliance on Buyer) will have sufficient cash, marketable securities or other sources of immediately available funds necessary to pay all amounts owed by Buyer or CZ, as applicable, under this Agreement and the Promissory Note as and when such amounts are required to be paid, without any restriction on the use of such funds for such purpose.

 

Investment Intent. Buyer is acquiring the Target Shares for its own account for investment purposes only and not with a view to or for distributing or reselling such Target Shares or any portion thereof, and has no present intention of distributing any of such Target Shares.

 

ARTICLE IV
ACTIONS PRIOR TO THE CLOSING

 

Section 4.01      Schedule 13E-3. As promptly as reasonably practicable following the date of this Agreement, Buyer and CZ shall prepare and cause to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), and Seller shall cooperate with Buyer and CZ in the preparation of, a Rule 13e-3 transaction statement on Schedule 13E-3 relating to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement (the “Schedule 13E-3”). Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, Seller will promptly furnish to Buyer and CZ the information relating to it that is required by the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder (the “Exchange Act”) to be set forth in the Schedule 13E-3 or that is otherwise reasonably requested by Buyer or CZ. Buyer and CZ agree that on the date of mailing to the stockholders of the Company, the Schedule 13E-3 will comply in all material respects with the applicable provisions of the Exchange Act. Buyer and CZ will use their respective reasonable best efforts to have the Schedule 13E-3 cleared by the SEC as promptly as reasonably practicable following its filing with the SEC. Buyer and CZ will cause the Schedule 13E-3 to be mailed to the Company’s stockholders as promptly as reasonably practicable after the Schedule 13E-3 is cleared by the SEC.

 

 

 

 

Section 4.02      Restriction on Transfer. Seller shall not transfer, sell, pledge (or subject to any Lien), assign, exchange or otherwise dispose of, or grant any option or right to purchase any beneficial interest in, any of the Target Shares, except as expressly contemplated by the terms of this Agreement or otherwise enter into any agreement, contract or understanding with respect to the Target Shares that would be inconsistent with the terms of this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby. Neither Buyer nor CZ shall transfer, sell, pledge (or subject to any Lien), assign, exchange or otherwise dispose of, or grant any option or right to purchase any beneficial interest in, or otherwise enter into any agreement, contract or understanding with respect to any securities to be pledged pursuant to the Pledge Agreement so that all of the securities subject to the Pledge Agreement will be free and clear of all Liens other than the Lien granted to Seller thereunder.

 

Section 4.03      Additional Agreements.

 

(a)       Buyer and CZ shall comply in all material respects with all applicable Laws in connection with the performance of their respective obligations hereunder and the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, including, without limitation, the filing of the Schedule 13E-3 with the SEC, and in connection with any transactions contemplated by the Schedule 13E-3.

 

(b)       Buyer, CZ and Seller agree with the terms set forth on Schedule B attached hereto.

 

ARTICLE V
CONDITIONS TO CLOSING

 

Conditions to Obligations of Buyer. The obligations of Buyer to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby are subject to the satisfaction or waiver of the following conditions at or prior to the Closing:

 

(a)       The representations and warranties of Seller set forth in this Agreement shall have been true and correct in all respects on and as of the date of this Agreement, and shall be true and correct in all respects on and as of the Closing Date with the same force and effect as though made on and as of the Closing Date.

 

(b)       The applicable waiting periods under Rule 13e-3 of the Exchange Act and Schedule 13E-3 shall have expired.

 

(c)       No Law shall have been enacted or promulgated and no order, judgement or decree shall be in effect, in either case, which renders illegal or prohibits the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

 

(d)       Seller shall have delivered to Buyer the deliverables set forth in Section 1.01(b).

 

 

 

 

Conditions to Obligations of Seller. The obligations of Seller to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby are subject to the satisfaction or waiver of the following conditions at or prior to the Closing:

 

(a)       The representations and warranties of Buyer and CZ set forth in this Agreement shall have been true and correct in all respects on and as of the date of this Agreement, and shall be true and correct in all respects on and as of the Closing Date with the same force and effect as though made on and as of the Closing Date.

 

(b)       The applicable waiting periods under Rule 13e-3 of the Exchange Act and Schedule 13E-3 shall have expired.

 

(c)       No Law shall have been enacted or promulgated and no order, judgement or decree shall be in effect, in either case, which renders illegal or prohibits the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

 

(d)       Buyer shall have delivered to Buyer the deliverables set forth in Sections 1.02(c) and 1.02(d), the form and substance of which shall be satisfactory to Seller.

 

ARTICLE VI
GENERAL PROVISIONS

 

Notices. All notices, demands and other communications hereunder shall be in writing, and shall be deemed to have been duly given if delivered personally or by overnight courier or if mailed by certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, as follows:

 

If to Seller, to:

 

Ramguard LLC
1515 Ormsby Station Court
Louisville, KY 40223

Attention: Neil Ramsey

 

with a copy (which shall not constitute notice), to:

 

Wyatt, Tarrant & Combs, LLP
500 West Jefferson Street
Suite 2800
Louisville, Kentucky 40202 

Attention: Mark J. Farmer

 

If to Buyer or CZ, to:

 

Two Bridge Avenue

Suite 322

Red Bank NJ 07701

Attention: Christian Zugel

 

 

 

 

with a copy (which shall not constitute notice), to:

 

Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP
One New York Plaza
New York, NY 10004
Attention: John Liftin

 

Any such notice shall be effective (a) if delivered personally, when received, (b) if sent by overnight courier, when receipted for, or (c) if mailed, five business days after being mailed as described above.

 

Entire Agreement. This Agreement and the Promissory Note constitute the entire agreement among the parties hereto with respect to the transactions contemplated hereby and supersede all prior agreements, understandings, negotiations and discussions, both written and oral, among the parties hereto with respect thereto.

 

Amendment and Waiver. This Agreement may be amended or modified, or any provision hereof may be waived, provided that such amendment, modification or waiver is set forth in a writing executed by Buyer and Seller; provided, that any provision of this Agreement may be waived in writing by the party that will lose the benefit of such provision as a result of such waiver. The waiver by any party hereto of a breach of any provision of this Agreement shall not operate or be construed as a further or continuing waiver of such breach or as a waiver of any other or subsequent breach.

 

Binding Effect; Assignment. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective heirs, successors and permitted assigns. Neither this Agreement nor the obligations hereunder shall be assignable or transferable by (a) Buyer or CZ, without the prior written consent of Seller or (b) Seller, without the prior written consent of Buyer.

 

No Third-Party Beneficiaries. Nothing in this Agreement, express or implied, is intended to confer upon any person or entity other than the parties hereto, any rights or remedies under or by reason of this Agreement.

 

CZ Limited Recourse. The parties acknowledge and agree that, except as otherwise expressly set forth herein, CZ shall not have any liability for any obligations of Buyer under this Agreement.

 

Expenses. All fees and expenses incurred in connection with this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby shall be paid by the party incurring such expenses.

 

Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts (including by means of .pdf format), each of which shall be deemed an original and all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.

 

Governing Law; Jurisdiction. This Agreement and all disputes or controversies arising out of or relating to this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the internal laws of the State of New York, without regard to the laws of any other jurisdiction that might be applied because of the conflicts of laws principles of the State of New York. Each of the parties irrevocably agrees that any action or proceeding arising out of or relating to this Agreement shall be brought in any New York State or federal court sitting in the Borough of Manhattan in The City of New York (or, if such court lacks subject matter jurisdiction, in any appropriate New York State or federal court).

 

 

 

 

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.

 

Enforcement. The parties agree that irreparable damage would occur in the event that any of the provisions of this Agreement were not performed in accordance with their specific terms or were otherwise breached. Accordingly, each of the parties shall be entitled to specific performance of the terms hereof, including an injunction or injunctions to prevent breaches of this Agreement and to enforce specifically the terms and provisions of this Agreement. Each of the parties further hereby waives (a) any defense in any action for specific performance that a remedy at law would be adequate and (b) any requirement under any law to post security as a prerequisite to obtaining equitable relief. In any litigation arising out of or relating to this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby, the prevailing party shall be entitled to recover its legal fees and other costs incurred as a result of or arising out of any breach of this Agreement.

 

Further Assurances. Each party shall cooperate and take such action as may be reasonably requested by another party in order to carry out the provisions and purposes of this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby.

 

 

[The remainder of this page is intentionally left blank.]

 

 

 

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have duly executed this Share Purchase Agreement as of the date first above written.

 

  BUYER:  
     
  Z Acquisition LLC  
     
     
  By:  /s/ Christian Zugel  
    Name: Christian Zugel
Title: Managing Member
 

 

[Share Purchase Agreement - Signature Page]

 

 

 

  SELLER:  
     
  Ramguard LLC  
     
     
  By:  /s/ Neil Ramsey  
    Name: Neil Ramsey
Title: Manager
 

 

[Share Purchase Agreement - Signature Page]

 

 

     CZ:  
       
       
    /s/ Christian Zugel  
    Christian Zugel  

 

[Share Purchase Agreement - Signature Page]

 

 

Schedule A

 

Promissory Note Terms

 

Principal   $13 million.
     
Interest   8% per annum, payable quarterly in cash with interest accruing from the Closing Date.
     
Maturity Date   December 31, 2019 (the “Maturity Date”).
     
Payment   Bullet payment of unpaid principal and accrued and unpaid interest to be made on the Maturity Date, subject to the below.
     
Security Interest   For so long as the Promissory Note remains outstanding, Seller will be granted a security interest over (a) all of the equity securities of Buyer, (b) all of the Class A units of Zais Group Parent, LLC owned by CZ and (c) all of the equity securities of the Company and its subsidiaries held directly or indirectly by Buyer, CZ and/or any entity wholly owned by Buyer or CZ. If and to the extent required at any time in order to comply with the federal margin regulations, CZ shall cause Buyer either (x) to provide additional collateral for the outstanding balance of the Promissory Note or (y) prepay a portion of the outstanding balance under the Promissory Note.
     
Default Provisions   Upon a default, including a payment default and any default by Buyer, the Company or any subsidiary in the payment of any judgment or the payment when due of any indebtedness for borrowed money in the amount of $1 million or more, which remains uncured beyond any applicable grace period, (i) the interest rate on the Promissory Note shall increase to 12.5% and (ii) Seller shall have the right (but not the obligation) to declare all amounts outstanding immediately due and payable and to exercise its security interest in the collateral securing the Promissory Note and to recover collection costs (including reasonable legal fees).
     
Other Terms   ·

If after the date of execution of this Agreement and prior to the time that CZ and Buyer and their controlled affiliates and any third parties acting in concert with CZ and Buyer own the remaining outstanding shares of Class A Common Stock of the Company (such acquisition, a “Take-Private Transaction”), CZ, Buyer or any of their controlled affiliates receives any dividend or distribution from the Company or CZ receives any compensatory payments or distributions in excess of his base salary, an amount equal to the net, after-tax cash proceeds received by CZ, Buyer or any such controlled affiliate, as the case may be, will be used by Buyer to repay outstanding principal under the Promissory Note. After consummation of a Take-Private Transaction Buyer will cause the Company and the Company’s subsidiaries not to consummate any sale of material assets for a price in excess of $2.5 million, and/or make any compensatory payments or distributions to CZ in excess of his base salary; provided, however, that Seller’s prior written consent will not be required if an amount equal to the net, after-tax cash proceeds of any such sale of assets will be distributed by the Company and or its subsidiaries to their equity owners and an amount equal to the net, after-tax proceeds of any such sale of assets or compensatory payment or distribution received by CZ, Buyer or any of their controlled affiliates (other than the Company and its subsidiaries) will be used by Buyer to repay outstanding principal under the Promissory Note. In addition, after consummation of a Take-Private Transaction, Buyer will not (i) enter into any agreement that would cause a change in control transaction or sale of a majority or more of the Class A common stock of the Company or (ii) make any distributions to its equity owners other than tax distributions until such time that the unpaid principal and any accrued and unpaid interest under the Promissory Note has been paid off.

 

 

 

 

       
    · In the event that CZ at any time is no longer an employee or officer of the Company, or is no longer the controlling shareholder of the Company and/or Buyer, the unpaid principal and accrued and unpaid interest under the Promissory Note shall be immediately due and payable.
       
    · In the event that after the date hereof CZ or any entity (other than Buyer) wholly owned directly or indirectly by CZ acquires any shares of the Company other than the Target Shares, CZ will cause such entity to become subject to the terms of the Promissory Note to the same extent as Buyer and to provide collateral with the same obligations (including pledging obligations) as Buyer.
       
    · All unpaid principal and accrued and unpaid interest under the Promissory Note may be paid in full or in part at the election of CZ (x) on any quarterly interest payment date occurring on or after the date the purchase price payable by CZ pursuant to Section 1.02 of the Agreement has been paid in full or (y) at any time in order to comply with the last sentence set forth under “Security Interest” above.

 

 

 

 

Schedule B

 

Additional Agreements

 

In the event that within one (1) year after the execution of this Agreement, Buyer, CZ or any of their respective controlled affiliates enters into a definitive agreement with the Company or commences a tender offer recommended by the Company’s board for a Take-Private Transaction at a price per share in excess of $4.00, each of the cash consideration amounts paid or payable to Seller and the initial principal amount of the Promissory Note shall be adjusted on a pro rata basis, with effect from Closing, such that Seller shall have received (or be entitled to receive) such greater per share consideration amount. A similar adjustment in the price payable for the Target Shares will be made if within the one (1) year period after this Agreement is executed, there is a change in control transaction or sale of a majority or more of the Class A common stock of the Company at a price per share in excess of $4.00.