Table of Contents

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

Form 10-Q

 

Quarterly Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d)

of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

 

 

For the quarterly period ended June 30, 2015

 

Commission File Number 0-18761

 

 

MONSTER BEVERAGE CORPORATION

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

Delaware

39-1679918

 

(State or other jurisdiction of

(I.R.S. Employer

 

incorporation or organization)

Identification No.)

 

1 Monster Way

Corona, California 92879

(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code)

 

 

(951) 739 – 6200

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 

 

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.

 

Yes  X    No __

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).

 

Yes    No __

 

 

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company.  See definition of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

 

 

Large Accelerated Filer x

Accelerated filer o

 

 

Non-accelerated filer o (Do not check if smaller reporting company)

Smaller reporting company o

 

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a shell company (as defined by Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

 

Yes ___    No  X

 

The Registrant had 205,498,468 shares of common stock, par value $0.005 per share, outstanding as of July 29, 2015.

 


 


Table of Contents

 

MONSTER BEVERAGE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

JUNE 30, 2015

 

 

INDEX

 

Part I.

 

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

Page No.

 

 

 

 

 

Item 1.

 

Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014

 

3

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income for the Three- and Six-Months Ended June 30, 2015 and 2014

 

4

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the Three- and Six-Months Ended June 30, 2015 and 2014

 

5

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Six-Months Ended June 30, 2015 and 2014

 

6

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

 

8

 

 

 

 

 

Item 2.

 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

 

35

 

 

 

 

 

Item 3.

 

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

 

54

 

 

 

 

 

Item 4.

 

Controls and Procedures

 

54

 

 

 

 

 

Part II.

 

OTHER INFORMATION

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Item 1.

 

Legal Proceedings

 

54

 

 

 

 

 

Item 1A.

 

Risk Factors

 

54

 

 

 

 

 

Item 2.

 

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

 

55

 

 

 

 

 

Item 3.

 

Defaults Upon Senior Securities

 

55

 

 

 

 

 

Item 4.

 

Mine Safety Disclosures

 

55

 

 

 

 

 

Item 5.

 

Other Information

 

55

 

 

 

 

 

Item 6.

 

Exhibits

 

55

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Signatures

 

57

 

2


 


Table of Contents

 

PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

ITEM 1. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

 

MONSTER BEVERAGE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

AS OF JUNE 30, 2015 AND DECEMBER 31, 2014

(In Thousands, Except Par Value) (Unaudited)

 

 

 

June 30,
2015

 

 

December 31,
2014

ASSETS

 

 

 

 

CURRENT ASSETS:

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

 1,696,295

 

$

 370,323

Short-term investments

 

1,234,858

 

781,134

Accounts receivable, net

 

372,669

 

280,203

TCCC Transaction receivable

 

125,000

 

-

Distributor receivables

 

666

 

552

Inventories

 

180,892

 

174,573

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

 

22,628

 

19,673

Intangibles held-for-sale, net

 

-

 

18,079

Prepaid income taxes

 

92,386

 

8,617

Deferred income taxes

 

196,985

 

40,275

Total current assets

 

3,922,379

 

1,693,429

 

 

 

 

 

INVESTMENTS

 

52,364

 

42,940

PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, net

 

92,538

 

90,156

DEFERRED INCOME TAXES

 

-

 

54,106

GOODWILL

 

1,287,777

 

-

OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS, net

 

428,166

 

50,748

OTHER ASSETS

 

8,357

 

7,496

Total Assets

 

$

 5,791,581

 

$

 1,938,875

 

 

 

 

 

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

 

 

 

CURRENT LIABILITIES:

 

 

 

 

Accounts payable

 

$

 194,731

 

$

 127,641

Accrued liabilities

 

52,242

 

40,271

Accrued promotional allowances

 

128,059

 

114,047

Accrued distributor terminations

 

64,621

 

-

Deferred revenue

 

26,417

 

49,926

Accrued compensation

 

14,404

 

17,983

Income taxes payable

 

11,453

 

5,848

Total current liabilities

 

491,927

 

355,716

 

 

 

 

 

DEFERRED REVENUE

 

355,379

 

68,009

 

 

 

 

 

DEFERRED INCOME TAXES

 

89,455

 

-

 

 

 

 

 

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Note 12)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY:

 

 

 

 

Common stock - $0.005 par value; 240,000 shares authorized;
206,666 shares issued and 205,491 outstanding as of June 30, 2015;
207,004 shares issued and 167,722 outstanding as of December 31, 2014

 

1,033

 

1,035

Additional paid-in capital

 

3,952,030

 

426,145

Retained earnings

 

1,081,547

 

2,330,510

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

 

(19,073)

 

(11,453)

Common stock in treasury, at cost; 1,175 and 39,282 shares as of June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively

 

(160,717)

 

(1,231,087)

Total stockholders’ equity

 

4,854,820

 

1,515,150

Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity

 

$

 5,791,581

 

$

 1,938,875

 

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

3



Table of Contents

 

MONSTER BEVERAGE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

FOR THE THREE- AND SIX-MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2015 AND 2014

(In Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts) (Unaudited)

 

 

 

Three-Months Ended

 

Six-Months Ended

 

 

June 30,

 

June 30,

 

 

2015

 

2014

 

2015

 

2014

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NET SALES

 

$

693,722

 

$

687,199

 

$

1,320,512

 

$

1,223,329

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

COST OF SALES

 

299,214

 

307,911

 

557,048

 

557,222

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

GROSS PROFIT

 

394,508

 

379,288

 

763,464

 

666,107

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

OPERATING EXPENSES

 

189,839

 

163,475

 

551,167

 

301,430

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

GAIN ON SALE OF MONSTER NON-ENERGY (NOTE 3)

 

161,470

 

-

 

161,470

 

-

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

OPERATING INCOME

 

366,139

 

215,813

 

373,767

 

364,677

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

INTEREST AND OTHER (EXPENSE) INCOME, net

 

(1,015)

 

178

 

218

 

332

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

INCOME BEFORE PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES

 

365,124

 

215,991

 

373,985

 

365,009

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES

 

136,120

 

74,988

 

140,568

 

128,755

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NET INCOME

 

$

229,004

 

$

141,003

 

$

233,417

 

$

236,254

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NET INCOME PER COMMON SHARE:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

$

1.29

 

$

0.84

 

$

1.35

 

$

1.41

Diluted

 

$

1.26

 

$

0.81

 

$

1.31

 

$

1.36

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

WEIGHTED AVERAGE NUMBER OF SHARES OF COMMON STOCK AND COMMON STOCK EQUIVALENTS:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

176,985

 

167,098

 

173,447

 

167,006

Diluted

 

181,417

 

173,964

 

177,998

 

173,869

 

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

4



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MONSTER BEVERAGE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

FOR THE THREE- AND SIX-MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2015 AND 2014

(In Thousands) (Unaudited)

 

 

 

Three-Months Ended
June 30,

 

Six-Months Ended
June 30,

 

 

2015

 

2014

 

2015

 

2014

Net income, as reported

 

$

229,004

 

$

141,003

 

$

233,417

 

$

236,254

 

Other comprehensive income:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Change in foreign currency translation adjustment

 

2,360

 

510

 

(7,620)

 

612

 

Available-for-sale investments:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Change in net unrealized gains

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

Reclassification adjustment for net gains included in net income

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

Net change in available-for-sale investments

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

Other comprehensive income (loss)

 

2,360

 

510

 

(7,620)

 

612

 

Comprehensive income

 

$

231,364

 

$

141,513

 

$

225,797

 

$

236,866

 

 

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

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MONSTER BEVERAGE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

FOR THE SIX-MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2015 AND 2014

(In Thousands) (Unaudited)

 

 

 

Six-Months Ended

 

 

June 30, 2015

 

June 30, 2014

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

$

233,417

 

$

236,254

 

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

13,249

 

12,995

 

Gain on disposal of property and equipment

 

(108)

 

(185

)

Gain on sale of Monster Non-Energy

 

(161,470)

 

-

 

Stock-based compensation

 

14,837

 

15,089

 

Loss on put option

 

-

 

97

 

Gain on investments, net

 

-

 

(84

)

Deferred income taxes

 

156,710

 

168

 

Excess tax benefit from stock-based compensation

 

(300,331)

 

(3,303

)

Effect on cash of changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of acquisition and divestiture:

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts receivable

 

(95,235)

 

(99,711

)

Distributor receivables

 

191

 

1,242

 

Inventories

 

(28,919)

 

13,536

 

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

 

(3,322)

 

(4,189

)

Prepaid income taxes

 

(84,147)

 

2,503

 

Accounts payable

 

72,124

 

36,113

 

Accrued liabilities

 

12,482

 

17,529

 

Accrued promotional allowances

 

18,038

 

31,776

 

Accrued distributor terminations

 

64,767

 

165

 

Accrued compensation

 

(3,493)

 

(4,618

)

Income taxes payable

 

(7,533)

 

6,780

 

Deferred revenue

 

(40,792)

 

(3,180

)

Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities

 

(139,535)

 

258,977

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

 

 

 

 

 

Maturities of held-to-maturity investments

 

480,281

 

324,819

 

Sales of available-for-sale investments

 

100

 

-

 

Sales of trading investments

 

725

 

3,450

 

Proceeds from transfer of distribution rights to TCCC

 

179,658

 

-

 

Purchases of held-to-maturity investments

 

(944,193)

 

(421,797

)

Purchases of property and equipment

 

(15,827)

 

(15,074

)

Proceeds from the sale of Monster Non-Energy

 

198,008

 

-

 

Proceeds from sale of property and equipment

 

161

 

310

 

Increase in intangibles

 

(3,566)

 

(828

)

(Increase) decrease in other assets

 

(1,214)

 

1,102

 

Net cash used in investing activities

 

(105,867)

 

(108,018

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

 

 

 

 

 

Principal payments on debt

 

(530)

 

(973

)

Excess tax benefit from stock-based compensation

 

300,331

 

3,303

 

Issuance of common stock

 

1,689,120

 

7,716

 

Purchases of common stock held in treasury

 

(412,217)

 

(59

)

Net cash provided by financing activities

 

1,576,704

 

9,987

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

 

(5,330)

 

756

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NET INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

 

1,325,972

 

161,702

 

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, beginning of period

 

370,323

 

211,349

 

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, end of period

 

$

1,696,295

 

$

373,051

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION:

 

 

 

 

 

Cash paid during the period for:

 

 

 

 

 

Interest

 

$

12

 

$

18

 

Income taxes

 

$

76,285

 

$

119,654

 

 

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

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Table of Contents

 

MONSTER BEVERAGE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

FOR THE SIX-MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2015 AND 2014

(In Thousands) (Unaudited) (Continued)

 

SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF NON-CASH ITEMS

 

The Company entered into capital leases for the acquisition of promotional vehicles of $0.9 million and $0.5 million for the six-months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

 

During the six-months ended June 30, 2015, the Company issued 11.8 million shares of the Company’s common stock in exchange for KO Energy (see Note 3).

 

During the six-months ended June 30, 2015, in connection with the TCCC Transaction (as defined in Note 3), $125.0 million relating to the transfer of certain distribution rights was deposited into escrow pending certain transition milestones (see Note 3).

 

During the six-months ended June 30, 2015, the Company cancelled 41.5 million shares of treasury stock (see Note 14). Amounts previously recorded as treasury stock were netted against common stock and retained earnings.

 

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

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Table of Contents

 

MONSTER BEVERAGE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Tabular Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts) (Unaudited)

 

1.                                    BASIS OF PRESENTATION

 

Reference is made to the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, in Monster Beverage Corporation and Subsidiaries (the “Company”) Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014 (“Form 10-K”) for a summary of significant accounting policies utilized by the Company and its consolidated subsidiaries and other disclosures, which should be read in conjunction with this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (“Form 10-Q”).

 

The Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements included in this Form 10-Q have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) and Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) rules and regulations applicable to interim financial reporting.  They do not include all the information and footnote disclosures normally included in annual financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP.  The information set forth in these interim condensed consolidated financial statements for the three- and six-months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014 is unaudited and reflects all adjustments, which include only normal recurring adjustments and which in the opinion of management are necessary to make the interim condensed consolidated financial statements not misleading.  Results of operations for periods covered by this report may not necessarily be indicative of results of operations for the full year.

 

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP necessarily requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amount of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods.  Actual results could differ from these estimates.

 

In the second quarter of 2015, as a result of the acquisitions and divestitures described in Note 3, the Company revised its reportable segments to reflect management’s new view of the business and to align its external financial reporting with its new operating and internal financial reporting model. Historical segment information has been revised to reflect the effect of this change. See Note 18 for additional information about the Company’s new reporting segments.

 

2.                                    ADDITIONS TO SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

Business Combinations – Business acquisitions are accounted for in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 805 “Business Combinations”.  ASC 805 requires the reporting entity to identify the acquirer, determine the acquisition date, recognize and measure the identifiable assets acquired, the liabilities assumed and any non-controlling interest in the acquired entity, and recognize and measure goodwill or a gain from the purchase. The acquiree’s results are included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements from the date of acquisition. Assets acquired and liabilities assumed are recorded at their fair values and the excess of the purchase price over the amounts assigned is recorded as goodwill, or if the fair value of the assets acquired exceeds the purchase price consideration, a bargain purchase gain is recorded. Adjustments to fair value assessments are recorded to goodwill over the measurement period (not longer than twelve months). The acquisition method also requires that acquisition-related transaction and post-acquisition restructuring costs be charged to expense and requires the Company to recognize and measure certain assets and liabilities including those arising from contingencies and contingent consideration in a business combination.

 

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Table of Contents

 

MONSTER BEVERAGE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Tabular Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts) (Unaudited)

 

Goodwill – The Company records goodwill when the consideration paid for an acquisition exceeds the fair value of net tangible and intangible assets acquired, including related tax effects. Goodwill is not amortized; instead goodwill is tested for impairment on an annual basis, or more frequently if the Company believes indicators of impairment exist. The Company first assesses qualitative factors to determine whether it is more-likely-than-not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value. If the Company determines that the fair value is less than the carrying value, the Company will use a two-step process to determine the amount of goodwill impairment. The first step requires comparing the fair value of the reporting unit to its net book value, including goodwill. A potential impairment exists if the fair value of the reporting unit is lower than its net book value. The second step of the process, performed only if a potential impairment exists, involves determining the difference between the fair value of the reporting unit’s net assets, other than goodwill, and the fair value of the reporting unit. An impairment charge is recognized for the excess of the carrying value of goodwill over its implied fair value.

 

3.                                    ACQUISITIONS AND DIVESTITURES

 

On June 12, 2015, Monster Beverage 1990 Corporation (formerly Monster Beverage Corporation) (“Old Monster”), now a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, completed the transactions contemplated by the definitive agreements entered into with The Coca-Cola Company (“TCCC”) on August 14, 2014, which provided for a long-term strategic relationship in the global energy drink category (the “TCCC Transaction”).

 

Also, on June 12, 2015, Old Monster effected a holding company reorganization in connection with the TCCC Transaction by merging New Laser Merger Corp., a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company into Old Monster, with Old Monster surviving as a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company (the “Holding Company Reorganization”), and the Company changed its name from New Laser Corporation to “Monster Beverage Corporation.”

 

In the Holding Company Reorganization, each Old Monster common share, par value $0.005 per share, outstanding immediately prior to the consummation of the Holding Company Reorganization (other than any Old Monster common shares that were owned by Old Monster immediately prior to the closing of the TCCC Transaction, which were cancelled, (see Note 14)) was converted automatically into the right to receive one Company common share, par value $0.005 per share. In addition, upon consummation of the Holding Company Reorganization:

 

·                 each unexercised and unexpired stock option then outstanding under any equity compensation plan of Old Monster, whether or not then exercisable, ceased to represent a right to acquire Old Monster common shares and was converted automatically into a right to acquire the same number of Company common shares, on the same terms and conditions as were applicable under such Old Monster stock option; and

 

·                 each share of restricted stock and each restricted stock unit of Old Monster granted under all outstanding equity compensation plans ceased to represent or relate to Old Monster common shares and was converted automatically to represent or relate to Company common shares, on the same terms and conditions as were applicable to such Old Monster restricted stock and restricted stock units (including the vesting or other lapse restrictions (without acceleration thereof by virtue of the Holding Company Reorganization and the TCCC Transaction)).

 

Promptly following the effective time of the Holding Company Reorganization, Old Monster assigned to the Company all obligations of Old Monster under Old Monster’s equity compensation plans and each stock option agreement, restricted stock award agreement, restricted stock unit award agreement and any similar agreement entered into pursuant to such equity compensation plans. In addition, all obligations of Old Monster under any employment agreements and indemnification agreements were assigned to the Company.

 

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Table of Contents

 

MONSTER BEVERAGE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Tabular Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts) (Unaudited)

 

Immediately after the effective time of the Holding Company Reorganization, (1) the Company issued to TCCC 34,040,534 newly issued Company common shares representing approximately 16.7% of the total number of outstanding Company common shares (after giving effect to such issuance) (the “New Issuance”) and TCCC appointed two individuals to the Company’s Board of Directors, (2) TCCC transferred all of its rights in and to TCCC’s worldwide energy drink business (“KO Energy”) to the Company, (3) Old Monster transferred all of its rights in and to its non-energy drink business (“Monster Non-Energy”) to TCCC (such transfer, together with the transfer of KO Energy, the “Asset Transfers”), (4) the Company and TCCC amended the distribution coordination agreements previously existing between them to govern the transition of third parties’ rights to distribute the Company’s energy products in most territories in the U.S. to members of TCCC’s distribution network, which consists of owned or controlled bottlers/distributors and independent bottling/distribution partners, and (5) TCCC and one of its subsidiaries made an aggregate net cash payment to the Company of $2.15 billion, $125.0 million of which is currently held in escrow as described below (the “Escrow Agreement”), subject to release upon the achievement of milestones relating to the transition of distribution rights to TCCC’s distribution network.

 

Under the terms of the Escrow Agreement and the transition payment agreement entered into in connection therewith, if the distribution rights in the U.S. that are transitioned to TCCC’s distribution network represent case sales in excess of the following percentages of a target case sale amount agreed to by the parties, amounts in the escrow fund in excess of the applicable amounts below will be released to the Company:

 

Percentage Transitioned

 

Escrow Release

40%

 

Amounts in excess of $375 million

50%

 

Amounts in excess of $312.5 million

60%

 

Amounts in excess of $250 million

70%

 

Amounts in excess of $187.5 million

80%

 

Amounts in excess of $125 million

90%

 

Amounts in excess of $62.5 million

95%

 

All remaining amounts

 

On the one-year anniversary of the closing of the TCCC Transaction, the then-remaining escrow amount, less an amount sufficient to cover any unresolved claims, will be released to TCCC. Any severance or other release amount described above that becomes payable following the one-year anniversary will be paid directly from TCCC to the Company.

 

TCCC is contractually obligated to authorize payment to the Company of the funds in escrow upon achievement of the milestones referred to above. As of August 10, 2015, distribution rights in the U.S. representing approximately 89% of the target case sales have been transitioned to TCCC’s distribution network.  As a result, $125 million is currently held in escrow. The Company expects to commence steps to transition sufficient additional distribution rights, which will, in due course, result in the release of all remaining amounts held in escrow. Therefore, the Company believes that achievement of the milestones is probable.

 

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MONSTER BEVERAGE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Tabular Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts) (Unaudited)

 

The following table summarizes the TCCC Transaction consideration allocation:

 

 

 

 

Identifiable

Assets Acquired
and Liabilities

Assumed

 

 

Consideration
Transferred

 

Equity issued to TCCC for cash (22.2 million shares issued)

 

$

-

 

 

$

1,647,333

 

Equity issued to TCCC for KO Energy (11.8 million shares issued)

 

-

 

 

1,521,802

 

KO Energy intangibles - trademarks (non-amortizing)

 

325,500

 

 

-

 

KO Energy intangibles - customer relationships (amortizing)

 

35,000

 

 

-

 

KO Energy intangibles - other (non-amortizing)

 

13,700

 

 

-

 

KO Energy inventories

 

6,144

 

 

-

 

KO Energy accounts payable

 

(2,758

)

 

-

 

Goodwill

 

1,287,777

 

 

-

 

Deferred tax liability

 

(143,561

)

 

-

 

New and amended U.S. distribution rights transferred to TCCC’s distribution network

 

-

 

 

304,658

 

Monster Non-Energy business transferred to TCCC

 

-

 

 

198,009

 

Cash and escrow receivable

 

2,150,000

 

 

-

 

Total

 

$

3,671,802

 

 

$

3,671,802

 

 

The preliminary book value of the KO Energy inventories, prepaid expenses and other current assets and accounts payable approximate fair value. The fair value analysis has yet to progress to a stage where there is sufficient information for a definitive measurement of the respective fair values.  Accordingly, the respective fair value allocation is preliminary and is based on valuations derived from estimated fair value assumptions used by management. The Company expects to complete its fair value analysis at a level of detail necessary to finalize the underlying fair value allocations no later than twelve months from the closing of the TCCC Transaction. Any differences between the final respective fair value allocations and the preliminary management estimates may differ materially and potentially have a material impact on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or liquidity.

 

The Company has determined goodwill in accordance with ASC 805-30-30-1, “Business Combinations,” which requires the recognition of goodwill for the excess of the aggregate consideration over the net of amounts of identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the acquisition date.

 

The goodwill recorded as part of the TCCC Transaction is not deductible for tax purposes. The goodwill includes access to new geographies, access to new sales channels, including vending and specialty accounts, as well as the opportunity for supply chain optimization.

 

The Company determined the estimated fair values of KO Energy trademarks, customer relationships and other intangibles as follows:

 

1.            Trademarks—valued using the relief from royalty method. Royalty rates for the different brands were selected based on brand strength and profitability.

 

2.            Customer relationships—valued using the with- and-without method assuming that the customer relationships could be rebuilt over a one-year period.

 

3.            Other (Trade Secrets/Formulas)—valued using the cost savings method.

 

The Company determined the estimated fair value of the “new and amended U.S. distribution rights” transferred to TCCC’s distribution network using the discounted cash flow method. The cash flows were defined as the expected cost savings arising from the new distribution agreements.

 

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MONSTER BEVERAGE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Tabular Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts) (Unaudited)

 

The Company determined the estimated fair value of the Monster Non-Energy brands sold utilizing the discounted cash flow method and market multiple method. Market multiples for each brand were selected based on profitability, size and expected growth for each brand. The resulting business enterprise value derived under the income and market approaches was then adjusted for working capital and fixed assets that were not transferred to TCCC.

 

Of the approximately 34.0 million shares of the Company’s common stock issued to TCCC in the TCCC Transaction, approximately 11.8 million shares, or 34.8% of the total shares issued, were allocated to the purchase of KO Energy and approximately 22.2 million shares, or 65.2% of the total shares issued, were issued for cash. The 34.8% allocation was based on the relative fair value of KO Energy to the approximate fair value of the 34.0 million shares of Old Monster’s common stock on August 14, 2014. The remaining shares of the Company’s common stock were deemed to be issued for cash. The $2.15 billion of cash and escrow receivable was first allocated to the new and amended U.S. distribution rights and the Monster Non-Energy business based on their respective preliminary fair values, and the residual cash of $1.6 billion was then allocated to the equity issued for cash. On August 14, 2014, the date on which the terms of the TCCC Transaction were agreed to and announced, the closing market price of Old Monster’s common stock was $71.65 per share. The fair value of KO Energy per ASC 820 is approximately $880.1 million, which approximates the negotiated price for KO Energy based on the closing market price of Old Monster’s common stock on August 14, 2014. However, per ASC 805, equity securities issued as consideration in a business combination are to be recorded at fair value as of the closing date. Therefore, the value of the Company’s common stock issued to TCCC in exchange for KO Energy was $128.39 per share, the closing price of the Company’s common stock on June 12, 2015, resulting in a total consideration value transferred for KO Energy of $1.5 billion.

 

The Company recognized a gain of $161.5 million on the disposal of Monster Non-Energy during the three- and six-months ended June 30, 2015.

 

The following unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information is presented as if the TCCC Transaction had closed on January 1, 2014:

 

 

 

Three-Months Ended June 30, 2015

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pro Forma Adjustments

 

 

 

 

 

Monster
Beverage
Corporation
as reported¹

 

KO
Energy²

 

Disposal of
Monster
Non-
Energy³

 

Other

 

Pro Forma
Combined

 

Net sales

 

  $

693,722

 

  $

57,422

 

  $

(29,516)

 

  $

3,089

 

  $

724,717

 

Net income

 

229,004

 

41,136

 

(100,652)

 

(11,659) 

 

157,829

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three-Months Ended June 30, 2014

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pro Forma Adjustments

 

 

 

 

 

Monster
Beverage
Corporation
as reported

 

KO Energy

 

Disposal of
Monster
Non-Energy

 

Other

 

Pro Forma
Combined

 

Net sales

 

  $

687,199

 

  $

85,608

 

  $

(43,796)

 

  $

3,851

 

  $

732,862

 

Net income

 

141,003

 

54,614

 

(1,878)

 

(24,978) 

 

168,761

 

 

¹Includes net sales of $13.0 million and net income of $5.8 million related to the acquired KO Energy assets since the date of acquisition, June 12, 2015.

 

²Includes results through June 12, 2015, the date the TCCC Transaction was finalized. Net income for KO Energy includes only net revenues and direct operating expenses, rather than full “carve-out” financial statements, because such financial information would not be meaningful given that it is not possible to provide a meaningful allocation of business unit and corporate costs, interest or tax in respect of KO Energy.

 

³Includes results through June 12, 2015. Net income includes gain recognized on the sale of Monster Non-Energy of $161.5 million (as tax affected).

 

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MONSTER BEVERAGE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Tabular Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts) (Unaudited)

 

 

 

Six-Months Ended June 30, 2015

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pro Forma Adjustments

 

 

 

 

 

Monster
Beverage
Corporation
as reported¹

 

KO Energy²

 

Disposal of
Monster Non-
Energy³

 

Other

 

Pro Forma
Combined

 

Net sales

 

  $

1,320,512

 

  $

138,127

 

  $

(60,824)

 

$

6,897

 

$

1,404,712

 

Net income

 

233,417

 

100,575

 

(101,881)

 

(36,608)

 

195,503

 

 

 

 

Six-Months Ended June 30, 2014

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pro Forma Adjustments

 

 

 

 

 

Monster
Beverage
Corporation
as reported

 

KO Energy

 

Disposal of
Monster Non-
Energy

 

Other

 

Pro Forma
Combined

 

Net sales

 

  $

1,223,329

 

  $

171,216

 

  $

(77,984)

 

$

7,659

 

$

1,324,220

 

Net income

 

236,254

 

109,228

 

(3,021)

 

(50,614)

 

291,847

 

 

¹Includes net sales of $13.0 million and net income of $5.8 million related to the acquired KO Energy assets since the date of acquisition, June 12, 2015.

 

²Includes results through June 12, 2015, the date the TCCC Transaction was finalized. Net income for KO Energy includes only net revenues and direct operating expenses, rather than full “carve-out” financial statements, because such financial information would not be meaningful given that it is not possible to provide a meaningful allocation of business unit and corporate costs, interest or tax in respect of KO Energy.

 

³Includes results through June 12, 2015. Net income includes gain recognized on the sale of Monster Non-Energy of $161.5 million (as tax affected).

 

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MONSTER BEVERAGE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Tabular Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts) (Unaudited)

 

Pro-Forma Adjustments – Other include the following:

 

 

 

Three-Months

 

Three-Months

 

Six-Months

 

Six-Months

 

 

Ended

 

Ended

 

Ended

 

Ended

 

 

June 30, 2015

 

June 30, 2014

 

June 30, 2015

 

June 30, 2014

Net sales:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amortization of deferred revenue

 

  $

3,089

 

  $

3,851

 

  $

6,897

 

  $

7,659

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amortization of deferred revenue

 

  $

3,089

 

  $

3,851

 

  $

6,897

 

  $

7,659

 

To record sales commissions

 

(6,431)

 

(9,588)

 

(15,470)

 

(19,176

)

To record amortization of definite lived KO Energy intangibles

 

(1,400)

 

(1,745)

 

(3,126)

 

(3,471

)

To eliminate TCCC Transaction expenses

 

11,536

 

1,068

 

15,134

 

1,068

 

Estimated provision for income taxes on pro forma adjustments

 

(2,616)

 

2,470

 

(1,322)

 

5,359

 

Estimated provision for income taxes on KO Energy income

 

(15,837)

 

(21,034)

 

(38,721)

 

(42,053

)

Total

 

  $

(11,659)

 

  $

(24,978)

 

  $

(36,608)

 

  $

(50,614

)

 

For purposes of the unaudited pro forma financial information, a combined U.S. Federal and state statutory tax rate of 38.5% has been used. This rate does not reflect the Company’s expected effective tax rate, which includes other tax charges and benefits, and does not take into account any historical or possible future tax events that may impact the combined company.

 

The unaudited pro forma financial information is presented for information purposes only and is not intended to represent or be indicative of the combined results of operations that the Company would have reported had the TCCC Transaction been completed as of the date and for the periods presented, and should not be taken as representative of the Company’s consolidated results of operations following the completion of the TCCC Transaction. In addition, the unaudited pro forma financial information is not intended to project the future financial results of operations of the combined company. The unaudited pro forma combined financial information does not reflect any cost savings, operational synergies or revenue enhancements that the combined company may achieve as a result of the TCCC Transaction or the costs to combine the operations or costs necessary to achieve cost savings, operating synergies and revenue enhancements.

 

4.                                    RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

 

In September 2014, the Company elected to early adopt FASB ASU No. 2014-08, “Presentation of Financial Statements and Property, Plant, and Equipment - Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity”.  ASU 2014-08 provides new guidance related to the definition of a discontinued operation and requires new disclosures of both discontinued operations and certain other disposals that do not meet the definition of a discontinued operation. The adoption of ASU 2014-08 did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or liquidity.

 

In June 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-12, “Compensation—Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Accounting for Share-Based Payments When the Terms of an Award Provide That a Performance Target Could Be Achieved after the Requisite Service Period (a consensus of the FASB Emerging Issues Task Force)”.  ASU 2014-12 clarifies that a performance target that affects vesting and that could be achieved after the requisite service period be treated as a performance condition. A reporting entity should apply existing guidance in Topic 718 as it relates to awards with performance conditions that affect vesting to account for

 

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MONSTER BEVERAGE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Tabular Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts) (Unaudited)

 

such awards. As such, the performance target should not be reflected in estimating the grant-date fair value of the award. Compensation cost should be recognized in the period in which it becomes probable that the performance target will be achieved and should represent the compensation cost attributable to the period(s) for which the requisite service has already been rendered. ASU 2014-12 is effective for annual periods, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2015. Early adoption is permitted. ASU 2014-12 may be applied either (a) prospectively to all awards granted or modified after the effective date or (b) retrospectively to all awards with performance targets that are outstanding as of the beginning of the earliest annual period presented in the financial statements and to all new or modified awards thereafter. The adoption of ASU 2014-12 is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or liquidity.

 

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers”, which supersedes previous revenue recognition guidance. ASU 2014-09 requires that a company recognize revenue at an amount that reflects the consideration to which the company expects to be entitled in exchange for transferring goods or services to a customer. In applying the new guidance, a company will (1) identify the contract(s) with a customer; (2) identify the performance obligations in the contract; (3) determine the transaction price; (4) allocate the transaction price to the contract’s performance obligations; and (5) recognize revenue when (or as) the entity satisfies a performance obligation. ASU 2014-09 was to be effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016.  However, on July 9, 2015, the FASB voted to approve a one-year deferral of the effective date. This new guidance is effective for the Company beginning January 1, 2018 and can be adopted using either a full retrospective or modified approach. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of ASU 2014-09 on its financial position, results of operations and liquidity.

 

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MONSTER BEVERAGE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Tabular Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts) (Unaudited)

 

5.                                    INVESTMENTS

 

The following table summarizes the Company’s investments at:

 

June 30, 2015

 

Amortized Cost

 

Gross
Unrealized
Holding
Gains

 

Gross
Unrealized
Holding
Losses

 

Fair
Value

 

Continuous
Unrealized
Loss Position
less than 12
Months

 

Continuous
Unrealized
Loss Position
greater than 12
Months

Held-to-Maturity

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Short-term:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Commercial paper

 

$

182,130

 

$

-

 

$

-

 

$

182,130

 

$

-

 

$

-

 

U.S. Treasuries

 

74,981

 

6

 

-

 

74,987

 

-

 

-

 

Certificates of deposit

 

32,001

 

-

 

-

 

32,001

 

-

 

-

 

Municipal securities

 

587,740

 

82

 

42

 

587,780

 

42

 

-

 

U.S. government agency securities

 

350,859

 

27

 

10

 

350,876

 

10

 

-

 

Long-term:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Municipal securities

 

52,364

 

33

 

5

 

52,392

 

5

 

-

 

U.S. government agency securities

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

Available-for-sale

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Variable rate demand notes

 

3,901

 

-

 

-

 

3,901

 

-

 

-

 

Total

 

$

1,283,976

 

$

148

 

$

57

 

1,284,067

 

$

57

 

$

-

 

Trading

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Short-term:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Auction rate securities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3,246

 

 

 

 

 

Long-term:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Auction rate securities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

 

 

Total

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

1,287,313

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

December 31, 2014

 

Amortized Cost

 

Gross
Unrealized
Holding
Gains

 

Gross
Unrealized
Holding
Losses

 

Fair
Value

 

Continuous
Unrealized
Loss Position
less than 12
Months

 

Continuous
Unrealized
Loss Position
greater than 12
Months

Held-to-Maturity

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Short-term:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Commercial paper

 

$

19,482

 

$

-

 

$

2

 

$

19,480

 

$

-

 

$

-

 

Municipal securities

 

744,542

 

105

 

-

 

744,647

 

-

 

-

 

U.S. government agency securities

 

9,199

 

-

 

1

 

9,198

 

-

 

-

 

Long-term:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Municipal securities

 

42,940

 

10

 

-

 

42,950

 

-

 

-

 

Available-for-sale

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Variable rate demand notes

 

4,001

 

-

 

-

 

4,001

 

-

 

-

 

Total

 

$

820,164

 

$

115

 

$

3

 

820,276

 

$

-

 

$

-

 

Trading

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Short-term:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Auction rate securities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3,910

 

 

 

 

 

Long-term:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Auction rate securities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

 

 

Total

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

824,186

 

 

 

 

 

 

During the three- and six-months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, realized gains or losses recognized on the sale of investments were not significant. During the three- and six-months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, the net gains recognized on the Company’s trading securities were not significant.

 

The Company’s investments at June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 in commercial paper, U.S. Treasuries, certificates of deposit, municipal securities, U.S. government agency securities and/or variable rate demand notes (“VRDNs”) carried investment grade credit ratings. VRDNs are floating rate municipal bonds with embedded put options that allow the bondholder to sell the security at par plus accrued interest. All of the put options are secured by a pledged liquidity source. While they are classified as marketable investment securities, the put option allows the VRDNs to be liquidated at par on a same day, or more generally on a seven

 

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Table of Contents

 

MONSTER BEVERAGE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Tabular Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts) (Unaudited)

 

day, settlement basis. All of the Company’s investments at June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 in municipal, educational or other public body securities with an auction reset feature (“auction rate securities”) also carried investment grade credit ratings.

 

The following table summarizes the underlying contractual maturities of the Company’s investments at:

 

 

 

June 30, 2015

 

December 31, 2014

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amortized Cost

 

Fair Value

 

Amortized Cost

 

Fair Value

Less than 1 year:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Commercial paper

 

$

182,130

 

$

182,130

 

$

19,482

 

$

19,480

 

U.S. Treasuries

 

74,981

 

74,987

 

-

 

-

 

Certificates of deposit

 

32,001

 

32,001

 

-

 

-

 

Municipal securities

 

587,740

 

587,780

 

744,542

 

744,647

 

U.S. government agency securities

 

350,859

 

350,876

 

9,199

 

9,198

 

Due 1 - 10 years:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Municipal securities

 

52,364

 

52,392

 

42,940

 

42,950

 

Due 11 - 20 years:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Auction rate securities

 

3,246

 

3,246

 

3,910

 

3,910

 

Due 21 - 30 years:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Variable rate demand notes

 

3,901

 

3,901

 

4,001

 

4,001

 

Total

 

$

1,287,222

 

$

1,287,313

 

$

824,074

 

$

824,186

 

 

6.                                    FAIR VALUE OF CERTAIN FINANCIAL ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

 

ASC 820 provides a framework for measuring fair value and requires disclosures regarding fair value measurements. ASC 820 defines fair value as the price that would be received on the sale of an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. ASC 820 also establishes a fair value hierarchy which requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs, where available. The three levels of inputs required by the standard that the Company uses to measure fair value are summarized below.

 

·                 Level 1: Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

 

·                 Level 2: Observable inputs other than Level 1 prices, such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities; quoted prices in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the related assets or liabilities.

 

·                 Level 3: Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities.

 

ASC 820 requires the use of observable market inputs (quoted market prices) when measuring fair value and requires a Level 1 quoted price to be used to measure fair value whenever possible.

 

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MONSTER BEVERAGE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Tabular Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts) (Unaudited)

 

The following tables present the Company’s held-to-maturity investments at amortized cost, available-for-sale investments at fair value and the fair value of the Company’s financial assets and liabilities that are recorded at fair value on a recurring basis, segregated among the appropriate levels within the fair value hierarchy at:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

June 30, 2015

 

Level 1

 

Level 2

 

Level 3

 

Total

 

Cash

 

$

174,404

 

$

-

 

$

-

 

$

174,404

 

Money market funds

 

688,934

 

-

 

-

 

688,934

 

Commercial paper

 

-

 

365,364

 

-

 

365,364

 

U.S. Treasuries

 

-

 

74,981

 

-

 

74,981

 

Certificates of deposit

 

-

 

84,002

 

-

 

84,002

 

Municipal securities

 

-

 

662,874

 

-

 

662,874

 

U.S. government agency securities

 

-

 

925,811

 

-

 

925,811

 

Variable rate demand notes

 

-

 

3,901

 

-

 

3,901

 

Auction rate securities

 

-

 

-

 

3,246

 

3,246

 

Put option related to auction rate securities

 

-

 

-

 

189

 

189

 

Foreign currency derivatives

 

-

 

-

 

(139)

 

(139)

 

Total

 

$

863,338

 

$

2,116,933

 

$

3,296

 

$

2,983,567

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amounts included in:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

863,338

 

$

832,957

 

$

-

 

$

1,696,295

 

Short-term investments

 

-

 

1,231,612

 

3,246

 

1,234,858

 

Accounts receivable, net

 

-

 

-

 

139

 

139

 

Investments

 

-

 

52,364

 

-

 

52,364

 

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

 

-

 

-

 

189

 

189

 

Accrued liabilities

 

-

 

-

 

(278)

 

(278)

 

Total

 

$

863,338

 

$

2,116,933

 

$

3,296

 

$

2,983,567

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

December 31, 2014

 

Level 1

 

Level 2

 

Level 3

 

Total

 

Cash

 

$

196,090

 

$

-

 

$

-

 

$

196,090

 

Money market funds

 

106,928

 

-

 

-

 

106,928

 

Commercial paper

 

-

 

19,482

 

-

 

19,482

 

Municipal securities

 

-

 

854,787

 

-

 

854,787

 

U.S. government agency securities

 

-

 

9,199

 

-

 

9,199

 

Variable rate demand notes

 

-

 

4,001

 

-

 

4,001

 

Auction rate securities

 

-

 

-

 

3,910

 

3,910

 

Put option related to auction rate securities

 

-

 

-

 

250

 

250

 

Foreign currency derivatives

 

-

 

(252)

 

-

 

(252)

 

Total

 

$

303,018

 

$

887,217

 

$

4,160

 

$

1,194,395

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amounts included in:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

303,018

 

$

67,305

 

$

-

 

$

370,323

 

Short-term investments

 

-

 

777,224

 

3,910

 

781,134

 

Accounts receivable, net

 

-

 

83

 

-

 

83

 

Investments

 

-

 

42,940

 

-

 

42,940

 

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

 

-

 

-

 

250

 

250

 

Accrued liabilities

 

-

 

(335)

 

-

 

(335)

 

Total

 

$

303,018

 

$

887,217

 

$

4,160

 

$

1,194,395

 

 

The majority of the Company’s short-term investments are classified within Level 1 or Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.  The Company’s valuation of its Level 1 investments, which include money market funds, is based on quoted market prices in active markets for identical securities. The Company’s valuation of its Level 2 investments, which include commercial paper, U.S. Treasuries, certificates of deposit, municipal securities, U.S. government agency securities and VRDNs, is based on other observable inputs, specifically a market approach which utilizes valuation models, pricing systems, mathematical tools and other relevant

 

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MONSTER BEVERAGE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Tabular Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts) (Unaudited)

 

information for the same or similar securities. The Company’s valuation of its Level 2 foreign exchange contracts is based on quoted market prices of the same or similar instruments, adjusted for counterparty risk. There were no transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 measurements during the six-months ended June 30, 2015 or the year ended December 31, 2014, and there were no changes in the Company’s valuation techniques.

 

The Company’s Level 3 assets are comprised of auction rate securities and put options. The Company’s Level 3 valuation utilized a mark-to-model approach which included estimates for interest rates, timing and amount of cash flows, credit and liquidity premiums, as well as expected holding periods for the auction rate securities. These assumptions are typically volatile and subject to change as the underlying data sources and market conditions evolve. A significant change in any single input could have a significant valuation impact; however, no single input has a more significant impact on valuation than another. There were no changes in the Company’s valuation techniques of its Level 3 assets during the six-months ended June 30, 2015.

 

At June 30, 2015, the Company held auction rate securities with a face value of $3.4 million (amortized cost basis of $3.2 million). A Level 3 valuation was performed on the Company’s auction rate securities as of June 30, 2015 resulting in a fair value of $3.2 million for the Company’s trading auction rate securities (after a $0.2 million impairment), which are included in short-term investments.

 

In June 2011, the Company entered into an agreement (the “2011 ARS Agreement”), related to $24.5 million of par value auction rate securities (the “2011 ARS Securities”).  Under the 2011 ARS Agreement, the Company has the right to sell the 2011 ARS Securities including all accrued but unpaid interest thereon (the “2011 Put Option”) as follows: (i) on or after July 1, 2013, up to $1.0 million aggregate par value; (ii) on or after October 1, 2013, up to an additional $1.0 million aggregate par value; and (iii) in quarterly installments thereafter based on a formula of the then outstanding 2011 ARS Securities, as adjusted for normal market redemptions, with full sale rights available on or after April 1, 2016. The 2011 ARS Securities will continue to accrue interest until redeemed through the 2011 Put Option, or as determined by the auction process, or should the auction process fail, the terms outlined in the prospectus of the respective 2011 ARS Securities. Under the 2011 ARS Agreement, the Company has the obligation, should it receive written notification from the put issuer, to sell the 2011 ARS Securities at par plus all accrued but unpaid interest. During the six-months ended June 30, 2015, $0.7 million of ARS Securities were redeemed ($13.1 million, $2.3 million, $1.3 million and $3.7 million of par value 2011 ARS Securities were redeemed at par during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively). Subsequent to June 30, 2015, $1.7 million of 2011 ARS Securities were redeemed at par through the exercise of a portion of the 2011 Put Option. The 2011 Put Option does not meet the definition of derivative instruments under ASC 815.  Therefore, the Company elected the fair value option under ASC 825-10 in accounting for the 2011 Put Option. As of June 30, 2015, the Company recorded $0.2 million as the fair market value of the 2011 Put Option, included in prepaid expenses and other current assets.

 

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NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Tabular Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts) (Unaudited)

 

The following table provides a summary reconciliation of the Company’s financial assets that are recorded at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3):

 

 

 

 

Three-Months Ended

June 30, 2015

 

Three-Months Ended

June 30, 2014

 

 

 

Auction
Rate
Securities

 

Put Options

 

Auction
Rate
Securities

 

Put Options

 

Opening Balance

 

$

3,910

 

$

250

 

$

14,526

 

$

1,024

 

Transfers into Level 3

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

Transfers out of Level 3

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

Total gains (losses) for the period:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Included in earnings

 

61

 

(61)

 

17

 

(30)

 

Included in other comprehensive income

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

Settlements

 

(725)

 

-

 

(1,724)

 

-

 

Closing Balance

 

$

3,246

 

$

189

 

$

12,819

 

$

 994

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Six-Months Ended

June 30, 2015

 

Six-Months Ended

June 30, 2014

 

 

 

Auction
Rate
Securities

 

Put Options

 

Auction
Rate
Securities

 

Put Options

 

Opening Balance

 

$

3,910

 

$

250

 

$

16,184

 

$

1,092

 

Transfers into Level 3

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

Transfers out of Level 3

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

Total gains (losses) for the period:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Included in earnings

 

61

 

(61)

 

84

 

(98)

 

Included in other comprehensive income

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

Settlements

 

(725)

 

-

 

(3,449)

 

-

 

Closing Balance

 

$

3,246

 

$

189

 

$

12,819

 

$

994

 

 

7.                                    DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES

 

The Company is exposed to foreign currency exchange rate risks related primarily to its foreign business operations. During the six-months ended June 30, 2015 and the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company entered into forward currency exchange contracts with financial institutions to create an economic hedge to specifically manage a portion of the foreign exchange risk exposure associated with certain consolidated subsidiaries’ non-functional currency denominated assets and liabilities. All foreign currency exchange contracts of the Company that were outstanding as of June 30, 2015 have terms of one month or less. The Company does not enter into forward currency exchange contracts for speculation or trading purposes.

 

The Company has not designated its foreign currency exchange contracts as hedge transactions under ASC 815. Therefore, gains and losses on the Company’s foreign currency exchange contracts are recognized in interest and other income, net, in the condensed consolidated statements of income, and are largely offset by the changes in the fair value of the underlying economically hedged item.

 

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NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Tabular Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts) (Unaudited)

 

The notional amount and fair value of all outstanding foreign currency derivative instruments in the condensed consolidated balance sheets consist of the following at:

 

June 30, 2015

 

Derivatives not designated as
hedging instruments under
FASB ASC 815-20

 

Notional
Amount

 

Fair
Value

 

Balance Sheet Location

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  Foreign currency exchange contracts:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

       Receive USD/pay GBP

 

$

4,406

 

$

1

 

Accounts receivable, net

 

       Receive USD/pay CAD

 

4,865

 

60

 

Accounts receivable, net

 

       Receive USD/pay MXN

 

7,455

 

69

 

Accounts receivable, net

 

       Receive USD/pay COP

 

1,329

 

9

 

Accounts receivable, net

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  Foreign currency exchange contracts:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

       Receive EUR/pay USD

 

$

15,517

 

$

 (17)

 

Accrued liabilities

 

       Receive USD/pay AUD

 

 

8,551

 

 

(72)

 

Accrued liabilities

 

       Receive USD/pay JPY

 

 

9,241

 

 

(124)

 

Accrued liabilities

 

       Receive USD/pay ZAR

 

 

12,808

 

 

(54)

 

Accrued liabilities

 

       Receive USD/pay CLP

 

 

3,813

 

 

(11)

 

Accrued liabilities

 

 

December 31, 2014

 

Derivatives not designated as
hedging instruments under
FASB ASC 815-20

 

Notional
Amount

 

Fair
Value

 

Balance Sheet Location

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  Foreign currency exchange contracts:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

       Receive CAD/pay USD

 

$

19,940

 

$

83

 

Accounts receivable, net

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  Foreign currency exchange contracts:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

       Receive EUR/pay USD

 

$

13,265

 

$

(75)

 

Accrued liabilities

 

       Receive USD/pay AUD

 

 

8,343

 

 

(48)

 

Accrued liabilities

 

       Receive USD/pay JPY

 

 

10,620

 

 

(84)

 

Accrued liabilities

 

       Receive USD/pay ZAR

 

 

14,760

 

 

(105)

 

Accrued liabilities

 

       Receive USD/pay MXN

 

 

4,961

 

 

(11)

 

Accrued liabilities

 

       Receive USD/pay CLP

 

 

2,685

 

 

(10)

 

Accrued liabilities

 

       Receive USD/pay COP

 

 

2,845

 

 

(2)

 

Accrued liabilities

 

 

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NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Tabular Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts) (Unaudited)

 

The net losses on derivative instruments in the condensed consolidated statements of income were as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

Amount of loss
recognized in income on
derivatives

 

 

 

 

 

Three-months ended

 

Derivatives not designated as
hedging instruments under
FASB ASC 815-20

 

Location of loss
recognized in income on
derivatives

 

June 30, 2015

 

June 30, 2014

 

Foreign currency exchange contracts

 

Interest and other income, net

 

  $

(63) 

 

  $

(406) 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amount of loss
recognized in income on
derivatives

 

 

 

 

 

Six-months ended

 

Derivatives not designated as
hedging instruments under
FASB ASC 815-20

 

Location of loss
recognized in income on
derivatives

 

June 30, 2015

 

June 30, 2014

 

Foreign currency exchange contracts

 

Interest and other income, net

 

  $

(1,919) 

 

  $

(765) 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8.                                    INVENTORIES

 

Inventories consist of the following at:

 

 

 

June 30,
2015

 

December 31,
2014

 

Raw materials

 

$

58,586

 

$

59,938

 

Finished goods

 

122,306

 

114,635

 

 

 

$

180,892

 

$

174,573

 

 

9.                                    PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, Net

 

Property and equipment consist of the following at:

 

 

 

June 30,
2015

 

December 31,
2014

 

Land

 

$

6,792

 

$

6,792

 

Leasehold improvements

 

2,807

 

2,796

 

Furniture and fixtures

 

3,487

 

3,371

 

Office and computer equipment

 

10,519

 

10,072

 

Computer software

 

1,955

 

1,317

 

Equipment

 

92,807

 

84,263

 

Buildings

 

39,096

 

37,311

 

Vehicles

 

29,022

 

27,813

 

 

 

186,485

 

173,735

 

Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization

 

(93,947)

 

(83,579)

 

 

 

$

92,538

 

$

90,156

 

 

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NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Tabular Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts) (Unaudited)

 

10.                            GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS

 

The following is a roll-forward of goodwill for the six-months ended June 30, 2015 by reportable segment:

 

 

 

Finished
Goods

 

Concentrate

 

Total

 

Balance at December 31, 2014

 

  $

 

  $

 

  $

 

Acquisitions

 

785,277 

 

502,500 

 

1,287,777 

 

Balance at June 30, 2015

 

  $

785,277 

 

  $

502,500 

 

  $

1,287,777 

 

 

Intangible assets consist of the following at:

 

 

 

June 30,
2015

 

December 31,
2014

 

Amortizing intangibles

 

  $

35,249 

 

  $

233 

 

Accumulated amortization

 

(396) 

 

(50) 

 

 

 

34,853 

 

183 

 

Non-amortizing intangibles

 

393,313 

 

50,565 

 

 

 

  $

428,166 

 

  $

50,748 

 

 

Amortizing intangibles primarily consist of customer relationships. All amortizing intangibles have been assigned an estimated finite useful life and such intangibles are amortized on a straight-line basis over the number of years that approximate their respective useful lives, generally 5 years. Total amortization expense recorded was $0.3 million and $0.1 million for the three-months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Total amortization expense recorded was $0.3 million and $0.25 million for the six-months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Non-amortizing intangibles primarily consist of indefinite-lived tradenames.

 

11.                            DISTRIBUTION AGREEMENTS

 

As part of the TCCC Transaction, the amended distribution coordination agreements entered into with TCCC provided for the transition of third parties’ rights to distribute the Company’s products in most territories in the U.S. and Canada to members of TCCC’s distribution network, which consists of owned or controlled bottlers/distributors and independent bottling/distribution partners. In February 2015, in accordance with its then existing agreements with certain affected third-party distributors, Old Monster sent notices of termination to the applicable affected third-party distributors in the U.S., providing for the termination of their respective distribution agreements.  The associated distribution rights relating to such terminated distribution agreements have been transitioned to the TCCC distribution network as of the effective date of termination of the affected third-party distributors’ rights in the applicable territories.  As of August 10, 2015, distribution rights in the U.S. representing approximately 89% of the target case sales (see Note 3), have been transitioned to TCCC’s distribution network.

 

In accordance with ASC No. 420 “Exit or Disposal Cost Obligations”, the Company expenses distributor termination costs in the period in which the written notification of termination occurs.  As a result, the Company incurred termination costs of $12.2 million and $218.2 million for the three- and six-months ended June 30, 2015. Such termination costs have been expensed in full and are included in operating expenses for the three- and six-months ended June 30, 2015.

 

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MONSTER BEVERAGE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Tabular Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts) (Unaudited)

 

In the normal course of business, amounts received pursuant to new and/or amended distribution agreements entered into with certain distributors, relating to the costs associated with terminating agreements with the Company’s prior distributors, are accounted for as deferred revenue and are recognized as revenue ratably over the anticipated life of the respective distribution agreement, generally 20 years. Revenue recognized was $3.2 million and $3.8 million for the three-months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Revenue recognized was $46.5 million and $7.5 million for the six-months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Included in the $46.5 million of revenue recognized for the six-months ended June 30, 2015 was $39.8 million related to the accelerated amortization of the deferred revenue balances associated with certain of the Company’s prior distributors who were sent notices of termination during the first quarter of 2015, as described above.

 

12.                            COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

 

The Company had purchase commitments aggregating approximately $39.3 million at June 30, 2015, which represented commitments made by the Company and its subsidiaries to various suppliers of raw materials for the production of its products. These obligations vary in terms, but are generally satisfied within one year.

 

The Company had contractual obligations aggregating approximately $87.2 million at June 30, 2015, which related primarily to sponsorships and other marketing activities.

 

The Company had operating lease commitments aggregating approximately $11.2 million at June 30, 2015, which related primarily to warehouse and office space.

 

In April 2015, the Company entered into an agreement, subject to the attainment of requisite entitlements, to acquire approximately 56 acres of vacant land located in Jurupa Valley, CA for an estimated purchase price of $38.1 million. The Company was unable to secure the requisite entitlements and therefore terminated this agreement.

 

Legal Proceedings

 

The Company has been named a defendant in various personal injury lawsuits, claiming that the death or other serious injury of the plaintiffs was caused by consumption of Monster Energy® drinks. The plaintiffs in these lawsuits allege strict product liability, negligence, fraudulent concealment, breach of implied warranties and wrongful death. The Company believes that each complaint is without merit and plans a vigorous defense. The Company also believes that any damages, if awarded, would not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.

 

State Attorney General Inquiry – In July 2012, the Company received a subpoena from the Attorney General for the State of New York in connection with its investigation concerning the Company’s advertising, marketing, promotion, ingredients, usage and sale of its Monster Energy® brand energy drinks. Production of documents pursuant to that subpoena was completed in approximately May 2014.

 

On August 6, 2014, the Attorney General for the State of New York issued a second subpoena seeking additional documents and the deposition of a Company employee. On September 8, 2014, the Company moved to quash the second subpoena in the Supreme Court, New York County. The motion was fully briefed and was argued on March 17, 2015.  No decision has been rendered. It is unknown what, if any, action the state attorney general may take against the Company, the relief which may be sought in the event of any such proceeding or whether such proceeding could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial condition or results of operations.

 

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NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Tabular Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts) (Unaudited)

 

San Francisco City Attorney Litigation – On October 31, 2012, the Company received a written request for information from the City Attorney for the City and County of San Francisco concerning the Company’s advertising and marketing of its Monster Energy® brand energy drinks and specifically concerning the safety of its products for consumption by adolescents. In a letter dated March 29, 2013, the San Francisco City Attorney threatened to bring suit against the Company if it did not agree to take the following five steps immediately: (i) “Reformulate its products to lower the caffeine content to safe levels” - (ii) “Provide adequate warning labels”; (iii) “Cease promoting over-consumption in marketing”; (iv) “Cease use of alcohol and drug references in marketing”; and (v) “Cease targeting minors.”

 

(i) The Company Action – On April 29, 2013, the Company and its wholly owned subsidiary, Monster Energy Company, filed a complaint for declaratory and injunctive relief against the San Francisco City Attorney (the “Company Action”) in United States District Court for the Central District of California (the “Central District Court”), styled Monster Beverage Corp., et al. v. Dennis Herrera. The Company sought a declaration from the Central District Court that the San Francisco City Attorney’s investigation and demands are impermissible and preempted, subject to the doctrine of primary jurisdiction, are unconstitutional in that they violate the First and Fourteenth Amendments’ prohibitions against compelled speech, content-based speech and commercial speech, are impermissibly void-for-vagueness, and/or violate the Commerce Clause. On June 3, 2013, the City Attorney filed a motion to dismiss the Company Action, arguing in part that the complaint should be dismissed in light of the San Francisco Action (described below) filed on May 6, 2013. On August 22, 2013, the Central District Court granted in part and denied in part the City Attorney’s motion. On October 17, 2013, the City Attorney filed a renewed motion to dismiss the Company Action and on December 16, 2013, the Central District Court granted the City Attorney’s renewed motion, dismissing the Company Action. The Company filed a Notice of Appeal to the Ninth Circuit on December 18, 2013. The appeal is fully briefed but has not yet been set for argument.

 

(ii) The San Francisco Action – On May 6, 2013, the San Francisco City Attorney filed a complaint for declaratory and injunctive relief, civil penalties and restitution for alleged violation of California’s Unfair Competition Law, Business & Professions Code sections 17200, et seq., styled People Of The State Of California ex rel. Dennis Herrera, San Francisco City Attorney v. Monster Beverage Corporation, in San Francisco Superior Court (the “San Francisco Action”). The City Attorney alleges that the Company (1) mislabeled its products as a dietary supplement, in violation of California’s Sherman Food, Drug and Cosmetic Law, California Health & Safety Code sections 109875 et. seq.; (2) is selling an “adulterated” product because caffeine is not generally recognized as safe (“GRAS”) due to the alleged lack of scientific consensus concerning the safety of the levels of caffeine in the Company’s products; and (3) is engaged in unfair and misleading business practices because its marketing (a) does not disclose the health risks that energy drinks pose for children and teens; (b) fails to warn against and promotes unsafe consumption; (c) implicitly promotes mixing of energy drinks with alcohol or drugs; and (d) is deceptive because it includes unsubstantiated claims about the purported special benefits of its “killer” ingredients and “energy blend.” The City Attorney sought a declaration that the Company has engaged in unfair and unlawful business acts and practices in violation of the Unfair Competition Law; an injunction from performing or proposing to perform any acts in violation of the Unfair Competition Law; restitution; and civil penalties.

 

After a motion to strike filed by the Company was granted in part, on March 20, 2014, the City Attorney filed an amended complaint, adding allegations supporting the theory for relief as to which the Court had granted the motion to strike. On April 18, 2014, the Company filed a renewed motion to strike, as well as a motion asking the Court to bifurcate and/or stay claims relating to the safety of Monster Energy® drinks, pending resolution of the ongoing FDA investigation of the safety and labeling of food products to which caffeine is added. On May 22, 2014, the Court denied the Company’s motion to strike and motion to bifurcate and/or stay claims relating to safety.

 

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NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Tabular Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts) (Unaudited)

 

On September 5, 2014, the City Attorney filed a second amended complaint, adding Monster Energy Company as a defendant. The Company and Monster Energy Company filed answers to the second amended complaint on October 4, 2014 and November 10, 2014, respectively. Discovery is ongoing.

 

The Court has set the case for a two-week bench trial beginning on February 8, 2016.

 

The Company denies that it has violated the Unfair Competition Law or any other law and believes that the City Attorney’s claims and demands are preempted and unconstitutional, as alleged in the action the Company filed in the Central District Court. The Company intends to vigorously defend against this lawsuit. At this time, no evaluation of the likelihood of an unfavorable outcome or range of potential loss can be expressed.

 

The actions or investigations described above have not progressed to a point where a reasonably possible range of losses associated with their ultimate outcome can be estimated at this time. If the final resolution of any such litigation or proceedings is unfavorable, the Company’s financial condition, operating results and cash flows could be materially affected.

 

In addition to the above matters, the Company has been named as a defendant in various false advertising putative class actions and in a private attorney general action. In these actions, plaintiffs allege that defendants misleadingly labeled and advertised Monster Energy® brand products that allegedly were ineffective for the advertised benefits (including, but not limited to, an allegation that the products do not hydrate as advertised because they contain caffeine). The plaintiffs further allege that the Monster Energy® brand products at issue are unsafe because they contain one or more ingredients that allegedly could result in illness, injury or death. In connection with these product safety allegations, the plaintiffs claim that the product labels did not provide adequate warnings and/or that the Company did not include sufficiently specific statements with respect to contra-indications and/or adverse reactions associated with the consumption of its energy drink products (including, but not limited to, claims that certain ingredients, when consumed individually or in combination with other ingredients, could result in high blood pressure, palpitations, liver damage or other negative health effects and/or that the products themselves are unsafe). Based on these allegations, the plaintiffs assert claims for violation of state consumer protection statutes, including unfair competition and false advertising statutes, and for breach of warranty and unjust enrichment. In their prayers for relief, the plaintiffs seek, inter alia, compensatory and punitive damages, restitution, attorneys’ fees, and, in some cases, injunctive relief. The Company regards these cases and allegations as having no merit. Furthermore, the Company is subject to litigation from time to time in the normal course of business, including intellectual property litigation and claims from terminated distributors.

 

Although it is not possible to predict the ultimate outcome of such litigation, based on the facts known to the Company, management believes that such litigation in the aggregate will likely not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.

 

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MONSTER BEVERAGE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Tabular Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts) (Unaudited)

 

The Company evaluates, on a quarterly basis, developments in legal proceedings and other matters that could cause an increase or decrease in the amount of the liability that is accrued, if any, or in the amount of any related insurance reimbursements recorded. As of June 30, 2015, the Company’s consolidated balance sheet includes accrued loss contingencies of approximately $2.4 million.

 

13.                            ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS

 

Changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss by component, after tax, for the six-months ended June 30, 2015 are as follows:

 

 

 

Currency
Translation
Losses

 

Balance at December 31, 2014

 

  $

11,453

 

Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications

 

-

 

Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss

 

-

 

Net current-period other comprehensive loss

 

7,620

 

Balance at June 30, 2015

 

  $

19,073

 

 

14.                            TREASURY STOCK

 

On June 12, 2015, as part of the TCCC Transaction, the Company cancelled 41.5 million shares of treasury stock owned by the Company. The cancelled stock had a carrying value of approximately $1,482.6 million. The Company’s accounting policy upon the formal retirement of treasury stock is to deduct its par value from common stock and to reflect any excess of cost over par as a deduction from retained earnings.

 

On April 7, 2013, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized a new share repurchase program for the repurchase of up to $200.0 million of the Company’s outstanding common stock (the “April 2013 Repurchase Plan”).  During the six-months ended June 30, 2015, no shares of common stock were purchased under the April 2013 Repurchase Plan.

 

During the period from April 1, 2015 to June 12, 2015, 0.001 million shares were purchased from employees in lieu of cash payments for options exercised or withholding taxes due for a total amount of $0.1 million. While such purchases are considered common stock repurchases, they are not counted as purchases against the Company’s authorized share repurchase programs, including the April 2013 Repurchase Plan.  These shares are included in the cancellation of treasury shares as described above in connection with the TCCC Transaction.

 

During the period from June 13, 2015 to June 30, 2015, 1.2 million shares were purchased from employees in lieu of cash payments for options exercised or withholding taxes due for a total amount of $160.7 million. While such purchases are considered common stock repurchases, they are not counted as purchases against the Company’s authorized share repurchase programs, including the April 2013 Repurchase Plan. Such shares are included in common stock in treasury in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet at June 30, 2015.

 

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MONSTER BEVERAGE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Tabular Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts) (Unaudited)

 

15.                            STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

 

The Company has two stock-based compensation plans under which shares were available for grant at June 30, 2015: the Monster Beverage Corporation 2011 Omnibus Incentive Plan (the “2011 Omnibus Incentive Plan”) and the 2009 Monster Beverage Corporation Stock Incentive Plan for Non-Employee Directors (the “2009 Directors Plan”).

 

The Company recorded $8.5 million and $8.1 million of compensation expense relating to outstanding options, restricted stock awards, stock appreciation rights and restricted stock units during the three-months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The Company recorded $14.8 million and $15.1 million of compensation expense relating to outstanding options, restricted stock awards, stock appreciation rights and restricted stock units during the six-months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

 

The excess tax benefit realized for tax deductions from non-qualified stock option exercises, disqualifying dispositions of incentive stock options, vesting of restricted stock units and restricted stock awards for the three-months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014 was $115.6 million and $0.7 million, respectively. The excess tax benefit realized for tax deductions from non-qualified stock option exercises, disqualifying dispositions of incentive stock options, vesting of restricted stock units and restricted stock awards for the six-months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014 was $300.3 million and $3.3 million, respectively.

 

Stock Options

 

Under the Company’s stock-based compensation plans, all stock options granted as of June 30, 2015 were granted at prices based on the fair value of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant. The Company records compensation expense for employee stock options based on the estimated fair value of the options on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes-Merton option pricing formula with the assumptions included in the table below. The Company records compensation expense for non-employee stock options based on the estimated fair value of the options as of the earlier of (1) the date at which a commitment for performance by the non-employee to earn the stock option is reached or (2) the date at which the non-employee’s performance is complete, using the Black-Scholes-Merton option pricing formula with the assumptions included in the table below. The Company uses historical data to determine the exercise behavior, volatility and forfeiture rate of the options.

 

The following weighted-average assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of options granted during:

 

 

 

Three-Months Ended June 30,

 

Six-Months Ended June 30,

 

 

 

2015

 

2014

 

2015

 

2014

 

Dividend yield

 

0.0%

 

0.0%

 

0.0%

 

0.0%

 

Expected volatility

 

37.0%

 

37.4%

 

37.1%

 

42.4%

 

Risk-free interest rate

 

1.5%

 

1.6%

 

1.6%

 

1.6%

 

Expected term

 

5.8 years

 

5.6 years

 

5.8 years

 

5.9 years

 

 

Expected Volatility: The Company uses historical volatility as it provides a reasonable estimate of the expected volatility. Historical volatility is based on the most recent volatility of the stock price over a period of time equivalent to the expected term of the option.

 

Risk-Free Interest Rate: The risk-free interest rate is based on the U.S. Treasury zero coupon yield curve in effect at the time of grant for the expected term of the option.

 

Expected Term: The Company’s expected term represents the weighted-average period that the Company’s stock options are expected to be outstanding. The expected term is based on expected time to post-vesting exercise of options by employees. The Company uses historical exercise patterns of previously granted options to derive employee behavioral patterns used to forecast expected exercise patterns.

 

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MONSTER BEVERAGE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Tabular Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts) (Unaudited)

 

 

The following table summarizes the Company’s activities with respect to its stock option plans as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted-

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted-

 

Average

 

 

 

 

 

 

Average

 

Remaining

 

 

 

 

Number of

 

Exercise

 

Contractual

 

 

Options

 

Shares (In
thousands)

 

Price Per
Share

 

Term (In
years)

 

Aggregate
Intrinsic Value

Outstanding at January 1, 2015

 

13,066

 

  $

19.73

 

3.1

 

  $

1,158,412

Granted 01/01/15 - 03/31/15

 

903

 

  $

133.68

 

 

 

 

Granted 04/01/15 - 06/30/15

 

33

 

  $

133.43

 

 

 

 

Exercised

 

(7,052)

 

  $

5.93

 

 

 

 

Cancelled or forfeited

 

(60)

 

  $

57.50

 

 

 

 

Outstanding at June 30, 2015

 

6,890

 

  $

49.01

 

6.0

 

  $

586,962

Vested and expected to vest in the future at June 30, 2015

 

6,446

 

  $

45.78

 

5.8

 

  $

569,888

Exercisable at June 30, 2015

 

4,052

 

  $

23.45

 

4.2

 

  $

448,009

 

The weighted-average grant-date fair value of options granted during the three-months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014 was $49.72 per share and $25.71 per share, respectively. The weighted-average grant-date fair value of options granted during the six-months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014 was $50.14 per share and $29.35 per share, respectively. The total intrinsic value of options exercised during the three-months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014 was $314.0 million and $3.7 million, respectively. The total intrinsic value of options exercised during the six-months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014 was $829.7 million and $15.1 million, respectively.

 

Cash received from option exercises under all plans for the three-months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014 was approximately $22.7 million and $2.0 million, respectively. Cash received from option exercises under all plans for the six-months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014 was approximately $41.7 million and $7.7 million, respectively.

 

At June 30, 2015, there was $81.6 million of total unrecognized compensation expense related to non-vested options granted to employees under the Company’s share-based payment plans. That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 3.1 years.

 

Restricted Stock Awards and Restricted Stock Units

 

Stock-based compensation cost for restricted stock awards and restricted stock units is measured based on the closing fair market value of the Company’s common stock at the date of grant. In the event that the Company has the option and intent to settle a restricted stock unit in cash, the award is classified as a liability and revalued at each balance sheet date.

 

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MONSTER BEVERAGE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Tabular Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts) (Unaudited)

 

The following table summarizes the Company’s activities with respect to non-vested restricted stock awards and non-vested restricted stock units as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted

 

 

Number of

 

Average

 

 

Shares (in

 

Grant-Date

 

 

thousands)

 

Fair Value

Non-vested at January 1, 2015

 

149

 

 $

61.09

Granted 01/01/15 - 03/31/15

 

83

 

 $

135.48

Granted 04/01/15 - 06/30/15

 

 

 

 

 

Vested

 

(21)

 

 $

59.10

Forfeited/cancelled

 

(11)

 

 $

61.66

Non-vested at June 30, 2015

 

200

 

 $

91.94

 

No restricted stock units or restricted stock awards were granted during the three-months ended June 30, 2015. The weighted-average grant-date fair value of restricted stock units and restricted stock awards granted during the three-months ended June 30, 2014 was $69.00 per share. The weighted-average grant-date fair value of restricted stock units and restricted stock awards granted during the six-months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014 was $135.48 and $69.00 per share, respectively. As of June 30, 2015, 0.2 million of restricted stock units and restricted stock awards are expected to vest over their respective terms.

 

At June 30, 2015, total unrecognized compensation expense relating to non-vested restricted stock awards and non-vested restricted stock units was $14.4 million, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.2 years.

 

16.                            INCOME TAXES

 

The following is a roll-forward of the Company’s total gross unrecognized tax benefits, not including interest and penalties, for the six-months ended June 30, 2015:

 

 

 

 

Gross Unrecognized Tax
Benefits

 

Balance at December 31, 2014

 

 $

935

 

Additions for tax positions related to the current year

 

-

 

Additions for tax positions related to the prior year

 

-

 

Decreases related to settlement with taxing authority

 

-

 

Balance at June 30, 2015

 

 $

935

 

 

The Company recognizes accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in the provision for income taxes in the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements. As of June 30, 2015, the Company had accrued approximately $0.5 million in interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits. If the Company were to prevail on all uncertain tax positions, the resultant impact on the Company’s effective tax rate would not be significant. It is expected that the change in the amount of unrecognized tax benefits within the next 12 months will not be significant.

 

The Company is subject to U.S. federal income tax as well as to income tax in multiple state and foreign jurisdictions.

 

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MONSTER BEVERAGE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Tabular Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts) (Unaudited)

 

The Company is in various stages of examination with certain states and certain foreign jurisdictions. The 2012 and 2013 U.S. federal income tax returns are subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service. State income tax returns are subject to examination for the 2010 through 2013 tax years.

 

17.                            EARNINGS PER SHARE

 

A reconciliation of the weighted-average shares used in the basic and diluted earnings per common share computations is presented below:

 

 

 

Three-Months Ended

 

Six-Months Ended

 

 

June 30,

 

June 30,

 

 

2015

 

2014

 

2015

 

2014

Weighted-average shares outstanding:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

176,985

 

167,098

 

173,447

 

167,006

Dilutive securities

 

4,432

 

6,866

 

4,551

 

6,863

Diluted

 

181,417

 

173,964

 

177,998

 

173,869

 

For the three-months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, options and awards outstanding totaling 1.1 million shares and 1.2 million shares, respectively, were excluded from the calculations as their effect would have been antidilutive. For the six-months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, options and awards outstanding totaling 0.8 million shares and 0.9 million shares, respectively, were excluded from the calculations as their effect would have been antidilutive.

 

18.                            SEGMENT INFORMATION

 

In the second quarter of 2015, as a result of the acquisitions and divestitures in connection with the TCCC Transaction, the Company revised its reportable segments to reflect managements’ current view of the business and to align its external financial reporting with its new operating and internal financial reporting model. Historical segment information has been revised to reflect the effect of this change.

 

The Company has three operating and reportable segments, (i) Finished Products, which is comprised of the Company’s Monster Energy® drink products (previously comprising the majority of the former Direct Store Delivery segment) (“Finished Products”), (ii) Concentrate, the principal products of which include the various energy drink brands acquired from TCCC as a result of the TCCC Transaction  (“Concentrate”) and (iii) Other, the principal products of which include the brands disposed of as a result of the TCCC Transaction (previously comprising the majority of the former Warehouse segment and the Peace Tea® brand).

 

The Company’s Finished Product segment generates net operating revenues by selling finished energy drinks to full service beverage distributors, retail grocery and specialty chains, wholesalers, club stores, drug chains, mass merchandisers, convenience chains, health food distributors, food service customers and the military.

 

The Company’s Concentrate segment generates net operating revenues by selling “concentrates” and/or “beverage bases” to authorized bottling and canning operations. Such bottlers generally combine the concentrates and/or beverage bases with sweeteners and water to produce finished beverages. The finished energy drinks are packaged in authorized containers bearing the Company’s respective trademarks, such as cans and bottles, and are then sold to retailers directly or, in some cases, through wholesalers or other bottlers.

 

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MONSTER BEVERAGE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Tabular Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts) (Unaudited)

 

Generally, the Finished Products segment generates higher net operating revenues but lower gross profit margins than the Concentrate segment.

 

Corporate and unallocated amounts that do not relate to a reportable segment have been allocated to “Corporate & Unallocated.” No asset information, other than goodwill and other intangible assets, has been provided for in the Company’s reportable segments as management does not measure or allocate such assets on a segment basis.

 

The net revenues derived from the Company’s reportable segments and other financial information related thereto for the three- and six-months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014 are as follows:

 

 

 

Three-Months Ended

 

Six-Months Ended

 

 

June 30,

 

June 30,

 

 

2015

 

2014

 

2015

 

2014

Net sales:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Finished Products(1)

 

 $

651,228

 

 $

643,404

 

 $

1,246,710

 

 $

1,145,345

Concentrate

 

12,978

 

-

 

12,978

 

-

Other

 

29,516

 

43,795

 

60,824

 

77,984

Corporate and unallocated

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

 

 $

693,722

 

 $

687,199

 

 $

1,320,512

 

 $

1,223,329

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three-Months Ended

 

Six-Months Ended

 

 

June 30,

 

June 30,

 

 

2015

 

2014

 

2015

 

2014

Operating Income:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Finished Products(1) (2)

 

 $

251,551

 

 $

254,414

 

 $

307,172

 

 $

439,317

Concentrate

 

9,084

 

-

 

9,084

 

-

Other(3)

 

163,661

 

3,053

 

165,660

 

4,914

Corporate and unallocated

 

(58,157)

 

(41,654)

 

(108,149)

 

(79,554)

 

 

 $

366,139

 

 $

215,813

 

 $

373,767

 

 $

364,677

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three-Months Ended

 

Six-Months Ended

 

 

June 30,

 

June 30,

 

 

2015

 

2014

 

2015

 

2014

Income before tax:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Finished Products(1) (2)

 

 $

251,740

 

 $

254,686

 

 $

307,435

 

 $

439,616

Concentrate

 

9,084

 

-

 

9,084

 

-

Other(3)

 

163,661

 

3,053

 

165,660

 

4,914

Corporate and unallocated

 

(59,361)

 

(41,748)

 

(108,194)

 

(79,521)

 

 

 $

365,124

 

 $

215,991

 

 $

373,985

 

 $

365,009

 

(1)     Includes $3.2 million and $3.8 million for the three-months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively, related to the recognition of deferred revenue. Includes $46.5 million and $7.5 million for the six-months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively, related to the recognition of deferred revenue.

 

(2)     Includes $12.2 million and $0.5 million for the three-months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively, related to distributor termination costs. Includes $218.2 million and $0.5 million for the six-months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively, related to distributor termination costs.

 

(3)     Includes $161.5 million gain on the sale of Monster Non-Energy for the three- and six-months ended June 30, 2015.

 

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MONSTER BEVERAGE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Tabular Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts) (Unaudited)

 

 

 

Three-Months Ended

 

Six-Months Ended

 

 

June 30,

 

June 30,

 

 

2015

 

2014

 

2015

 

2014

Depreciation and amortization

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Finished Products

 

 $

5,093

 

 $

4,971

 

 $

10,148

 

 $

9,870

Concentrate

 

345

 

-

 

345

 

-

Other

 

92

 

129

 

231

 

256

Corporate and unallocated

 

1,250

 

1,445

 

2,525

 

2,869

 

 

 $

6,780

 

 $

6,545

 

 $

13,249

 

 $

12,995

 

 

 

June 30,

 

December 31,

 

 

 

2015

 

2014

 

Goodwill and other intangible assets:

 

 

 

 

 

Finished Products

 

 $

839,588

 

$

50,748

 

Concentrate

 

876,355

 

-

 

Other

 

-

 

18,079

 

Corporate and unallocated

 

-

 

-

 

 

 

 $

1,715,943

 

 $

68,827

 

 

Corporate and unallocated expenses for the three-months ended June 30, 2015 include $28.3 million of payroll costs, of which $8.5 million was attributable to stock-based compensation expense (see Note 15, “Stock-Based Compensation”), as well as $21.8 million attributable to professional service expenses, including accounting and legal costs, and $8.1 million of other operating expenses.  Corporate and unallocated expenses for the three-months ended June 30, 2014 include $21.6 million of payroll costs, of which $8.1 million was attributable to stock-based compensation expense (see Note 15, “Stock-Based Compensation”), as well as $15.3 million attributable to professional service expenses, including accounting and legal costs, and $4.8 million attributable to other operating expenses.

 

Corporate and unallocated expenses for the six-months ended June 30, 2015 include $56.9 million of payroll costs, of which $14.8 million was attributable to stock-based compensation expense (see Note 15, “Stock-Based Compensation”), as well as $36.3 million attributable to professional service expenses, including accounting and legal costs, and $14.9 million attributable to other operating expenses.  Corporate and unallocated expenses for the six-months ended June 30, 2014 include $42.6 million of payroll costs, of which $15.1 million was attributable to stock-based compensation expense (see Note 15, “Stock-Based Compensation”), as well as $25.4 million attributable to professional service expenses, including accounting and legal costs, and $11.6 million attributable to other operating expenses.

 

Coca-Cola Refreshments USA Inc. (“CCR”) accounted for approximately 45% and 28% of the Company’s net sales for the three-months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively. CCR accounted for approximately 40% and 29% of the Company’s net sales for the six-months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

 

Net sales to customers outside the United States amounted to $151.3 million and $148.4 million for the three-months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively.  Net sales to customers outside the United States amounted to $264.3 million and $264.1 million for the six-months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

 

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MONSTER BEVERAGE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Tabular Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts) (Unaudited)

 

19.                            RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

 

As a result of the TCCC Transaction, TCCC controls more than 10% of the voting interests of the Company.  TCCC, through certain affiliated companies (collectively, the “TCCC Companies”) purchases and distributes certain of the Company’s products both domestically and in certain international territories.  The Company also pays TCCC a sales commission on certain sales to third party distributors within the TCCC bottling network. Net sales to the TCCC Companies for the three-months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014 were $310.8 million and $192.7 million, respectively.  Net Sales to the TCCC Companies for the six-months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014 were $529.8 million and $358.7 million respectively. Commission expenses for the three-months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014 were $1.8 million and $0.3 million, respectively. Commission expenses for the six-months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014 were $1.8 million and $0.9 million, respectively. Accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued promotional allowances related to the TCCC Companies are as follows at:

 

 

 

June 30,
2015

 

December 31,
2014

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts receivable, net

 

  $

168,497

 

  $

79,404

 

Accounts payable

 

  $

18,264

 

  $

13,203

 

Accrued promotional allowances

 

  $

38,569

 

  $

21,160

 

 

 

Two directors and officers of the Company and their families are principal owners of a company that provides promotional materials to the Company. Expenses incurred with such company in connection with promotional materials purchased during the three-months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014 were $0.3 million and $0.2 million, respectively. Expenses incurred with such company in connection with promotional materials purchased during the six-months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014 were $1.2 million and $0.3 million, respectively.

 

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ITEM 2.  MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

Our Business

 

Monster Beverage 1990 Corporation (formerly Monster Beverage Corporation) (“Old Monster”) was incorporated in Delaware on April 25, 1990. As a result of the TCCC Transaction (as defined and described below), Old Monster effected a holding company reorganization on June 12, 2015, pursuant to which it became a wholly owned subsidiary of New Laser Corporation, which then changed its name to “Monster Beverage Corporation”.

 

Our principal place of business is located at 1 Monster Way, Corona, California 92879 and our telephone number is (951) 739-6200. When this report uses the words “the Company” “we”, “us”, and “our”, these words refer to Monster Beverage Corporation and its subsidiaries, unless the context otherwise requires. We are a holding company and conduct no operating business except through our consolidated subsidiaries.

 

Acquisitions and Divestitures

 

On June 12, 2015, Old Monster, now a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, completed the transactions contemplated by the definitive agreements entered into with The Coca-Cola Company (“TCCC”) on August 14, 2014, which provided for a long-term strategic relationship in the global energy drink category (the “TCCC Transaction”).

 

Also, on June 12, 2015, Old Monster effected a holding company reorganization in connection with the TCCC Transaction by merging New Laser Merger Corp., a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company into Old Monster, with Old Monster surviving as a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company (the “Holding Company Reorganization”), and the Company changed its name from New Laser Corporation to “Monster Beverage Corporation.”

 

In the Holding Company Reorganization, each Old Monster common share, par value $0.005 per share, outstanding immediately prior to consummation of the Holding Company Reorganization (other than any Old Monster common shares owned by Old Monster immediately prior to the closing of the TCCC Transaction, which were cancelled) was converted automatically into the right to receive one Company common share, par value $0.005 per share. In addition, upon consummation of the Holding Company Reorganization:

 

·     each unexercised and unexpired stock option then outstanding under any equity compensation plan of Old Monster, whether or not then exercisable, ceased to represent a right to acquire Old Monster common shares and was converted automatically into a right to acquire the same number of Company common shares, on the same terms and conditions as were applicable under such Old Monster stock option; and

 

·     each share of restricted stock and each restricted stock unit of Old Monster granted under all outstanding equity compensation plans ceased to represent or relate to Old Monster common shares and was converted automatically to represent or relate to Company common shares, on the same terms and conditions as were applicable to such Old Monster restricted stock and restricted stock units (including the vesting or other lapse restrictions (without acceleration thereof by virtue of the Holding Company Reorganization and the TCCC Transaction)).

 

Promptly following the effective time of the Holding Company Reorganization, Old Monster assigned to the Company all obligations of Old Monster under Old Monster’s equity compensation plans and each stock option agreement, restricted stock award agreement, restricted stock unit award agreement and any similar agreement entered into pursuant to such equity compensation plans. In addition, all obligations of Old Monster under any employment agreements and indemnification agreements were assigned to the Company.

 

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Immediately after the effective time of the Holding Company Reorganization, (1) the Company issued to TCCC 34,040,534 newly issued Company common shares representing approximately 16.7% of the total number of outstanding Company common shares (after giving effect to such issuance) (the “New Issuance”) and TCCC appointed two individuals to the Company’s Board of Directors, (2) TCCC transferred all of its rights in and to TCCC’s worldwide energy drink business (“KO Energy”)  including NOS®, Full Throttle®, Burn®, Mother®, Play®, Power Play®, Relentless®, Nalu® and other brands (the “Strategic Brands”) to the Company, (3) Old Monster transferred all of its rights in and to its non-energy drink business (“Monster Non-Energy”) to TCCC (such transfer, together with the transfer of KO Energy, the “Asset Transfers”), (4) the Company and TCCC amended the distribution coordination agreements previously existing between them to govern the transition of third parties’ rights to distribute the Company’s energy products in most territories in the U.S. to members of TCCC’s distribution network, which consists of owned or controlled bottlers/distributors and independent bottling/distribution partners, and (5) TCCC and one of its subsidiaries made an aggregate net cash payment to the Company of $2.15 billion, $125.0 million of which is currently held in escrow as described below (the “Escrow Agreement”), subject to release upon the achievement of milestones relating to the transition of distribution rights to TCCC’s distribution network.

 

Under the terms of the Escrow Agreement and the transition payment agreement entered into in connection therewith, if the distribution rights in the U.S. that are transitioned to TCCC’s distribution network represent case sales in excess of the following percentages of a target case sale amount agreed to by the parties, amounts in the escrow fund in excess of the applicable amounts below will be released to the Company:

 

Percentage Transitioned

 

Escrow Release

40%

 

Amounts in excess of $375 million

50%

 

Amounts in excess of $312.5 million

60%

 

Amounts in excess of $250 million

70%

 

Amounts in excess of $187.5 million

80%

 

Amounts in excess of $125 million

90%

 

Amounts in excess of $62.5 million

95%

 

All remaining amounts

 

On the one-year anniversary of the closing of the TCCC Transaction, the then-remaining escrow amount, less an amount sufficient to cover any unresolved claims, will be released to TCCC. Any severance or other release amount described above that becomes payable following the one-year anniversary will be paid directly from TCCC to the Company.

 

TCCC is contractually obligated to authorize payment to the Company of the funds in escrow upon achievement of the milestones referred to above. As of August 10, 2015, distribution rights in the U.S. representing approximately 89% of the target case sales have been transitioned to TCCC’s distribution network.  As a result, $125 million is currently held in escrow. The Company expects to commence steps to transition sufficient additional distribution rights, which will, in due course, result in the release of all remaining amounts held in escrow. Therefore, the Company believes that achievement of the milestones is probable.

 

In accordance with ASC No. 420 “Exit or Disposal Cost Obligations”, the Company expenses distributor termination costs in the period in which the written notification of termination occurs.  As a result, the Company incurred termination amounts of $12.2 million and $218.2 million for the three- and six-months ended June 30, 2015 related to the distribution rights transferred to TCCC’s distribution network. Such termination amounts have been expensed in full and are included in operating expenses for the three- and six-months ended June 30, 2015. In addition, the Company recognized as income $39.8 million related to accelerated amortization of the deferred revenue balances associated with certain of the Company’s prior distributors who were sent notices of termination during the first quarter of 2015.

 

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The following table summarizes the selected items discussed above for the three- and six-months ended June 30, 2015:

 

Income Statement Items (in thousands):

 

Three-Months
Ended
June 30, 2015

 

Six-Months
Ended
June 30, 2015

 

 

 

 

 

Included in Net Sales:

 

 

 

 

Accelerated recognition of deferred revenue

 

  $

-

 

  $

39,761

 

 

 

 

 

Included in Operating Expenses:

 

 

 

 

Distributor termination costs

 

  $

12,207

 

  $

218,187

TCCC Transaction expenses

 

  $

11,536

 

  $

15,134

 

 

 

 

 

Gain on sale of Monster Non-Energy

 

  $

161,470

 

  $

161,470

 

 

 

 

 

Net Impact on Operating Income

 

  $

137,727

 

  $

(32,090)

 

Overview

 

We develop, market, sell and distribute “alternative” beverage category beverages primarily under the following brand names:

 

·                                         Monster Energy®

·                                         Nalu®

·                                         Monster Rehab®

·                                         NOS®

·                                         Monster Energy Extra Strength Nitrous Technology®

·                                         Full Throttle®

·                                         Java Monster®

·                                         Burn®

·                                         Muscle Monster®

·                                         Mother®

·                                         Punch Monster®

·                                         Play®

·                                         Juice Monster®

·                                         Power Play®

·                                         M3®

·                                         Relentless®

·                                         Übermonster®

·                                         Samurai®

·                                         BU®

·                                         BPM®

·                                         Gladiator®

·                                         Ultra®

 

Our Monster Energy® drinks, which represented 93.9% and 93.6% of our net sales for the three-months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively, include the following:

 

·                                         Monster Energy®

·                                         Lo-Carb Monster Energy®

·                                         Monster Assault®

·                                         Juice Monster® Khaos®

·                                         Juice Monster® Ripper®

·                                         Monster Energy® Absolutely Zero

·                                         Monster Energy® Import

·                                         Punch Monster® Baller’s Blend (formerly Dub Edition)

·                                         Punch Monster® Mad Dog (formerly Dub Edition)

·                                         Monster Rehab® Tea + Lemonade + Energy

·                                         Monster Rehab® Rojo Tea + Energy

·                                         Monster Rehab® Green Tea + Energy

·                                         Monster Rehab® Tea + Orangeade + Energy

·                                         Monster Rehab® Tea + Pink Lemonade + Energy

·                                         Java Monster® Kona Blend

·                                         Java Monster® Loca Moca®

·                                         Java Monster® Mean Bean®

·                                         Java Monster® Vanilla Light

·                                         Java Monster® Irish Blend®

·                                         Java Monster® Cappuccino

·                                         Monster Energy Extra Strength Nitrous Technology® Super Dry™

·                                         Monster Energy Extra Strength Nitrous Technology® Anti-Gravity®

·                                         Monster Cuba-Lima®

·                                         Monster Energy® Zero Ultra

·                                         Monster Energy® Ultra Blue™

·                                         Monster Energy® Ultra Red™

 

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·                                         Monster Rehab® Peach Tea + Energy

·                                         Muscle Monster® Vanilla

·                                         Muscle Monster® Chocolate

·                                         Muscle Monster® Coffee

·                                         Muscle Monster® Strawberry

·                                         Muscle Monster® Peanut Butter Cup

·                                         Monster Energy® Valentino Rossi

·                                         Monster Energy® Ultra Black™

·                                         Monster Energy® Ultra Sunrise®

·                                         Monster Energy® Ultra Citron™

·                                         Monster Energy® Unleaded™

·                                         Übermonster® Energy Brew™

·                                         M3® Monster Energy® Super Concentrate

 

The Company has three operating and reportable segments, (i) Finished Products, which is comprised of our Monster Energy® drink products (previously comprising the majority of the former Direct Store Delivery segment) (“Finished Products”), (ii) Concentrate, the principal products of which include the Strategic Brands of energy drinks acquired from TCCC (“Concentrate”) and (iii) Other, the principal products of which include the brands disposed of as a result of the TCCC Transaction (previously comprising the majority of the former Warehouse segment and the Peace Tea® brand).

 

During the six-months ended June 30, 2015, we continued to expand our existing product lines and flavors and further developed our markets. In particular, we continued to focus on developing and marketing beverages that fall within the category generally described as the “alternative” beverage category. During the six-months ended June 30, 2015, we introduced the following products (in addition to those acquired as part of the TCCC Transaction):

 

·                       Monster Energy® Ultra Citron™, a carbonated energy drink which contains zero calories and zero sugar (January 2015).

·                       Monster Rehab® Peach Tea + Energy (January 2015).

 

In the normal course of business we discontinue certain products and/or product lines. Those products or product lines discontinued during the six-months ended June 30, 2015 (other than those disposed of as part of the TCCC Transaction), either individually or in aggregate, did not have a material adverse impact on our financial position, results of operations or liquidity.

 

Our net sales of $693.7 million for the three-months ended June 30, 2015 represented record sales for our second fiscal quarter. The vast majority of our net sales are derived from our Monster Energy® brand energy drinks. Net sales of our Monster Energy® brand energy drinks were $651.2 million for the three-months ended June 30, 2015.  Net sales of our Strategic Brands acquired as part of the TCCC Transaction were $13.0 million for the three-months ended June 30, 2015.

 

The impact of the transitions of a substantial majority of our Monster distribution rights in the United States during the first half of 2015; the lower inventory levels maintained by certain bottlers within the TCCC network versus our prior Anheuser-Busch, Inc. (“AB”) distributors, and the uncertainty faced by many of our independent international distributors outside of the TCCC network, given the anticipated implementation of the TCCC Transaction, all negatively affected our net sales growth throughout the three-months ended June 30, 2015.  In addition, net sales during the three-months ended June 30, 2015, were also negatively affected by out-of-stocks which occurred in certain geographies due to the learning curve associated with the transitions to the TCCC network.

 

Changes in foreign currency exchange rates had an unfavorable impact on net sales of approximately 3.5% for the three-months ended June 30, 2015, which was primarily due to a stronger U.S. dollar compared to certain local currencies in which we conduct certain of our international business.

 

Our Finished Products segment represented 93.9% and 93.6% of our consolidated net sales for the three-months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Our Concentrate segment represented 1.9% of our consolidated net sales for the three-months ended June 30, 2015. Our Other segment represented 4.2% and 6.4% of our consolidated net sales for the three-months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

 

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Our sales and marketing strategy for all our beverages is to focus our efforts on developing brand awareness through image enhancing programs and product sampling. We use our branded vehicles and other promotional vehicles at events where we offer samples of our products to consumers. We utilize “push-pull” methods to enhance shelf and display space exposure in sales outlets (including racks, coolers and barrel coolers), advertising, in-store promotions and in-store placement of point-of-sale materials to encourage demand from consumers for our products. We also support our brands with prize promotions, price promotions, competitions, endorsements from selected public and sports figures, personality endorsements (including from television and other well-known sports personalities), sampling and sponsorship of selected causes, events, athletes and teams. In-store posters, outdoor posters, print, radio and television advertising (directly and through our sponsorships and endorsements) and coupons may also be used to promote our brands. We are currently evaluating the future strategy for the positioning of the Strategic Brands.

 

We believe that one of the keys to success in the beverage industry is differentiation, making our brands and products visually distinctive from other beverages on the shelves of retailers. We review our products and packaging on an ongoing basis and, where practical, endeavor to make them different, better and unique. The labels and graphics for many of our products are redesigned from time to time to maximize their visibility and identification, wherever they may be placed in stores, which we will continue to reevaluate from time to time.

 

All of our beverage products are manufactured by various third party bottlers and co-packers situated throughout the United States and abroad, under separate arrangements with each party.

 

Our growth strategy includes expanding our international business. Gross sales to customers outside the United States amounted to $187.2 million and $180.2 million for the three-months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Such sales were approximately 24% and 23% of gross sales for the three-months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Changes in foreign currency exchange rates had an unfavorable impact on gross sales to customers outside the United Sates of approximately 16% for the three-months ended June 30, 2015, which was primarily due to a stronger U.S. dollar compared to certain local currencies in which we conduct certain of our international business.

 

Our customers are primarily full service beverage bottlers/distributors, retail grocery and specialty chains, wholesalers, club stores, drug chains, mass merchandisers, convenience chains, health food distributors, food service customers and the military. Gross sales to our various customer types for the three- and six-months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014 are reflected below. Such information includes sales made by us directly to the customer types concerned, which include our full service beverage distributors in the United States. Such full service beverage distributors in turn sell certain of our products to some of the same customer types listed below. We limit our description of our customer types to include only our sales to our full service distributors without reference to such distributors’ sales to their own customers.

 

 

 

Three-Months Ended
June 30,

 

Six-Months Ended
June 30,

 

 

2015

 

2014

 

2015

 

2014

Full service bottlers/distributors

 

63%

 

62%

 

64%

 

62%

Club stores, drug chains & mass merchandisers

 

10%

 

9%

 

9%

 

9%

Outside the U.S.

 

24%

 

23%

 

23%

 

23%

Retail grocery, specialty chains and wholesalers

 

3%

 

4%

 

3%

 

4%

Other

 

0%

 

2%

 

1%

 

2%

 

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Our customers include Coca-Cola Refreshments USA Inc. (“CCR”), Coca-Cola Enterprises, Coca-Cola Refreshments Canada, Ltd. (formerly known as Coca-Cola Bottling Company), CCBCC Operations, LLC, United Bottling Contracts Company, LLC, certain bottlers of the Coca-Cola Hellenic Bottling Company, Swire Coca-Cola, USA and certain other TCCC independent bottlers, AB, select independent AB distributors, Asahi, Kalil Bottling Group, Wal-Mart, Inc. (including Sam’s Club) and Costco. In February 2015, in accordance with its then existing agreements with the applicable AB Distributors, Old Monster sent notices of termination to the majority of the AB Distributors in the U.S. for the termination of their respective distribution agreements. The associated distribution rights relating to such terminated distribution agreements have been transitioned to TCCC’s network of owned or controlled bottlers/distributors and independent bottling and distribution partners as of the effective date of termination of the affected AB Distributors’ rights in the applicable territories. As of August 10, 2015, distribution rights in the U.S. representing approximately 89% of the target case sales have been transitioned to TCCC’s distribution network. A decision by any large customer to decrease amounts purchased from us or to cease carrying our products could have a material negative effect on our financial condition and consolidated results of operations.  CCR accounted for approximately 45% and 28% of our net sales for the three-months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively. CCR accounted for approximately 40% and 29% of our net sales for the six-months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

 

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Results of Operations

 

The following table sets forth key statistics for the three- and six-months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

 

(In thousands, except per share
amounts)

 

Three-Months Ended
June 30,

 

Percentage
Change

 

Six-Months Ended
June 30,

 

Percentage
Change

 

 

 

2015

 

2014

 

15 vs. 14

 

2015

 

2014

 

15 vs. 14

 

Net sales¹

 

 $

693,722

 

 $

687,199

 

0.9%

 

 $

1,320,512

 

 $

1,223,329

 

7.9%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cost of sales

 

299,214

 

307,911

 

(2.8%)

 

557,048

 

557,222

 

(0.0%)

 

Gross profit*¹

 

394,508

 

379,288

 

4.0%

 

763,464

 

666,107

 

14.6%

 

Gross profit as a percentage of net sales¹

 

56.9%

 

55.2%

 

 

 

57.8%

 

54.5%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating expenses²

 

189,839

 

163,475

 

16.1%

 

551,167

 

301,430

 

82.9%

 

Operating expenses as a percentage of net sales

 

27.4%

 

23.8%

 

 

 

41.7%

 

24.6%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gain on sale of Monster Non-Energy

 

161,470

 

-    

 

 

 

161,470

 

-    

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating income¹‚²

 

366,139

 

215,813

 

69.7%

 

373,767

 

364,677

 

2.5%

 

Operating income as a percentage of net sales

 

52.8%

 

31.4%

 

 

 

28.3%

 

29.8%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest and other (expense) income, net

 

(1,015)

 

178

 

(670.2%)

 

218

 

332

 

(34.3%)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income before provision for income taxes¹‚²

 

365,124

 

215,991

 

69.0%

 

373,985

 

365,009

 

2.5%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Provision for income taxes

 

136,120

 

74,988

 

81.5%

 

140,568

 

128,755

 

9.2%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income taxes as a percentage of income before taxes

 

37.3%

 

34.7%

 

 

 

37.6%

 

35.3%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income¹‚²

 

 $

229,004

 

 $

141,003

 

62.4%

 

 $

233,417

 

 $

236,254

 

(1.2%)

 

Net income as a percentage of net sales

 

33.0%

 

20.5%

 

 

 

17.7%

 

19.3%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income per common share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

 $

1.29

 

 $

0.84

 

53.3%

 

 $

1.35

 

 $

1.41

 

(4.8%)

 

Diluted

 

 $

1.26

 

 $

0.81

 

55.7%

 

 $

1.31

 

 $

1.36

 

(3.4%)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Case sales (in thousands) (in 192-ounce case equivalents)

 

68,037

 

65,587

 

3.7%

 

125,816

 

117,514

 

7.1%

 

 

¹Includes $3.2 million and $3.8 million for the three-months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively, related to the recognition of deferred revenue. Includes $46.5 million and $7.5 million for the six-months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively, related to the recognition of deferred revenue. Included in the $46.5 million recognition of deferred revenue for the six-months ended June 30, 2015, is $39.8 million related to the accelerated amortization of the deferred revenue balances associated with certain of the Company’s prior distributors who were sent notices of termination during the first quarter of 2015.

 

²Includes $12.2 million and $0.5 million for the three-months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively, related to distributor termination costs. Includes $218.2 million and $0.5 million for the six-months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively, related to distributor termination costs.

 

*Gross profit may not be comparable to that of other entities since some entities include all costs associated with their distribution process in cost of sales, whereas others exclude certain costs and instead include such costs within another line item such as operating expenses. We include out-bound freight and warehouse costs in operating expenses rather than in cost of sales.

 

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Results of Operations for the Three-Months Ended June 30, 2015 Compared to the Three-Months Ended June 30, 2014.

 

Net Sales. Net sales were $693.7 million for the three-months ended June 30, 2015, an increase of approximately $6.5 million, or 0.9% higher than net sales of $687.2 million for the three-months ended June 30, 2014. The increase in net sales of our Monster Energy® brand energy drinks represented approximately $7.8 million of the overall increase in net sales. Net sales of our Monster Energy® brand energy drinks increased partially due to increased sales by volume as a result of increased domestic and international consumer demand. Net sales of our Strategic Brands were $13.0 million for the three-months ended June 30, 2015. No other individual product line contributed either a material increase or decrease to net sales for the three-months ended June 30, 2015.

 

Changes in foreign currency exchange rates had an unfavorable impact on net sales of approximately 3.5% for the three-months ended June 30, 2015, which was primarily due to a stronger U.S. dollar compared to certain local currencies in which we conduct certain of our international business.

 

Case sales, in 192-ounce case equivalents, were 68.0 million cases for the three-months ended June 30, 2015, an increase of approximately 2.4 million cases or 3.7% higher than case sales of 65.6 million cases for the three-months ended June 30, 2014. The overall average net sales per case decreased to $10.20 for the three-months ended June 30, 2015, which was 2.7% lower than the average net sales per case of $10.48 for the three-months ended June 30, 2014. The lower net sales per case was primarily attributable to sales of concentrates and/or beverage bases in the Concentrate segment, which generally generate lower net operating revenues than those products within the Finished Products segment.

 

Net sales for the Finished Products segment were $651.2 million for the three-months ended June 30, 2015, an increase of approximately $7.8 million, or 1.2% higher than net sales of $643.4 million for the three-months ended June 30, 2014.

 

Net sales for the Concentrate segment were $13.0 million for the three-months ended June 30, 2015 (effectively from June 13 to June 30). There were no net sales for the Concentrate segment for the three-months ended June 30, 2014.

 

Net sales for the Other segment, the principal products of which include the brands disposed of as a result of the TCCC Transaction (previously comprising the majority of the former Warehouse segment and the Peace Tea brand®), were $29.5 million for the three-months ended June 30, 2015 (effectively from April 1 to June 12), a decrease of approximately $14.3 million, or 32.6% lower than net sales of $43.8 million for the three-months ended June 30, 2014.

 

Gross Profit.  Gross profit was $394.5 million for the three-months ended June 30, 2015, an increase of approximately $15.2 million, or 4.0% higher than the gross profit of $379.3 million for the three-months ended June 30, 2014. Gross profit as a percentage of net sales increased to 56.9% for the three-months ended June 30, 2015 from 55.2% for the three-months ended June 30, 2014.  The increase in gross profit dollars was primarily the result of the $13.0 million of net sales for the Concentrate segment as well as the $7.8 million increase in net sales of our Monster Energy® brand energy drinks. The increase in gross profit as a percentage of net sales was primarily attributable to net sales of the Concentrate segment, which generally has higher gross margins than net sales of the Finished Products segment, as well as the decrease in the net sales of the Other segment, which generally has lower gross margins than net sales of the Finished Products segment, changes in product sales mix and lower costs of certain raw materials.

 

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Operating Expenses.  Total operating expenses were $189.8 million for the three-months ended June 30, 2015, an increase of approximately $26.4 million, or 16.1% higher than total operating expenses of $163.5 million for the three-months ended June 30, 2014. The increase in operating expenses was primarily due to increased costs of $11.7 million associated with terminating certain existing distributors, increased expenditures of $10.5 million for professional service costs and transaction expenses related to the TCCC Transaction, increased payroll expenses of $8.4 million (of which $4.5 million was related to payroll taxes in connection with the exercise of certain stock options), and increased expenditures of $3.6 million for sponsorships and endorsements.

 

Contribution Margin.  Contribution margin for the Finished Products segment was $251.6 million for the three-months ended June 30, 2015, a decrease of approximately $2.9 million, or 1.1% lower than contribution margin of $254.4 million for the three-months ended June 30, 2014. The decrease in contribution margin for the Finished Products segment was primarily the result of increased expenditures of $11.7 million relating to the costs associated with terminating certain existing distributors.  Contribution margin for the Concentrate segment was $9.1 million for the three-months ended June 30, 2015 (effectively from June 13 to June 30). There was no contribution margin for the Concentrate segment for the three-months ended June 30, 2014. Contribution margin for the Other segment (excluding the $161.5 million gain on the sale of the Monster Non-Energy business) was $2.2 million, as compared to $3.1 million for the three-months ended June 30, 2014.

 

Operating Income.  Operating income was $366.1 million for the three-months ended June 30, 2015, an increase of approximately $150.3 million, or 69.7% higher than operating income of $215.8 million for the three-months ended June 30, 2014. Operating income as a percentage of net sales increased to 52.8% for the three-months ended June 30, 2015 from 31.4% for the three-months ended June 30, 2014, primarily due to the $161.5 million gain on the sale of Monster Non-Energy. The increase in operating income in dollars was also primarily due to the gain on the sale of Monster Non-Energy as well as a $15.2 million increase in gross profit. The increase in operating income in dollars was partially offset by an increase of $26.4 million in operating expenses. Operating income was $11.8 million and $12.9 million for the three-months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively, in relation to our operations in Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, the Middle East and South America.

 

Interest and Other (Expense) Income, net.  Interest and other (expense) income, net was ($1.0) million for the three-months ended June 30, 2015, as compared to interest and other (expense) income, net of $0.2 million for the three-months ended June 30, 2014. Foreign currency transaction gains (losses) were ($1.7) million and ($0.4) million for the three-months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Interest income was $0.5 million and $0.3 million for the three-months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

 

Provision for Income Taxes.  Provision for income taxes was $136.1 million for the three-months ended June 30, 2015, an increase of $61.1 million or 81.5% higher than the provision for income taxes of $75.0 million for the three-months ended June 30, 2014.  The effective combined federal, state and foreign tax rate increased to 37.3% from 34.7% for the three-months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The increase in the effective tax rate was primarily due to the disallowance for tax purposes of certain costs related to the TCCC Transaction as well as the decrease in tax benefits relating to the domestic production deduction.  The increase in the effective tax rate was partially offset by the release of the valuation allowances against the deferred tax assets of certain foreign jurisdictions.

 

Net Income.  Net income was $229.0 million for the three-months ended June 30, 2015, an increase of $88.0 million or 62.4% higher than net income of $141.0 million for the three-months ended June 30, 2014. The increase in net income was primarily attributable to the $161.5 million gain on the sale of Monster Non-Energy, partially offset by a $61.1 million increase in income taxes.

 

Results of Operations for the Six-Months Ended June 30, 2015 Compared to the Six-Months Ended June 30, 2014.

 

Net Sales. Net sales were $1,320.5 million for the six-months ended June 30, 2015, an increase of approximately $97.2 million, or 7.9% higher than net sales of $1,223.3 million for the six-months ended June

 

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30, 2014. The increase in net sales of our Monster Energy® brand energy drinks represented approximately $101.4 million of the overall increase in net sales. Net sales of our Monster Energy® brand energy drinks increased partially due to increased sales by volume as a result of increased domestic and international consumer demand. Net sales for the six-months ended June 30, 2015 included $39.8 million related to the accelerated amortization of the deferred revenue balances associated with certain of the Company’s prior distributors. No other individual product line contributed either a material increase or decrease to net sales for the six-months ended June 30, 2015.

 

Changes in foreign currency exchange rates had an unfavorable impact on net sales of approximately 2.7% for the six-months ended June 30, 2015, which was primarily due to a stronger U.S. dollar compared to certain local currencies in which we conduct certain of our international business.

 

Case sales, in 192-ounce case equivalents, were 125.8 million cases for the six-months ended June 30, 2015, an increase of approximately 8.3 million cases or 7.1% higher than case sales of 117.5 million cases for the six-months ended June 30, 2014. The overall average net sales per case increased to $10.50 for the six-months ended June 30, 2015, which was 0.8% higher than the average net sales per case of $10.41 for the six-months ended June 30, 2014.

 

Net sales for the Finished Products segment were $1,246.7 million for the six-months ended June 30, 2015, an increase of approximately $101.4 million, or 8.9% higher than net sales of $1,145.3 million for the six-months ended June 30, 2014.

 

Net sales for the Concentrate segment were $13.0 million for the six-months ended June 30, 2015 (effectively from June 13 to June 30). There were no net sales for the Concentrate segment for the six-months ended June 30, 2014.

 

Net sales for the Other segment, the principal products of which include the brands disposed of as a result of the TCCC Transaction (previously comprising the majority of the former Warehouse segment and the Peace tea brand®), were $60.8 million for the six-months ended June 30, 2015, a decrease of approximately $17.2 million, or 22.0% lower than net sales of $78.0 million for the six-months ended June 30, 2014.

 

Gross Profit.  Gross profit was $763.5 million for the six-months ended June 30, 2015, an increase of approximately $97.4 million, or 14.6% higher than the gross profit of $661.1 million for the six-months ended June 30, 2014. Gross profit as a percentage of net sales increased to 57.8% for the six-months ended June 30, 2015 from 54.5% for the six-months ended June 30, 2014.  The increase in gross profit dollars was primarily the result of the $101.4 million increase in net sales of our Monster Energy® brand energy drinks, the $39.8 million accelerated amortization of the deferred revenue balances associated with certain of the Company’s prior distributors and the $13.0 million of net sales for the Concentrate segment. The increase in gross profit as a percentage of net sales was primarily attributable to the $39.8 million accelerated amortization of the deferred revenue balances associated with certain of the Company’s prior distributors, as well as due to changes in product sales mix and lower costs of certain sweeteners and other raw materials.

 

Operating Expenses.  Total operating expenses were $551.2 million for the six-months ended June 30, 2015, an increase of approximately $249.7 million, or 82.9% higher than total operating expenses of $301.4 million for the six-months ended June 30, 2014. The increase in operating expenses was primarily due to increased costs of $217.7 million associated with terminating certain existing distributors.  To a lesser extent, the increase in operating expenses was attributable to increased payroll expenses of $16.9 million (of which $11.7 million was related to payroll taxes in connection with the exercise of certain stock options), increased expenditures of $14.1 million for professional service costs and transaction expenses related to the TCCC Transaction and increased expenditures of $7.3 million for sponsorships and endorsements.

 

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Contribution Margin.  Contribution margin for the Finished Products segment was $307.2 million for the six-months ended June 30, 2015, a decrease of approximately $132.1 million, or 30.1% lower than contribution margin of $439.3 million for the six-months ended June 30, 2014. The decrease in the contribution margin for the Finished Products segment was primarily the result of the increased expenditures of $217.7 million relating to the costs associated with terminating certain existing distributors.  Contribution margin for the Concentrate segment was $9.1 million for the six-months ended June 30, 2015. There was no contribution margin for the Concentrate segment for the six-months ended June 30, 2014. Contribution margin for the Other segment was $165.7 million for the six-months ended June 30, 2015 (effectively from Jan 1 to June 12), as compared to $4.9 million for the six-months ended June 30, 2014. The increase in contribution margin for the Other segment was primarily the result of the $161.5 million gain on the sale of Monster Non-Energy.

 

Operating Income.  Operating income was $373.8 million for the six-months ended June 30, 2015, an increase of approximately $9.1 million, or 2.5% higher than operating income of $364.7 million for the six-months ended June 30, 2014. Operating income as a percentage of net sales decreased to 28.3% for the six-months ended June 30, 2015 from 29.8% for the six-months ended June 30, 2014, primarily due to the increase in operating expenses as a percentage of net sales. The increase in operating income in dollars was primarily due to the $161.5 million gain on the sale of Monster Non-Energy and the $97.4 million increase in gross profit. The increase in operating income in dollars was offset by increased costs of $217.7 million associated with terminating certain existing distributors as well as the increase in other operating expenses. Operating income was $16.2 million and $14.6 million for the six-months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively, in relation to our operations in Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, the Middle East and South America.

 

Interest and Other (Expense) Income, net.  Interest and other (expense) income, net was $0.2 million for the six-months ended June 30, 2015, as compared to interest and other income, net of $0.3 million for the six-months ended June 30, 2014. Foreign currency transaction gains (losses) were ($0.8) million and ($0.6) million for the six-months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Interest income was $0.8 million and $0.6 million for the six-months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

 

Provision for Income Taxes.  Provision for income taxes was $140.6 million for the six-months ended June 30, 2015, an increase of $11.8 million or 9.2% higher than the provision for income taxes of $128.8 million for the six-months ended June 30, 2014.  The effective combined federal, state and foreign tax rate increased to 37.6% from 35.3% for the six-months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The increase in the effective tax rate was primarily due to the disallowance for tax purposes of certain costs related to the TCCC Transaction as well as the decrease in tax benefits relating to the domestic production deduction.  The increase in the effective tax rate was partially offset by the release of the valuation allowances against the deferred tax assets of certain foreign jurisdictions.

 

Net Income.  Net income was $233.4 million for the six-months ended June 30, 2015, a decrease of $2.8 million or 1.2% lower than net income of $236.3 million for the six-months ended June 30, 2014.

 

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

 

Gross Sales**. Gross sales were $789.9 million for the three-months ended June 30, 2015, an increase of approximately $11.0 million, or 1.4% higher than gross sales of $779.0 million for the three-months ended June 30, 2014. The increase in gross sales of our Monster Energy® brand energy drinks represented approximately $15.3 million of the overall increase in gross sales. Gross sales of our Monster Energy® brand energy drinks increased partially due to increased sales by volume as a result of increased domestic and international consumer demand. Gross sales of our Strategic Brands were $13.0 million for the three-months ended June 30, 2015. Promotional and other allowances, as described in the footnote below, were $96.2 million for the three-months ended June 30, 2015, an increase of $4.4 million, or 4.8% higher than promotional and other allowances of $91.8 million for the three-months ended June 30, 2014. Promotional and other allowances as a percentage of gross sales increased to 12.2% from 11.8% for the three-months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

 

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Changes in foreign currency exchange rates had an unfavorable impact on gross sales of approximately 3.8% for the three-months ended June 30, 2015, which was primarily due to a stronger U.S. dollar compared to certain local currencies in which we conduct certain of our international business.

 

Gross sales were $1,500.1 million for the six-months ended June 30, 2015, an increase of approximately $107.4 million, or 7.7% higher than gross sales of $1,392.7 million for the six-months ended June 30, 2014. The increase in the gross sales of our Monster Energy® brand energy drinks represented approximately $75.4 million, or 70.2%, of the overall increase in gross sales. Gross sales of our Monster Energy® brand energy drinks increased primarily due to increased sales by volume as a result of increased domestic and international consumer demand. Gross sales for the six-months ended June 30, 2015 included $39.8 million related to the accelerated amortization of the deferred revenue balances associated with certain of the Company’s prior distributors, which represented 37.1% of our overall increase in gross sales. No other individual product line contributed either a material increase or decrease to gross sales for the six-months ended June 30, 2015. Promotional and other allowances, as described in the footnote below, were $179.6 million for the six-months ended June 30, 2015, an increase of $10.3 million, or 6.1% higher than promotional and other allowances of $169.4 million for the six-months ended June 30, 2014. Promotional and other allowances as a percentage of gross sales decreased to 12.0% from 12.2% for the six-months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

 

Changes in foreign currency exchange rates had an unfavorable impact on gross sales of approximately 3.0% for the six-months ended June 30, 2015, which was primarily due to a stronger U.S. dollar compared to certain local currencies in which we conduct certain of our international business.

 

**Gross sales is used internally by management as an indicator of and to monitor operating performance, including sales performance of particular products, salesperson performance, product growth or declines and overall Company performance. The use of gross sales allows evaluation of sales performance before the effect of any promotional items, which can mask certain performance issues. We therefore believe that the presentation of gross sales provides a useful measure of our operating performance. Gross sales is not a measure that is recognized under GAAP and should not be considered as an alternative to net sales, which is determined in accordance with GAAP, and should not be used alone as an indicator of operating performance in place of net sales. Additionally, gross sales may not be comparable to similarly titled measures used by other companies, as gross sales has been defined by our internal reporting practices. In addition, gross sales may not be realized in the form of cash receipts as promotional payments and allowances may be deducted from payments received from certain customers.

 

The following table reconciles the non-GAAP financial measure of gross sales with the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure of net sales:

 

(In thousands, except per share
amounts)

 

Three-Months Ended
June 30,

 

Percentage
Change

 

Six-Months Ended
June 30,

 

Percentage
Change

 

 

 

2015

 

2014

 

15 vs. 14

 

2015

 

2014

 

15 vs. 14

 

Gross sales, net of discounts and returns

 

  $

789,923

 

  $

778,956

 

1.4%

 

  $

 1,500,115

 

  $

1,392,679

 

7.7%

 

Less: Promotional and other allowances***

 

96,201

 

91,757

 

4.8%

 

179,603

 

169,350

 

6.1%

 

Net Sales

 

  $

693,722

 

  $

687,199

 

0.9%

 

  $

 1,320,512

 

  $

1,223,329

 

7.9%

 

 

***Although the expenditures described in this line item are determined in accordance with GAAP and meet GAAP requirements, the disclosure thereof does not conform with GAAP presentation requirements. Additionally, our definition of promotional and other allowances may not be comparable to similar items presented by other companies. Promotional and other allowances primarily include consideration given to the Company’s distributors or retail customers including, but not limited to the following: (i) discounts granted off list prices to support price promotions to end-consumers by retailers; (ii) reimbursements given to the Company’s distributors for agreed portions of their promotional spend with retailers, including slotting, shelf space allowances and other fees for both new and existing products; (iii) the Company’s agreed share of fees given to distributors and/or directly to retailers for advertising, in-store marketing and promotional activities; (iv) the Company’s agreed share of slotting, shelf space allowances and other fees given directly to retailers; (v) incentives given to the Company’s distributors and/or retailers for achieving or exceeding certain predetermined sales goals; (vi) discounted or free products; (vii) contractual fees given to the Company’s distributors related to sales made by the Company direct to certain customers that fall within the distributors’ sales territories; and (viii) commissions paid to our customers. The presentation of promotional and other allowances facilitates an evaluation of their impact on the determination of net sales and the spending levels incurred or correlated with such sales. Promotional and other allowances constitute a material portion of our marketing activities. The Company’s promotional allowance programs with its numerous distributors and/or retailers are executed through separate agreements in the ordinary course of business. These agreements generally provide for one or more of the arrangements described above and are of varying durations, ranging from one week to one year. The primary drivers of our promotional and other allowance activities for the three- and six-months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014 were (i) to increase sales volume and trial, (ii) to address market conditions, and (iii) to secure shelf and display space at retail.

 

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Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

Cash flows (used in) provided by operating activities.  We used $139.5 million of cash in operating activities for the six-months ended June 30, 2015, as compared with net cash provided by operating activities of $259.0 million for the six-months ended June 30, 2014.  The decrease of $398.5 million in cash flows from operations was primarily the result of an increase in the excess tax benefit from stock-based compensation of $300.3 million and the $161.5 million gain on the sale of Monster Non-Energy.

 

For the six-months ended June 30, 2015, cash provided by operating activities was primarily attributable to net income earned of $233.4 million and adjustments for certain non-cash expenses, consisting of, $14.8 million of stock-based compensation and $13.3 million of depreciation and other amortization. For the six-months ended June 30, 2015, cash provided by operating activities also increased due to a $156.7 million change in deferred income taxes, a $72.1 million increase in accounts payable, a $64.8 million decrease in accrued distributor terminations, an $18.0 million increase in accrued promotional allowances and a $12.5 million increase in accrued liabilities. For the six-months ended June 30, 2015, cash used in operating activities was due to a $300.3 million excess tax benefit from stock option exercises, a $161.5 million gain on the sale of Monster Non-Energy, a $95.2 million increase in accounts receivable, an $84.1 million increase in prepaid income taxes, a $40.8 million decrease in deferred revenue, a $28.9 million increase in inventories, a $7.5 million decrease in income taxes payable, a $3.5 million decrease in accrued compensation and a $3.3 million increase in prepaid expenses and other current assets.

 

For the six-months ended June 30, 2014, cash provided by operating activities was primarily attributable to net income earned of $236.3 million and adjustments for certain non-cash expenses, consisting of $15.1 million of stock-based compensation and $13.0 million of depreciation and other amortization. For the six-months ended June 30, 2014, cash provided by operating activities also increased due to a $36.1 million increase in accounts payable, a $31.8 million increase in accrued promotional allowances, a $13.5 million decrease in inventory, a $17.5 million increase in accrued liabilities, a $6.8 million increase in income taxes payable and a $2.5 million decrease in prepaid income taxes. For the six-months ended June 30, 2014, cash provided by operating activities was reduced due to a $99.7 million increase in accounts receivable, a $4.6 million decrease in accrued compensation, a $4.2 million increase in prepaid expenses and other current assets, a $3.3 million tax benefit from the exercise of stock options and a $3.2 million decrease in deferred revenue.

 

Cash flows used in investing activities. We used $105.9 million of cash from investing activities for the six-months ended June 30, 2015 as compared to cash used of $108.0 million for the six-months ended June 30, 2014.

 

For the six-months ended June 30, 2015, cash used in investing activities was primarily attributable to purchases of held-to-maturity investments, purchases of property and equipment, and additions to intangibles. For the six-months ended June 30, 2014, cash used in investing activities was primarily attributable to purchases of held-to-maturity investments and to purchases of property and equipment. For the six-months ended June 30, 2015, cash provided by investing activities also included $198.0 million from the sale of Monster Non-Energy and $179.7 million from the transfer of distribution rights pursuant to the TCCC Transaction. For both the six-months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, cash provided by investing activities was also attributable to maturities of held-to-maturity investments. For both the six-months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, cash used in investing activities also included the acquisitions of fixed assets consisting of vans and promotional vehicles, coolers and other equipment to support our marketing and promotional activities, production equipment, furniture and fixtures, office and computer equipment, computer software, and equipment used for sales and administrative activities, as well as certain leasehold improvements. We expect to

 

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continue to use a portion of our cash in excess of our requirements for operations for purchasing short-term and long-term investments, and for other corporate purposes, leasehold improvements, the acquisition of capital equipment, specifically, vans, trucks and promotional vehicles, coolers, other promotional equipment, merchandise displays, warehousing racks as well as items of production equipment required to produce certain of our existing and/or new products and to develop our brand in international markets. From time to time, we may also purchase additional real property related to our beverage business and/or acquire compatible businesses as a use of cash in excess of our requirements for operations.

 

Cash flows provided by financing activities.  We generated $1,576.7 million of cash in financing activities for the six-months ended June 30, 2015 as compared to cash provided by financing activities of $10.0 million for the six-months ended June 30, 2014. The increase in cash flows provided by financing activities of $1,566.7 million was primarily the result of the issuance of our common stock to TCCC during the six-months ended June 30, 2015 in connection with the TCCC Transaction.

 

Purchases of inventories, increases in accounts receivable and other assets, acquisition of property and equipment (including real property and coolers), leasehold improvements, acquisition and maintenance of trademarks, payments of accounts payable, income taxes payable and purchases of our common stock are expected to remain our principal recurring use of cash.

 

Cash and cash equivalents, short-term and long-term investments.  At June 30, 2015, we had $1,696.3 million in cash and cash equivalents and $1,287.2 million in short-term and long-term investments. We have historically invested these amounts in U.S. Treasury bills, U.S. government agency securities and municipal securities (which may have an auction reset feature), commercial paper and money market funds meeting certain criteria. We maintain our investments for cash management purposes and not for purposes of speculation. Our risk management policies emphasize credit quality (primarily based on short-term ratings by nationally recognized statistical organizations) in selecting and maintaining our investments. We regularly assess market risk of our investments and believe our current policies and investment practices adequately limit those risks. However, certain of these investments are subject to general credit, liquidity, market and interest rate risks. These market risks associated with our investment portfolio may have an adverse effect on our future results of operations, liquidity and financial condition.

 

Of our $1,696.3 million of cash and cash equivalents held at June 30, 2015, $117.5 million was held by our foreign subsidiaries. No short-term or long-term investments were held by our foreign subsidiaries at June 30, 2015. We do not intend, nor do we foresee a need, to repatriate undistributed earnings of our foreign subsidiaries other than to repay certain intercompany debt owed to our U.S. operations. Under current tax laws, if funds in excess of intercompany amounts owed were repatriated to our U.S. operations, we would be required to accrue and pay additional income taxes on such excess funds at the tax rates then in effect.

 

We believe that cash available from operations, including our cash resources and access to credit, will be sufficient for our working capital needs, including purchase commitments for raw materials and inventory, increases in accounts receivable, payments of tax liabilities, expansion and development needs, purchases of shares of our common stock, as well as any purchases of capital assets, equipment and properties, through at least the next 12 months. Based on our current plans, at this time we estimate that capital expenditures are likely to be less than $120.0 million through June 30, 2016.

 

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The following represents a summary of the Company’s contractual commitments and related scheduled maturities as of June 30, 2015:

 

 

 

Payments due by period (in thousands)

 

Obligations

 

Total

 

Less than
1 year

 

1-3
years

 

3-5
years

 

More than
5 years

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Contractual Obligations¹

 

 $

87,244

 

 

 $

54,621

 

 

 $

31,513

 

 

 $

1,110

 

 

 $

-

 

 

Capital Leases

 

813

 

 

813

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

Operating Leases

 

11,233

 

 

5,341

 

 

4,013

 

 

949

 

 

930

 

 

Purchase Commitments²

 

39,292

 

 

39,292

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

 

 

 $

138,582

 

 

 $

100,067

 

 

 $

35,526

 

 

 $

2,059

 

 

 $

930

 

 

 

¹Contractual obligations include our obligations related to sponsorships and other commitments.

 

²Purchase commitments include obligations made by us and our subsidiaries to various suppliers for raw materials used in the production of our products. These obligations vary in terms, but are generally satisfied within one year.

 

In addition, approximately $0.9 million of unrecognized tax benefits have been recorded as liabilities as of June 30, 2015. It is expected that the amount of unrecognized tax benefits will not significantly change within the next 12 months. We have also recorded a liability for potential penalties and interest of $0.5 million as of June 30, 2015.

 

In April 2015, the Company entered into an agreement, subject to the attainment of requisite entitlements, to acquire approximately 56 acres of vacant land located in Jurupa Valley, CA for an estimated purchase price of $38.1 million. The Company was unable to secure the requisite entitlements and therefore terminated this agreement.

 

Sales

 

The table below discloses selected quarterly data regarding sales for the three- and six-months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively.  Data from any one or more quarters or periods is not necessarily indicative of annual results or continuing trends.

 

Sales of beverages are expressed in unit case volume.  A “unit case” means a unit of measurement equal to 192 U.S. fluid ounces of finished beverage (24 eight-ounce servings).  Unit case volume means the number of unit cases (or unit case equivalents) of beverages sold by us.

 

Our quarterly results of operations reflect seasonal trends that are primarily the result of increased demand in the warmer months of the year. It has been our experience that beverage sales tend to be lower during the first and fourth quarters of each calendar year. Because the primary historical market for our products is California, which has a year-long temperate climate, the effect of seasonal fluctuations on quarterly results may have been somewhat mitigated; however, such fluctuations may become more pronounced with the expansion of the distribution of our products outside of California. In addition, our experience with our energy drink products suggests they may be less seasonal than the seasonality expected from traditional beverages. Quarterly fluctuations may also be affected by other factors including the introduction of new products, the opening of new markets where temperature fluctuations are more pronounced, the addition of new bottlers, customers and distributors, changes in the sales mix of our products, continued growth in countries located in the southern hemisphere and changes in advertising and promotional expenses.

 

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(In thousands, except average
net sales per case)

 

Three-Months Ended
June 30,

 

Six-Months Ended
June 30,

 

 

 

2015

 

2014

 

2015

 

 

2014

 

 

Net sales¹

 

 $

693,722

 

 

 $

687,199

 

 

 $

1,320,512

 

 

 $

1,223,329

 

 

Case sales (192-ounce case equivalents)

 

68,037

 

 

65,587

 

 

125,816

 

 

117,514

 

 

Average net sales per case

 

 $

10.20

 

 

 $

10.48

 

 

 $

10.50

 

 

 $

10.41

 

 

 

¹Includes $39.8 million for the six-months ended June 30, 2015, related to the accelerated amortization of the deferred revenue balances associated with certain of the Company’s prior distributors who were sent notices of termination during the first quarter of 2015. Excluding the acceleration of deferred revenue, the average net sales price per case decreased to $10.18 for the six-months ended June 30, 2015, which was 2.2% lower than the average net sales per case of $10.41 for the six-months ended June 30, 2014.

 

See Item 2, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Our Business” for additional information related to the increase in sales.

 

Critical Accounting Policies

 

There have been no material changes to our critical accounting policies from the information provided in Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations”, included in our Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014, except as disclosed in Note 2.

 

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

 

In September 2014, the Company elected to early adopt FASB ASU No. 2014-08, “Presentation of Financial Statements and Property, Plant, and Equipment - Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity”.  ASU 2014-08 provides new guidance related to the definition of a discontinued operation and requires new disclosures of both discontinued operations and certain other disposals that do not meet the definition of a discontinued operation. The adoption of ASU 2014-08 did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or liquidity.

 

In June 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-12, “Compensation—Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Accounting for Share-Based Payments When the Terms of an Award Provide That a Performance Target Could Be Achieved after the Requisite Service Period (a consensus of the FASB Emerging Issues Task Force)”.  ASU 2014-12 clarifies that a performance target that affects vesting and that could be achieved after the requisite service period be treated as a performance condition. A reporting entity should apply existing guidance in Topic 718 as it relates to awards with performance conditions that affect vesting to account for such awards. As such, the performance target should not be reflected in estimating the grant-date fair value of the award. Compensation cost should be recognized in the period in which it becomes probable that the performance target will be achieved and should represent the compensation cost attributable to the period(s) for which the requisite service has already been rendered. ASU 2014-12 is effective for annual periods, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2015. Early adoption is permitted. ASU 2014-12 may be applied either (a) prospectively to all awards granted or modified after the effective date or (b) retrospectively to all awards with performance targets that are outstanding as of the beginning of the earliest annual period presented in the financial statements and to all new or modified awards thereafter. The adoption of ASU 2014-12 is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or liquidity.

 

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In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers”, which supersedes previous revenue recognition guidance. ASU 2014-09 requires that a company recognize revenue at an amount that reflects the consideration to which the company expects to be entitled in exchange for transferring goods or services to a customer. In applying the new guidance, a company will (1) identify the contract(s) with a customer; (2) identify the performance obligations in the contract; (3) determine the transaction price; (4) allocate the transaction price to the contract’s performance obligations; and (5) recognize revenue when (or as) the entity satisfies a performance obligation. ASU 2014-09 was to be effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016.  However, on July 9, 2015, the FASB voted to approve a one-year deferral of the effective date. This new guidance is effective for the Company beginning January 1, 2018 and can be adopted using either a full retrospective or modified approach. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of ASU 2014-09 on its financial position, results of operations and liquidity.

 

Inflation

 

We believe inflation did not have a significant impact on our results of operations for the periods presented.

 

Forward-Looking Statements

 

Certain statements made in this report may constitute forward-looking statements (within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) (the “Exchange Act”) regarding the expectations of management with respect to revenues, profitability, adequacy of funds from operations and our existing credit facility, among other things.  All statements containing a projection of revenues, income (loss), earnings (loss) per share, capital expenditures, dividends, capital structure or other financial items, a statement of management’s plans and objectives for future operations, or a statement of future economic performance contained in management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations, including statements related to new products, volume growth and statements encompassing general optimism about future operating results and non-historical information, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Act. Without limiting the foregoing, the words “believes,” “thinks,” “anticipates,” “plans,” “expects,” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements.

 

Management cautions that these statements are qualified by their terms and/or important factors, many of which are outside our control, involve a number of risks, uncertainties and other factors, that could cause actual results and events to differ materially from the statements made including, but not limited to, the following:

 

·                 Our ability to recognize any benefits from the TCCC Transaction;

·                 The effect of our extensive commercial arrangements with TCCC on our future performance;

·                 The effect of TCCC becoming one of our significant shareholders and the potential divergence of TCCC’s interests from those of our other shareholders;

·                 Disruption in distribution or sales and/or decline in sales due to the termination and/or appointment of existing and/or new domestic and/or international distributors;

·                 Lack of anticipated demand for our products in domestic and/or international markets;

·                 Unfavorable regulations, including taxation requirements, product registration requirements, tariffs and/or trade restrictions;

·                 The effect of inquiries from and/or actions by state attorneys general, the Federal Trade Commission (the “FTC”), the FDA, municipalities or city attorneys and/or other government agencies and/or quasi-government agencies and/or government officials, including members of Congress, into the advertising, marketing, promotion, ingredients, sale and/or consumption of our energy drink products, including voluntary changes to our business practices;

·                 Our ability to achieve profitability from our operations outside the United States;

·                 Our ability to manage legal and regulatory requirements in foreign jurisdictions, potential difficulties in staffing and managing foreign operations, potentially higher incidence of fraud or corruption and credit risk of foreign customers and distributors;

 

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·                 Our ability to produce our products in international markets in which they are sold, thereby reducing freight costs and/or product damages;

·                 Our ability to effectively manage our inventories and/or our accounts receivables;

·                 Our foreign currency exchange rate risk with respect to our sales, expenses, profits, assets and liabilities denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar, which will continue to increase as foreign sales increase;

·                 Changes in accounting standards may affect our reported profitability;

·                 Any proceedings which may be brought against us by the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), the FDA, the FTC or other governmental agencies or bodies;

·                 The outcome of shareholder securities litigation and/or shareholder derivative actions filed against us and/or against certain of our officers and directors, and the possibility of other private shareholder litigation;

·                 The possibility of future shareholder derivative actions or shareholder securities litigation filed against us;

·                 The outcome of product liability litigation and/or class action litigation regarding the safety of our products and/or the ingredients in and/or claims made in connection with our products and/or alleging false advertising, marketing and/or promotion, and the possibility of future product liability and/or class action lawsuits;

·                 The current uncertainty and volatility in the national and global economy;

·                 Our ability to address any significant deficiencies or material weakness in our internal controls over financial reporting;

·                 Our ability to continue to generate sufficient cash flows to support capital expansion plans and general operating activities;

·                 Decreased demand for our products resulting from changes in consumer preferences and/or from decreased consumer discretionary spending power and/or from higher gasoline prices;

·                 Changes in demand that are weather related;

·                 Competitive products and pricing pressures and our ability to gain or maintain our share of sales in the marketplace as a result of actions by competitors;

·                 Our ability to introduce new products;

·                 An inability to achieve volume growth through product and packaging initiatives;

·                 Our ability to sustain the current level of sales and/or increase the sales of our Monster Energy® brand energy drinks and/or our other products, including the Strategic Brands acquired from TCCC;

·                 The impact of criticism of our energy drink products and/or the energy drink market generally and/or legislation enacted, whether as a result of such criticism or otherwise, that restrict the sale of energy drinks (including prohibiting the sale of energy drinks at certain establishments or pursuant to certain governmental programs), limit caffeine content in beverages, require certain product labeling disclosures and/or warnings, impose excise and/or sales taxes, limit product sizes or impose age restrictions for the sale of energy drinks;

·                 Our ability to comply with and/or resulting lower consumer demand for energy drinks due to proposed and/or future U.S. federal, state and local laws and regulations and/or proposed or existing laws and regulations in certain foreign jurisdictions and/or any changes therein, including changes in taxation requirements (including tax rate changes, new tax laws, new and/or increased excise and/or sales and/or other taxes on our products and revised tax law interpretations) and environmental laws, as well as the FFD&C Act, including as amended by the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act, and regulations made thereunder or in connection therewith, as well as changes in any other food, drug or similar laws in the United States and internationally, especially those that may restrict the sale of energy drinks (including prohibiting the sale of energy drinks at certain establishments or pursuant to certain governmental programs), limit caffeine content in beverages, require certain product labeling disclosures and/or warnings, impose excise taxes, limit product sizes, or impose age restrictions for the sale of energy drinks, as well as laws and regulations or rules made or enforced by the FDA, and/or the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms and Explosives, and/or the Federal Trade Commission;

·                 Our ability to satisfy all criteria set forth in any model energy drink guidelines, including, without limitation, those adopted by the American Beverage Association, of which the Company is a member, and/or any international beverage association and the impact on the Company of such guidelines;

 

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·                 Disruptions in the timely import or export of our products and/or ingredients due to port strikes and related labor issues;

·                 The effect of unfavorable or adverse public relations and/or press and/or articles, comments and/or media attention;

·                 Changes in the cost, quality and availability of containers, packaging materials, aluminum, the Mid West and other premiums, raw materials and other ingredients and juice concentrates, and our ability to obtain and/or maintain favorable supply arrangements and relationships and procure timely and/or sufficient production of all or any of our products to meet customer demand;

·                 The impact of corporate activity among the limited number of suppliers from whom we purchase certain raw materials on our cost of sales;

·                 Our ability to pass on to our customers all or a portion of any increases in the costs of raw materials and/or ingredients and/or commodities and/or other cost inputs affecting our business;

·                 Our ability to achieve both internal domestic and international forecasts, which may be based on projected volumes and sales of many product types and/or new products, certain of which are more profitable than others; there can be no assurance that we will achieve projected levels of sales as well as forecasted product and/or geographic mixes;

·                 Our ability to penetrate new domestic and/or international markets and/or gain approval or mitigate the delay in securing approval for the sale of our products in various countries;

·                 Economic or political instability in one or more of our international markets;

·                 The effectiveness of sales and/or marketing efforts of distributors of our products, most of which distribute products that are competitive with our products;

·                 Unilateral decisions by distributors, convenience chains, grocery chains, mass merchandisers, specialty chain stores, club stores and other customers to discontinue carrying all or any of our products that they are carrying at any time and/or restrict the range of our products they carry and/or devote less resources to the sale of our products;

·                 The costs and/or effectiveness, now or in the future, of our advertising, marketing and promotional strategies;

·                 Changes in product category consumption;

·                 Unforeseen economic and political changes;

·                 Possible recalls of our products and/or defective production;

·                 Our ability to make suitable arrangements for the co-packing of any of our products both domestically and internationally and/or the timely replacement of discontinued co-packing arrangements;

·                 Our ability to make suitable arrangements for the timely procurement of non-defective raw materials;

·                 Our inability to protect and/or the loss of our intellectual property rights and/or our inability to use our trademarks and/or trade names or designs in certain countries;

·                 Volatility of stock prices which may restrict stock sales, stock purchases or other opportunities;

·                 Provisions in our organizational documents and/or control by insiders which may prevent changes in control even if such changes would be beneficial to other stockholders;

·                 The failure of our bottlers and contract packers to manufacture our products on a timely basis or at all;

·                 Exposure to significant liabilities due to litigation, legal or regulatory proceedings;

·                 Any disruption in and/or lack of effectiveness of our information technology systems, including breaches of cyber security, that disrupts our business or negatively impacts customer relationships; and

·                 Recruitment and retention of senior management, other key employees and our employee base in general.

 

The foregoing list of important factors and other risks detailed from time to time in our reports filed with the SEC is not exhaustive.  See the section entitled “Risk Factors” in our Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014, for a more complete discussion of these risks and uncertainties and for other risks and uncertainties. Those factors and the other risk factors described therein are not necessarily all of the important factors that could cause actual results or developments to differ materially from those expressed in any of our forward-looking statements.  Other unknown or unpredictable factors also could harm our results. Consequently, our actual results could be materially different from the results described or anticipated by our

 

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forward-looking statements, due to the inherent uncertainty of estimates, forecasts and projections and may be better or worse than anticipated. Given these uncertainties, you should not rely on forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements represent our estimates and assumptions only as of the date that they were made. We expressly disclaim any duty to provide updates to forward-looking statements, and the estimates and assumptions associated with them, after the date of this report, in order to reflect changes in circumstances or expectations or the occurrence of unanticipated events except to the extent required by applicable securities laws.

 

ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

 

There have been no material changes in our market risk during the three-months ended June 30, 2015 compared with the disclosures in Part II, Item 7A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014.

 

ITEM 4.  CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

 

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures — Under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, we have evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13(a)-15(e) and 15(d)-15(e) of the Exchange Act) as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based upon this evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are adequate and effective to ensure that information we are required to disclose in reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is (1) recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in rules and forms of the SEC and (2)  accumulated and communicated to our management, including its principal executive and principal financial officers, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures.

 

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting — There were no changes in the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting during the quarter ended June 30, 2015, that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 

PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

 

ITEM 1.                LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

 

The information required by this Item is incorporated herein by reference to the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements—Note 12. Commitments and Contingencies: Legal Proceedings in Part I, Item 1, of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

 

ITEM 1A.                             RISK FACTORS

 

Our Risk Factors are discussed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014.  There have been no material changes with respect to the risk factors disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the period ended December 31, 2014, except for the following:

 

We may be required to record a significant charge to earnings if our goodwill or intangible assets become impaired.

 

Under GAAP, we are required to review our intangible assets for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value may not be recoverable. Factors that may be considered a change in circumstances indicating that the carrying value of our intangible assets may not be recoverable include a decline in stock price and market capitalization, and slower growth rates in our industry.

 

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We may be required to record a significant charge to earnings in our financial statements during the period in which we determine that our intangible assets have been impaired. Any such charge would adversely impact our results of operations. As of June 30, 2015, after the consummation of the TCCC Transaction, our goodwill totaled approximately $1,287.8 million and our intangible assets totaled approximately $428.2 million.

 

ITEM 2.                                        UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

 

During the period from April 1, 2015 to June 12, 2015, 0.001 million shares were purchased from employees in lieu of cash payments for options exercised or withholding taxes due for a total amount of $0.1 million. While such purchases are considered common stock repurchases, they are not counted as purchases against the Company’s authorized share repurchase programs, including the April 2013 Repurchase Plan.  These shares are included in the cancellation of treasury shares as described above relating to the TCCC Transaction.

 

During the period from June 13, 2015 to June 30, 2015, 1.2 million shares were purchased from employees in lieu of cash payments for options exercised or withholding taxes due for a total amount of $160.7 million. While such purchases are considered common stock repurchases, they are not counted as purchases against the Company’s authorized share repurchase programs, including the April 2013 Repurchase Plan.

 

ITEM 3.                                        DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

 

None.

 

ITEM 4.                                        MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

 

Not applicable.

 

ITEM 5.                                        OTHER INFORMATION

 

None.

 

ITEM 6.                                        EXHIBITS

 

10.1*#

Amended and Restated Distribution Coordination Agreement, dated as of June 12, 2015, between Monster Energy Company and The Coca-Cola Company.

 

 

10.2*#

Amended and Restated International Distribution Coordination Agreement, dated as of June 12, 2015, between Monster Energy Ltd. (formerly Tauranga, Ltd.), Monster Energy Company and The Coca-Cola Company.

 

 

31.1*

Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

 

31.2*

Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

 

32.1*

Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

 

32.2*

Certification by Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

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101*

The following financial information from Monster Beverage Corporation’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2015, formatted in XBRL (eXtensible Business Reporting Language): (i) Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, (ii) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income for the three-months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, (iii) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the three-months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, (iv) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the three-months ended June 30, 2015 and 2014, and (v) the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

*   Filed herewith

#   Confidential treatment has been requested for certain information contained in this exhibit. Such information has been omitted and filed separately with the SEC.

 

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SIGNATURES

 

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

 

 

MONSTER BEVERAGE CORPORATION

 

Registrant

 

 

 

 

Date: August 10, 2015

/s/ RODNEY C. SACKS

 

Rodney C. Sacks

 

Chairman of the Board of Directors

 

and Chief Executive Officer

 

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EXHIBIT 10.1

 

Portions hereof have been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to a request for confidential treatment in accordance with Rule 406 of the Securities Act of 1993, as amended.

 

AMENDED AND RESTATED DISTRIBUTION COORDINATION AGREEMENT

 

This AMENDED AND RESTATED DISTRIBUTION COORDINATION AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”) is entered into as of June 12, 2015 (the “Effective Date”) between MONSTER ENERGY COMPANY (formerly known as Hansen Beverage Company) (“MEC”) and THE COCA-COLA COMPANY, a Delaware corporation (“KO”).  This Agreement amends and restates in its entirety that certain Monster Energy Distribution Coordination Agreement between MEC and KO as of October 3, 2008 (the “Original Agreement”).  Capitalized terms not otherwise defined in this Agreement shall have the meaning defined in the Recitals below.

 

Recitals.  This Agreement is made with reference to the following recitals of essential facts:

 

1.                                    MEC and KO (each, a “Party” and collectively, the “Parties”), and their respective Affiliates (as defined below), are both engaged in the manufacture and sale of beverages. For purposes of this Agreement, “Affiliate” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in the Transaction Agreement (as defined below).

 

2.                                    Prior to the execution of this Agreement, (i) Company (as defined in the Transaction Agreement), Parent (as defined in the Transaction Agreement) and NewCo (as defined in the Transaction Agreement) entered into the Asset Transfer Agreement (as defined below), pursuant to which Parent agreed to transfer to NewCo or one or more of NewCo’s designated Subsidiaries the KO Energy Assets (as defined in the Asset Transfer Agreement) and to assume the Assumed KO Energy Liabilities (as defined in the Asset Transfer Agreement) and Company agreed to sell to Parent or one or more of Parent’s designated Subsidiaries the Monster Non-Energy Assets (as defined in the Asset Transfer Agreement) and Parent agreed to assume the Assumed Monster Non-Energy Liabilities (as defined in the Asset Transfer Agreement) (the “Asset Transfer Agreement”) and (ii) Company, NewCo, Merger Sub (as defined in the Transaction Agreement) and Purchaser (as defined in the Transaction Agreement) entered into the Transaction Agreement, pursuant to which (a) Company reorganizes into a new holding company structure by merging Merger Sub with and into Company, with Company surviving as the wholly-owned subsidiary of NewCo, (b) upon the effective time of the merger, each outstanding share of Company’s common stock converts into one share of NewCo’s common stock (“NewCo Common Stock”) and (c) immediately after the effective time of the merger, Purchaser purchases from NewCo a number of newly issued shares of NewCo Common Stock representing one share less than 16.666% of the total number of then issued and outstanding shares of NewCo Common Stock measured on a post-issuance basis (the “Transaction Agreement”), each as more fully described therein.  As a condition to consummating the transactions contemplated by the Asset Transfer Agreement and the Transaction Agreement, the Parties have agreed to enter into, simultaneously with consummation of the transactions

 



 

contemplated by the Asset Transfer Agreement and the Transaction Agreement, this Agreement with respect to distribution related matters.

 

3.                                    KO has relationships with an extensive North American network of owned, partially owned or independent distributors and/or bottlers that engage in the manufacture, distribution and/or sale of KO-branded beverages.  Each such distributor or bottler that is a party to an agreement with KO regarding the distribution of beverage products (as it may be amended, restated, and/or replaced from time to time, in each case a “KO Bottler Agreement”) is referred to herein as a “KO Distributor” and some or all of such distributors are collectively referred to as the “KO Distributors.”

 

4.                                    Certain KO Distributors entered into various exclusive agreements with KO pursuant to which they need consent from KO to distribute competitive products offered by third parties.  Certain KO Distributors (“Pre-Coordination Distributors”) previously entered into distribution agreements (“Pre-Coordination Agreements”) with MEC prior to the effective date of the Original Agreement.  Certain KO Distributors (“Existing KO Distributors”) previously entered into distribution agreements (“Existing Distribution Agreements”) with MEC (i) pursuant to the Original Agreement, or (ii) after the effective date of the Original Agreement, but not pursuant to the terms thereof.  Through this Agreement, and subject to the provisions contained herein, MEC desires to enter into, and KO desires to consent to (to the extent necessary), (a) new distribution agreements with KO Distributors designated by KO for Products (as defined below) in, and/or (b) add to Existing Distribution Agreements (as defined above), specific sub-territories (each a “Sub-Territory” and collectively “Sub-Territories”) designated by MEC that are within the Territory (as defined below), in each case as provided hereunder and/or (c) new distribution agreements with Pre-Coordination Distributors in those Sub-Territories designated by MEC and agreed to by such KO Distributors.

 

5.                                    Subject to the terms of this Agreement, (i) MEC shall use its Best Efforts (as defined below) to enter into (a) new distribution agreements for Sub-Territories substantially in the form of attached Exhibit A, (b) amendments to Existing Distribution Agreements adding Sub-Territories to such Existing Distribution Agreements as may be agreed upon and/or (c) to the extent applicable Existing KO Distributors are agreeable, amendments to applicable Existing Distribution Agreements to make them substantially identical to the form of attached Exhibit A.  The new distribution agreements in the form of attached Exhibit A or amendments referred to in this Recital 5 shall be effective from their respective effective dates, in each case, and shall be subject to such modifications as may be agreed upon in writing by MEC, the applicable KO Distributor, and to the extent required in accordance with Section 8.2.2 below, by KO, and are collectively referred to as the “New Distribution Agreements”, (ii) KO shall use its Best Efforts (as defined below) to, recommend and consent to and shall, upon MEC’s reasonable request, use good faith efforts to reasonably assist, the entering into of such New Distribution Agreements as set forth in Section 1.2 below, (iii) subject to the last sentence of Section 1.4 below, MEC shall use its Best Efforts to respond to KO’s or a KO Distributor’s reasonable inquiries and cooperate with KO in response to KO’s reasonable requests in relation to MEC’s relationship with KO and KO Distributors, including with respect to discussing in good faith potential resolutions of any material issues with KO Distributors relating to KO Distribution Agreements (as defined below) and any material disputes or performance issues thereunder, as set forth in Section 1.4 below,

 

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and (iv) MEC shall consider, in good faith, any reasonable requests by a KO Distributor to amend the form of Exhibit A, without any obligation on MEC to agree to any such amendment/s that MEC determines to not be acceptable in its sole and absolute discretion.  Without limiting the foregoing, as used herein, the term “New Distribution Agreements” shall also include amendments to Pre-Coordination Agreements to make them substantially identical with the form of attached Exhibit A, but only with respect to such Sub-Territories that become subject to such New Distribution Agreement, with effect from the respective effective dates of such amendments, in each case subject to such modifications as may be agreed upon in writing by MEC, KO and the applicable Pre-Coordination Distributor.  KO and MEC shall reasonably cooperate and use Best Efforts to attempt to obtain Pre-Coordination Distributors’ agreement to enter into such New Distribution Agreements.

 

6.                                    As such terms are used in this Agreement (i) the word “Products” collectively means (excluding any Products (as such term is defined in the KO Legacy Brands Coordination Agreements (as defined below))) (a) all Energy Drinks (as defined below), in any form, that are offered, packaged and/or marketed by MEC or any of its Affiliates at any time, under the primary brand name “Monster” or any other primary brand name having “Monster” as a derivative or part of such name, and/or containing the “” as a primary brand component, and which may, but are not required to contain the “” mark, and/or the “M” icon (“Monster Energy Drink/s”), (b) all drinks other than Energy Drinks, in any form, that are offered, packaged and/or marketed by MEC or any of its Affiliates at any time, under the primary brand name “Monster” or any other primary brand name having “Monster” as a derivative or part of such name, and which may, but are not required to contain the “” mark, and/or the “M” icon (“Other Monster Drink/s”), as MEC and KO may agree upon in writing and identified on attached Exhibit C-1 which may be amended from time to time by MEC and KO executing a mutually agreed upon amended Exhibit C-1, including any Other Monster Drinks added to a KO Distribution Agreement pursuant to Section 1.8.2 below, and (c) all other beverages not specified in (a) or (b) of this definition of Products, in any form, including, without limitation, Energy Drinks, that are offered, packaged and/or marketed by MEC or any of its Affiliates at any time, but not under the primary brand name “Monster” or any other primary brand name having “Monster” as a derivative or part of such name, and that do not contain the “” mark, and/or the “M” icon (“Other Products”), as MEC and KO may agree upon in writing and identified on attached Exhibit C-2 which may be amended from time to time by MEC and KO executing a mutually agreed upon amended Exhibit C-2.  The Products shall include all sizes of SKUs as may be determined by MEC and offered, packaged and/or marketed by MEC or any of its Affiliates in good faith from time to time, subject to Section 1.8 below (the “Product SKUs”); (ii) the words “Energy Drink/s” mean any shelf-stable, in ready-to-drink, powdered, drops or concentrate form, non-alcoholic beverage that satisfies all of the following conditions: (a) it is marketed or positioned to consumers as an energy beverage, (b) it contains one or more of the following ingredients: guarana, taurine, panax ginseng, L-carnitine, B-2 vitamins, B-6 vitamins, B-12 vitamins, L-arginine, astralagus, glucuronolactone or inositol (or, to the extent approved by KO, which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed, any ingredients substituting for or supplementing any of the foregoing ingredients) and (c) it has at least five (5) milligrams of caffeine per ounce (the “Caffeine Requirement”), except that (A) Products under the brand Monster Energy Unleaded (substantially as such Products are formulated, manufactured, marketed and/or sold as of the date hereof, and any line extensions or expansions

 

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of such Products marketed under such brand) shall not be required to meet the Caffeine Requirement; and (B) the Caffeine Requirement shall be reduced in respect of any particular territory to the extent that any final law applicable to MEC in such territory imposing restrictions on the on-going business activities of MEC is enacted by a Governmental Entity (as defined below) having jurisdiction over such territory that either (1) specifically establishes a maximum caffeine concentration that is lower than the Caffeine Requirement (in which case the Caffeine Requirement applicable to such territory shall be the maximum caffeine concentration permitted by such law) or (2) is reasonably expected, based on the good faith judgment of MEC, to have an adverse impact on MEC’s business, sales or profitability in such territory due to the caffeine concentration of the Products exceeding a specified level (including, for example, a material tax imposed on beverages with caffeine concentrations above a stated amount but excluding, for the avoidance of doubt, any age or similar restriction on the manner of sale of such beverages) (in which case the Caffeine Requirement applicable to such territory shall be the maximum caffeine concentration that would not have such adverse impact); it being agreed that affected Products in any affected territory may be reformulated by MEC to the extent necessary to comply with any such law or to avoid such adverse impact; (iii) the words “KO Distribution Agreements” mean (a) Pre-Coordination Agreements, (b) Existing Distribution Agreements, (c) New Distribution Agreements and (d) the Amended and Restated Distribution Agreements (as defined in Section 2 below); in each case, together with all exhibits, appendices, and schedules thereto and as such agreements may be amended or modified; (iv) the words “KO/MEC Distributors” mean (a) Pre-Coordination Distributors, but only in relation to New Distribution Agreements that such Pre-Coordination Distributors may enter into pursuant to this Agreement, (b) Existing KO Distributors under Existing Distribution Agreements, (c) KO Distributors that enter into New Distribution Agreements pursuant to this Agreement and (d) KO Distributors under the Amended and Restated Distribution Agreements, in each case, for so long as such agreements remain in effect; (v) the words “Best Efforts” mean the efforts a prudent Person (as defined below) desiring in good faith to achieve a result would use in the circumstances to ensure such result is achieved as expeditiously as possible but does not require the Person subject to such obligation to take actions that would result in any materially adverse change, or any financial change which in the aggregate, or over a period of time, would result in any materially adverse change, in the benefits to such Person under this Agreement or require such Person to expend funds or extend other economic incentives, unless otherwise expressly required under this Agreement; (vi) the words “KO Competitor” mean the Persons identified on attached Exhibit J and any Affiliates and successors thereof, it being agreed that KO may propose to MEC for MEC’s written approval to supplement or amend Exhibit J from time to time to add additional Person/s who are significant competitors of KO who own, operate or control a distribution network for alcoholic and/or non-alcoholic beverage products or own or license alcoholic and/or non-alcoholic beverage product brands, and MEC shall not unreasonably withhold approval to such supplement or amendment (and in all cases, including any of such Person’s respective Affiliates and successors); (vii) the word “Person” means an individual or firm, corporation, partnership, trust, incorporated or unincorporated association, joint venture, limited liability company, joint stock company, government (or an agency or subdivision thereof) or other entity of any kind and (viii) the word “Territory” means the Territory described on Exhibit B-1, but shall not include the Excluded Territories (as defined in Section 1.3 below) until, and to the extent, that New Distribution Agreements are entered into with respect to the Excluded Territories (or the applicable portion thereof).  The Parties agree that, other than solely for purposes of Sections 1.6, 1.7, 1.8 and 16.2

 

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below and Recital 5 above, the “Territory” shall not include any sub-territory identified on Exhibit B-2, unless and until such time as the distribution agreement between MEC and the applicable third party in such a sub-territory identified on Exhibit B-2 is no longer in effect, at which time the Parties acknowledge and agree that such sub-territory identified on Exhibit B-2 shall automatically be included as part of the Territory.

 

7.                                    All Exhibits referred to in this Agreement shall be deemed to be incorporated into this Agreement.  In accordance with Section 24.2 of the Original Agreement, the Parties desire to amend and restate the Original Agreement in its entirety as set forth herein.

 

Now, therefore, in consideration of the foregoing and of the mutual representations, warranties and covenants contained herein, the Parties hereby agree that the Original Agreement is hereby amended and restated in its entirety to read as follows:

 

AGREEMENT

 

1.                                    Agreement.

 

1.1                            The Parties acknowledge and agree that, subject to the terms of this Agreement, and in exchange for the consideration described in the Transaction Agreement, it is their mutual intent to procure and facilitate an expeditious, smooth and uninterrupted transition of the distribution of all Products to applicable KO Distributors throughout the Territory.  To that end, the Parties agree:

 

1.2                            To the extent permissible under applicable law (a) KO agrees to use its Best Efforts to recommend and consent to the entering into of such New Distribution Agreements, and shall, upon MEC’s reasonable request, use good faith efforts to reasonably assist the entering into of such New Distribution Agreements and the on-going relationship between MEC and such KO/MEC Distributors that have executed New Distribution Agreements with MEC, including, without limitation, by KO taking the following actions when required during the Term: (i) reasonably requesting that Proposed Distributors meet with representatives of KO (or KO and MEC) to attempt to resolve material issues related to the relationship (or failure to reach agreement with respect to a New Distribution Agreement) between MEC and such KO Distributor, (ii) participating in a reasonable number of such meetings described in clause (i), whether in person or via teleconference or video conference, at mutually agreed upon times with reasonable advance notice to KO, (iii) communicating to KO Distributors KO’s recommendation of, and consent to, the entering into of New Distribution Agreements, and (iv) refraining from discouraging, preventing and/or intentionally delaying the entry into of New Distribution Agreements between MEC and Proposed Distributors; (b) to the extent KO has express consent rights under a KO Bottler Agreement with respect to the KO Distributor’s right to distribute products other than KO products, KO will grant such consent in the Sub-Territories with respect to the Monster Energy Drink/s designated by MEC, and with respect to the Other Monster Drink/s and the Other Products that are included in the Products, as may be agreed to between MEC, KO and such KO Distributors in a New Distribution Agreement with such KO Distributor; and (c) KO shall use reasonable efforts to permit MEC to make presentations to KO/MEC Distributors in relation to its Energy Drink business from time to time throughout the Term (as defined below), under circumstances deemed reasonably appropriate by KO.  For the avoidance

 

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of doubt, KO’s Best Efforts and MEC’s Best Efforts hereunder shall not obligate either KO or MEC, as the case may be, to expend funds or extend other economic incentives to convince KO Distributors to enter into New Distribution Agreements with MEC; it being understood by MEC that KO does not control all KO Distributors, who will independently negotiate distribution agreements directly with MEC.

 

1.3                            The Parties agree that the Territory shall not include certain sub-territories within the Territory as set forth on attached Exhibit H (the “Excluded Territories”), subject to such terms and conditions as may be agreed between the Parties in writing, until, and to the extent, that New Distribution Agreements are entered into with respect to the Excluded Territories (or an applicable portion thereof).

 

1.4                            MEC Efforts.  MEC shall reasonably respond to KO’s or a KO Distributor’s reasonable inquiries and cooperate with KO in response to KO’s reasonable requests in relation to MEC’s relationship with KO and KO Distributors, including, without limitation, with respect to discussing in good faith potential resolutions of any material issues with KO Distributors relating to KO Distribution Agreements and any material disputes or performance issues thereunder or any perceived material issues relating to the commercialization of MEC’s Products, including, without limitation, by taking the following actions when required during the Term: participating in a reasonable number of meetings with representatives of KO (or KO and the applicable KO Distributor) to attempt to resolve material issues related to the relationship between MEC and such KO Distributor or MEC and KO (or failure to reach agreement with respect to a New Distribution Agreement), whether in person or via teleconference or video conference, at mutually agreed upon times with reasonable advance notice to MEC.  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary, and for the avoidance of doubt, MEC’s obligations under this Section 1.4 shall (a) not limit, delay or otherwise affect MEC’s rights and remedies relating to any such breach or failure by a KO/MEC Distributor under an applicable KO Distribution Agreement, (b) constitute a basis for a defense by a KO/MEC Distributor to any claim by MEC for such KO/MEC Distributor’s breach or failure to perform under the applicable KO Distribution Agreement therewith or (c) excuse, suspend or delay a KO/MEC Distributor’s obligations under an applicable KO Distribution Agreement.

 

1.5                            Manufacturing.  The Parties acknowledge and agree that it is their current mutual intention that they will consider in due course entering into a written agreement (with a KO Affiliate or a KO Distributor identified by KO) on mutually acceptable terms to provide for the manufacture of certain Products in the Territory.  This Section 1.5 shall not be deemed to be an agreement by the Parties for such manufacture and the Parties shall not have any obligations with respect thereto unless and until a written agreement has been duly executed.

 

1.6                            Without limiting the Parties’ respective obligations under the Transaction Agreement, to the extent permissible under applicable law and subject to Section 1.8.2:

 

(a) MEC and KO, subject to the last sentence of Section 1.2, shall use their respective Best Efforts to cause New Distribution Agreements to be entered into on terms and conditions mutually agreeable between MEC and KO Distributors for the distribution of all Products in the Sub-Territories, pursuant to the following process which shall be initiated by KO prior to or as soon as reasonably practicable after the Effective Date by delivering written notice (the

 

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Identification Notice”) to MEC identifying the specific KO Distributors (the “Proposed Distributors”) to be appointed to distribute all Products in all Sub-Territories in the Territory:

 

(i)                                  MEC shall, within twenty-one (21) days of receipt of the Identification Notice (or Identification Notice amendment, as applicable), deliver to each such Proposed Distributor accepted by MEC, a New Distribution Agreement that provides for the applicable KO Distributor to obtain exclusive distribution rights for all accounts and classes of accounts in the applicable Sub-Territory/ies, except to the extent approved in advance in writing by KO or otherwise agreed between MEC and such Proposed Distributor, along with the relevant details and instructions sufficiently explaining to such Proposed Distributor the requirements relating to submitting a Distribution Commitment (as defined below) in accordance herewith and providing requirements with respect to pricing, margins and promotional contribution commitments, including equipment requirements (the “Commercial Requirements”).  MEC shall not reject (nor refuse to accept) a KO Distributor holding the exclusive right to distribute (or that otherwise is the primary distributor of) “Coca-Cola” brand products in an applicable Sub-Territory (“Primary KO Distributor”), subject to compliance with the other provisions of this Section 1.6.  MEC shall diligently and in good faith negotiate the terms of such New Distribution Agreement using its Best Efforts to enter into such New Distribution Agreement with such Proposed Distributor for a period of at least forty-five (45) days (the “Initial Negotiation Period”), subject to such modifications to such form as may be agreed upon in writing by MEC, the Proposed Distributor and KO.  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein and, for the avoidance of doubt, MEC’s “Best Efforts” under Sections 1.6 and 1.7 shall not obligate MEC to agree to any amendments to such New Distribution Agreements which MEC, in good faith, deems inappropriate or unacceptable in its sole and absolute discretion.  Exhibit I sets forth certain additional terms and conditions applicable to negotiation of New Distribution Agreements that constitute amendments of Existing Distribution Agreements in accordance with Exhibit A.

 

(ii)                              If the Proposed Distributor does not deliver, or refuses to deliver, to MEC a Distribution Commitment (as defined below) within such Initial Negotiation Period, KO shall have the right to participate or otherwise assist in further negotiations between MEC and such Proposed Distributor for an additional period of at least fifteen (15) days, and MEC shall diligently and in good faith negotiate the terms of such New Distribution Agreement using its Best Efforts to enter into such New Distribution Agreement with such Proposed Distributor during such additional fifteen (15) day period (the “Second Negotiation Period”); provided that MEC may reject any proposed amendments to such New Distribution Agreement in its sole and absolute discretion.

 

(iii)                          If the Proposed Distributor fails to deliver such Distribution Commitment following the process set forth in clauses (i)-(ii) above; provided that MEC used good faith efforts to meet and confer with the applicable KO Distributor to resolve any differences, then such failure shall be deemed a Distribution Refusal (as defined and provided for in Section 1.8 below).  The process set forth in clauses (i)-(iii) of this Section 1.6(a) shall be referred to herein as the “Distributor Negotiation Process”.

 

(iv)                          Distribution Commitmentmeans a duly executed New Distribution Agreement (including acceptance of the Commercial Requirements) in the form provided by MEC or another form acceptable to MEC (provided that MEC shall consider, in good faith, any

 

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reasonable requests by a Proposed Distributor to amend the form of Exhibit A, without any obligation on MEC to agree to any such amendment/s that MEC determines to not be acceptable in its sole and absolute discretion, which entitles MEC to accept and execute such New Distribution Agreement, but only after the effective termination of any Third Party Agreement/s (as defined below) for the Sub-Territory/ies applicable to such New Distribution Agreement (provided that such entitlement to accept and execute shall be irrevocable for a period of one hundred twenty (120) days after MEC’s receipt thereof and, thereafter, such Proposed Distributor may revoke such Distribution Commitment in its sole discretion upon written notice to MEC).  MEC shall notify such Proposed Distributor if the duly executed New Distribution Agreement submitted by the Proposed Distributor is not in a form and substance acceptable to MEC, identifying in general why such New Distribution is not acceptable to MEC and in the event that MEC fails to so respond within ten (10) days of receipt of a duly executed New Distribution Agreement, the Proposed Distributor shall have the right to revoke such Distribution Commitment upon written notice to MEC.  If the Proposed Distributor delivers the Distribution Commitment, then immediately after MEC becomes aware of the effective termination of any applicable Third Party Agreements for the Sub-Territory/ies applicable to the applicable Distribution Commitment (or if there are no such Third Party Agreements, immediately upon receipt thereof), MEC shall execute such Distribution Commitment to the extent not previously revoked by such Proposed Distributor in accordance herewith (which thereupon shall constitute the applicable New Distribution Agreement), and deliver the fully executed New Distribution Agreement to such Proposed Distributor with a copy to KO promptly following the execution thereof.  For the avoidance of doubt, MEC shall not approach or engage any KO Distributors without first notifying KO in writing.

 

(b) as soon as practicable, but in no event later than ten (10) days, after a KO Distributor has delivered a Distribution Commitment with respect to an applicable Sub-Territory/ies, MEC shall (or shall cause its applicable Affiliate to), including, if necessary, by payment by MEC at its sole expense of any Severance Payment (as defined below), lawfully commence and implement terminating, to the extent permissible under and in accordance with its terms and applicable law, any existing distribution or similar agreements or arrangements with third party distributors who are not KO Affiliates or other KO Distributors (“Third Party Distributors”) relating to the distribution of any Products (“Third Party Agreements”) in the applicable Sub-Territory/ies, to the extent such Sub-Territory/ies is/are covered by the Distribution Commitment (including terminating any coordination agreement with a third party (to the extent permissible under and in accordance with its terms and applicable law) after all Third Party Agreements covered thereby have expired or been terminated).  Upon the effective date of any such effective termination of the applicable Third Party Agreement, MEC shall cease distributing Products through any such terminated Third Party Distributor and commence distribution through the applicable KO Distributor in accordance with the applicable New Distribution Agreement.  “Severance Payment” means the quantifiable amount expressly provided for in the applicable Third Party Agreement that MEC is obligated to pay to the applicable Third Party Distributor under such Third Party Agreement for the lawful termination of such Third Party Agreement, without cause and/or for convenience, in accordance with its terms.

 

(c) except as provided in the next sentence, or as otherwise expressly provided by this Agreement, MEC shall not (and shall cause its Affiliates to not) enter into any new coordination,

 

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distribution or similar agreements or arrangements (or otherwise amend any similar existing arrangements to grant any third party additional rights), relating to the distribution of any Products in the Territory or distribute Products in the Territory other than through KO, its Affiliates and/or the KO Distributors in accordance with this Agreement and the applicable KO Distribution Agreements.  The foregoing shall not apply (i) to the Sub-Territories subject to Third Party Agreements existing as of the Effective Date that remain in effect in accordance with this Agreement (e.g., those that will not be and/or have not yet been terminated in accordance with Section 1.6(b) above), (ii) to Excluded Territories (subject to such terms and conditions as may be agreed in writing between the Parties with respect thereto), (iii) to the Sub-Territories with respect to which both (1) no KO Distribution Agreement has been entered into with a KO Distributor, and (2) a Distributor Negotiation Process was completed in accordance with this Agreement but no Distribution Commitment was provided, (iv) to the Sub-Territories with respect to which a KO Distributor has been terminated and a Distributor Negotiation Process was completed to replace such KO Distributor, but such KO Distributor was not replaced with a Primary KO Distributor, and (v) to the extent otherwise expressly authorized under other Sections of this Agreement (including, for clarity, pursuant to Section 1.8); provided that, in no event, shall MEC (and MEC shall cause its Affiliates not to) enter into any agreements or arrangements (or amendment of any agreement or arrangement) that conflicts with MEC’s obligations or KO’s rights or benefits under this Section 1.6 (such as agreeing to amend a Third Party Agreement to make it not terminable by MEC or its applicable Affiliate).  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary, the first sentence of this section 1.6(c) shall not apply to (i) MEC directly making arrangements with “National Accounts” or its functional equivalent as defined or provided in an applicable KO Distribution Agreement relating to multi-state accounts having multiple outlets in one or more market/s and/or Sub-Territories in the Territory and (ii) any Distributor’s Accounts (as defined in the applicable KO Distribution Agreement) that are expressly identified in the applicable KO Distribution Agreement as not exclusive to (or not served by) such KO Distributor.

 

1.7                            Provided that a KO Distributor has delivered a Distribution Commitment (including acceptance of the Commercial Requirements) with respect to an applicable Sub-Territory, and other than as expressly agreed by the Parties in writing, to the extent that any Third Party Agreements existing as of the Effective Date are not terminable in accordance with Section 1.6(b) above, MEC shall (and shall cause its applicable Affiliate to) (a) use commercially reasonable efforts (without limiting MEC’s obligation as provided in the last sentence of this Section 1.7) to negotiate the termination of such Third Party Agreements pursuant to and in accordance with the terms thereof as soon as reasonably practicable following the Effective Date, and (b) to the extent not prohibited by the terms thereof, not renew (other than automatic renewals or renewals by the Third Party Distributor as provided in an applicable Third Party Agreement) or expand such Third Party Agreement.  Promptly upon effective termination or expiration of any Third Party Agreements or with respect to Products for which there is no existing Third Party Agreement or KO Distribution Agreement in the Sub-Territory (including the transfer of distribution rights for Products and Sub-Territories covered by the terminated Third Party Agreements), MEC shall use its Best Efforts to enter into a New Distribution Agreement with a Primary KO Distributor with respect to such Sub-Territory and Products pursuant to and in accordance with the Distributor Negotiation Process (mutatis mutandis) or, as otherwise may be agreed by KO, MEC, and the applicable KO Distributor, adding such Products

 

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and Sub-Territories to the Amended and Restated Distribution Agreement or other Existing Distribution Agreements.  For the avoidance of doubt, other than as expressly agreed by the Parties in writing, any Severance Payment due to any distributor in connection with the termination of its applicable Third Party Agreement shall be the sole responsibility and liability of MEC and its Affiliates (and KO, its Affiliates and the KO Distributors shall not have any responsibility or liability therefor or for any other termination fees or other payments due to such Third Party Distributor).

 

1.8                            Distribution Refusal.

 

1.8.1                If, after the Distributor Negotiation Process provided for in Section 1.6(a) above, including MEC’s good faith effort to meet and confer with the applicable KO Distributor to resolve any differences, (a) a Proposed Distributor fails to deliver a Distribution Commitment or, in breach of its agreement with MEC, a KO/MEC Distributor, at any time thereafter, otherwise refuses to distribute or to continue to distribute substantially all Monster Energy Drink/s, as the case may be, designated by MEC in good faith for sale in the applicable Sub-Territory, (b) KO has not provided consent (to the extent required) to such KO Distributor to distribute substantially all Monster Energy Drink/s, as the case may be, designated by MEC in good faith for sale in the applicable Sub-Territory, (c) KO has not provided consent (to the extent required) to an applicable KO Distributor to distribute substantially all Other Monster Drinks or Other Products that are included in the Products, as the case may be, designated by MEC in good faith for sale in the applicable Sub-Territory or (d) KO has provided such consent to such KO Distributor’s distribution of Other Monster Drinks or Other Products but such KO Distributor refuses to distribute or to continue to distribute substantially all such Other Monster Drinks or Other Products, as the case may be (each, as to such category of Monster Energy Drinks, Other Monster Drinks or Other Products subject to such refusal, a “Distribution Refusal”), MEC shall have the right, subject to Section 1.8.5, to market, distribute and sell, and/or to continue to market, distribute and sell directly or through a third party distributor, including, without limitation, Third Party Distributors, in the Sub-Territory, to the exclusion of KO or such KO/MEC Distributor, as the case may be, all or substantially all of the Product SKUs (including the declined Products), of such applicable category of Products subject to such Distribution Refusal (i.e., Monster Energy Drinks, Other Monster Drinks or Other Products, as the case may be), so designated for sale by MEC in the applicable Sub-Territory, upon forty-five (45) days written notice to KO (with a copy to the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of KO) of its intention to do so; provided that such Distribution Refusal continues to exist after such forty-five (45) day period.  In such event, the KO Distribution Agreement with such KO/MEC Distributor may be terminated by the KO/MEC Distributor if substantially all of the Products under such KO Distribution Agreement are distributed to the exclusion of such KO/MEC Distributor.  MEC’s rights to enter into agreements with other distributor/s (including Third Party Distributors) or otherwise market, distribute and sell Products or Monster Energy Drink/s, as the case may be, shall be limited to the applicable Sub-Territories for which such Distribution Refusal applies.

 

1.8.2                KO hereby irrevocably grants MEC approval in advance for the distribution by such KO/MEC Distributors of any and all Monster Energy Drink/s during the Term (a) in ready to drink form, and (b) all other form(s) unless KO determines such other forms

 

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are not operationally or logistically viable for KO Distributors with respect to the distribution and related activities by KO Distributors as contemplated hereunder and under the KO Distribution Agreements, (provided that, for clarity, refusal to distribute or provide consent to any such non-viable non-ready-to-drink form of Monster Energy Products or of any Other Monster Drink or Other Product shall constitute “Refused New Products” (as defined below), with respect to Section 1.8.2 and 1.8.3).  At any reasonable time prior to launching or otherwise commencing the sale or other distribution of any product SKU/s of Other Monster Drink/s or Other Products that MEC or any of its Affiliates may determine to sell or otherwise distribute after the Effective Date (each a “New Product SKUs”), MEC shall offer (i) KO the option to include such New Product SKUs as Products under this Agreement, and (ii) KO/MEC Distributors the right to distribute New Product SKUs, subject to the terms of the applicable KO Distribution Agreement, and where permissible under applicable law, subject to KO’s prior written approval of distribution by such KO Distributors of such New Product SKUs.  Without prejudice to MEC’s rights under Section 1.8.1 above, to the extent that KO or the applicable KO/MEC Distributor refuses to approve of adding New Product SKUs or any product SKUs of Monster Energy Products (collectively, “Refused New Product/s”) to a KO/MEC Distributor’s KO Distribution Agreement within fifteen (15) days of MEC’s request that New Product SKUs be added, MEC shall have the right, subject to Section 1.8.3 below, to sell, have sold, or otherwise distribute such Refused New Products (but not, subject to Section 1.8.1 above for clarity, any other Products or New Product SKUs), to the exclusion of such KO/MEC Distributors through other distributors selected by MEC, after an additional fifteen (15) days written notice to KO of its intention to do so and KO and/or the applicable KO/MEC Distributor, as the case may be, do not provide such approval prior to expiration of such fifteen (15) day period.  MEC’s right to sell, have sold, or otherwise distribute such Refused New Products/New Product SKUs pursuant to this Section 1.8.2 shall be limited to the Sub-Territories for which such approval has not been granted.

 

1.8.3                MEC may, in its sole and absolute discretion, offer KO/MEC Distributors the right to distribute any Refused New Products on such terms as MEC may determine in its sole and absolute discretion.  Without limiting the foregoing, prior to launching or otherwise commencing the sale, commercialization or other distribution of any Refused New Products or entering into any contract or arrangement with respect to the acquisition, directly or indirectly, of any ownership interest in, or the management or control of, any business or assets relating to any Refused New Products, MEC shall notify KO in writing of its intention to do so and the Parties shall discuss in good faith potential business relationships or other commercial opportunities relating to the commercialization of such Refused New Products (on mutually agreeable terms), with the joint goal of promoting each Party’s focus on its core business and alignment between them and their respective product offerings, for a period of thirty (30) days or such longer period agreed upon by the Parties.

 

1.8.4                Except for Monster Energy Drinks and products distributed pursuant to the Concurrent Agreement (as defined below) or the KO Legacy Brands Coordination Agreements (as defined below), MEC shall not permit any KO Distributors to distribute any products that do not fall within the definition of the “Products” or that KO has not approved in advance in writing in accordance with this Section 1.8 (unless KO is prohibited under applicable law from disapproving of such distribution).  For the avoidance of doubt, any KO Distributor shall have

 

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the right to appoint one or more sub-distributors and enter into sub-distribution agreement/s therewith with respect to their Sub-Territory/ies subject to the applicable provisions of the New Distribution Agreements relating to sub-distributors.  The “KO Legacy Brands Coordination Agreements” mean, collectively, the Distribution Coordination Agreement For Crown-Transferred Energy Products dated June 12, 2015 between KO and Monster Energy Ltd. (“MEL”) and the International Distribution Coordination Agreement For Crown-Transferred Energy Products dated June 12, 2015 between KO and MEL.

 

1.8.5                In the event of any Distribution Refusal, subject to Section 1.8.3, MEC shall only have the right to market, distribute and sell the applicable Product SKUs in the applicable Sub-Territory through any Third Party Distributor pursuant to a written distribution agreement; provided that if the Commercial Requirements terms offered to any Third Party Distributor are substantially more favorable to such Third Party Distributor than the Commercial Requirements that were offered to a Proposed Distributor during the Distributor Negotiation Process, then MEC shall first provide such Proposed Distributor in writing the right, for a period of four (4) Business Days (as defined in Section 16.1 below) from written notice by MEC (prominently noting to such Proposed Distributor that such offer expires at the end of such period, with a copy to KO of such offer), to enter into a New Distribution Agreement based on the Commercial Requirements offered to such Third Party Distributor.  Upon the expiration of such four (4) Business Day period, MEC shall be entitled to enter into a distribution agreement with the applicable Third Party Distributor in accordance herewith.

 

1.9                            Equipment. In each Sub-Territory in which a KO/MEC Distributor distributes Monster Energy Drink/s, KO shall consent to and authorize KO/MEC Distributors, and use reasonable efforts to the extent within KO’s reasonable control, *** that exists as of the Effective Date and from time to time during the Term of this Agreement, but solely to the extent (and in the form and manner) reasonably agreed to by the Parties on a market-by-market basis, subject to and taking into account regional, local market and financial considerations and other relevant factors, which shall in any event be ***.

 

2.                                    Amended and Restated CCR and Canada Distribution Agreements.  Concurrently with execution of this Agreement, MEC and Coca-Cola Refreshments USA, Inc. (“CCR”), and MEC and Coca-Cola Refreshments Canada Company (“Crown Canada”), shall execute amended and restated versions of that certain Monster Energy Distribution Agreement, dated as of October 3, 2008, and that certain Monster Energy Canadian Distribution Agreement, dated as of October 3, 2008, respectively (collectively, the “Amended and Restated Distribution Agreements”).

 

3.                                    KO Distributors; Distribution AgreementsExhibit Z sets forth certain additional terms and conditions applicable to expiration or termination of a KO Bottler Agreement.  In the event that any Primary KO Distributor is willing to distribute the Products on the terms of the KO Distribution Agreement then in effect, MEC shall not have the right to withhold its agreement to such Primary KO Distributor distributing the Products on such terms (i.e., such agreement shall

 

*** Indicates portions of this exhibit have been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to a request for confidential treatment.

 

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be deemed to be a Distribution Commitment). MEC hereby approves in advance any whole or partial transfer in the rights of KO Distributors effected or otherwise approved by KO, whether pursuant to the KO Bottler Agreement or otherwise, that results from, arises out of or relates to (a) the transfer of one or more Sub-Territories from one KO Distributor to a Primary KO Distributor, (b) the acquisition and divestiture of ownership or control of KO Distributors, either by or from KO or other KO Distributors, pursuant to a plan adopted by KO, or (c) any activities substantially identical to the foregoing.  KO (or any Primary KO Distributors) shall not be required to seek further approval from or make any payment to MEC or any of its Affiliates with respect to such change.  MEC’s approval pursuant to this Section 3 shall constitute prior written approval under this Agreement (and any applicable KO Distribution Agreement), provided that such approval does not result in or require MEC to pay a Severance Payment or other amounts or to extend other economic incentives, unless KO agrees to reimburse MEC therefor.

 

4.                                    Product Tracking Information. To the extent permissible under applicable law and to the extent available to KO, if a general product distribution tracking system is utilized by KO, MEC and KO will use their respective Best Efforts to require each KO Distributor to assign a KO-provided (or manufacturer-provided, as the case may be) tracking number to each Product and Product package (or such other actions as KO may reasonably request in the future) to allow for tracking of inventory and sales information by any sales data collection system then in use generally by KO and the KO Distributors, and as required under Section 3(p) of the New Distribution Agreement (Exhibit A) or any corollary provision in any KO Distribution Agreement.

 

5.                                    External Communications.

 

5.1                            Publicity.  MEC and KO each agree that the initial public, written announcements regarding the execution of this Agreement and the subject matter addressed herein shall be coordinated between the Parties prior to release.  Thereafter, each Party agrees to use commercially reasonable efforts to consult with the other Party regarding any public, written announcement which a Party reasonably anticipates would be materially prejudicial to the other Party.  Nothing provided herein, however, will prevent either Party from (a) making and continuing to make any statements or other disclosures it deems required, prudent or desirable under applicable Federal or State Securities Laws (including without limitation the rules, regulations and directives of the Securities and Exchange Commission) and/or such Party’s customary business practices, or (b) engaging in oral discussions or oral or written presentations with actual or prospective investors or analysts regarding the subject matter of this Agreement, provided no Confidential Information (as defined below) is disclosed.  If a Party breaches this Section 5.1 it shall have a seven (7) day period in which to cure its breach after written notice from the other Party.  A breach of this Section 5.1 shall not entitle a Party to damages or to terminate this Agreement.

 

5.2                            Marketing and Promotion.

 

(a)  MEC and KO agree that the principles set forth in Section 5.2.(b) below are generally consistent with the marketing and promotion guiding principles of both MEC and KO (the “Guiding Principles”). Notwithstanding anything set forth below, compliance with the Guiding Principles shall not constitute an obligation of either Party under this Agreement.  The

 

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Guiding Principles shall constitute unenforceable goals only of the Parties and neither Party shall be entitled to make any claim for breach against the other or enforce any remedy under this Agreement or to terminate this Agreement as the result of non-compliance with, or a violation of, any Guiding Principle(s).

 

(b)  Neither MEC nor KO will advertise, market, or promote the Products in connection with: (i) material misrepresentations or material omissions of fact about the Products branded with MEC Marks; (ii) derogatory statements or messages about the other Party or its products; (iii) illegal drugs, pornography, racist activities or organizations; or (iv) activities, causes, or products that are generally immoral according to applicable community standards of the relevant consumer of the Products such that it is materially detrimental to the other Party’s public image and/or its rights as set forth in this Agreement.

 

6.                                    Commissions.

 

6.1                            Commissions Payable by MEC.  Subject to the terms set forth in Exhibit Y, in exchange for KO’s performance of its obligations under this Agreement, including the provision of services under this Agreement by KO to MEC or its Affiliates, as applicable, MEC will pay KO a commission (the “Commission”) equal to the percentage set forth on Exhibit D of the Incremental Net Sales (as defined below), which percentage will be adjusted for each of the Products on the first day of each calendar year as set forth on Exhibit D with reference to MEC’s then-current Gross Profit Margin (as defined below).  The Commission will be payable monthly in arrears within forty-five (45) days of the end of each month commencing the Effective Date based on MEC’s good faith estimate of Incremental Net Sales, and shall be reconciled to reflect actual Incremental Net Sales for each calendar quarter within sixty (60) days of the end of such calendar quarter.

 

Base Volume” means the number of actual cases of Products sold by MEC or any of its Affiliates to all prior distributors in the applicable territory during the twelve (12) month period ending the last day of the month immediately preceding the effective dates of each applicable KO Distribution Agreement, which amount shall be agreed to by the Parties and shall be attached to this Agreement as Exhibit E, and which shall be increased from time to time as appropriate in order to reflect (i) the number of actual cases of Products sold by MEC or any of its Affiliates to Third Party Distributors, in any additional territories that may be added to this Agreement subsequent to the Effective Date, during the twelve (12) month period ending the last day of the month immediately preceding the effective dates of each applicable New Distribution Agreement, and (ii) the number of actual cases of Products sold by MEC or any of its Affiliates to customers or to accounts serviced by MEC or any of its Affiliates directly that begin to be sold by a KO/MEC Distributor to such customers or accounts serviced by a KO/MEC Distributor directly, during the twelve (12) month period ending the last day of the month immediately preceding the date on which such customers or accounts begin to be sold to or serviced by a KO/MEC Distributor directly, which amounts described in subclause (i) and (ii) shall be agreed to by the Parties from time to time.

 

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Cost of Sales” for each of the Products means MEC’s cost of sales in the United States and Canada with respect to each such Product for any applicable period calculated on the same basis and in the same manner that cost of sales is calculated by MEC for the purposes of MEC’s periodic financial statements from time to time prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles consistently applied.

 

Gross Profit” for a particular Product means Net Sales of each of such Product minus the aggregate Cost of Sales of each of such Product sold during the applicable period.

 

Gross Profit Margin” for each particular Product means the percentage determined by multiplying by 100 a fraction having the Gross Profit for such Product as numerator and the Net Sales for such Product as denominator.

 

Incremental Net Sales” for a particular period means that portion of the Net Sales (as defined below) of each of the Products sold by MEC or any of its Affiliates to KO/MEC Distributors during each calendar year (prorated for any period less than a calendar year) that exceeds the Base Volume during such calendar year (prorated for any period less than a calendar year) (i.e. the excess only).

 

Net Sales” for any applicable period means the gross amount invoiced for all sales by MEC or any of its Affiliates to KO/MEC Distributors in the United States and Canada of each of the Products for the applicable period, less deductions for (a) federal and state excise tax to the extent paid for by MEC in the United States and Canada, (b) customary discounts and sales allowances paid, accrued or credited, (c) Products returned during such period, and (d) permitted allowances, discounts, free cases or allowance programs and commissions to third parties paid or incurred by MEC in the United States and Canada (which for sake of clarity does not include the Commissions, the Facilitation Fees, and/or the CCL Facilitation Fee (as defined below)).

 

6.2                            Commissions Payable by KO/MEC Distributors.  Subject to the terms set forth in Exhibit Y, in exchange for KO’s performance of its obligations under this Agreement, each KO/MEC Distributor in the United States will pay a commission to KO computed in accordance with the formula set forth on Exhibit D based on the aggregate quantity of Products invoiced by MEC to the applicable KO/MEC Distributor in the United States (the “Facilitation Fee”).  MEC will collect the Facilitation Fee from the KO/MEC Distributors in the United States on behalf of KO as provided in this Section.  MEC agrees that it has no rights whatsoever in the Facilitation Fees and may not (i) include any Facilitation Fees in its revenues or list of assets, (ii) pledge, grant, or allow any lien or security interest whatsoever in any of the Facilitation Fees, (iii) retain any such Facilitation Fees as full or partial payment of any amount(s) allegedly owed to MEC by KO under this Agreement or by a KO/MEC Distributor, or (iv) take any action whatsoever inconsistent with KO’s ownership of the Facilitation Fees.  All of MEC’s invoices to such KO/MEC Distributors in the United States will include the Facilitation Fee, which will be payable in accordance with the terms of the MEC invoice.  MEC will receive the Facilitation Fees paid in accordance with such MEC invoice and remit all Facilitation Fee payments to KO monthly, within fifteen (15) days of the end of each calendar month.  MEC is in no way guaranteeing payment of the Facilitation Fees.  MEC will advise KO of any failure by an applicable KO/MEC Distributor to pay on a timely basis any Facilitation Fee for which it is liable within a reasonable time following such default, and cooperate with KO’s reasonable

 

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requests for assistance to collect any defaulted Facilitation Fee payments at no cost to MEC.  At KO’s request, MEC will assign all its rights to collect the defaulted Facilitation Fee to KO.  MEC shall have no obligations beyond those set forth in this Section 6.2 to assist in the collection of the Facilitation Fees.  With respect to any distribution of the Products through a KO/MEC Distributor in Canada, KO’s Canadian subsidiary (Coca-Cola Ltd., or “CCL”) and Coca-Cola Refreshments Canada Company (Crown Canada or “CCRC”) will separately agree between themselves on a similar fee (the “CCL Facilitation Fee”), which will be paid directly from CCRC to CCL.

 

6.3                            Acknowledgement.  For the avoidance of doubt, the Parties hereby acknowledge and agree that (a) no Commission or Facilitation Fees shall be payable with respect to the Net Sales of Pre-Coordination Distributors except in relation to New Distribution Agreements in substantially the form of the attached Exhibit A, that are entered into between Pre-Coordination Distributors and MEC pursuant to this Agreement, subject to such modifications as may be agreed upon in writing by MEC, KO (to the extent required under Section 8.2.2 below) and the applicable Pre-Coordination Distributor (but always excluding sales of Products under New Distribution Agreements in Prior Territories as defined and set forth in Exhibit Y), and (b) notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, KO shall have no obligations hereunder (including under Section 1.2) or be subject to any liability or claims for breach hereof with respect to any Pre-Coordination Agreements (or Pre-Coordination Distributors).  Without limiting the foregoing, and in addition thereto, the terms set forth in Exhibit Y are incorporated in this Section 6.3 by this reference.

 

6.4                            Excluded Liabilities.  Except as contemplated by Section 23.1 of this Agreement, KO shall not assume pursuant to the terms of this Agreement any of MEC’s debts, liabilities or obligations whatsoever, whether accrued, absolute, contingent, known, unknown or otherwise; any accounts payable; or any damages, losses, liabilities, claims, charges, actions, suits, proceedings, deficiencies, taxes, interest, penalties, or costs and expenses arising from or relating to claims asserted by any third party or Governmental Entity regarding the Products.  “Governmental Entity” means any (a) nation, state, county, city, town, village, district, or other jurisdiction of any nature, (b) federal, state, local, municipal, foreign, or other government, (c) governmental or quasi-governmental authority of any nature (including any governmental agency, branch, department, official, or entity and any court or other tribunal), or (d) body exercising, or entitled to exercise, any administrative, executive, judicial, legislative, police, regulatory, or taxing authority or power of any nature.

 

7.                                    Confidentiality.

 

7.1                            Confidentiality” Definition.  As used herein, “Confidential Information” means any information, observation, data, written material, records, documents, computer programs, software, firmware, inventions, discoveries, improvements, developments, designs, promotional ideas, customer lists, suppliers lists, financial statements, practices, processes, formulae, methods, techniques, trade secrets, products and/or research, in each such case, of or related to a Party’s products, organization, business and/or finances; provided, however, that Confidential Information shall not include any information which (a) is in the public domain except through any intentional or negligent act or omission of the non-disclosing Party (or any agent, employee, shareholder, director, officer, or independent contractor of or retained by such other Party or any

 

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of its Affiliates, (b) can be shown by clear and convincing tangible evidence to have been in the possession of the non-disclosing Party prior to disclosure by the disclosing Party, (c) is legally and properly provided to the non-disclosing Party without restriction by an independent third party that is under no obligation of confidentiality to the disclosing Party and that did not obtain such information in any illegal or improper manner or otherwise in violation of any agreement with the disclosing Party, (d) is disclosed without any restrictions of any kind by the disclosing Party to third parties on a regular basis without any measures being taken, whether explicitly or implicitly, by the disclosing Party to protect the confidentiality of such information, or (e) is independently generated by any employee or independent contractor of or retained by the non-disclosing Party, and such employee or independent contractor has no knowledge of any of the Confidential Information.

 

7.2                            Non-Disclosure Obligations.  It is contemplated that in the course of the performance of this Agreement each Party may, from time to time, disclose its Confidential Information to the other, as well as to KO/MEC Distributors.  Each Party agrees that any such Confidential Information (a) will be used solely as provided by the terms and conditions of this Agreement, (b) is intended solely for the information and assistance of the other Party and/or the KO/MEC Distributors in the performance of such Party’s obligations or exercise of such Party’s rights under this Agreement and is not to be otherwise disclosed, (c) may be disclosed by either Party to its professional advisers for the purposes of taking professional advice, subject to appropriate obligations of professional confidentiality, and (d) may be disclosed as required by applicable law or an order by a Governmental Entity or any requirements of stock market or exchange or other regulatory body having competent jurisdiction; provided, except where prohibited by law, the recipient will give the disclosing Party reasonable advance notice of such required disclosure, and will reasonably cooperate with the disclosing Party, in order to allow the disclosing Party an opportunity to oppose, or limit the disclosure of the Confidential Information or otherwise secure confidential treatment of the Confidential Information required to be disclosed; provided, further, that if disclosure is ultimately required, the recipient will furnish only that portion of the Confidential Information which, based upon advice of legal counsel, the recipient is required to disclose in compliance with any such requirement.  Each Party will use its Best Efforts to protect the confidentiality of the other Party’s Confidential Information, which efforts shall be at least as extensive as the measures such Party uses to protect its own similar Confidential Information.

 

7.3                            Injunctive Relief.  Each Party acknowledges that the other Party will suffer irreparable harm if such Party breaches any of the provisions regarding confidentiality set forth in this Section 7 and that monetary damages will be inadequate to compensate the other Party for such breach.  Therefore, if a Party (or any agent, employee, shareholder, director, officer, or independent contractor of or retained by such other Party or any of its Affiliates) breaches any of such provisions, then the other Party shall be entitled to seek injunctive relief without bond (in addition to any other remedies at law or equity) to enforce such provisions.

 

8.                                    Distribution Agreements and Amendments.

 

8.1                            MEC’s Rights Regarding New Distribution Agreements.  Except as expressly provided in any KO Distribution Agreement with a KO/MEC Distributor and this Agreement (including Section 1.6), nothing in this Agreement should be construed as granting KO

 

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Distributors exclusive distribution rights for the Products or otherwise prohibiting MEC from entering or maintaining relationships with other distributors.

 

8.2                            Amendment of Distribution Agreements.

 

8.2.1                Section 6(b) and Exhibit E of the New Distribution Agreement sets forth, without limitation, the terms under which the KO/MEC Distributor pays a Facilitation Fee to MEC (the “Facilitation Fee Terms”).  MEC covenants and agrees not to amend, modify, or delete any of the Facilitation Fee Terms, if applicable, in any of the KO Distribution Agreements with such KO/MEC Distributors without KO’s prior written consent.

 

8.2.2                KO’s consent shall not be required to amend, modify, add or delete any provision of any KO Distribution Agreement (or the terms attached as Exhibit A with respect to any New Distribution Agreement proposed by MEC pursuant to the Distributor Negotiation Process) except with respect to an amendment, modification, addition or deletion (a) that would reasonably be expected to materially impact KO’s rights or benefits under such KO Distribution Agreement or this Agreement, or (b) to any of the following terms (or otherwise materially affecting such terms): definition of Products (to the extent KO has consent rights with respect thereto under Section 1.8 of this Agreement), term, termination, deadlock procedures, placement in branded refrigerated equipment, distributor’s exclusivity, facilitation fee, distribution refusal, competing products or other non-competition, and amendment.  KO shall not unreasonably withhold or delay its approval of any amendment, modification, addition or deletion of any KO Distribution Agreement (or the terms attached as Exhibit A with respect to any New Distribution Agreement proposed by MEC pursuant to the Distributor Negotiation Process) that is sought by MEC and is acceptable to such KO Distributor.  KO’s approval shall be deemed to have been granted if KO does not respond within fourteen (14) Business Days of receipt of MEC’s written request; provided that such written request prominently states that failure to respond by such date will be deemed approval by KO.

 

8.3                            The provisions of this Section 8.3 are set forth on attached Exhibit F and incorporated in this Section 8.3 by this reference.

 

9.                                    Competitive Product/s.  The provisions of this Section 9 are set forth on attached Exhibit G and incorporated in this Section 9 by this reference.

 

10.                            Termination of KO Distribution Agreement/s.

 

10.1                    KO Right to Cure.  In the event of any breach or default by a KO/MEC Distributor under its KO Distribution Agreement with MEC or any other occurrence that would give rise to MEC’s right to terminate such KO Distribution Agreement, MEC will give KO written notice of such breach, default or occurrence at the same time as MEC delivers notice of such breach, default or occurrence to such KO/MEC Distributor, and KO shall have the same opportunity to cure such breach, default, or occurrence as is provided to the KO/MEC Distributor under the KO Distribution Agreement, if any, but only to the extent capable of being cured by KO.  If the KO/MEC Distributor and KO fail to cure the breach, default, or occurrence within the applicable cure period, if any, MEC may terminate such KO Distribution Agreement pursuant to and in accordance with its terms and seek any remedies available under such KO Distribution

 

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Agreement or applicable law, in its sole and absolute discretion.  KO will not, and will not directly or indirectly participate in or assist any KO/MEC Distributor (other than any wholly-owned direct or indirect subsidiary of KO (e.g., CCR)) to, challenge any right or remedy MEC invokes against such KO/MEC Distributor under any KO Distribution Agreement, except to the extent that such challenge may relate to a breach by MEC or KO of its obligations under this Agreement or is reasonably necessary for KO to prevent a material impairment of its rights under this Agreement.  MEC agrees that (a) KO is not obligated, directly or indirectly, in any way under any of the KO Distribution Agreements, (b) KO has not expressly or implicitly agreed to guarantee the performance of any KO/MEC Distributor under its respective KO Distribution Agreement with MEC, and (c) MEC will not take any action against KO to enforce a KO/MEC Distributor’s obligation/s under its KO Distribution Agreement with MEC.

 

10.2                    [INTENTIONALLY OMITTED]

 

11.                            Term.  Unless terminated by either Party pursuant to the terms of this Agreement, the initial term of this Agreement shall commence on the Effective Date and shall end on the twentieth (20th) anniversary of the Effective Date (the “Term”).  After such initial term, this Agreement shall, subject to being terminated by either Party pursuant to the terms of this Agreement, continue and remain in effect for as long as any KO/MEC Distributor continues to distribute some or all of the Products pursuant to the terms of a KO Distribution Agreement.

 

12.                            Termination By Either Party.  Without prejudice to its other rights and remedies under this Agreement and those rights and remedies otherwise available in equity or at law, either Party may terminate this Agreement on the occurrence of one or more of the following:

 

12.1                    Material Breach.  The other Party’s material breach of a provision of this Agreement and failure to cure such breach within forty-five (45) days after receiving written notice describing such material breach in reasonable detail from the non-breaching Party; provided, however, if such breach is of a nature that it cannot reasonably be cured within forty-five (45) days, then the breaching Party shall have an additional forty-five (45) day period to cure such breach, providing it immediately commences, and thereafter diligently uses, in good faith, its Best Efforts to cure such breach.  For the avoidance of doubt, any material breach of Section 9 hereof shall constitute a material breach of this Agreement for purposes of this Section 12.1.

 

12.2                    Insolvency.  The other Party: (a) makes any general arrangement or assignment for the benefit of creditors; (b) becomes bankrupt, insolvent or a “debtor” as defined in 11 U.S.C. Section 101 or any successor statute (unless such petition is dismissed within sixty (60) days after its original filing); (c) has appointed a trustee or receiver to take possession of substantially all of such Party’s assets or interest in this Agreement (unless possession is restored to such Party within sixty (60) days after such taking); or (d) has substantially all of such Party’s assets or interest in this Agreement (unless such attachment, execution or judicial seizure is discharged within sixty (60) days after such attachment, execution or judicial seizure) attached, executed, or judicially seized.

 

12.3                    Agreement.  Mutual written agreement of the Parties.

 

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12.4                    Termination of Related Agreements.

 

12.4.1        If the Concurrent Agreement (as defined below) is terminated by MEL pursuant to Section 11.1 thereof as a result of a breach by KO, then MEC shall have the option to terminate this Agreement upon ninety (90) days written notice to KO, which option may be exercised within one hundred twenty (120) days of the occurrence of such termination by written notice by MEL to KO.  Any such termination shall be effective ninety (90) days after KO’s receipt of MEC’s written notice of termination, and MEC shall not be liable to KO or otherwise obligated to pay to KO any Aggregate Termination Fee (as defined below) or other amount by reason of such termination for compensation, reimbursement or damages of whatsoever nature including, for (a) loss of prospective compensation or earnings, (b) goodwill or loss thereof, or (c) expenditures, investments, leases or any type of commitment made in connection with the business of KO or in reliance on the existence of this Agreement.  MEC’s right to terminate this Agreement under this Section 12.4.1 shall be independent of any other rights or remedies of MEC under this Agreement.  The “Concurrent Agreement” means the Amended and Restated International Distribution Coordination Agreement dated concurrently herewith between KO and MEL and MEC.

 

12.4.2        If the Concurrent Agreement is terminated by KO pursuant to Section 11.1 thereof as a result of MEL’s breach, then KO shall have the option to terminate this Agreement upon ninety (90) days written notice to MEC, which option may be exercised within one hundred twenty (120) days of the occurrence of such termination by written notice by KO to MEL.  Any such termination shall be effective ninety (90) days after MEC’s receipt of KO’s written notice of termination, and KO shall not be liable to MEC or otherwise obligated to pay to MEC any Aggregate Termination Fee (as defined below) or other amount by reason of such termination for compensation, reimbursement, or damages of whatsoever nature including, for (a) loss of prospective compensation or earnings, (b) goodwill or loss thereof, or (c) expenditures, investments, leases or any type of commitment made in connection with the business of MEC or in reliance on the existence of this Agreement.  KO’s right to terminate this Agreement under this Section 12.4.2 shall be independent of any other rights or remedies of KO under this Agreement.

 

13.                            Change of Control.

 

13.1                    Definitions.  The following definitions apply to this Section 13 and wherever else they are used in this Agreement.  Any terms not defined herein shall have the meaning set forth in the Transaction Agreement.

 

13.1.1        MEC Change of Control” means a Change of Control (as defined below), whether directly or indirectly, by or with respect to MEC or its Parent, including any Change of Control described in clauses (a)-(c) of Section 13.1.2 below that occurs during the period commencing on execution of the Transaction Agreement and ending on the Effective Date of this Agreement (as defined in the Transaction Agreement) (a “Pre-Closing MEC Change of Control”).

 

13.1.2        Change of Control” means, with respect to a Person, directly or indirectly:

 

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a.                                     a consolidation, merger or similar business combination involving such Person in which the holders of voting securities of such Person immediately prior thereto are not the holders of a majority in interest of the voting securities of the surviving Person in such transaction,

 

b.                                    a sale, lease or conveyance of all or substantially all of the consolidated assets, or of fifty percent (50%) or more of the outstanding voting securities, of such Person in one transaction or a series of related transactions, or

 

c.                                     any Person or group becomes the Beneficial Owner (as defined in the Transaction Agreement) of fifty percent (50%) or more of the outstanding voting securities of such Person.

 

13.1.3        Parent” means (a) with respect to any corporation, limited liability company, association or similar organization or entity, any Person (whether directly, through one or more of its direct or indirect Subsidiaries) owning more than fifty percent (50%) of the issued and outstanding Voting Interests of such corporation, limited liability company, association or similar organization or entity and (b) with respect to any partnership, any Person (whether directly or through one of its direct or indirect Affiliates) owning more than fifty percent (50%) of the issued and outstanding general and/or limited partnership interests.

 

13.1.4        Subsidiary” means, with respect to any Person, any corporation, limited liability company, partnership, association or other organization or entity of which more than fifty percent (50%) of the issued and outstanding Voting Interests or, in the case of a partnership, more than fifty percent (50%) of the general partnership interests, is at the time owned by such Person (whether directly, through one or more of such Person’s direct or indirect Subsidiaries).

 

13.1.5        Voting Interest” means equity interests in any entity of any class or classes (however designated) having ordinary voting power for the election of members of the governing body of such entity.

 

13.2                    Notice of Change of Control.  As soon as is reasonably practical after the occurrence of an MEC Change of Control but in no event later than sixty (60) days thereafter MEC shall deliver written notice to KO that (a) states that an MEC Change of Control has occurred with respect to itself or its Parent, (b) states the date that the MEC Change of Control was consummated, if known, and (c) identifies the Person/s who were counterparties to such Change of Control (the “Change of Control Notice”).  “Termination Start Date” means (i) with respect to KO as the Terminating Party (as defined below), KO’s receipt of a Change of Control Notice (or the Effective Date with respect to any Pre-Closing MEC Change of Control), or (ii) with respect to MEC as the Terminating Party (as defined below), the occurrence of such Change of Control.

 

13.3                    Termination on Change of Control.  Within sixty (60) days of the applicable Termination Start Date, either Party may terminate this Agreement (“Terminating Party”) upon written notice to the other Party (“Non-Terminating Party”) effective upon completion of such MEC Change of Control or such later receipt of written notice to the other Party in accordance herewith; provided that it (or its Affiliate that is a party to the Concurrent Agreement)

 

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simultaneously provides written notice of termination under the Concurrent Agreement for such MEC Change of Control.  In the event (a) KO is the Terminating Party and the MEC Change of Control involves Person/s that is/are a KO Competitor or (b) MEC is the Terminating Party, MEC shall be required to pay KO seven hundred fifty million dollars ($750,000,000) (the “COC Termination Fee”), as liquidated damages and not as a penalty, provided that the amount of such COC Termination Fee shall be reduced by twenty million dollars ($20,000,000) upon each anniversary of the Effective Date commencing upon the first (1st) anniversary thereof and ending upon the tenth (10th) anniversary thereof, for a maximum reduction of two hundred million dollars ($200,000,000).  The Parties acknowledge and agree that the payment by MEC to KO of the COC Termination Fee in the event of clauses (a) and (b) above shall be the sole amount payable by MEC to KO and KO’s exclusive remedy under this Agreement and the Concurrent Agreement for such termination to the extent terminated in accordance therewith and in such instance MEC shall not be liable to KO hereunder for the payment of any Severance Payment, Aggregate Termination Fee (as defined below) or Partial Termination Fee (as defined below) therefor.  The parties acknowledge and agree that (i) the agreements in this Section 13.3 are an integral part of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, (ii) the amount of actual damages sustained by KO in such event would be extremely difficult or impossible to calculate, (iii) the COC Termination Fee constitutes a reasonable amount for liquidated damages in such event, and (iv) the COC Termination Fee shall not in any event be construed as a penalty.  Such termination shall be effective upon the completion of such MEC Change of Control.  For the avoidance of doubt, (A) MEC shall only be required to pay to KO a single COC Termination Fee for termination of this Agreement and the Concurrent Agreement upon an MEC Change of Control, and (B) MEC shall have the sole responsibility for any fees due to KO Distributors under applicable KO Distribution Agreements in such event.  In the event that neither Party terminates this Agreement for such MEC Change of Control, MEC acknowledges and agrees that it shall not (and shall cause its applicable Affiliates not to), and it and its applicable Affiliates shall not have the right to (notwithstanding the provisions of the applicable KO Distribution Agreements), terminate any KO Distribution Agreement pursuant to Section 12(a)(ii)(B) of the New Distribution Agreement (attached hereto as Exhibit A) or any corollary provision in any KO Distribution Agreement, unless approved in advance in writing by KO.

 

13.4                    Effect of Notice Termination.  Upon delivery of any written notice of termination of this Agreement in accordance with the terms of this Agreement, including for a MEC Change of Control, the restrictions in Section 9 hereof and any competing products or other non-competition provision under the KO Distribution Agreements, this Agreement or the Concurrent Agreement, as well as, for the avoidance of doubt, Section 8.14 of the Transaction Agreement,  shall no longer be binding upon KO, MEC or any of their respective Affiliates (or, as applicable, any KO Distributor) and thereafter shall be of no further force or effect.

 

14.                            Termination Upon the Occurrence of Certain Changes.  If, after the Effective Date, a change in legal or regulatory conditions in the Territory occurs including, without limitation, any change in any applicable law, regulation or order, or the interpretation of any of the foregoing, in the Sub-Territory which has had, or would be reasonably expected to have, a material adverse effect on the business of distributing Products in that Sub-Territory, either Party may, upon written notice, suspend the Parties’ respective rights and obligations under this Agreement solely with respect to (a) the affected Products in the affected Sub-Territory, or (b) to the extent such

 

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change in conditions affects the business of distribution of all or substantially all Products in the Sub-Territory, all Products in the affected Sub-Territory; provided that neither MEC nor any of its Affiliates shall be permitted to sell any such Products subject to suspension in the affected Sub-Territory without first providing KO the option, in its sole discretion, to remove the cause for such suspension with respect to such Products and Sub-Territories.  In the event of any such suspension that materially adversely affects a Party’s benefits hereunder, such Party shall have the option to terminate this Agreement upon three (3) months written notice, providing the opportunity for the other Party to attempt to remove such suspension during such three (3) month period, (i) in the event that all or substantially all of the Territory is so affected, in its entirety, or (ii) otherwise, with respect to the applicable affected Sub-Territories, in each case upon written notice to the other Party; provided that, in the event MEC is the terminating Party, MEC shall not resume or otherwise conduct the sale or distribution of such terminated Products in such terminated portions of the Territory (or of any Products in the entire Territory in the event of termination of this Agreement in its entirety) for a period of twelve (12) months following such termination, unless MEC first provides KO at least sixty (60) days written notice of its intention to do so and provides KO the option during such sixty (60) day period to re-enter into this Agreement on the same terms and conditions (or such other conditions agreed to in writing by the Parties).

 

15.                            [INTENTIONALLY OMITTED]

 

16.                            Automatic Termination; Termination by KO.

 

16.1                    If neither Party has previously chosen to terminate this Agreement pursuant to its terms and all KO Distribution Agreements with KO/MEC Distributors in the Territory have been terminated for any reason (other than termination without cause by MEC) and/or expired pursuant to their terms, either Party may terminate this Agreement by notifying the other Party, in writing, of such termination effective no earlier than ten (10) Business Days (as defined below) after the date of such notice.  For purposes of this Agreement, “Business Day” means each day other than a Saturday, Sunday or other day on which commercial banks in New York are authorized or required by law to close.

 

16.2                    In the event that at any time during the Term the volume of all Products distributed by KO/MEC Distributors in accordance with this Agreement and the Concurrent Agreement in the aggregate is fifty percent (50%) or less of the volume of all Products distributed by or on behalf of MEC or its Affiliates throughout the Territory under this Agreement and the Territory (as defined in the Concurrent Agreement), KO may terminate this Agreement by notifying MEC in writing of such termination effective no earlier than ten (10) Business Days after the date of such notice.

 

17.                            Obligations on Termination.  In the event that this Agreement expires or is terminated in accordance with the terms hereof, MEC shall (or shall cause its applicable Affiliate to) immediately provide written notice of termination of all of its and its Affiliates’ KO Distribution Agreements with KO Distributors pursuant to and in accordance with the terms thereof, with such termination to be effective no later than twelve (12) months after such expiration or termination of this Agreement (except in the event of termination (a) for an MEC Change of Control that involves Person/s that is/are a KO Competitor, in which event such termination shall

 

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be effective no later than three (3) months after such termination of this Agreement, or (b) for KO’s material breach pursuant to Section 12.1 or 12.4.1, in which event such termination shall be effective no later than two (2) years after such termination of this Agreement; provided that MEC shall use good faith efforts to terminate such agreements as soon as reasonably practicable, provided further that MEC may, in its sole and absolute discretion, from time to time during such two (2) year period, specify a shorter period with respect to individual territories, regions or states, as MEC determines from time to time in its sole and absolute discretion in compliance with any KO Distribution Agreement in effect at that time), unless (i) the Parties agree otherwise in writing, (ii) the applicable KO Distribution Agreement is not terminable upon such occurrence or otherwise for convenience pursuant to its terms (provided that in such event MEC shall not, and shall cause its Affiliates to not, renew or otherwise extend any such KO Distribution Agreement), or (iii) this Agreement is terminated by KO pursuant to Section 12.1 or 12.4.2 and KO provides written notice to MEC within thirty (30) days of the effective termination of this Agreement identifying any KO Distribution Agreements with KO Distributors that should not be so terminated (and, in such event, such identified KO Distribution Agreements shall not be terminated by MEC or its Affiliates due to the termination of this Agreement)).  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Section 17, neither MEC nor its applicable Affiliates shall be obligated to provide notice of termination if such termination (x) is not expressly authorized under the applicable KO Distribution Agreement and/or, (y) solely in the event that this Agreement is terminated by MEC pursuant to Section 12.1 or 12.4.1, would result in MEC becoming obligated to pay to the applicable KO Distributor a Severance Payment (unless KO agrees to reimburse MEC therefor).  During the period between a notice of termination and the effective date of termination, each Party shall continue to fully perform its obligations under this Agreement.  To the extent any KO Distribution Agreement remains in effect following the expiration or termination of this Agreement in accordance with the terms hereof, MEC shall continue to pay KO any and all payments and fees that would have been due to KO under this Agreement and/or the applicable KO Distribution Agreement had this Agreement not expired or been terminated (for so long as such KO Distribution Agreement remains in effect). Sections 7, 8.2, 13.4, 18.1, 19, 20, 21, 22 and 23 of this Agreement shall survive the expiration or termination of this Agreement.

 

18.                            Termination Fees.

 

18.1                    Aggregate Termination Fee” means the aggregate of the Commissions and the Facilitation Fees (including the CCL Facilitation Fee with respect to Canada) due to KO (and/or CCL, in the case of Canada) for the twelve (12) month period ending on the last day of the last calendar month preceding the effective date of termination of this Agreement for Products sold by MEC or any of its Affiliates to KO/MEC Distributors who are KO/MEC Distributors as of the effective date of such termination; provided that if termination of this Agreement occurs before the first anniversary of the Effective Date the Aggregate Termination Fee shall be increased by fifty percent (50%); and if termination of this Agreement occurs after the first anniversary of the Effective Date but before the second anniversary of the Effective Date, the Aggregate Termination Fee shall be increased by twenty-five percent (25%).  Each termination fee specified in this Section 18 will be due and payable no later than thirty (30) days after the effective date of the applicable termination and such obligation shall survive the termination or expiration of this Agreement.

 

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18.2                    If MEC terminates this Agreement pursuant to the terms of Section 12.1 or 12.4 above, KO shall, without prejudice to MEC’s rights and remedies available under this Agreement, equity and/or applicable law, but subject to Section 19, pay MEC the Aggregate Termination Fee.

 

18.3                    If KO terminates this Agreement pursuant to the terms of Section 12.1 or 12.4 above, MEC shall, without prejudice to KO’s rights and remedies available under this Agreement, equity and/or applicable law, but subject to Section 19, pay KO an amount equal to the Aggregate Termination Fee.

 

18.4                    Without limiting the terms of the applicable KO Distribution Agreement, if MEC terminates a KO Distribution Agreement with a KO/MEC Distributor without cause and without (a) MEC entering into a New Distribution Agreement with a Primary KO Distributor for the same Sub-Territory promptly following such termination and (b) concurrently terminating this Agreement, MEC will pay KO the Aggregate Termination Fee calculated with respect to the Commissions and Facilitation Fees (including the CCL Facilitation Fee with respect to Canada) payable with respect to the terminated KO Distribution Agreement with the applicable KO/MEC Distributor only.

 

18.5                    If MEC only terminates a portion of the Sub-Territory specified in a particular KO Distribution Agreement between MEC and a KO/MEC Distributor, without cause, MEC shall pay KO a partial termination fee (in each case, a “Partial Termination Fee”) equal to the Aggregate Termination Fee applicable to the terminated KO Distribution Agreement with the applicable KO/MEC Distributor only, that would be owed if the applicable KO Distribution Agreement with such KO/MEC Distributor were fully terminated on the date the partial termination occurs, multiplied by a fraction, the numerator of which is the Net Sales of Products in the terminated portion of the applicable Sub-Territory during the twelve (12) months immediately preceding such termination, and the denominator of which is the Net Sales of Products in the entire applicable Sub-Territory during the twelve (12) months immediately preceding such termination.

 

19.                            Limitation of Damages; Limitation of Liability.  EXCEPT FOR DAMAGES DIRECTLY RESULTING FROM INDEMNITY OBLIGATIONS SET FORTH IN SECTION 23, NEITHER PARTY SHALL BE LIABLE TO THE OTHER PARTY FOR ANY INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, OR EXEMPLARY DAMAGES (INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, DAMAGES FOR LOSS OF PROFITS, LOSS OF GOODWILL, BUSINESS INTERRUPTION, LOSS OF BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY, OR ANY OTHER PECUNIARY LOSS) SUFFERED BY SUCH PARTY RELATED TO OR ARISING OUT OF THIS AGREEMENT, ANY OF THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED BY THIS AGREEMENT, AND/OR THE USE OF OR INABILITY TO USE OR SELL THE PRODUCTS, AND/OR FROM ANY OTHER CAUSE WHATSOEVER, EVEN IF SUCH PARTY HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.  THESE LIMITATIONS WILL APPLY REGARDLESS OF THE LEGAL THEORY OF LIABILITY, WHETHER UNDER CONTRACT, TORT (INCLUDING NEGLIGENCE AND STRICT LIABILITY), OR ANY OTHER THEORY WHATSOEVER.

 

EACH AND EVERY PROVISION OF THIS AGREEMENT WHICH PROVIDES FOR

 

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A LIMITATION OF LIABILITY OR WARRANTIES, DISCLAIMER, OR EXCLUSION OF DAMAGES, IS EXPRESSLY INTENDED TO BE SEVERABLE AND INDEPENDENT FROM ANY OTHER PROVISION, SINCE THOSE PROVISIONS REPRESENT SEPARATE ELEMENTS OF RISK ALLOCATION BETWEEN THE PARTIES, AND SHALL BE SEPARATELY ENFORCED.  NEITHER PARTY MAKES ANY REPRESENTATIONS OR WARRANTIES, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED (INCLUDING THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF NON-INFRINGEMENT, MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE) EXCEPT THOSE SET FORTH IN THIS AGREEMENT.

 

20.                            Books and Records; Examinations.

 

20.1                    For a period of at least two (2) years following the expiration or earlier termination of this Agreement, MEC shall maintain such books and records (collectively, “MEC Records”) as are necessary to substantiate that no payments have been made, directly or indirectly, by or on behalf of MEC to or for the benefit of any KO employee or agent who may reasonably be expected to influence KO’s decision to enter into this Agreement or the amount to be paid by KO pursuant hereto.  (As used herein, “payments” shall include money, property, services and all other forms of consideration.)  All MEC Records shall be maintained in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles as consistently applied by MEC.  KO and/or its representative shall have the right at any time during normal business hours, upon seven (7) days written notice, to examine the MEC Records, but not more than once per year.  The provisions of this paragraph shall survive the expiration or earlier termination of this Agreement.

 

20.2                    For a period of at least two (2) years following the expiration or earlier termination of this Agreement, KO shall maintain such books and records (collectively, “KO Records”) as are necessary to substantiate that no payments have been made, directly or indirectly, by or on behalf of KO to or for the benefit of any MEC employee or agent who may reasonably be expected to influence MEC’s decision to enter into this Agreement or the amount to be paid by MEC pursuant hereto.  (As used herein, “payments” shall include money, property, services and all other forms of consideration.)  All KO Records shall be maintained in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles as consistently applied by KO.  MEC and/or its representative shall have the right at any time during normal business hours, upon seven (7) days written notice, to examine the KO Records, but not more than once per year.  The provisions of this paragraph shall survive the expiration or earlier termination of this Agreement.

 

20.3                    MEC shall keep complete and true books and other records containing data in sufficient detail necessary to determine the Commission, the Facilitation Fee, Incremental Net Sales of the Products, Gross Profit for each of the Products, Gross Profit Margin for each of the Products, any Aggregate Termination Fee, any Partial Termination Fee, and/or any components of each of these items.

 

20.4                    No more than once per calendar year, KO shall have the right, at its own expense, to have the books and records kept by MEC (and all related work papers and other information and documents) examined by a nationally recognized public accounting firm appointed by KO (in each case, an “Accounting Firm”) to (a) verify the calculations of the Commission, the Facilitation Fee, Incremental Net Sales, Net Sales of the Products, Gross Profit for each of the

 

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Products, the Gross Profit Margin for each of Products, any Aggregate Termination Fee, any Partial Termination Fee, and/or any component of any of the foregoing, and (b) verify the resulting payments required under this Agreement.  Prior to conducting any such examination, the Accounting Firm shall have agreed to hold in confidence and not disclose to anyone, other than the Parties or unless required by applicable law, all information reviewed by or disclosed to the Accounting Firm during such examination.

 

21.                            Trademarks.

 

21.1                    MEC Marks” means the trademarks, trade names, brand names, and logos, copyright material and other intellectual property owned by MEC (whether or not registered) and used by it on the Products and/or in connection with the production, labeling, packaging, marketing, sale, advertising, and promotion of the Products.  KO acknowledges and agrees that all MEC Marks shall be and remain the exclusive property of MEC.  No right, title or interest of any kind in or to the MEC Marks is transferred by this Agreement to KO.  KO agrees that it will not attempt to register the MEC Marks, or any marks confusingly similar thereto, in any form or language anywhere in the world.  KO further agrees that during the Term of this Agreement it will not contest the validity of the MEC Marks or the ownership thereof by MEC.  If KO desires to reproduce any of the MEC Marks for promotional purposes, the reproduction will only be made after written approval by MEC.  KO shall only use the MEC Marks in such a manner as to ensure and maintain the high quality and goodwill associated therewith; provided, however, that KO may, in consultation with MEC, submit form or template usages or specimens of proposed use featuring the MEC Marks that may be subsequently used on other materials without seeking additional approval from MEC, provided that the form, substance, content and context of such subsequent use is not materially different from that which MEC initially approves.  KO’s use of the MEC Marks will inure for the benefit of MEC.

 

21.2                    Infringement of MEC’s Marks.  If during the Term of this Agreement a third party institutes against MEC or KO any claim or proceeding that alleges that the use of any MEC Mark in connection with the marketing, promotion, merchandising and/or sales of the Products under this Agreement infringes the intellectual property rights held by such third party, then MEC shall, in its sole discretion, and at its sole expense, contest, settle, and/or assume direction and control of the defense or settlement of, such action, including all necessary appeals thereunder.  KO shall use all reasonable efforts to assist and cooperate with MEC in such action, subject to MEC reimbursing KO for any reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred by KO in connection with such assistance and cooperation.  If, as a result of any such action, a judgment is entered by a court of competent jurisdiction, or settlement is entered by MEC, such that any MEC Mark cannot be used in connection with the marketing, promotion, merchandising and/or sales of the Products under this Agreement without infringing upon the intellectual property rights of such third party, then MEC and KO promptly shall cease using such affected MEC Mark in connection with the marketing, promotion, merchandising and/or sale of the Products under this Agreement.  Neither Party shall incur any liability or obligation to the other Party arising from any such cessation of the use of the affected MEC Mark.

 

21.3                    Termination.  Upon expiration or termination of this Agreement, KO shall cease and desist from any use of the MEC Marks and any names, marks, logos or symbols confusingly similar thereto.

 

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21.4                    Prior Agreements.  Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of Section 21 (including the definition of “MEC Marks” as including both registered and unregistered rights), the Parties acknowledge their ongoing discussions over their respective rights in trademarks containing the term “monster,” including the agreement among the Parties and Odwalla, Inc. dated June 15, 2004 regarding MEC’s use of its MONSTER marks (the “Monster Trademark Agreement”).  Nothing contained in this Agreement shall (a) be deemed to be an acknowledgement by KO of MEC’s rights in unregistered marks containing the term “monster” or (b) limit the provisions of the Monster Trademark Agreement.  In the case of a conflict between this Section 21 and the Monster Trademark Agreement, the Parties agree that the terms of the Monster Trademark Agreement shall prevail.

 

22.                            Representations and Warranties.

 

22.1                    MEC represents and warrants to KO that (a) it has the right and lawful authority to enter into this Agreement, and (b) the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement will not cause or require MEC to breach any obligation to, or agreement or confidence with, any other Person.

 

22.2                    MEC warrants that all Products, all food additives in the Products, and all substances for use in, with, or for the Products, comprising each shipment or other delivery hereby made by MEC to, or on the order of, KO and/or any KO/MEC Distributor are hereby guaranteed as of the date of such shipment to be, on such date, not adulterated or misbranded within the meaning of the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act, as amended, including the Food Additives Amendment of 1958 (the “Act”), or within the meaning of any substantially identical and applicable state food and drug law, if any, and not articles which may not under the provisions of Sections 404, 505, or 512 of the Act, be introduced into interstate commerce, the Canadian Food and Drugs Act, and the Natural Health Product Regulations promulgated thereunder.

 

22.3                    MEC warrants that all Products shall be merchantable.

 

22.4                    KO’s sole and exclusive remedy for MEC’s breach of MEC’s representations in Sections 22.2 and 22.3 above shall be as provided for in Section 23.3 below.

 

23.                            Indemnification and Insurance.

 

23.1                    KO agrees to indemnify and defend MEC, its Affiliates and their respective directors, officers, employees, representatives and agents (the “MEC Indemnitees”) against any third party claims and hold the MEC Indemnitees harmless from and against any and all damages, losses, liabilities, claims, charges, actions, suits, proceedings, deficiencies, taxes, interest, penalties, and costs and expenses (collectively “Losses”) arising out of, resulting from or otherwise connected with and to the extent attributable to (a) any willfully negligent act, misfeasance or nonfeasance by KO, its Subsidiaries, or any of their respective officers, employees, directors or agents regarding the sale, distribution or marketing of the Products, (b) the failure of any representation or warranty made by KO contained in this Agreement to be true or correct in any material respect (without regard to any references to materiality contained therein), (c) any claim, advertising, marketing, promotion or representation made, provided,

 

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disseminated or distributed by KO regarding Products that has not been approved by MEC or any MEC Indemnitee, and (d) any claim by CCR arising from the Facilitation Fee and/or Crown Canada arising from the CCL Facilitation Fee, excluding, in each case, any such Losses to the extent MEC or any of its Affiliates is required to indemnify KO therefor pursuant to Section 23.3.

 

23.2                    [INTENTIONALLY OMITTED]

 

23.3                    MEC agrees to indemnify and defend KO, its Affiliates and their respective directors, officers, employees, representatives and agents (the “KO Indemnitees”) against any third party claims and hold the KO Indemnitees harmless from and against any and all Losses arising out of, resulting from or otherwise connected with and to the extent attributable to (a) the contents, formulation, manufacture, labeling, bottling or packaging of the Products, including, but not limited to, product defects, product integrity/quality failures, any ingredient safety issue, product recalls, any violation of applicable law or regulation, or any injury to or death of any person caused by the Products or any ingredient contained therein, including, for clarity, any of such claims described in the foregoing portion of this clause (a) that are brought against any KO Indemnitee based on any KO Indemnitee’s consent to the distribution of such Products by KO Distributors in accordance with this Agreement, (b) any willfully negligent act, misfeasance or nonfeasance by MEC or any of its respective Subsidiaries, officers, employees, directors or agents, (c) any claim, advertising, marketing, promotion or representation made, provided, disseminated or distributed by MEC or by any agent or representative of MEC regarding the Products, (d) the failure of any representation or warranty made by MEC contained in this Agreement to be true or correct in any material respect (without regard to any references to materiality contained therein), (e) any claim that the authorized use by any KO Indemnitee of any of the MEC Marks pursuant to this Agreement infringes the trademark, trade dress or trade name of another, (f) any claim that any Products or packaging for any Products furnished by MEC infringes any patent, trade secret or other intellectual property right of any third party, (g) the termination or transfer of any of MEC’s existing distribution agreements in anticipation or furtherance of the rights granted to KO in this Agreement, and (h) any other Loss for which a KO Distributor is required to be indemnified by MEC or its Affiliate pursuant to a KO Distribution Agreement, excluding, in each case, any such Losses to the extent KO or any of its Affiliates is required to indemnify MEC therefor pursuant to Section 23.1 above.

 

23.4                    During the Term of this Agreement and for a period of two (2) years thereafter, MEC and KO agree to maintain policies of insurance of the nature and amounts specified below, which shall provide the other Party as an additional insured (providing for a waiver of subrogation rights and endeavoring to provide for not less than thirty (30) days written notice of any modification or termination of coverage), and each Party shall provide the other Party with a certificate of insurance evidencing such insurance, in a form satisfactory to such Party:

 

o                                    Commercial General Liability, including contractual liability coverage, with limits of at least $1,000,000 per occurrence; Bodily Injury and Property Damage / $1,000,000; Personal and Advertising Injury / $1,000,000; Products/Completed Operations / $2,000,000 General Aggregate.

 

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o                                    Excess or Umbrella Liability with a limit of not less than $5,000,000 per occurrence over the insurance coverage described above.

 

For any claims under this Agreement, the applicable Party’s insurance shall be deemed to be primary and not contributing to or in excess of any similar coverage purchased by the other Party.  All deductibles payable under an applicable policy shall be paid by the Party responsible for purchasing such policy.  All such insurance shall be written by companies authorized to do business in the state or states where the work is to be performed and having at least the ratings of the respective Parties current insurers, unless not obtainable at commercially reasonable rates in light of previous premiums.

 

23.5                    An indemnified party under this Section 23 shall give to the indemnifying party prompt notice of the third party claim for which such indemnified party is seeking indemnification.  Until such time as the indemnifying party acknowledges in writing its obligation to indemnify the indemnified party under this Section 23, the indemnified party will have the right to direct, through counsel of its choosing, the defense of any matter the subject of such indemnification claim.  At such time as the indemnifying party acknowledges in writing its obligation to indemnify the indemnified party against any and all damages, losses, liabilities, claims, charges, actions, suits, proceedings, deficiencies, taxes, interest, penalties, and costs and expenses that may result from such matter, the indemnifying party shall have the right to direct, through counsel of its own choosing, the defense or settlement of any matter the subject of indemnification hereunder at its expense.  The indemnified party may thereafter retain its own counsel to participate in the defense of the matter, at the indemnified party’s own expense.  The indemnified party shall provide the indemnifying parties with reasonable and relevant access to its records and personnel relating to any such matter during normal business hours and shall otherwise cooperate with the indemnifying party in the defense or settlement of any such matter, and the indemnifying party shall reimburse the indemnified party for all its reasonable out-of-pocket expenses in connection with such matter.  No settlement in respect of any third party claim may be effected by the indemnifying party without the indemnified party’s prior written approval.  If the indemnifying party shall fail to undertake any such defense, the indemnified party shall have the right to undertake the defense or settlement thereof at the indemnifying party’s expense, provided the indemnifying party has received reasonable notice of, and opportunity to participate in, any proposed settlement.

 

24.                            Miscellaneous.

 

24.1                    No Employment Relationship.  Notwithstanding any language in this Agreement to the contrary, the Parties intend that their relationship will be only as set forth in this Agreement.  Neither Party nor any employee, agent, officer, or independent contractor of or retained by either Party shall be considered an agent, employee or co-joint venturer of the other Party for any purpose or entitled to any of the benefits that the other Party provides for any of the other Party’s employees.  Furthermore, each Party acknowledges that it shall be responsible for all federal, state and local taxes for it and its employees and reports relative to fees under this Agreement and each Party will indemnify and hold the other Party harmless from any failure to file necessary reports or pay such taxes.

 

24.2                    Integration.  This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the Parties

 

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with respect to the subject matter of this Agreement and is intended by the Parties to be a final expression of their understanding and a complete and exclusive statement of the terms and conditions of the agreement.  This Agreement supersedes any and all agreements, either oral or in writing, between the Parties concerning the subject contained herein and contains all of the covenants, agreements, understandings, representations, conditions, and warranties mutually agreed to between the Parties.  This Agreement may be modified or rescinded only by a writing signed by the Parties hereto or their duly authorized agents.

 

24.3                    Choice of Law.  This Agreement shall be exclusively governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York, without giving effect to any conflict-of-law rules requiring the application of the substantive laws of any other jurisdiction.

 

24.4                    Assignment.  This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Parties and their respective heirs, executors, administrators, legal administrators, legal representatives, successors and assigns.  This Agreement shall not be assignable by either Party without the prior written consent of the other Party; provided, however, that (a) a MEC Change of Control shall not be deemed an assignment of the Agreement requiring KO’s consent hereunder, (b) a Change of Control (as defined in the Transaction Agreement) with respect to KO or its Parent shall not be deemed an assignment of this Agreement requiring MEC’s consent hereunder, and (c) KO shall not be required to obtain any such consent of MEC in relation to any assignment resulting from the transfers or changes approved in advance by MEC pursuant to the last two sentences of Section 3 of this Agreement.

 

24.5                    Counterparts.  This Agreement may be signed in one (1) or more counterparts, each of which shall constitute an original but all of which together shall be one (1) and the same document.  Signatures received by facsimile shall be deemed to be original signatures.

 

24.6                    Partial Invalidity.  Each provision of this Agreement will be valid and enforceable to the fullest extent permitted by law.  If any provision of this Agreement or the application of the provision to any Person or circumstance will, to any extent, be invalid or unenforceable, the remainder of this Agreement, or the application of the provision to Persons or circumstances other than those as to which it is held invalid or unenforceable, will not be affected by such invalidity or unenforceability, unless the provision or its application is essential to this Agreement.  The Parties shall replace any invalid and/or unenforceable provision with a valid and enforceable provision that most closely meets the aims and objectives of the invalid and/or unenforceable provision.

 

24.7                    Titles and Subtitles.  The titles and subtitles used in this Agreement are used for convenience only and are not to be considered in construing or interpreting this Agreement.

 

24.8                    Drafting Ambiguities.  Each Party to this Agreement and their legal counsel have reviewed and revised this Agreement.  The rule of construction that any ambiguities are to be resolved against the drafting Party shall not be employed in the interpretation of this Agreement or any amendments or exhibits to this Agreement.

 

24.9                    Notices.  All notices or other communications required or permitted to be given to a Party to this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be personally delivered, sent by certified

 

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mail, postage prepaid, return receipt requested, or sent by an overnight express courier service that provides written confirmation of delivery, to such Party at the following respective address:

 

If to MEC:

 

Monster Energy Company
1 Monster Way
Corona, California 92879
Attention:  Chief Executive Officer
Facsimile:  (951) 739-6210

 

with a copy to:

 

Solomon Ward Seidenwurm & Smith, LLP
401 B Street, Suite 1200
San Diego, California 92101
Attention: Norman L. Smith, Esq.
Facsimile: (619) 231-4755

 

If to KO:

 

The Coca-Cola Company
One Coca-Cola Plaza

Atlanta, Georgia 30313

Facsimile:       (404) 676-8621

Attention:        Chief Financial Officer; and

Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Chief Legal Officer

Facsimile:  (404) 515-2546

 

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

 

Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP

Four Times Square

New York, New York 10036

Attention:        Martha E. McGarry, Esq.

Thomas W. Greenberg, Esq.

Facsimile:       (212) 735-2000

 

Each such notice or other communication shall be deemed given, delivered and received upon its actual receipt, except that if it is sent by mail in accordance with this Section, then it shall be deemed given, delivered and received three (3) days after the date such notice or other communication is deposited with the U.S. Postal Service in accordance with this Section.  Any Party to this Agreement may give a notice of a change of its address to the other Party to this Agreement.

 

24.10            Third Party Beneficiaries.  Nothing in this Agreement, express or implied, is

 

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intended or shall be construed to give any Person, other than the Parties to this Agreement and their successors and permitted assigns, any legal or equitable right, remedy or claim under or in respect of any agreement or any provision contained in this Agreement.

 

24.11            Conflict.  In the event of any conflict between the terms of this Agreement and the terms of any KO Distribution Agreement, the terms of this Agreement shall govern as between KO and MEC.

 

25.                            Dispute Resolution.

 

25.1                    Arbitration.  Any controversy, claim or dispute of whatever nature arising out of or in connection with this Agreement or the breach, termination, performance or enforceability hereof or out of the relationship created by this Agreement (a “Dispute”) shall be finally resolved by arbitration in accordance with the Commercial Arbitration Rules of the American Arbitration Association (“AAA”) in effect on the date of this Agreement.   The Parties understand and agree that they each have the right to apply to a court of competent jurisdiction for a temporary restraining order, a preliminary injunction or other equitable relief to preserve the status quo or prevent irreparable harm.  Unless otherwise agreed in writing by the Parties hereto, the arbitral panel shall consist of three (3) arbitrators, each of whom shall be a retired judge from a State other than California or Georgia and shall be appointed by the AAA in accordance with Section 25.2 below.  The place of arbitration shall be Dallas, Texas.  Judgment upon the award may be entered, and application for judicial confirmation or enforcement of the award may be made, in any competent court having jurisdiction thereof.  Other than as required or permitted by an applicable Governmental Entity, each Party will continue to perform its obligations under this Agreement pending final resolution of any such Dispute.  The Parties knowingly and voluntarily waive their rights to have any Dispute tried and adjudicated by a judge or a jury.

 

25.2                    Immediately after the filing of the submission or the answering statement or the expiration of the time within which the answering statement is filed, the AAA shall send simultaneously to each Party to the dispute an identical list of ten (10) (unless the AAA decides that a larger number is appropriate) names of retired judges from the National Roster from States other than California or Georgia.  The Parties shall attempt to agree on the three (3) arbitrators from the submitted list and advise the AAA of their agreement.  If the Parties are unable to agree upon the three (3) arbitrators, each Party to the Dispute shall have fifteen (15) days from the transmittal date in which to strike no more than three (3) names objected to, number the remaining names in order of preference, and return the list to the AAA.  If a Party does not return the list within the time specified, all persons named therein shall be deemed acceptable.  From among the persons who have been approved on both lists, and in accordance with the designated order of mutual preference, the AAA shall invite the acceptance of the three (3) arbitrators to serve.  If the Parties fail to agree on any of the persons named, or if acceptable arbitrators are unable to act, or if for any other reason the appointment cannot be made from the submitted lists, the AAA shall have the power to make the appointment from among other retired judges on the National Roster from States other than California or Georgia without the submission of additional lists.

 

25.3                    The arbitration shall be governed by the laws of the State of New York, without regard to its conflicts-of-law rules, and by the arbitration law of the Federal Arbitration Act

 

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(Title 9, U.S. Code).  The arbitrators shall base the award on the applicable law and judicial precedent that would apply, and the arbitrators shall have no authority to render an award that is inconsistent therewith.  The award shall be in writing and include the findings of fact and conclusions of law upon which it is based if so requested by either Party.  Except as may be awarded to the prevailing Party, each Party shall bear the expense of its own attorneys, experts, and out of pocket costs as well as fifty percent (50%) of the expense of administration and arbitrators’ fees.

 

25.4                    Except as otherwise required by law, the Parties and the arbitrator(s) shall keep confidential and not disclose to third parties any information or documents obtained in connection with the arbitration process, including the resolution of the Dispute.

 

25.5                    Except for damages directly resulting from indemnity obligations set forth in Section 23 above, notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, each Party waives the right in any arbitration or judicial proceeding to receive consequential, punitive, or exemplary damages.  The arbitrators shall not have the power to award consequential, punitive, or exemplary damages.

 

26.                            Force Majeure.

 

26.1                    Neither Party shall be liable for any delays in delivery or failure to perform or other loss due directly or indirectly to causes beyond such Party’s reasonable control (each, individually, a “Force Majeure Event”) including, without limitation: (a) acts of God, act (including failure to act) of any Governmental Entity (de jure or de facto), wars (declared or undeclared), governmental priorities, port congestion, riots, revolutions, strikes or other labor disputes, fires, floods, sabotage, nuclear incidents, earthquakes, storms, epidemics; or (b) inability to timely obtain either necessary and proper labor, materials, ingredients, components, facilities, production facilities, energy, fuel, transportation, governmental authorizations or instructions, material or information. The foregoing shall apply even though any Force Majeure Event occurs after such Party’s performance of its obligations is delayed for other causes.

 

26.2                    The Party affected by a Force Majeure Event shall give written notice to the other Party of the Force Majeure Event within a reasonable time after the occurrence thereof, stating therein the nature of the suspension of performance and reasons therefore.  Such Party shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to resume performance as soon as reasonably possible.  Upon restoration of the affected Party’s ability to perform its obligations hereunder, the affected Party shall give written notice to the other Party within a reasonable time.

 

[THE NEXT PAGE IS THE SIGNATURE PAGE]

 

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SIGNATURE PAGE TO AMENDED AND RESTATED DISTRIBUTION COORDINATION AGREEMENT BETWEEN MONSTER ENERGY COMPANY AND THE COCA-COLA COMPANY

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have caused this Agreement to be executed by their respective duly authorized officers as of the Effective Date.

 

 

MONSTER ENERGY COMPANY,

THE COCA-COLA COMPANY,

a Delaware corporation

a Delaware corporation

 

 

By: /s/ Rodney Sacks                                          

By: /s/ Marie D. Quintero Johnson                       

Rodney Sacks

Name: Marie D. Quintero Johnson                    

Chief Executive Officer

Title: Vice President and Director of Mergers & Acquisitions

 

[Signature Page to Amended and Restated Distribution Coordination Agreement]

 



 

EXHIBIT A
Amended and Restated Distribution Coordination Agreement

 

FORM DISTRIBUTION AGREEMENT

 

Exhibit A

 



 

EXHIBIT A

 

DISTRIBUTION AGREEMENT

 

This DISTRIBUTION AGREEMENT (the “Agreement”) is entered into as of _________________, 2015 (the “Effective Date”) between MONSTER ENERGY COMPANY, a Delaware corporation (formerly known as Hansen Beverage Company) (“MEC”), and [KO DISTRIBUTOR] (“Distributor”).  MEC and Distributor are referred to herein collectively as the “parties” and individually as a “party” hereto.

 

1.                                    Recitals and Definitions.

 

a.                                     Distributor is a leading distributor of beverages throughout the Territory (as defined below) and has substantial experience in the distribution of beverages.  Distributor has developed and implemented successful marketing plans and/or systems for such distribution and which are substantially associated with the trademarks and trade name of The Coca-Cola Company (“KO”).  KO has designated Distributor, and MEC wishes to appoint Distributor, as a distributor of Products (as defined below) as part of Distributor’s business operations and systems, with performance to commence as of _________________, 2015, or such other date as may be mutually agreed by the parties in writing, but which in no event shall be later than _________________, 2015 (the “Commencement Date”).

 

b.                                    When used herein (i) the word “Products” means (x) all Energy Drinks (as defined below) in any form, that are offered, packaged and/or marketed by MEC or any of its Affiliates at any time after the Effective Date in the Territory under the primary brand name “Monster” or any other primary brand name having “Monster” as a derivative or part of such name, and/or containing the “” as a primary brand component, and which may, but are not required, to contain the “” mark, and/or the “M” icon, and (y) such additional beverage products, whether marketed under the Trademarks (as defined below) or otherwise, as MEC and Distributor shall agree from time to time by executing a mutually agreed upon amended Exhibit A.  MEC and Distributor shall use commercially reasonable efforts to periodically review and update Exhibit A on a reasonable basis throughout the Term.  The Products shall include all sizes of SKUs as may be determined by MEC and offered, packaged and/or marketed by MEC or any of its Affiliates in good faith from time to time; (ii) the word “Territory” means the territory identified in Exhibit B hereto; (iii) the words “Distributor’s Accounts” mean all accounts or classes of accounts in the Territory (including those set forth as exclusive or non-exclusive Distributor’s Accounts on Exhibit C hereto), other than those reserved for MEC as identified on Exhibit C; (iv) the word “Trademarks” means those names and marks identified on Exhibit D hereto; (v) the words “Energy Drink/s” mean any shelf-stable, in ready-to-drink, powdered, drops or concentrate form, non-alcoholic beverage that satisfies all of the following conditions: (A) it is marketed or positioned to consumers as an energy beverage, (B) it contains one or more of the following ingredients: guarana, taurine, panax ginseng, L-carnitine, B-2 vitamins, B-6 vitamins, B-12 vitamins, L-arginine, astralagus, glucuronolactone or inositol (or, to the extent approved by KO, which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed, any ingredients substituting for or supplementing any of the foregoing ingredients) and (C) it has

 

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at least five (5) milligrams of caffeine per ounce (the “Caffeine Requirement”), except that (1) Products under the brand Monster Energy Unleaded (substantially as such Products are formulated, manufactured, marketed and/or sold as of the date hereof, and any line extensions or expansions of such Products marketed under such brand) shall not be required to meet the Caffeine Requirement; and (2) the Caffeine Requirement shall be reduced in respect of any particular territory to the extent that any final law applicable to MEC in such territory imposing restrictions on the on-going business activities of MEC is enacted by a Governmental Entity having jurisdiction over such territory that either (I) specifically establishes a maximum caffeine concentration that is lower than the Caffeine Requirement (in which case the Caffeine Requirement applicable to such territory shall be the maximum caffeine concentration permitted by such law) or (II) is reasonably expected, based on the good faith judgment of MEC, to have an adverse impact on MEC’s business, sales or profitability in such territory due to the caffeine concentration of the Products exceeding a specified level (including, for example, a material tax imposed on beverages with caffeine concentrations above a stated amount but excluding, for the avoidance of doubt, any age or similar restriction on the manner of sale of such beverages) (in which case the Caffeine Requirement applicable to such territory shall be the maximum caffeine concentration that would not have such adverse impact); it being agreed that affected Products in any affected territory may be reformulated by MEC to the extent necessary to comply with any such law or to avoid such adverse impact; (vi) the word “Affiliates” means as to any Person, any other Person that, directly or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, controls, or is controlled by or is under common control with such Person, as such terms are used in and construed under Rule 405 under the Securities Act of 1933 of the United States of America; (vii) the word “Person” means an individual or firm, corporation, partnership, trust, incorporated or unincorporated association, joint venture, limited liability company, joint stock company, government (or an agency or subdivision thereof) or other entity of any kind; and (viii) the words “Governmental Entity” mean any (A) nation, state, county, city, town, village, district, or other jurisdiction of any nature, (B) federal, state, local, municipal, foreign, or other government, (C) governmental or quasi-governmental authority of any nature (including any governmental agency, branch, department, official, or entity and any court or other tribunal), or (D) body exercising, or entitled to exercise, any administrative, executive, judicial, legislative, police, regulatory, or taxing authority or power of any nature.  All Exhibits referred to in this Agreement shall be deemed to be incorporated into this Agreement.

 

2.                                    Appointment.

 

a.                                     With effect from the Commencement Date, MEC appoints Distributor, and Distributor accepts appointment, as a distributor and seller of Products to Distributor’s Accounts within the Territory.  Such appointment shall be exclusive with respect to each of Distributor’s Accounts except if and to the extent specifically designated as non-exclusive on Exhibit C hereto.  Such appointment shall exclude any SKU/s deleted from distribution pursuant to Sections 13(b) or 13(f) below.  Unless otherwise agreed in writing by MEC, Distributor specifically covenants not to sell, market, distribute, assign or otherwise transfer (collectively, “Transfer”) in any manner any Products except to Distributor’s Accounts within the Territory.  Those categories of customers which are excluded from the definition of Distributor’s Accounts are expressly reserved for MEC, or such other distributors as MEC may from time to time appoint.  Distributor shall be entitled to appoint sub-distributors within the Territory provided that the terms of such appointment shall provide that the sub-distributors shall not actively seek

 

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or solicit customers for the Products outside the Territory or any customers located within the Territory other than Distributor’s Accounts, and the terms of such appointments shall not be inconsistent with the terms and conditions of this Agreement and shall be subject to MEC’s rights hereunder.  Distributor’s appointment of sub-distributors shall be to supplement and augment but not to replace or substitute, wholly or partially, Distributor’s resources, performance capabilities and/or ability to fully perform all of Distributor’s obligations in the Territory under this Agreement, including without limitation, as provided in Section 3 below.  Distributor will remain liable for the actions, omissions and performance of all of Distributor’s sub-distributors.

 

b.                                    Distributor hereby agrees not to Transfer any Products, either directly or indirectly, to any other Persons located outside the Territory or to any Persons located within the Territory who Distributor knows or reasonably believes will distribute or resell the Products outside the Territory, except that, subject to all of the terms and conditions of this Agreement, Distributor may Transfer Products to other bottlers or distributors designated by KO that are authorized in writing by MEC for Transfer into such distributor’s or bottler’s territory.  During the Term, Distributor shall purchase exclusively and directly from MEC or its nominees (and from no other Person) all of its requirements for Products.  In the event Products distributed or sold by Distributor are found outside the Territory, upon MEC’s reasonable request therefor, Distributor shall use Best Efforts (as defined below) to make available to representatives of MEC such sales agreements and other records relating to applicable Products as may be reasonably required for, and otherwise reasonably cooperate with MEC in, all MEC investigations relating to the sale and distribution of the Products outside the Territory, in each case, subject to confidentiality and other obligations to third parties and solely to the extent permissible under applicable law.  Distributor shall use Best Efforts to promptly inform MEC if at any time any solicitation or offer to purchase Products is made to Distributor in writing by a third party which Distributor knows would result in a breach of this Section 2(b), in each case, subject to confidentiality and other obligations to third parties and solely to the extent permissible under applicable law.  “Best Efforts” means the efforts a prudent Person desiring in good faith to achieve a result would use in the circumstances to ensure such result is achieved as expeditiously as possible but does not require the Person subject to such obligation to take actions that would result in any materially adverse change, or any financial change which in the aggregate, or over a period of time, would result in any materially adverse change, in the benefits to such Person under this Agreement or require such Person to expend funds or extend other economic incentives, unless otherwise expressly required under this Agreement.

 

c.                                     Distributor acknowledges and agrees that it has no right to distribute any products of MEC other than the Products.  Any sales by MEC to Distributor of any products of MEC that are not the Products, and/or any products sold by MEC to Distributor and/or its subdistributor(s) beyond the scope, Term (as defined below) or after the termination of this Agreement, with or without cause, for any reason or no reason at all (i) shall not constitute, be construed as, or give rise to any express or implied distribution agreement, course of conduct or other relationship between MEC and Distributor, (ii) shall not confer upon Distributor or its subdistributor(s) any rights of any nature whatsoever, including without limitation to purchase and/or Transfer or continue to purchase and/or Transfer any products, including Products, or use the Trademarks other than with respect to products sold and delivered by MEC to Distributor, and (iii) shall constitute a separate transaction for each shipment of products actually delivered by MEC to Distributor and/or sub-distributor(s), in MEC’s sole and absolute discretion, which

 

3



 

MEC shall be entitled to exercise, vary, withdraw and/or cease, on a case by case basis, at any time in MEC’s sole and absolute discretion.  Distributor irrevocably waives, releases and discharges any claims, liabilities, actions and rights, in law or in equity, against MEC including without limitation for damages (including without limitation, consequential, special or punitive damages), compensation or severance payments or any other claims of whatsoever nature by Distributor arising from or in connection with the matters referred to in this Section 2(c) and/or any acts, omissions or conduct of MEC with regard to such matters.

 

d.                                   Subject to and without limiting MEC’s and its Affiliates’ obligations to KO under the Distribution Coordination Agreement (as defined below), if Distributor declines to distribute, declines to continue to distribute, or proposes not to distribute (each a “Distribution Refusal”) (i) substantially all Products, as the case may be, designated by MEC in good faith for sale in the Territory, MEC shall have the right to sell any or all of the Products so designated by MEC for sale in the Territory directly or through other distributors in the Territory, to the exclusion of Distributor or (ii) one or more of MEC’s SKUs designated by MEC for sale in the Territory, MEC shall have the right (without prejudice to its right in clause (i) above) to sell such declined SKU/s directly or through other distributors in the Territory to the exclusion of Distributor, in each case (i) and (ii) upon forty-five (45) days written notice to Distributor and KO of its intention to do so; provided that such Distribution Refusal continues to exist for such forty-five (45) day period.  MEC’s right to sell or have sold such Products shall be limited to the portion of the Territory for which such distribution has been declined.

 

e.                                     If, after the Effective Date, MEC determines to sell or otherwise distribute any Product or any SKU of any Product (“Product SKUs”) in the Territory not previously sold or distributed by Distributor (each a “New Product SKU”), prior to launching or otherwise commencing the sale or other distribution of such New Product SKU, MEC shall provide Distributor the right to distribute such New Product SKUs, subject to the terms of this Agreement (and subject to and without limiting MEC’s obligations to KO under the Distribution Coordination Agreement).  If Distributor declines to sell and distribute such New Product SKUs in the Territory within fifteen (15) days of MEC’s request that such New Product SKUs be added, then MEC shall have the right and option, in MEC’s sole and absolute discretion, to sell and distribute such refused New Product SKUs directly or through other distributors selected by MEC, to the exclusion of Distributor; provided that MEC gives such Distributor an additional fifteen (15) days written notice of MEC’s intention to do so and Distributor does not commence and continue purchasing from MEC and selling such refused New Product SKUs within such additional fifteen (15) day period.  MEC’s right to sell or have sold such New Product SKUs shall be limited to the portion of the Territory for which such distribution has been declined.

 

3.                                    Distributor’s Duties.  Distributor shall:

 

a.                                     Use commercially reasonable good faith efforts (i) to actively and diligently promote, solicit and push vigorously the wide distribution and sale of the Products to Distributor’s Accounts in the Territory, and (ii) to develop and exploit the full potential of the business of distributing, Marketing (as defined below) and selling the Products throughout the Territory by creating, stimulating and expanding continuously the future demand for the Products and satisfying fully and in all respects the current demand therefor (except to accounts reserved for MEC pursuant to Exhibit C and those National Accounts (as defined below) that are

 

4



 

serviced directly by MEC in accordance with Section 14).  For the purposes of this Section 3 and Section 13(a) below, “Marketing” means trade marketing, local marketing and local Product promotions in the Territory;

 

b.                                    Use commercially reasonable good faith efforts to actively and diligently develop new business opportunities for Products in Distributor’s Accounts in the Territory;

 

c.                                     Use commercially reasonable good faith efforts to actively and diligently manage all of Distributor’s sub-distributors throughout the Territory to gain system alignment to promote the sale and distribution of Products;

 

d.                                   Secure extensive in-store merchandising and optimal shelf positioning in Distributor’s Accounts in the Territory with respect to Products, except for those National Accounts serviced directly by MEC in accordance with Section 14 below;

 

e.                                     Perform complete and efficient distribution functions to and in Distributor’s Accounts throughout the Territory;

 

f.                                      Fully implement the Annual Business Plan (as defined and to be agreed upon from time-to-time in accordance with Section 13(b) below), and use commercially reasonable good faith efforts to achieve and maintain all of the objectives set with respect thereto as contemplated in Section 13(b) below;

 

g.                                    Achieve and maintain the Performance Targets (as defined and determined each calendar year in accordance with Section 13(d) below);

 

h.                                    In relation to the sales of the Products only, permit MEC representatives to accompany Distributor’s salesmen on sales routes in the Territory, upon reasonable advance notice to Distributor;

 

i.                                        Achieve optimum ambient and cold space, position, prominence, and visibility of the Products in all Distributor’s Accounts in the Territory, except for those National Accounts serviced directly by MEC in accordance with Section 14 below;

 

j.                                        Promote and maintain an efficient, viable and financially sound system of distribution for the Products in Distributor’s Accounts throughout the Territory, except for those National Accounts serviced directly by MEC in accordance with Section 14 below;

 

k.                                    Provide the resources necessary for the sale, delivery, Marketing, promotion and servicing of the Products in Distributor’s Accounts within the Territory, except for those National Accounts serviced directly by MEC in accordance with Section 14 below;

 

l.                                        Achieve and maintain Minimum Distribution Levels for the Products in Distributor’s Accounts (other than such non-exclusive Distributor’s Accounts as identified on Exhibit C) as agreed upon or determined in accordance with Section 13(c) below from time to time;

 

m.                                Perform and satisfy its obligations specified in Sections 10 and 13 below;

 

5



 

n.                                    Provide such sales and Marketing information in relation to the Products as may be reasonably requested by MEC;

 

o.                                    Comply with any applicable laws and regulations of or applicable in the Territory and shall be responsible for ensuring that all Product deliveries by Distributor within the Territory comply with all health, safety, environmental and other standards, specifications and other requirements imposed by law, regulation or order in the Territory and applicable to the Products;

 

p.                                    Assign such article numbers as may be utilized by Distributor from time to time for each Product and Product package to track sales information by its sales data collection system;

 

q.                                    Cause all of its promotional and Marketing efforts and/or activities under this Agreement to be devoted solely to the Products.  Unless approved by MEC’s prior written consent, it shall be a violation of this subsection for (i) Products to be placed by Distributor in Equipment (as defined below) branded with the trademark of an Energy Drink other than a Product, it being agreed that Distributor may place Products in Equipment branded with another beverage other than an Energy Drink; (ii) Energy Drinks other than Products to be placed by Distributor in Equipment branded for Products; (iii) sales materials for Products created by Distributor to include trademarks of products or Energy Drinks other than Products; (iv) Distributor distributing sales material created by Distributor including trademarks of Products; and (v) Distributor’s promotional pricing and/or promotional and/or Marketing activities and/or promotional and/or Marketing programs to apply to all or any Products in combination with all or any Energy Drinks other than Products sold by Distributor.  It is not a violation of this subsection for Products to be ordered, sold, delivered, or merchandised by the same Person or in the same vehicles as other products;

 

r.                                       Invest all the capital and to obtain and expend all the funds required for the organization, installation, operation, maintenance and replacement within the Territory of such warehousing, Marketing, distribution, delivery, transportation and other facilities and equipment as shall be necessary for Distributor to comply with its obligations under this Agreement;

 

s.                                      For its own account, budget and expend such funds for advertising, Marketing and promoting the Products in the Territory as may be reasonably required by MEC to create, stimulate and sustain the demand for the Products in the Territory, provided that Distributor shall submit all advertising, Marketing and promotional projects relating to the Trademarks or the Products to MEC for its prior approval, and shall use, publish, maintain or distribute only such advertising, Marketing or promotional material relating to the Trademarks or the Products as MEC shall approve and authorize.  MEC may agree from time to time and subject to such terms and conditions as it shall stipulate in each case to contribute financially to Distributor’s Marketing programs.  MEC may also undertake, at its own expense and independently from Distributor, any additional advertising or sales promotion activities in the Territory it deems useful or appropriate;

 

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t.                                       Use commercially reasonable efforts to allocate Products in Distributor Equipment consistent with the Annual Business Plan and to the extent (and in the form and manner) agreed between Distributor and MEC, including without limitation by including ***.  “Distributor Equipment” shall mean any refrigeration equipment, coolers, barrels, vending machines or similar equipment provided by Distributor, or placed and maintained by Distributor in premises of Distributor’s customers within the Territory for use in relation to the refrigeration, display, Marketing, promotion, and/or sale of all or any beverages distributed and sold by Distributor in the Territory.  “MEC Equipment” shall mean any refrigeration equipment, coolers, barrels, vending machines or similar equipment funded by MEC or provided by MEC to Distributor and placed in premises of Distributor’s customers within the Territory by Distributor for use in relation to the refrigeration, display, Marketing, promotion, and/or sale of all or any Products distributed and sold by Distributor in the Territory, *** and/or as may otherwise be agreed by the parties in writing from time to time.  The appearance and branding of MEC Equipment shall be determined by MEC in its discretion.  Distributor Equipment and MEC Equipment shall be referred to collectively as the “Equipment;

 

u.                                    Take such steps and execute such documents as may be necessary to ensure that any MEC Equipment for use in relation to the refrigeration, display, Marketing, promotion, and/or sale of Products, and any licenses, entitlements, consents or other rights relating to the placement or location of MEC Equipment in a customer’s premises remains the exclusive, unencumbered property of MEC.  Distributor shall maintain the MEC Equipment in good condition throughout the Term of this Agreement, ordinary wear and tear excepted.  Upon termination of this Agreement, Distributor shall deliver the MEC Equipment to MEC or its designee at the location of such Equipment in the customers’ premises.  As the bona fide depository of the MEC Equipment, Distributor undertakes to take all commercially reasonable steps for the proper storage, preservation and use of the MEC Equipment for as long as such Equipment remains serviceable, and shall be responsible for any failure to do so.  If for any reason any of the MEC Equipment is removed and not recovered, Distributor shall be liable for all loss and damages arising from Distributor’s breach of this Section 3(u).  Distributor hereby agrees to pay MEC any loss or damages incurred by MEC with respect to replacing the MEC Equipment and securing the placement of the MEC Equipment;

 

v.                                    Maintain and replace such Equipment at such reasonable intervals as are reasonably necessary;

 

w.                                Use commercially reasonable efforts to protect the reputation and goodwill of MEC, the Products, and the Trademarks, conduct business in a proper and businesslike manner, and otherwise act in the best interests of MEC in relation to its Products, reputation and goodwill.  Distributor shall not act or fail to act in any manner that would reasonably be expected to be detrimental to the brand image of MEC or the Products.  Distributor shall sell Products only to reputable and suitable Distributor’s Accounts consistent with the reputation and quality of MEC’s global brand.  Distributor shall not engage in any activities or practices, or fail to engage in activities or practices, that would reasonably be

 

*** Indicates portions of this exhibit have been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to a request for confidential treatment.

 

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expected to impair the value of or otherwise damage the reputation or goodwill of MEC, the Products, or the Trademarks; and

 

x.                                    Maintain in stock at all times a reasonably sufficient quantity of each Product/s in relation to the demand from Distributor’s Accounts in the Territory for at least a reasonable period based on such demand, subject to availability as provided by MEC.

 

4.                                    Prices.  The prices of Products shall be as set forth in MEC’s then current price list as the same may be changed from time to time by MEC upon *** prior written notice to Distributor.

 

5.                                    Orders.  All purchase orders for Products shall be transmitted in writing or electronically, shall specify a reasonable date and time for delivery to locations in the Territory agreed upon in writing between the parties from time to time with a lead time of at least ten (10) days and shall be subject to acceptance by MEC in MEC’s reasonable discretion.  If MEC is unable to accept an order for any reason, then MEC will use commercially reasonable efforts to equitably allocate available Products to fill orders from its distributors and customers, including Distributor.  In the event of any conflict or inconsistency between the terms of this Agreement and any purchase order, the terms of this Agreement shall govern.  All such purchase orders shall be deemed acceptances of MEC’s offers to sell Products and shall limit acceptance by Distributor to the terms and conditions thereof.

 

6.                                    Payment.

 

a.                                     MEC shall invoice Distributor on a monthly or other mutually agreed periodic basis and Distributor shall promptly pay the prices of Products in full (without deduction or set off for any reason) no later than *** from date of the relevant invoice unless MEC otherwise agrees in writing.  Distributor and MEC shall use a mutually agreeable method of electronic settlement of accounts that Distributor reasonably approves which may include ACH or Xign, Distributor’s current electronic invoice presentment system.  If Distributor is delinquent in payment upon presentation of invoice and remains delinquent for seven (7) days after written notice calling upon Distributor to pay, Distributor shall reimburse MEC for any costs and expenses incurred by MEC in collecting such delinquent amounts, including, without limitation, legal fees and costs including fees of collection agencies, and interest computed at the *** percent *** per month or part thereof from the due date(s) or the maximum legally permissible rate.  MEC reserves the right by giving reasonable notice to Distributor to establish in its sole discretion the conditions of shipment and payment and to designate the supply point and/or alternate supply points for each of the Products.

 

b.                                    Distributor acknowledges that it is aware that MEC and KO have entered into an Amended and Restated Distribution Coordination Agreement dated as of ___________________, 2015 (as it may be amended from time to time, the “Distribution Coordination Agreement”) under the terms of which KO has agreed to facilitate and coordinate MEC and certain KO distributors/bottlers entering into distribution arrangements, and after such

 

*** Indicates portions of this exhibit have been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to a request for confidential treatment.

 

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arrangements have been entered into, to facilitate the ongoing relationship between MEC and such KO distributors/bottlers and provide other assistance.  In consideration thereof, Distributor agrees to pay to KO a fee calculated in accordance with the formula set forth on attached Exhibit E (the “Facilitation Fee”).  Each MEC invoice to Distributor will include the Facilitation Fee, which shall be payable by Distributor in accordance with the terms of the applicable MEC invoice.  MEC will in turn remit the Facilitation Fee received from Distributor to KO on a monthly basis.  Distributor acknowledges and agrees that (i) MEC may, at any time, assign to KO its rights to collect the Facilitation Fee, which will allow KO to directly take action against Distributor to collect any Facilitation Fee owing from Distributor, (ii) MEC may agree to pay or provide KO with other fees or benefits as consideration for KO’s performance of its obligations under the Distribution Coordination Agreement and (iii) to the extent necessary, Distributor consents to the provisions of this Section 6(b).

 

7.                                    Title.  Title to the Products shall pass to Distributor upon delivery of the Products to Distributor.

 

8.                                    Forecasts and Delivery.

 

a.                                     Distributor shall provide MEC with *** forecasts describing the volume of each SKU of Products that Distributor projects will be ordered during each *** period during the Term (as defined below) of this Agreement.  Distributor shall submit each updated forecast monthly in a format reasonably acceptable to MEC no later than the first day of each month during the Term.

 

b.                                    Unless otherwise agreed in writing by the parties to this Agreement, the Products will be tendered by MEC for delivery to Distributor in full truckload quantities of particular Product lines and extensions but without combining different Product lines in the same truckloads.  By way of example, Monster Green (i.e.  Monster’s original product) and its extensions and Java Monster and its extensions are different particular Product lines.  Subject to Distributor providing MEC forecasts in accordance with Section 8(a) above, MEC agrees to (i) use commercially reasonable good faith efforts to deliver Products to Distributor within ***, in the case of Monster and Monster LoCarb Products sold in 24-pack/16 oz.  cases, and within *** in the case of all other Products, of MEC’s receipt of the applicable purchase orders for Products in compliance with Sections 5 and 8(a) above, and (ii) deliver Products to Distributor with at least *** of shelf life remaining at the time of delivery.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, Distributor acknowledges that delivery dates set forth in purchase orders for Products accepted by MEC are merely approximate and that MEC shall have no liability for late deliveries, except only for fines, penalties and assessments imposed by Distributor’s customers and actually paid by Distributor which arise solely and directly as a result of MEC’s failure to comply with its obligations under this Section 8.

 

c.                                     MEC shall use commercially reasonable means to cause packing and packaging to comply with all applicable state, federal and local law and packing and packaging

 

*** Indicates portions of this exhibit have been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to a request for confidential treatment.

 

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to be accompanied by bills of lading or pallet tags or other documentation to comply with the Public Health Security and Bioterrorism Preparedness and Response Act of 2002.

 

9.                                    Trademarks.

 

a.                                     Distributor acknowledges the respective exclusive right, title, and interest in and to the Trademarks and trade names of MEC and/or its Affiliates, whether or not registered, patents, patent applications, and all rights in inventions (whether or not patentable) (collectively, “Patents”), copyrights and copyrightable material (collectively, “Copyrights”) and trade secrets and know-how (collectively, “Know-How”) which MEC and/or its Affiliates may have at any time created, adopted, used, registered, or been issued in the United States of America or in any other location in connection with MEC’s business or the Products and Distributor shall not do, or cause or permit to be done, any acts or things contesting or in any way impairing or tending to impair any portion of MEC’s right, title, and interest in and to the Trademarks, trade names, Patents, Copyrights, and Know-How.  Any approval by MEC for Distributor to use any Trademarks, trade names, Patents, Copyrights, trade secrets and Know-How in connection with the distribution and sale of the Products shall be a mere temporary permission, uncoupled with any right or interest, and without payment of any fee or royalty charge for such use.

 

b.                                    Distributor shall not use any trademark, name, brand name, logo or other production designation or symbol in connection with Products other than the Trademarks, subject to the terms of this Section 9.  It will not be a breach of this Section for the Products to be delivered by Distributor in vehicles, or using employees, agents, assigns or sub-distributors wearing clothing, displaying any other trademark, name, brand name, logo or other products designation or symbol.  Distributor acknowledges that it has no right or interest in the Trademarks (except as expressly permitted hereunder) and that any use by Distributor of the Trademarks will inure solely to MEC’s benefit.  Distributor may only use the Trademarks in strict accordance with MEC’s policies and instructions, and MEC reserves the right, from time to time and at any time, at its discretion, to modify such policies and instructions then in effect.

 

c.                                     Any proposed use by Distributor of the Trademarks (to the extent that it either has not been previously approved by MEC in writing or differs materially from a use previously approved by MEC in writing) shall be subject to the prior written consent of MEC, which MEC may withhold in its sole and absolute discretion.  Distributor shall submit to MEC in writing each different proposed use of the Trademarks in any medium.

 

d.                                   Distributor shall not at any time alter the Trademarks or the packaging of Products, use the Trademarks for any purpose other than the promotion, advertising and sale of Products hereunder, or challenge the validity, or do or refrain from doing any act which might result in impairment of the value, of the Trademarks.  Distributor shall not cause or permit its business name to include any of the Trademarks or its business to be operated in a manner which is substantially associated with any of the Trademarks.

 

e.                                     In advertising, promotions or in any other manner so as to identify Products, Distributor shall clearly indicate MEC’s ownership of the Trademarks.  Distributor further agrees that before distributing or publishing any sales literature, promotional or

 

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descriptive materials, MEC shall have the right, upon request, to inspect, edit and approve such materials which illustrate, describe or discuss the Products.  Distributor shall comply with any Trademark usage guidelines that MEC provides to it in writing.

 

f.                                      Upon the termination of this Agreement, the temporary permission granted under sub-Section 9(a) above will terminate and Distributor shall immediately cease and desist from any use of the Trademarks and any names, marks, logos or symbols similar thereto and the use of any Patents, Copyrights and Know-How.

 

g.                                    Distributor shall (i) notify MEC of any actual or suspected misuse or infringement of any Trademark, brand name, logo or other production designation or symbol in the Territory, (ii) at MEC’s expense and upon MEC’s request, assist in such legal proceedings as MEC will deem necessary for the safeguard of any Trademark, brand name, logo or other production designation or symbol in the Territory, and execute and deliver in accordance with MEC’s request such documents and instruments as may be necessary or appropriate in the conduct of such proceedings, and (iii) at MEC’s expense, assist MEC in the registration and/or renewal of registration of any Trademark, brand name, logo or other production designation or symbol in the Territory as MEC may determine to be necessary or desirable, and execute such documents and instruments as may be necessary to register or to apply for the registration (or registration renewal) of such Trademark, brand name, logo or other production designation or symbol.

 

h.                                    Distributor shall not acquire or attempt to acquire, for itself or for others, any rights in or to the Patents, Copyrights, Know-How, Trademarks, or any names, marks, logos or symbols confusingly similar thereto, either through registration or use.  All rights granted to Distributor concerning the Trademarks, Patents, Copyrights, and Know-How are personal to Distributor, and are not assignable (except in accordance with Section 23) or sublicensable (except to a sub-distributor in accordance with Section 2(a)).  Subject to Distributor’s rights under Sections 2 and 23, Distributor shall not grant or attempt to grant any rights in or to the Trademarks, Patents, Copyrights, and Know-How to any other Person.

 

i.                                        If during the Term a third party institutes against MEC or Distributor any claim or proceeding that alleges that the use of any Trademark or any Know-How, Patent, trade secret or Copyright in connection with the distribution, marketing, promotion, merchandising and/or sales of the Products under this Agreement infringes the intellectual property rights held by such third party, then MEC shall, in its sole discretion, and at its sole expense, contest, settle, and/or assume direction and control of the defense or settlement of, such action, including all necessary appeals thereunder.  Distributor shall use all reasonable efforts to assist and cooperate with MEC in such action, subject to MEC reimbursing Distributor for any reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred by Distributor in connection with such assistance and cooperation.  If, as a result of any such action, a judgment is entered by a court of competent jurisdiction, or settlement is entered by MEC, such that any Know-How, Patent, trade secret, Copyright or Trademark cannot be used in connection with the distribution, marketing, promotion, merchandising and/or sales of the Products under this Agreement without infringing upon the intellectual property rights of such third party, then MEC and Distributor promptly shall cease using such affected Know-How, Patent, trade secret, Copyright or Trademark in connection with the distribution, marketing, promotion, merchandising and/or sale of the Products under this

 

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Agreement.  Except as otherwise specified in this Agreement, neither party shall incur any liability or obligation to the other party arising from any such cessation of the use of the affected Trademark.

 

10.                            Promotion and Trade Marketing of Products.  Distributor shall be responsible for promotion and Marketing of the Products to Distributor’s Accounts within the Territory.  Distributor shall use commercially reasonable efforts to actively and diligently distribute and encourage the utilization of merchandising aids and promotional materials in all Distributor’s Accounts throughout the Territory.  Without in any way detracting from the foregoing, Distributor shall reasonably participate in and diligently implement all Marketing and promotional programs that are mutually agreed upon by MEC and Distributor from time to time.  Distributor acknowledges that (a) MEC has no obligation to market and promote the Products, and (b) MEC makes no, and hereby disclaims any, express or implied warranty, representation, or covenant relating to or in connection with MEC’s marketing and promotional activities including any Global Branding and Marketing activities (as defined in Section 13(a) below), including without limitation, as to the value, performance, extent, effectiveness, quantity, quality, success or results of any such activities or the lack thereof.  Except as expressly provided in Section 19 below, Distributor shall have no claim against MEC and its Affiliates and hereby releases MEC and its Affiliates from all and any claims by, and/or liability to, Distributor of any nature for their failure to market and promote, or adequately market and promote, the Products or arising from or relating to or in connection with any Global Branding and Marketing activities procured, provided or performed by MEC and/or its Affiliates or MEC’s and/or its Affiliates’ failure to procure, provide or perform such activities.

 

11.                            Term.  Unless terminated by either party pursuant to the terms of this Agreement, the initial term of this Agreement shall commence on the Effective Date and shall end on the twentieth (20th) anniversary of the Commencement Date (the “Initial Term”).  After the Initial Term, this Agreement shall, subject to being terminated by either party pursuant to the terms of this Agreement, continue and remain in effect, unless either party gives written notice of non-renewal to the other party at least ninety (90) days prior to the end of the Initial Term or any subsequent anniversary of the Commencement Date, as the case may be (collectively, the “Term”).  A “Contract Year” means any calendar year during the Term and the period from the Commencement Date until the close of business on December 31st of the calendar year in which the Commencement Date falls.

 

12.                            Termination.

 

a.                                     Termination for Cause.

 

(i)                                  Termination By Either Party.  Without prejudice to its other rights and remedies under this Agreement and those rights and remedies otherwise available in equity or at law, either party may terminate this Agreement on the occurrence of one or more of the following:

 

A.                                Breach.  A party’s material breach of a provision of this Agreement and failure to cure such breach within thirty (30) days after receiving written notice describing such breach in reasonable detail from the non-breaching party; provided, however, if

 

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such breach is of a nature that it cannot reasonably be cured within thirty (30) days, then the breaching party shall have an additional forty-five (45) day period to cure such breach, providing it immediately commences, and thereafter diligently prosecutes, in good faith, its Best Efforts to cure such breach.  In the event that either MEC or Distributor exercises its right to terminate this Agreement in accordance with this Section 12(a)(i)(A), the breaching party shall be obligated to pay the other party a severance payment measured as a genuine pre-estimate of the other party’s losses and not as a penalty (the “Breach Severance Payment”) in the amount calculated as follows: Distributor’s “average gross profit per case” (as defined below) multiplied by the number of cases of Products sold by Distributor during the most recently completed twelve (12) month period ended on the last day of the month preceding the month in which this Agreement is terminated.  Distributor’s “average gross profit per case” shall mean Distributor’s actual selling price less (1) promotion allowances, discounts, free cases and allowance programs, and (2) Distributor’s laid in cost of the Products.  The computation of Distributor’s “average gross profit per case” shall exclude the Facilitation Fee.

 

B.                                 Insolvency.  The other party (1) makes any general arrangement or assignment for the benefit of creditors, (2) becomes bankrupt, insolvent or a “debtor” as defined in 11 U.S.C.  § 101, or any successor statute (unless such petition is dismissed within sixty (60) days after its original filing), (3) has appointed a trustee or receiver to take possession of substantially all of such party’s assets or interest in this Agreement (unless possession is restored to such party within sixty (60) days after such taking), or (4) has substantially all of such party’s assets or interest in this Agreement (unless such attachment, execution or judicial seizure is discharged within sixty (60) days after such attachment, execution or judicial seizure) attached, executed, or judicially seized.

 

C.                                 Agreement.  Mutual written agreement of the parties.

 

D.                                Deadlock.

 

(1)                              If (a) the parties are unable to agree upon Performance Targets, Annual Business Plan or Minimum Distribution Levels, or (b) if Distributor has failed to achieve the applicable Performance Targets, Annual Business Plan or Minimum Distribution Levels or fails to comply with any specific requirements of Distributor under this Agreement, including Section 3 (Distributor’s Duties), Section 10 (Trade Marketing and Promotional Programs), Section 13(f) (sales velocity), and Section 13(g) (promotional activities), in any material respect, commencing with the 2015 Contract Year in accordance with Sections 13(b), 13(c) and 13(d) respectively, (clauses (a) and (b) above, collectively referred to as a “Deadlock”) then either party may, at any time after providing the other party with written notice identifying the specific issues resulting in the Deadlock and making a good faith attempt to resolve the Deadlock with the other party, but not more than three times per twelve month period, upon written notice to the other party (the “Meet and Confer Notice”), require that representatives of the other party’s senior management meet and confer with representatives of the notifying party’s senior management at the dates, times and place reasonably agreed by the parties.  Such meet and confer shall begin no later than seven (7) days after the other party’s receipt of such Meet and Confer Notice and shall end no later than fifteen (15) days after the other party’s receipt of such Meet and Confer Notice (the “Initial Meeting Period”).  Representatives of the parties’ senior management shall meet and confer during such Initial

 

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Meeting Period until (x) resolution of the Deadlock to the parties’ mutual satisfaction or (y) conclusion of the Initial Meeting Period, whichever occurs first.

 

(2)                              If the parties are unable to resolve the Deadlock in accordance with Section 12(a)(i)(D)(1) above, then either party may, at any time after the Initial Meeting Period, upon written notice to the other party and to KO (the “Second Meet and Confer Notice”), require representatives of the other party’s senior management and representatives of management of the applicable KO business unit (and/or at MEC’s reasonable request, such other representative of senior management of KO), to meet and confer with representatives of the notifying party’s senior management at the dates, times and place reasonably agreed by MEC, Distributor and KO (including via videoconference or teleconference).  Such meet and confer shall begin no later than seven (7) days after the other party’s and KO’s receipt of such Second Meet and Confer Notice and shall end no later than twenty-one (21) days after the other party’s and KO’s receipt of such Second Meet and Confer Notice (the “Second Meeting Period”).  Representatives of the parties’ and the applicable KO business unit’s senior management (and/or at MEC’s reasonable request, such other representative of senior management of KO), shall meet and confer during such Second Meeting Period until (x) resolution of the Deadlock to the parties’ and KO’s satisfaction or (y) conclusion of the Second Meeting Period, whichever occurs first.  For the avoidance of doubt and without limiting Section 12(a)(i)(D)(5) below, in the event that, after KO’s receipt of the Second Meet and Confer Notice, such representative of KO’s applicable business unit does not participate in accordance with the foregoing, MEC shall have the option of waiving such requirement that such KO representative participate and proceeding with the Second Meeting Period without a KO representative.

 

(3)                              If, after the Second Meeting Period, the parties are unable to resolve the Deadlock in accordance with Section 12(a)(i)(D)(1) and Section 12(a)(i)(D)(2) above, then the Deadlock shall be resolved by reference as follows:

 

(x)                              Reference proceedings may be commenced by either party by giving the other party written notice thereof.  Any such reference shall take place before a single referee only in Orange County, California or via videoconference or teleconference.  The referee shall be an experienced industry expert selected jointly by the parties, or if they cannot agree on a referee within ten (10) days from the commencement of the reference proceedings, then, upon the petition of either party, the experienced industry expert shall be appointed within ten (10) days by the American Beverage Association.

 

(y)                              The Deadlock shall be submitted to the referee within ten (10) days after the referee is appointed.  No discovery will be permitted and no hearing will be held, except such informal proceedings as the referee may require.  Each party shall submit to the referee and the other party within such ten (10) day period such written information and statements as that party deems appropriate in support of its claim not exceeding five (5) pages in length (excluding exhibits), together with such information as the referee may require.  Each party shall concurrently submit to the referee and exchange with each other its last and best position with respect to each separate issue subject to Deadlock (“Position”) to resolve the Deadlock.  Within fourteen (14) days of the date that the parties were required to submit their respective written submissions, the referee shall select one of the two written Positions submitted with respect to each separate issue subject to Deadlock, without change or modification.

 

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(z)                               Each party shall pay one-half of the referee’s fees and otherwise bear its own costs associated with the reference proceeding; provided, that the party whose Position is not selected by the referee (the “Non-Prevailing Party”) shall not be obligated to reimburse the party whose position was selected by the referee (the “Prevailing Party”) for the referee’s fees and costs relating to the proceeding paid by such party.

 

(4)                              The Non-Prevailing Party shall have no right to terminate this Agreement or seek any other remedy with respect to the issue for which it was the Non-Prevailing Party, and the Position selected by the referee shall be binding upon the parties.

 

(5)                              Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Section 12(a)(i)(D), the parties acknowledge and agree that:

 

(x)                              the failure of KO or its applicable business unit’s senior management to attend or participate in, or otherwise perform, all or any of the duties, functions or activities described above will not affect the validity or enforceability of any part or result of the procedure in this Section 12(a)(i)(D).

 

(y)                              If either party is the Prevailing Party two consecutive times in any twelve (12) month period for any issue resulting in a Deadlock, then, after providing at least five (5) days written notice to KO, with a copy to KO’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of MEC’s intention to terminate this Agreement (if MEC is the Prevailing Party), such Prevailing Party shall have the option to terminate this Agreement upon thirty (30) days written notice to the other party; provided that if MEC is such terminating party, MEC shall pay Distributor a Breach Severance Payment (and neither party shall be liable by reason of such termination of this Agreement or Deadlock pursuant to this Section 12(a)(i)(D) for payment of any other amount, including, without limitation, for compensation, reimbursement or damages of whatsoever nature including for loss of prospective compensation or earnings, goodwill or loss thereof, or expenditures, investments, leases of any type or commitment or type of commitment made in connection with the business of either party or in reliance on the existence of the Agreement).

 

(z)                               If the Non-Prevailing Party materially fails to comply with the Position selected by the referee within a sixty (60) day period (or, if the Non-Prevailing Party cannot reasonably comply with such Position within such sixty (60) days, an extended period of no longer than an additional four (4) months) following such selection, then, after providing at least five (5) days written notice to KO (with a copy to KO’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer) of the Prevailing Party’s intention to terminate this Agreement, the Prevailing Party may, without prejudice to any other rights or remedies available to it under this Agreement or applicable law, give notice of such breach in accordance with, and thereafter invoke the remedy provided under, Section 12(a)(i)(A) above; provided that neither party shall be required to pay a Breach Severance Payment in such event (and neither party shall be liable by reason of such termination of this Agreement or Deadlock pursuant to this Section 12(a)(i)(D) for payment of any other amount, including, without limitation, for compensation, reimbursement or damages of whatsoever nature including for loss of prospective compensation or earnings, goodwill or loss thereof, or expenditures, investments, leases of any type or

 

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commitment or type of commitment made in connection with the business of either party or in reliance on the existence of the Agreement).

 

(6)                              Nothing contained in this Section 12(a)(i)(D) shall be construed as limiting, restricting or delaying either party’s ability to exercise its rights and/or remedies under Section 12(a)(i)(A) above.

 

(ii)                              Termination by MEC.  MEC may terminate this Agreement at any time:

 

A.                                Upon written notice, and such termination will be effective immediately upon Distributor’s receipt of such notice, if (x) Distributor sells, assigns, delegates or transfers any of its rights and obligations under this Agreement without having obtained MEC’s prior written consent thereto (which consent may be withheld in MEC’s sole discretion), provided that MEC shall not withhold its consent if such sale, assignment, delegation or transfer is (1) to a Primary KO Distributor (as defined below), (2) to KO or an Affiliate of KO, or (3) a result of an Approved Change of Control (as defined below) or (y) there is any material change in the control of Distributor or Distributor sells all or substantially all of its assets, without the prior written consent of MEC; other than if such material change in control or sale is (1) to a Primary KO Distributor, (2) to KO or an Affiliate of KO, or (3) to any Person to the extent Distributor remains a Primary KO Distributor.  “Primary KO Distributor” means a KO Distributor holding the exclusive right to distribute (or that otherwise is the primary distributor of) Coca-Cola brand products in an applicable territory.  “Approved Change of Control” means any change of control of Distributor or sale of all or substantially all of Distributor’s assets that is consented to by MEC or for which MEC’s consent is not required hereunder.

 

B.                                 Upon the occurrence of an MEC Change of Control (as defined in the Distribution Coordination Agreement), MEC shall have the option to terminate (1) this Agreement in its entirety (a “Complete Termination”) or (2) if the Territory comprises more than one market, Distributor’s right to sell Products in a portion of the Territory (a “Partial Territory Termination”), which option may be exercised within sixty (60) days of the occurrence of such MEC Change of Control, by written notice by MEC to Distributor.  Any such termination shall be effective upon Distributor’s receipt of MEC’s written notice of termination.  MEC’s right to terminate this Agreement under this Section 12(a)(ii)(B) shall be MEC’s sole right to terminate this Agreement for an MEC Change of Control and independent of any other rights or remedies of MEC under this Agreement.

 

(x)                              In the event of a Complete Termination, MEC or its successor, as the case may be, shall pay to Distributor an amount equal to a Breach Severance Payment calculated in accordance with Section 12(a)(i)(A) above (the “Product Severance Payment”).

 

(y)                              In the event of a Partial Territory Termination, MEC or its successor, as the case may be, shall pay to Distributor a severance payment with respect to the Products which are the subject of the termination, calculated on the same basis as the Breach Severance Payment in accordance with Section 12(a)(i)(A) above, but only with

 

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respect to that portion of the Territory which is the subject of the Partial Territory Termination (the “Territory Severance Payment”).

 

(z)                               Any Product Severance Payment or Territory Severance Payment payable by MEC to Distributor in accordance with Section 12(a)(ii)(B)(x) or 12(a)(ii)(B)(y) shall be paid by MEC to Distributor within thirty (30) days of the later of (I) the date of the applicable termination, and (II) MEC’s receipt of all information reasonably necessary to support computation of the Product Severance Payment or Territory Severance Payment, as the case may be, in a form and substance satisfactory to MEC.

 

(iii)                          [INTENTIONALLY OMITTED]

 

(iv)                          Termination Upon the Occurrence of Certain Changes.  If, after the Effective Date, a change in legal or regulatory conditions in the Territory occurs including, without limitation, any change in any applicable law, regulation or order, or the interpretation of any law, regulation or order in the Territory which has, had or would be reasonably expected to (A) have a material adverse effect on the business of distributing Products in that Territory or (B) result in any part of this Agreement ceasing to be in conformity with the laws or regulations applicable in the Territory and, as a result thereof, or as a result of any other laws affecting this Agreement, any one of the material provisions of this Agreement cannot be legally performed and/or the Products cannot be stored, transported, handled, distributed or sold in accordance with this Agreement, either party may, upon written notice, suspend or terminate the parties’ respective rights and obligations under this Agreement solely with respect to (1) the affected Products in the Territory, or, (2) to the extent such change and conditions affects the business of distribution of all or substantially all of the Products in the Territory, all Products in the affected portion of the Territory without liability for damages; provided that neither MEC nor any of its Affiliates shall be permitted to sell any such Products subject to suspension or termination in the affected Territory without first providing Distributor the option to remove the cause for such suspension or re-enter into the Agreement with respect to such Products and Territory.  In the event of any such suspension that materially adversely effects Distributor’s benefits or obligations hereunder, Distributor shall have the option to terminate this Agreement in its entirety upon written notice to MEC.

 

(v)                              Termination by Distributor.  Without prejudice to Distributor’s rights, if any, to terminate this Agreement in accordance with Section 12(a)(i)(A) above, Distributor may terminate this Agreement if MEC delivers to Distributor less than twenty-five percent (25%) of the aggregate volume of all Products ordered by Distributor in accordance with Sections 5 and 8 above over a continuous period of ninety (90) days after the initial due date/s for delivery in accordance with Section 8(b) above; provided Distributor has delivered to MEC written notice of such failure and MEC has failed to remedy such deficiency within thirty (30) days of MEC’s receipt of such notice.  For the avoidance of doubt, Distributor shall not be entitled to invoke this Section 12(a)(v) to terminate this Agreement if MEC delivers twenty-five percent (25%) or more of the aggregate volume of all Products ordered by Distributor in accordance with Sections 5 and 8 above over a continuous period of ninety (90) days after the initial due date/s for delivery in accordance with Section 8(b) above.  Distributor may terminate this Agreement at any time immediately upon written notice to MEC in the event that MEC

 

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distributes or agrees to distribute through other distributors in the Territory all or substantially all of the Products covered under this Agreement to the exclusion of Distributor.

 

b.                                    Optional Termination.  MEC shall have the right to terminate this Agreement upon written notice to Distributor (i) in the event of termination or expiration of the Distribution Coordination Agreement pursuant to and in accordance with its terms and/or (ii) if Distributor is no longer a party to any agreement with KO regarding the distribution of Coca-Cola brand products in the Territory.  Neither KO, MEC nor Distributor shall be liable to any other party or otherwise obligated to pay to any other party any severance payment or other amount by reason of such termination for compensation, reimbursement or damages of whatsoever nature including, for (A) loss of prospective compensation or earnings, (B) goodwill or loss thereof, or (C) expenditures, investments, leases of any type or commitment or type of commitment made in connection with the business of either party or in reliance on the existence of this Agreement, other than any fees required to be paid by MEC pursuant to the Distribution Coordination Agreement.

 

c.                                     Distribution Coordination Agreement.  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, MEC shall not have the right to terminate this Agreement with respect to any action or circumstance approved by MEC pursuant to Section 3 of the Distribution Coordination Agreement, unless KO consents to such termination in writing in advance.

 

d.                                   Sole Remedy.

 

(i)                                  The Breach Severance Payment, Product Severance Payment and/or the Territory Severance Payment payable by MEC to Distributor, pursuant to the provisions of this Section 12, if any, and MEC’s repurchase of Distributor’s inventory of Products, advertising materials and MEC Equipment pursuant to Section 12(e)(iv) below, or Distributor’s right to sell such inventory if not so repurchased by MEC, shall constitute Distributor’s sole and exclusive remedy for the termination or non-renewal of this Agreement, including, without limitation, in the case of a breach and shall be in lieu of all other claims that Distributor may have against MEC as a result thereof.  Without in any way detracting from or limiting the provisions of Sections 12(e)(iii) and 12(e)(v) below and, in addition thereto, under no circumstances shall MEC be liable to Distributor by reason of the termination or non-renewal of this Agreement for compensation, reimbursement or damages of whatsoever nature including, without limitation, for (A) loss of prospective compensation or earnings, (B) goodwill or loss thereof, or (C) expenditures, investments, leases of any type or commitment or type of commitment made in connection with the business of Distributor or in reliance on the existence of this Agreement.

 

(ii)                              The Breach Severance Payment payable by Distributor to MEC pursuant to the provisions of this Section 12, if any, and MEC’s repurchase of Distributor’s inventory of Products, advertising materials and MEC Equipment pursuant to Section 12(e)(iv) below, or Distributor’s right to sell such inventory if not so repurchased by MEC, shall constitute MEC’s sole and exclusive remedy for the termination or non-renewal of this Agreement, including, without limitation, in the case of a breach and shall be in lieu of all other claims that MEC may have against Distributor as a result thereof.  Without in any way detracting from or limiting the provisions of Sections 12(e)(iii) and 12(e)(v) below and, in addition thereto, under

 

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no circumstances shall Distributor be liable to MEC by reason of the termination or non-renewal of this Agreement for compensation, reimbursement or damages of whatsoever nature including, without limitation, for (A) loss of prospective compensation or earnings, (B) goodwill or loss thereof, or (C) expenditures, investments, leases of any type of commitment or type of commitment made in connection with the business of MEC or in reliance on the existence of this Agreement.

 

e.                                     Other Terms Pertaining to Termination.  In the event of the termination of this Agreement for any reason whatsoever (and whether such termination is due to the breach of any of the provisions of this Agreement by any party and/or itself is in breach of the Agreement or otherwise):

 

(i)                                  MEC shall have the right to cancel all of Distributor’s purchase orders for affected Products accepted but remaining unfilled as of the date of termination;

 

(ii)                              All amounts payable by Distributor to MEC or by MEC to Distributor shall be accelerated and shall immediately become due unless such termination results from the other’s breach of this Agreement;

 

(iii)                          Except for the sole remedy provisions in Sections 12(d)(i) and (ii), neither party shall be liable to the other party in contract, tort or on any other theory of liability for any damage, loss, cost or expense (whether general, special, indirect, incidental, consequential or punitive) suffered, incurred or claimed by the other party as a result of or related to such breach and/or termination (even if the termination results from a breach and the breaching party has been advised of the possibility of such damages), including, without limitation, loss of anticipated profits or goodwill, loss of or damage to goodwill or business reputation or any loss of investments or payments made by either party in anticipation of performing under this Agreement;

 

(iv)                          MEC and Distributor shall each have the option, exercisable upon written notice to the other within thirty (30) days after the date of termination hereof, to cause MEC to (A) repurchase all affected Products in Distributor’s inventory and current advertising materials (providing such Products and advertising materials are in saleable condition) at the prices paid or payable for such Products by Distributor (less any freight and insurance charges), F.O.B., Distributor’s premises and (B) purchase all of Distributor’s right, title and interest in, and all applicable rights in, related to, or associated with, all MEC Equipment and the placement or location of such MEC Equipment at all Distributor’s customers’ locations or premises by Distributor at the fair market value of Distributor’s interest, if any, in each such item of MEC Equipment with no amount or compensation allocated to, or payable for, the maintenance, placement or location of the MEC Equipment;

 

(v)                              Any Breach Severance Payment, Product Severance Payment, or Territory Severance Payment (each, a “Severance Payment”) payable in accordance with this Agreement by either MEC or Distributor in the event of termination of this Agreement shall constitute reasonable liquidated damages and is not intended as a forfeiture or penalty.  MEC and Distributor agree that it would be impractical and extremely difficult to estimate the total detriment suffered by either party as a result of termination of this Agreement pursuant to this

 

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Section 12 or otherwise, and that under the circumstances existing as of the Effective Date, the applicable Severance Payment represents a reasonable estimate of the damages which either MEC or Distributor will incur as a result of such applicable termination.  Therefore, MEC and Distributor agree that a reasonable estimate of the total detriment that either party would suffer in the event of termination of this Agreement pursuant to this Section 12 or otherwise is an amount equal to the applicable Severance Payment.  The foregoing provision shall not waive or affect either party’s indemnity obligations or the parties’ respective rights to enforce those indemnity obligations under this Agreement, or waive or affect either party’s obligations with respect to any other provision of this Agreement which by its terms survives the termination of this Agreement;

 

(vi)                          Distributor acknowledges and agrees that the payment of any Severance Payment by MEC to Distributor shall be conditional upon (A) Distributor cooperating in good faith with MEC in effecting a smooth transition of or otherwise transferring any distribution or similar rights under this Agreement to MEC (as determined is appropriate by MEC), or in MEC’s sole discretion, to a third party distributor appointed by MEC, provided that MEC may only withhold payment of such Severance Payment if Distributor materially fails to comply with specific requests of MEC to take actions that are reasonably required to effect such transition and would not impose material costs on Distributor (except to the extent MEC reimburses the same), and (B) Distributor performing its obligations under Section 12(g)(i) below in all material respects.  MEC shall not invoke the right to withhold payment of any Severance Payment unless MEC shall have given Distributor at least twenty (20) days written notice of its failure to perform any of its obligations set forth in this Section 12(e)(vi) and Distributor has failed to cure such failure during such twenty (20) days; and

 

(vii)                      Upon any notice of termination of this Agreement provided in accordance with the terms hereof and during the applicable notice period, nothing in this Agreement shall be deemed to prohibit MEC, in its sole discretion from negotiating and/or granting distribution rights to any third party or engage directly in transactions concerning the sale and distribution of the Products in the Territory.

 

f.                                      Continued Supply of Products After Termination.  In the event MEC continues to supply Products to Distributor for any reason following the termination of this Agreement, Distributor acknowledges and agrees that any such action shall not constitute a waiver of MEC’s rights under this Agreement or a reinstatement, renewal or continuation of the Term of this Agreement.  MEC and Distributor agree that if MEC continues to supply Products to Distributor following the termination of this Agreement, (i) Distributor shall be prohibited from selling or otherwise transferring Products except to Distributor’s Accounts within the Territory, (ii) Distributor shall promptly pay the prices of the Products in full (without deduction or set-off for any reason) in accordance with the payment terms set forth in MEC’s invoice, and (iii) MEC shall have the right, in its sole discretion, to discontinue supplying Products to Distributor at any time, without notice to Distributor.

 

g.                                    Distributor’s Obligations After Notice of Termination.

 

(i)                                  During any period after either party gives the other notice of termination of this Agreement and until actual termination of this Agreement, Distributor shall

 

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(A) continue to perform all of Distributor’s obligations under this Agreement, including without limitation, all of Distributor’s obligations under Section 3 above, (B) not cause or permit the Products or the Trademarks to be prejudiced in any manner, (C) not eliminate, reduce or replace the listings, shelf space, positioning and/or other benefits enjoyed by the Products, (D) continue to conduct its business relating to the distribution and sale of Products in the ordinary course and consistent with its prior practices including, without limitation, by not purchasing more inventory than customarily purchased by Distributor of Products or offering its customers prices, terms or benefits not customarily offered by Distributor such as discounts, rebates or sales promotion allowances (except to the extent permitted hereunder), and (E) generally cooperate with MEC in relation to the transition to any new distributor appointed by MEC for the Territory.

 

(ii)                              For a period of thirty (30) days after termination of this Agreement for any reason, Distributor shall not tortiously interfere with any listings, shelf space, or positioning for the Products.

 

13.                            Annual Business Plan; Minimum Distribution Levels; Promotion.

 

a.                                     During the Term, MEC shall have primary responsibility for the overall global branding and positioning of the Products, as well as brand and image Marketing for the Products, in such form and manner and of such nature and to such extent as may be determined by MEC in its sole and absolute discretion from time to time (“Global Branding and Marketing”).  Distributor acknowledges and agrees that MEC makes no express or implied warranty, representation or covenant relating to or in connection with any Global Branding and Marketing activities, including without limitation, as to the value, performance, extent, effectiveness, quantity, quality, success or results of any such activities or the lack thereof.  Except as set forth in Section 19 below, Distributor shall not have any claim against MEC and its Affiliates and hereby releases MEC and its Affiliates from all and any claims by, and liability to, Distributor of any nature for their failure to market and promote, or adequately market and promote, the Products or arising from or relating to or in connection with any Global Branding and Marketing activities procured, provided or performed by MEC and/or its Affiliates or MEC’s and/or its Affiliates failure to procure, provide or perform such activities.

 

b.                                                                                    Not less than sixty (60) days before the end of each Contract Year, MEC and Distributor shall mutually review the conditions of the marketplace, Distributor’s efforts to achieve sales and its results, including year over year performance, as well as a proposed annual sales, promotion, and trade marketing plan (“Annual Business Plan”) for the next Contract Year prepared by Distributor.  Such review shall include discussion on marketing efforts and proposed programs to be implemented to improve the distribution and/or sales velocity of the very lowest selling (measured by sales velocity) SKU/s of Products, if appropriate, and/or the possible deletion from distribution, if appropriate, of the very lowest selling (measured by sales velocity) SKU/s of Products but in accordance with and subject to the provisions of Section 13(f) below.  Such Annual Business Plan shall cover such matters as may be appropriate including specific account placement performance objectives, merchandising goals, specific account and channel objectives for specified distribution channels, distribution goals, a sales and marketing spending plan and a strategy for maximizing sales and growth of market share.  Additionally, if the Territory has an ethnic market or concentration, the Annual Business Plan shall address such specific ethnic segments, including retail promotions, point-of-

 

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sale allocations and special events for ethnic segments.  The Annual Business Plan shall not detract from the provisions of Section 10 above.  Distributor shall use Best Efforts to implement such Annual Business Plan in the following Contract Year in accordance with Section 3(f) above.

 

c.                                                                                     Not less than sixty (60) days before the end of the then-current Contract Year, MEC and Distributor shall mutually agree, in writing, on minimum distribution levels to be achieved and maintained by Distributor for each of the Products throughout the next Contract Year (the “Minimum Distribution Levels”).  Should the parties have failed, for whatsoever reason, to mutually agree upon the Minimum Distribution Levels to be achieved and maintained by Distributor for each of the Products throughout the next Contract Year, the same shall be determined by reference to the process described in Section 13(d) below.  The parties shall perform all of their respective obligations under this Section except that Distributor shall not be obligated to achieve and maintain the Minimum Distribution Levels until the expiration of the six (6) month period immediately following the Commencement Date of this Agreement.  A commercially reasonable representation of SKUs of Products shall be required to be in distribution throughout the year in reasonable positioning on shelves, which shall take into account retailer willingness to sell all of the SKUs of Products, shelf space limitations and other commercially reasonable factors that may be applicable in the market.

 

d.                                                                                   MEC and Distributor shall also agree in writing to performance targets to be achieved and maintained by Distributor for the forthcoming calendar year of this Agreement (collectively, the “Performance Targets”).  For the avoidance of doubt, neither Minimum Distribution Levels nor Performance Targets will include volume requirements.  If the parties are unable to agree to the Performance Targets or Minimum Distribution Levels for any Contract Year commencing with the 2015 Contract Year and at least *** days prior to the commencement of each such Contract Year, then such disagreement shall be resolved pursuant to the procedure provided in Section 12(a)(i)(D) above.

 

e.                                                                                     The Minimum Distribution Levels for the Products that shall be required to be achieved and maintained by Distributor for the Products shall be reduced to the extent only that actual distribution levels are eroded as a direct result of (i) MEC’s failure to deliver Products in accordance with this Agreement, (ii) MEC’s failure to obtain the listing of a Product SKU in a retail chain for which MEC and Distributor have agreed in writing that MEC is to be solely responsible, or (iii) MEC’s failure to contribute its agreed share of the parties funding obligation as set forth in Exhibit F.

 

f.                                                                                      In every calendar year commencing 2016, the parties agree to periodically meet in order to discuss performance of the lowest selling SKU/s of Products and to delete from distribution in the Territory any SKU/s the parties mutually agree in writing, provided that MEC will not unreasonably withhold its approval to the deletion of any applicable SKU/s.  MEC may withhold its approval to deletion of any SKU/s if any applicable SKU/s has/have sufficient sales velocity or is or are capable of delivering sufficient sales velocity in any one or more of Distributor’s Accounts or any one or more regions, as the case may be, to make

 

*** Indicates portions of this exhibit have been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to a request for confidential treatment.

 

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such SKU/s economically viable to continue in distribution in such one or more of Distributor’s Accounts or in any one or more regions, as the case may be.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, unless mutually agreed in writing, in no event shall more than *** percent *** of the total number of SKUs, rounded down to the nearest whole number (unless *** percent *** of the total number of SKUs is less than one (1) but more than 0.5, in which case the number will be rounded up to one (1)), be deleted from distribution in any rolling *** period.

 

g.                                                                                    Promotional activities shall be regulated as follows:

 

(i)                                  The estimated costs of promotional activities shall be allocated equally between MEC and Distributor thirty (30) days prior to the commencement of a calendar year on a cost per-case basis of Products.

 

(ii)                              The promotional activities costs are to be shared between Distributor and MEC as set forth in Exhibit F.  The parties agree that the costs for the Promotional Activities shall be reconciled each quarter and that the estimate for the costs of Promotional Activities in the subsequent quarter may be adjusted provided there is mutual agreement.

 

(iii)                          MEC and Distributor shall periodically meet and may mutually agree to additional promotional activities including further programs and campaigns not included in the promotional activities.

 

(iv)                          Distributor shall continue its business in the ordinary course including the provision, utilization, and maintenance of coolers, other refrigeration equipment and vending machines.  Distributor shall be responsible for creating marketing materials for submission to MEC for its final written approval.  Distributor shall not use marketing materials unless approved by MEC in writing; provided that if MEC does not notify Distributor that it objects to any suggested marketing materials within fifteen (15) days after receipt of such materials from Distributor, MEC shall be deemed to have approved such suggested marketing materials.

 

14.                            National Accounts.  The provisions of this Section shall not apply to accounts that are excluded from the definition of Distributor’s Accounts or are specifically designated as nonexclusive on Exhibit C hereto.  Distributor agrees that should MEC wish to supply Products to any National Account (as defined below), MEC shall be entitled to make arrangements directly with such National Account and establish the terms of sale of Products to such National Account and the prices therefor, which shall take into account the prices and funding then being offered by Distributor and/or other distributors within whose territory the National Account has outlets, to such National Account or similar categories of customers.  “National Account” shall mean a customer that sells at retail in more than fifty (50) stores and in multiple states.  Should such National Account have one or more outlets within the Territory (“Outlets”), and agree to Outlets being serviced by Distributor, Distributor agrees to service the Outlets in accordance with such arrangements and on the same terms and at the same prices as MEC shall have agreed with the National Account concerned.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, Distributor shall be entitled to elect not to service the Outlets by giving prompt written notice of such election to MEC.  Should the National Account not agree to the Outlets being serviced by Distributor or should Distributor

 

*** Indicates portions of this exhibit have been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to a request for confidential treatment.

 

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elect not to service the Outlets, MEC shall be entitled to service the Outlets directly.  Both Distributor and MEC agree to use reasonable commercial good faith efforts to obtain the agreement of National Accounts to use DSD distribution with respect to the National Accounts.  To the extent MEC services the Outlets directly and to the extent that MEC makes a commitment for funds or support in excess of what was agreed to by Distributor, any such excess shall be borne by MEC.  In the event MEC services the Outlets directly, MEC shall bear sole liability and responsibility related to such National Account and MEC shall pay to Distributor, during the remaining Term of this Agreement, an amount equal to *** percent *** of Distributor’s “average gross profit per case” per Product case SKU calculated in accordance with the provisions of Section 12(a)(i)(A) above (or based on MEC’s actual selling price of such Product case SKU if such Product case SKU is not sold by Distributor), for each case of such Product case SKU sold by MEC to the Outlets [(but only on the excess of the amount by which the aggregate cases of such Product case SKU/s sold to such Outlets in the Territory during each Contract Year exceeds the number of cases set forth on Exhibit G or the number of cases reduced pro rata for any period of less than one year)] within a reasonable time after receipt by MEC of all information necessary for the computation of the amount due under this Section 14, but in no event more frequently than twice per calendar year.  For the purposes of this Agreement, the number of cases of Product case SKU/s sold by MEC to the Outlets during any period shall be determined by multiplying the total number of cases of Product case SKU/s sold by MEC directly to such National Account or regional division of such National Account, as the case may be, during the period concerned, by a fraction, the numerator of which shall be the number of Outlets within the Territory and the denominator of which shall be the total number of Outlets that the National Account has within the United States or within the regional division of such customer, as the case may be.  Distributor shall not be liable to pay the Facilitation Fee on MEC’s direct sales to National Accounts.

 

15.                            Exclusion of Damages.

 

a.                                     EXCEPT FOR DAMAGES DIRECTLY RESULTING FROM INDEMNITY OBLIGATIONS PROVIDED IN SECTION 19, WITHOUT IN ANY WAY DETRACTING FROM OR LIMITING THE PROVISIONS OF SECTIONS 12(d), 12(e)(iii) AND/OR 12(e)(v) ABOVE AND, IN ADDITION THERETO, NEITHER PARTY SHALL BE LIABLE FOR ANY CONSEQUENTIAL, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, OR EXEMPLARY DAMAGES (INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, DAMAGES FOR LOSS OF PROFITS, LOSS OF GOODWILL, BUSINESS INTERRUPTION, LOSS OF BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY, OR ANY OTHER PECUNIARY LOSS) SUFFERED BY THE OTHER RELATED TO OR ARISING OUT OF THIS AGREEMENT, THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED BY THIS AGREEMENT, AND/OR THE USE OF OR INABILITY TO USE OR SELL THE PRODUCTS, AND/OR FROM ANY OTHER CAUSE WHATSOEVER, EVEN IF IT HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.

 

b.                                    EACH AND EVERY PROVISION OF THIS AGREEMENT WHICH PROVIDES FOR A LIMITATION OF LIABILITY OR WARRANTIES, DISCLAIMER, OR

 

*** Indicates portions of this exhibit have been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to a request for confidential treatment.

 

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EXCLUSION OF DAMAGES, IS EXPRESSLY INTENDED TO BE SEVERABLE AND INDEPENDENT FROM ANY OTHER PROVISION, SINCE THOSE PROVISIONS REPRESENT SEPARATE ELEMENTS OF RISK ALLOCATION BETWEEN THE PARTIES, AND SHALL BE SEPARATELY ENFORCED.

 

16.                            Distributor’s Representations and Warranties.  Distributor represents and warrants to MEC that (a) it has the right and lawful authority to enter into this Agreement, and (b) the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement will not cause or require Distributor to breach any obligation to, or agreement or confidence with, any other Person.

 

17.                            MEC’s Representations and Warranties.

 

a.                                     MEC represents and warrants to Distributor that (i) it has the right and lawful authority to enter into this Agreement, and (ii) the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement will not cause or require MEC to breach any obligation to, or agreement or confidence with, any other Person.

 

b.                                    MEC warrants that all Products, all food additives in the Products, and all substances for use in, with, or for the Products, comprising each shipment or other delivery hereby made by MEC to, or on the order of, Distributor are hereby guaranteed as of the date of such shipment to be, on such date, not adulterated or misbranded within the meaning of the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act, as amended, including the Food Additives Amendment of 1958 (the “Act”) or within the meaning of any substantially identical and applicable state food and drug law, if any, and are not articles which may not under the provisions of Sections 404, 505, or 512 of the Act, be introduced into interstate commerce.

 

c.                                     MEC warrants that all Products shall be merchantable.

 

d.                                   Distributor’s sole and exclusive remedy for MEC’s breach of MEC’s representations in Sections 17(b) and 17(c) above shall be as provided for in Section 19(b) below.

 

e.                                     MEC represents and warrants that KO has agreed that (i) MEC is authorized to receive payment of the Facilitation Fee from Distributor on behalf of KO and (ii) upon payment by Distributor to MEC of the applicable Facilitation Fee in accordance with the terms of Section 6(b), Distributor will have satisfied in full its obligations to make payment of such Facilitation Fee to KO.

 

18.                            Limitation of Warranty.  MEC MAKES NO REPRESENTATIONS OR WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED (INCLUDING THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF NON-INFRINGEMENT, MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE) EXCEPT THOSE SET FORTH IN SECTION 17 ABOVE.

 

19.                            Indemnification.

 

a.                                     Distributor shall indemnify, defend, and hold harmless MEC and its officers, directors, agents, employees, shareholders, legal representatives, successors and assigns, and each of them, from loss, liability, costs, damages, or expenses from any and all claims,

 

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actions and suits, instituted by any third party, whether groundless or otherwise, and from and against any and all third party claims, liabilities, judgments, losses, damages, costs, charges, attorney’s fees, and other expenses of every nature and character arising from the breach of Distributor’s express representations and warranties under this Agreement by Distributor or its agents, employees, subcontractors, sub-distributors or others acting on its behalf, provided that MEC gives Distributor written notice of any indemnifiable claim and MEC does not settle any claim without Distributor’s prior written consent.

 

b.                                    MEC shall indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Distributor and its officers, directors, agents, employees, shareholders, legal representatives, successors, assigns, and customers, and each of them, from loss, liability, costs, damages, or expenses from any and all claims, actions and suits instituted by any third party, whether groundless or otherwise, and from and against any and all such third party claims, liabilities, judgments, losses, damages, costs, charges, attorney’s fees, and other expenses of every nature and character and all Distributor’s direct documented costs to store, transport, test and destroy all unsellable Products and advertising materials arising from (i) the breach of MEC’s express representations and warranties under this Agreement or those of its agents, employees, subcontractors or others acting on its behalf, (ii) any impurity, adulteration, deterioration in or misbranding of any Products sold to Distributor by MEC, (iii) any prior distributor of Products in the Territory, (iv) any MEC marketing, advertising, promotion, labeling, Global Branding and Marketing, and the Trademarks, Copyrights, Patents, Know-How or other intellectual property relating to the Products, or (v) the fact that the Products (A) are not safe for the purposes for which goods of that kind are normally used, (B) do not comply with any applicable health, safety, or environmental laws, regulations, orders or standards imposed in the Territory, or (C) do not comply with the Safety Orders of the State of California Division of Industrial Safety and Proposition 65; provided that Distributor gives MEC written notice of any indemnifiable claim and Distributor does not settle any claim without MEC’s prior written consent.

 

c.                                     If any action or proceeding is brought against Distributor, MEC or any other indemnified party under Section 19(a) or 19(b) (the “Indemnified Party”), the Indemnified Party shall promptly notify the party required to provide indemnification (the “Indemnifying Party”) in writing to that effect.  If the Indemnified Party fails to promptly notify the Indemnifying Party, the Indemnified Party shall be deemed to have waived any right of indemnification with respect to such claim to the extent (but only to the extent) any delay in such notice prejudices the Indemnifying Party’s ability to defend such action, suit or proceeding.  The Indemnifying Party shall have the right to defend such action or proceeding at the Indemnifying Party’s sole cost by counsel satisfactory to Indemnifying Party.  If the Indemnifying Party fails to promptly defend or otherwise settle or finally resolve such action, suit or proceeding, Indemnified Party may defend such action, suit or proceeding using counsel selected by Indemnified Party, and the Indemnifying Party shall reimburse Indemnified Party for any resulting loss, damages, costs, charges, attorney’s fees, and other expenses and the related costs of defending such action, suit or proceeding.

 

d.                                   The parties agree that the provisions contained in this Section shall survive the termination or expiration of this Agreement.

 

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20.                            Insurance.  During the Term of this Agreement and for a period of two (2) years thereafter, MEC and Distributor agree to maintain policies of insurance of the nature and amounts specified below, which shall provide the other party as an additional insured (providing for a waiver of subrogation rights and endeavoring to provide for not less than thirty (30) days written notice of any modification or termination of coverage), and each party shall provide the other party with a certificate of insurance evidencing such insurance, in a form satisfactory to such party:

 

o        Commercial General Liability, including contractual liability coverage, with limits of at least $1,000,000 per occurrence; Bodily Injury and Property Damage / $1,000,000; Personal and Advertising Injury / $1,000,000; Products/Completed Operations / $2,000,000 General Aggregate.

 

o        Excess or Umbrella Liability with a limit of not less than $10,000,000 per occurrence over the insurance coverage described above.

 

o        Other statutory insurance required by the applicable laws of the Territory.

 

For any claims under this Agreement, the applicable party’s insurance shall be deemed to be primary and not contributing to or in excess of any similar coverage purchased by the other party.  All deductibles payable under an applicable policy shall be paid by the party responsible for purchasing such policy.  All such insurance shall be written by companies authorized to do business in the state or states where the work is to be performed and having at least the ratings of the respective parties current insurers, unless not obtainable at commercially reasonable rates in light of previous premiums.  The parties will ensure that the insurance policies obtained pursuant to this Section are effective and enforceable for any liability, claims or other insurable event arising in the Territory.

 

21.                            Competing Products.  The provisions of Section 21 are set forth on attached Exhibit H and are incorporated in this Section 21 by this reference.

 

22.                            Amendment.  Except to the extent otherwise expressly permitted by this Agreement, no amendment of, or addition to, this Agreement shall be effective unless reduced to a writing executed by the duly authorized representatives of both parties.  KO’s approval of any amendment shall be necessary with respect to an amendment, modification, addition or deletion (a) that would reasonably be expected to materially impact KO’s rights or benefits under this Agreement or the Distribution Coordination Agreement, or (b) to any of the following terms (or otherwise materially affecting such terms): definition of Products (to the extent KO has consent rights with respect thereto under the Distribution Coordination Agreement), term, termination, deadlock procedures, placement in branded refrigerated equipment, distributor’s exclusivity, facilitation fee, distribution refusal, competing products or other non-competition, and amendment, in which case KO’s affirmative written approval shall be required.

 

23.                            Assignment.  Neither party may assign its rights or delegate its obligations hereunder without the prior written consent of the other and KO; provided, that MEC shall have the right, in its sole and absolute discretion, to assign its rights and/or obligations under this Agreement to any Affiliate or subsidiary of MEC without the written consent of Distributor

 

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and/or KO, and any such transferee shall be deemed to be included within the defined term “MEC” for purposes of this Agreement.  Any purported assignment or delegation, in the absence of such written consent, shall be void.

 

24.                            No Agency.  The relationship between MEC and Distributor is that of a vendor to its vendee and nothing herein contained shall be construed as constituting either party the employee, agent, independent contractor, partner or co-venturer of the other party.  Neither party shall have any authority to create or assume any obligation binding on the other party.

 

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25.                            Governing Law.  This Agreement shall be governed by and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the State of California (without reference to its law of conflict of laws).  The place of the making and execution of this Agreement is California, United States of America.  Distributor hereby waives any rights that it may otherwise have to assert any rights or defenses under the laws of the Territory or to require that litigation brought by or against it in connection with this Agreement be conducted in the courts or other forums of the Territory.  For the sake of clarity, the parties record that their choice of law shall not include the California Franchise Relations Act or the California Franchise Investment Law, or any amendment or functionally equivalent statute, unless such law would otherwise apply, and nothing herein shall be deemed to extend or otherwise affect the scope or application of such statutes.

 

26.                            Arbitration.  Any dispute, controversy or claim arising out of or relating to this Agreement or the breach or termination hereof shall be settled by binding arbitration conducted by JAMS (“JAMS”) in accordance with JAMS Comprehensive Arbitration Rules and Procedures (the “Rules”).  The arbitration shall be heard by one arbitrator to be selected in accordance with the Rules, in Orange County, California.  Judgment upon any award rendered may be entered in any court having jurisdiction thereof.  Within seven (7) calendar days after appointment the arbitrator shall set the hearing date, which shall be within ninety (90) days after the filing date of the demand for arbitration unless a later date is required for good cause shown and shall order a mutual exchange of what he/she determines to be relevant documents and the dates thereafter for the taking of up to a maximum of five (5) depositions by each party to last no more than five (5) days in aggregate for each party.  Both parties waive the right, if any, to obtain any award for exemplary or punitive damages or any other amount for the purpose or imposing a penalty from the other in any arbitration or judicial proceeding or other adjudication arising out of or with respect to this Agreement, or any breach hereof, including any claim that said Agreement, or any part hereof, is invalid, illegal or otherwise voidable or void.  In addition to all other relief, the arbitrator shall have the power to award reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs to the prevailing party.  The arbitrator shall make his or her award no later than seven (7) calendar days after the close of evidence or the submission of final briefs, whichever occurs later.  The decision of the arbitrator shall be final and conclusive upon all parties.  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary, if either party desires to seek injunctive or other provisional relief that does not involve the payment of money, then those claims shall be brought in a state or federal court located in Orange County, California, and the parties hereby irrevocably and unconditionally consent to personal jurisdiction of such courts and venue in Orange County, California in any such action for injunctive relief or provisional relief.

 

27.                            Force Majeure.

 

a.                                     Neither party shall be liable for any delays in delivery or failure to perform or other loss due directly or indirectly to circumstances unforeseen as of the Effective Date or causes beyond such party’s reasonable control (each, individually, a “Force Majeure Event”), including, without limitation: (i) acts of God, act (including failure to act) of any Governmental Entity (de jure or de facto), wars (declared or undeclared), governmental priorities, port congestion, riots, revolutions, strikes or other labor disputes, fires, floods, sabotage, nuclear incidents, earthquakes, storms, epidemics; or (ii) inability to timely obtain either necessary and proper labor, materials, ingredients, components, facilities, production facilities, energy, fuel, transportation, governmental authorizations or instructions, material or

 

29



 

information.  The foregoing shall apply even though any Force Majeure Event occurs after such party’s performance of its obligations is delayed for other causes but only during the period of the applicable Force Majeure Event.

 

b.                                    The party affected by a Force Majeure Event shall give written notice to the other party of the Force Majeure Event within a reasonable time after the occurrence thereof, stating therein the nature of the suspension of performance and reasons therefore.  Such party shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to resume performance as soon as reasonably possible.  Upon restoration of the affected party’s ability to perform its obligations hereunder, the affected party shall give written notice to the other party within a reasonable time.

 

28.                            Merger.  This Agreement and the attached Exhibits contain the entire agreement between the parties to this Agreement with respect to the subject matter of this Agreement, are intended as a final expression of such parties’ agreement with respect to such terms as are included in this Agreement, are intended as a complete and exclusive statement of the terms of such agreement, and supersede all negotiations, stipulations, understandings, agreements, promises, representations and warranties, whether written or oral, if any, with respect to such subject matter, which precede the execution of this Agreement.  No other negotiations, stipulations, understandings, agreements, promises, representations, or warranties, whether written or oral, either as an inducement to enter into this Agreement or as to its meaning or effect, have been made that are not contemplated herein.

 

29.                            Waivers.  No waiver of any provision hereof or of any terms or conditions will be effective unless in writing and signed by the party against which enforcement of the waiver is sought.  No relaxation or indulgence which either party may grant to the other shall in any way prejudice or be deemed to be a waiver or novation of any of such party’s rights under this Agreement.

 

30.                            Product Recall.  If any Governmental Entity issues a recall or takes similar action in connection with the Products, or if MEC determines that an event, incident or circumstance has occurred which may require a recall or market withdrawal, MEC shall advise Distributor of the circumstances by telephone or facsimile.  MEC shall have the right to control the arrangement of any Product recall, and Distributor shall cooperate in the event of a Product recall with respect to the reshipment, storage or disposal of recalled Products, the preparation and maintenance of relevant records and reports, and notification to any recipients or end users.  MEC shall pay all reasonable expenses incurred by Distributor of such a recall, including the costs of destroying Products.  Distributor, shall promptly refer to MEC for exclusive response to all customer or consumer complaints involving the health, safety, quality, composition or packaging of the Products, or which in any way could be detrimental to the image or reputation of MEC or the Products, and shall notify MEC of any governmental, customer or consumer inquiries regarding the Products about which Distributor becomes aware.

 

31.                            Interpretation.  In the event any ambiguity or question of intent or interpretation arises, this Agreement shall be construed as drafted jointly by the parties and no presumption or burden of proof shall arise favoring or disfavoring any party by virtue of the authorship of any of the provisions of this Agreement.  No provision of this Agreement shall be construed against any party on the grounds that such party or its counsel drafted that provision.

 

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32.                            Severability.  Each provision of this Agreement will be valid and enforceable to the fullest extent permitted by law.  If any provision of this Agreement or the application of the provision to any Person or circumstance will, to any extent, be invalid or unenforceable, the remainder of this Agreement, or the application of the provision to Persons or circumstances other than those as to which it is held invalid or unenforceable, will not be affected by such invalidity or unenforceability, unless the provision or its application is essential to this Agreement.  The parties shall replace any invalid and/or unenforceable provision with a valid and enforceable provision that most closely meets the aims and objectives of the invalid and/or unenforceable provision.

 

33.                            Provisions Required of a Federal Contractor.  If reasonably required by Distributor, MEC shall use its commercially reasonable Best Efforts to deliver to Distributor such warranties and/or representations in the form that MEC has customarily provided to Governmental Entities to facilitate sales by Distributor to Distributor’s Accounts requiring such warranties and/or representations.  Such representations shall be in favor of such Governmental Entities and may include one or more or all of the following topics:

 

a.                                     Made in America.  The Products were mined or produced in the 50 United States, the District of Columbia, or such other U.S. possession as is permitted by The Buy American Act, or that the Aluminum Bottles qualify as a domestic end product under said Act.

 

b.                                    Nondiscrimination in Employment.  Unless this contract is exempted, there is incorporated herein an applicable warranty and/or representation reference to the provisions of Section 202, the equal opportunity clause of Executive Order 11246, as amended, Section 60.7415, the affirmative action clause of the regulations under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and Section 60.250.5, the affirmative action clause of the regulations under 38 U.S.C.  § 4212, the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974, and similar state and local law requirements.

 

c.                                     Executive Order 13201 Compliance (Beck Rights).  If applicable, MEC agrees to comply with the provisions of 29 C.F.R. Part 470.

 

d.                                   31 U.S.C.S. Section 1352 Compliance.  If applicable, MEC shall comply with 31 U.S.C.S.  § 1352.

 

34.                            Distributor Suppliers Guiding Principles.

 

MEC has been informed by Distributor that the following are Distributor Suppliers Guiding Principles (the “Guiding Principles”).  Notwithstanding anything set forth below, compliance with the Guiding Principles shall not constitute an obligation of MEC or Distributor under this Agreement.  The Guiding Principles shall constitute unenforceable goals only of the parties and neither party shall be entitled to make any claim for breach against the other or enforce any remedy under this Agreement or terminate this Agreement as the result of non-compliance with, or a violation of, any Guiding Principle(s).  The preceding sentence shall not detract from the parties’ respective rights and obligations under Section 19 above or any other representation, warranty or obligation expressly made in this Agreement.

 

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·                 Laws and Regulations — Each party will use commercially reasonable good faith efforts to comply with all applicable local and national laws, rules, regulations and requirements in the manufacturing and distribution of Products.

 

·                 Child Labor - Each party will use commercially reasonable good faith efforts to comply with all applicable local and national child labor laws.

 

·                 Forced Labor - Each party will use commercially reasonable good faith efforts to not use forced, bonded, prison, military or compulsory labor.

 

·                 Abuse of Labor - Each party will use commercially reasonable good faith efforts to comply with all applicable local and national laws on abuse of employees and will not physically abuse employees.

 

·                 Freedom of Association and Collective Bargaining - Each party will use commercially reasonable good faith efforts to comply with all applicable local and national laws on freedom of association and collective bargaining.

 

·                 Discrimination - Each party will use commercially reasonable good faith efforts to comply with all applicable local and national discrimination laws.

 

·                 Wages and Benefits - Each party will use commercially reasonable good faith efforts to comply with all applicable local and national wages and benefits laws.

 

·                 Work Hours and Overtime - Each party will use commercially reasonable good faith efforts to comply with all applicable local and national work hours and overtime laws.

 

·                 Health and Safety - Each party will use commercially reasonable good faith efforts to comply with all applicable local and national health and safety laws.

 

·                 Environment - Each party will use commercially reasonable good faith efforts to comply with all applicable local and national environmental laws.

 

35.                            Publicity.  MEC and Distributor each agree that the initial public, written announcements regarding the execution of this Agreement and the subject matter addressed herein shall be coordinated between the parties prior to release.  Thereafter, each party agrees to use commercially reasonable efforts to consult with the other party regarding any public, written announcement which a party reasonably anticipates would be materially prejudicial to the other party.  Nothing provided herein, however, will prevent either party from (a) making and continuing to make any statements or other disclosures it deems required, prudent or desirable under applicable Federal or State Securities Laws (including without limitation the rules, regulations and directives of the Securities and Exchange Commission) and/or such party’s customary business practices, or (b) engaging in oral discussions or oral or written presentations with actual or prospective investors or analysts regarding the subject matter of this Agreement, provided no confidential information is disclosed.  If a party breaches this Section 35 it shall

 

32



 

have a seven (7) day period in which to cure its breach after written notice from the other party.  A breach of this Section 35 shall not entitle a party to damages or to terminate this Agreement.

 

36.                            Notices.  All notices or other communications required or permitted to be given to a party to this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be personally delivered, sent by certified mail, postage prepaid, return receipt requested, or sent by an overnight express courier service that provides written confirmation of delivery, to such party at the following respective address:

 

If to MEC:

 

Monster Energy Company
1 Monster Way
Corona, California  92879
Attention:
                   Chief Executive Officer
Facsimile:
                    (951) 739-6210

 

with a copy to:

 

Solomon Ward Seidenwurm & Smith LLP
401 B Street, Suite 1200
San Diego, California 92101
Attention:
                   Norman L.  Smith, Esq.
Facsimile:
                    (619) 231-4755

 

If to Distributor:

 

____________________________

____________________________

____________________________

Attention: ___________________

Facsimile: ___________________

 

For Payment Notices:

 

____________________________

____________________________

____________________________

Attention: ___________________

Facsimile: ___________________

 

with a copy to:

 

____________________________

____________________________

____________________________

 

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Attention: ___________________

Facsimile: ___________________

 

Each such notice or other communication shall be deemed given, delivered and received upon its actual receipt, except that if it is sent by mail in accordance with this Section, then it shall be deemed given, delivered and received three (3) days after the date such notice or other communication is deposited with the U.S. Postal Service in accordance with this Section.  Any party to this Agreement may give a notice of a change of its address to the other party to this Agreement.

 

37.                            Third-Party Beneficiaries.  Nothing in this Agreement, express or implied, is intended or shall be construed to give any Person, other than the parties to this Agreement and their successors and permitted assigns, any legal or equitable right, remedy or claim under or in respect of any agreement or any provision contained in this Agreement.

 

38.                            Further Assurances.  Each party to this Agreement will execute all instruments and documents and take all actions as may be reasonably required to effectuate this Agreement.

 

39.                            Counterparts.  This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original and all of which together shall constitute one document.

 

40.                            Confidentiality.  During the Term, each party shall maintain in strict confidence all commercial information disclosed by the other party (which obligation shall expressly survive termination of this Agreement for any reason); provided, however that such commercial information shall not include any information which (a) is in the public domain except through any intentional or negligent act or omission of the non-disclosing party (or any agent, employee, shareholder, director, officer, or independent contractor of or retained by such other party or any of its Affiliates), (b) can be shown by clear and convincing tangible evidence to have been in the possession of the non-disclosing party prior to disclosure by the disclosing party, (c) is legally and properly provided to the non-disclosing party without restriction by an independent third party that is under no obligation of confidentiality to the disclosing party and that did not obtain such information in any illegal or improper manner or otherwise in violation of any agreement with the disclosing party, (d) is disclosed without any restrictions of any kind by the disclosing party to third parties on a regular basis without any measures being taken, whether explicitly or implicitly, by the disclosing party to protect the confidentiality of such information, or (e) is independently generated by any employee or independent contractor of or retained by the non-disclosing party, and such employee or independent contractor has no knowledge of any of such commercial information.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, the parties agree that any such commercial information may be disclosed as required by applicable law or an order by a Governmental Entity or any requirements of stock market or exchange or other regulatory body having competent jurisdiction; provided, that, except where prohibited by law, the recipient will give the disclosing party reasonable advance notice of such required disclosure, and will reasonably cooperate with the disclosing party, in order to allow the disclosing party an opportunity to oppose or limit the disclosure of such commercial information or otherwise secure confidential treatment of such commercial information required to be disclosed; provided, further, that if disclosure is ultimately required, the recipient will furnish only that portion of

 

34



 

such commercial information which, based upon advice of legal counsel, the recipient is required to disclose in compliance with any such requirement.

 

41.                            Non-Binding Negotiations and Effectiveness.  MEC and Distributor acknowledge and agree that, except as expressly stated in this Agreement, there are no binding obligations or commitments existing between MEC and Distributor.  No course of conduct, whether or not consistent with the terms discussed in connection with this Agreement, shall have the effect of converting any negotiations or discussions into a binding contract.  No legally binding contract shall exist between MEC and Distributor unless and until this Agreement is executed by MEC and Distributor.  This Agreement shall only become effective when it has been executed by both MEC and Distributor.

 

 

[Signature Page Follows]

 

35



 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused their duly authorized representatives to execute this Agreement as of the date first above written.

 

MONSTER ENERGY COMPANY

 

[KO DISTRIBUTOR]

 

 

 

By:

 

 

By:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Name:

 

 

Name:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Its:

 

 

Its:

 

 

 

[Signature Page to Distribution Agreement]

 



 

EXHIBIT A
Distribution Agreement

 

INITIAL PRODUCT LIST

 

Monster Energy

Monster Energy

Lo-Carb Monster Energy

Monster Energy Assault

Juice Monster Khaos Energy + Juice

Juice Monster Ripper Energy + Juice

Monster Energy Absolutely Zero

Punch Monster Baller’s Blend

Punch Monster Mad Dog

Monster Energy Unleaded

 

Monster Energy Ultra

Monster Energy Zero Ultra

Monster Energy Ultra Blue

Monster Energy Ultra Red

Monster Energy Ultra Sunrise

Monster Energy Ultra Citron

 

Monster Energy Extra Strength with Nitrous Technology

Monster Energy Extra Strength Nitrous Technology Anti Gravity

Monster Energy Extra Strength Nitrous Technology Super Dry

Monster Energy Extra Strength Nitrous Technology Black Ice

 

Monster Rehab

Monster Rehab Tea + Lemonade + Energy

Monster Rehab Green Tea + Energy

Monster Rehab Rojo Tea + Energy

Monster Rehab Tea + Orangeade + Energy

Monster Rehab Tea + Pink Lemonade + Energy

Monster Rehab + Peach Tea + Energy

 

Monster Import

Monster Energy Import

 

Muscle Monster Energy Shake

Muscle Monster Energy Shake Chocolate

Muscle Monster Energy Shake Vanilla

Muscle Monster Energy Shake Coffee

Muscle Monster Energy Shake Strawberry

Muscle Monster Energy Shake Peanut Butter Cup

 

Exhibit A



 

Java Monster

Java Monster Kona Blend

Java Monster Loca Moca

Java Monster Mean Bean

Java Monster Vanilla Light

Java Monster Irish Blend

Java Monster Cappuccino

 

Monster M3 Super Concentrate

Monster Energy M3 Super Concentrate

 

Ubermonster

Ubermonster

 

Exhibit A



 

EXHIBIT B
Distribution Agreement

 

THE TERRITORY

 

The Territory is the same territory that Distributor services for the distribution of Coca-Cola products in the state(s) of _________________, the gray shaded area, as reflected on the Territory map(s) below.

 

 

In the event of a dispute with respect to territorial boundaries between two adjacent parties, MEC shall have the right to decide such dispute in its sole discretion, and any such decision shall be final and binding upon the parties.

 

Exhibit B



 

EXHIBIT C

Distribution Agreement

 

EXCLUSIVE DISTRIBUTOR ACCOUNTS

 

Convenience Stores

Chain Convenience Stores

Deli’s

Independent Grocery

Chain Grocery

Mass Merchandisers

Drug Stores

Colleges and Universities

Hospitals

Health Food Stores

Club Stores

Vending

Alcoholic Lic. On-Premise*

National Specialty Retailers (i.e. Home Depot, Best Buy, Staples, Auto Zone, and all similar sized and positioned retailers, except those included below as Non-Exclusive Distributor Accounts)

Military –ONLY AAFES, NEXCOM, MCX, and USCG for Exchanges / Shopettes / Convenience Stores / Class 6 Stores / Veteran’s Canteen / vending for the Continental United States (“CONUS”)

Military – Morale, Welfare & Recreation (i.e. including but not limited to bowling alleys, golf courses, officers clubs, etc.) for CONUS

Marine Foods Service (e.g. cruise ships, service ships, and oil rigs)

All other accounts not falling within the descriptions listed above or below

 

*Alcoholic Licensed On-Premise Accounts means accounts licensed by an applicable Governmental Entity to sell alcoholic beverages for on-premise consumption.

 

EXCLUSIVE MEC ACCOUNTS

 

Military –ONLY AAFES, NEXCOM, MCX, and USCG for Exchanges / Shopettes / Convenience Stores / Class 6 Stores / vending for Outside the Continental United States (“OCONUS”)

Military – all others including, but not limited to, DeCA, Ships-A-Float, Troop Feeding for both CONUS & OCONUS

Military – Vending and Morale, Welfare & Recreation (i.e. including but not limited to bowling alleys, golf courses, officers clubs, etc.) for OCONUS

 

Exhibit C



 

NON-EXCLUSIVE DISTRIBUTOR ACCOUNTS:

 

General Sports Retailers (i.e. including but not limited to extreme sports retailers, motorcycle dealers and resellers, and all similar retailers and distributors servicing such sports retailers)

National Specialty Retailers – limited to accounts which are parties to an exclusive non-alcoholic beverage agreement with a competitor of Distributor and/or accounts which Distributor is prohibited by the account from calling on

 

Exhibit C



 

EXHIBIT D
Distribution Agreement

 

THE TRADEMARKS

 

Exhibit D



 

MONSTER ENERGY

 

 

 

M MONSTER ENERGY

 

UNLEASH THE BEAST!

 

MONSTER

 

ANTI GRAVITY

 

ASSAULT

 

BLACK ICE

 

IRISH BLEND

 

JAVA MONSTER

 

KHAOS

 

KILLER-B

 

KILLER B NITROUS MONSTER ENERGY

 

LOCA MOCA

 

LOCA MOCA JAVA MONSTER

 

LO-CARB MONSTER ENERGY

 

M IMPORT

 

 

M EXPORT

 

 

M3

 

 

MEAN BEAN

 

MONSTER BLACK ICE

 

MONSTER ENERGY EXTRA STRENGTH NITROUS TECHNOLOGY

 

MONSTER KHAOS ENERGY + JUICE

 

Exhibit D



 

MONSTER RIPPER

 

REHAB

 

MONSTER REHAB

 

REHAB THE BEAST!

 

RIPPER

 

UNLEASH THE NITRO BEAST!

 

MONSTER ENERGY ZERO ULTRA

 

MONSTER ENERGY CUBA-LIMA

 

MONSTER ENERGY XG

 

UBERMONSTER

 

SIZE DOES MATTER!

 

JUICE MONSTER

 

MONSTER ENERGY ULTRA

 

ULTRA RED

 

ULTRA BLUE

 

ULTRA BLACK

 

ULTRA SUNRISE

 

ULTRA CITRON

 

PUNCH MONSTER

 

MUSCLE MONSTER

 

PUMP UP THE BEAST!

 

UNLEASH THE ULTRA BEAST!

 

MONSTER ENERGY UNLEADED

 

UNLEASH THE CAFFEINE FREE BEAST

 

COFFEE MONSTER

 

Exhibit D



 

EXHIBIT E
Distribution Agreement

 

(Section 6(b))

 

FACILITATION FEE

 

The Facilitation Fee payable by Distributor to MEC and then by MEC to KO shall be equal to *** per case of 24 units and *** per case of 12 units of Products sold by MEC to the Distributor, but excluding any free or bonus unit or units used for sampling.  Any other case configuration to be mutually agreed between Distributor and KO.

 

*** Indicates portions of this exhibit have been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to a request for confidential treatment.

 

Exhibit E



 

EXHIBIT F

Distribution Agreement

 

PROMOTIONAL ACTIVITIES COSTS

 

Discount and allowances, price promotions and other customer discount activities (“D&A”):

 

(a)                               MEC Led Customer Calls:  Distributor shall contribute an amount equal to MEC’s contribution for D&A up to a total of *** per 24-unit 15.5 oz./16 oz. case, (reduced or increased on a pro rata basis for cases containing less than 24 units or a larger number of units), each a “Case,” sold at a discounted price by Distributor to Distributor’s Accounts.  Thus, Distributor’s contribution shall be no more than *** per Case of Products sold at a discounted price on the above programs.  If additional D&A is necessary to achieve a promotional price to be offered to a customer as agreed by MEC and Distributor, then ***.

 

(b)                              Distributor Led Customer Calls:  With respect to Distributor led customer calls, MEC shall contribute an amount equal to Distributor’s contribution for D&A on a 50-50 (i.e. equal) per Case basis, provided always that such amount does not exceed the recommended discount set forth in the Annual Business Plan.

 

(c)                               Payment & Reconciliation.  The frequency of all customer promotional discount programs requiring D&A shall be agreed in the Annual Business Plan.  D&A may be paid by either MEC or Distributor to the customer and reconciled periodically.

 

(d)                             The separation of D&A in this Exhibit F into “MEC Led Customer Calls” and “Distributor Led Customer Calls” is not, in of itself, intended to change the currently existing funding arrangements and/or business practices currently subsisting under the D&A category of Exhibit G under any distribution agreement for Monster Energy products that was in existence between MEC and Distributor prior to the Effective Date, if any.

 

Trade Marketing Programs including shelf buys, CMA’s, free cases, coupons, corporate/retailer rebates, sales force incentives, POS, samples, third party reset fees, meeting competition price offers (“TMP”).

 

***.  All TMP programs shall be agreed upon and form part of the Annual Business Plans and shall include such additional TMP programs as may be mutually agreed upon from time to time by the parties.  In exceptional cases, such as Trophy or Prestige accounts, either party may voluntarily agree to contribute more than its *** share to cover any specific TMP programs.  TMP may be paid by either MEC or Distributor to the customer and reconciled periodically.

 

Equipment.

 

MEC shall permit Distributor to manage all equipment that MEC owns in the Territory as of the Effective Date.  Distributor shall not be required to repair or service such MEC equipment

 

*** Indicates portions of this exhibit have been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to a request for confidential treatment.

 

Exhibit F



 

owned by MEC as of the Effective Date.  Distributor shall use commercially reasonable efforts to place Products in all Distributor’s equipment where appropriate and desired by the Distributor’s Accounts.  Distributor shall reimburse MEC for *** of the cost of equipment that Distributor and MEC agree that MEC purchase for the Territory in the future and which shall be managed by Distributor.

 

Miscellaneous.

 

If MEC calls on or assists Distributor in calling on Distributor’s Accounts, to the extent that MEC makes a commitment for funds or support in excess of what is provided above or was agreed to by Distributor and MEC, any such excess shall be borne by MEC.

 

The parties’ respective rights and obligations under this Exhibit F shall be revised and amended from time to time to reflect then-prevailing conditions by written agreement of the parties to be arrived at after good faith discussions and negotiation.  If the parties are unable to agree upon an amendment requested by either party, such disagreement shall be resolved pursuant to the Deadlock procedures under Section 12(a)(i)(D) of the Agreement.

 

All amounts and all contributions provided above shall be adjusted, upward or downward, from time to time to account for inflation, changes in selling prices or other adjustments that may occur from time to time, or to conform to prevailing beverage industry practices relating to the Energy Drink category.  The amounts of such adjustments shall be mutually agreed in writing by the parties from time to time; provided that such adjustments shall be arrived at after good faith discussions and negotiations between the parties.

 

 

 

*** Indicates portions of this exhibit have been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to a request for confidential treatment.

 

Exhibit F



 

EXHIBIT G

Distribution Agreement

 

NATIONAL ACCOUNTS - MEC DIRECT VOLUME

 

 

______________________ cases*

 

 

 

 

*To be calculated by MEC as soon as practical following the Commencement Date and to be the number of cases sold directly by MEC to Outlets in the Territory during the twelve (12) month period prior to the Commencement Date, but only with respect to that portion of the Territory, if any, (as defined in this Agreement) which was not part of Distributor’s “Territory” under one or more distribution agreements in existence between MEC and Distributor prior to the Effective Date (the “Prior Agreements”).  In the event that this Agreement is amended to include additional “Territory” following the Commencement Date, the number of cases set forth above shall be increased accordingly, but only with respect to such additional “Territory.”  For the avoidance of doubt, the number of cases set forth above shall (a) only apply to the calculation and payment of the fees payable by MEC to Distributor in accordance with Section 14 solely with respect to any new Territory allocated to Distributor pursuant to this Agreement with effect from or after the Effective Date which was not part of Distributor’s “Territory” under the Prior Agreements (the “New Territory”) and (b) not include the aggregate number of cases of Products sold by MEC to Outlets in the Territory that was part of Distributor’s “Territory” under the Prior Agreements.

 

For Outlets which are part of Distributor’s New Territory, MEC shall pay Distributor in accordance with the formula set forth in Section 14 for the number of cases of Products sold directly by MEC to such Outlets, less the number of cases of Products set forth above.

 

For Outlets which were part of Distributor’s “Territory” under the Prior Agreements, MEC shall pay Distributor in accordance with the formula set forth in Section 14 for all cases of Products sold directly by MEC to such Outlets, without reference to, or subtracting, the number of cases of Products set forth above.

 

Exhibit G



 

EXHIBIT H

Distribution Agreement

 

COMPETITIVE PRODUCTS

 

During the Term of this Agreement, Distributor shall not market, sell, manufacture, prepare, package, or distribute, directly or indirectly, or assist any third party in engaging in, the business of manufacturing, marketing, selling or distributing, any Energy Drink/s or products reasonably likely to be confused with any of the Products in the Territory or reasonably likely to be perceived by consumers as confusingly similar to or be passed off as Products (the “Competing Products”), except that Distributor may manufacture, prepare, package, market, sell and distribute, and otherwise engage or assist any third party in engaging in the business of manufacturing, marketing, selling or distributing in the Territory, Competing Products that (i) are owned, marketed, sold or distributed by KO or an Affiliate of KO, or (ii) were internally developed by KO or any of its Affiliates, in each case (i) and (ii), to the extent KO is not otherwise prohibited from marketing, selling or distributing such Competing Products pursuant to a written agreement between MEC and KO.  If under the terms of any written agreement between MEC and KO, KO authorizes Distributor to sell Competing Products, then Distributor agrees that it shall be obligated at all times to allocate and devote at least such resources and efforts (in all material respects) to the promotion, marketing, sale, and distribution of the Products as are substantially proportional to the ratio that the volume of Distributor’s sales of Products bears to the volume of Distributor’s sales of Competing Products.

 

Exhibit H



 

EXHIBIT B-1
Amended and Restated Distribution Coordination Agreement

 

TERRITORY

 

The United States of America (including the District of Columbia and all states, territories, and possessions of the United States of America) and Canada (including all territories and possessions of Canada).

 

Exhibit B-1



 

EXHIBIT B-2
Amended and Restated Distribution Coordination Agreement

 

NON-TERRITORIES

 

Arkansas

 

Minnesota

 

Wisconsin

 

Exhibit B-2



 

EXHIBIT C-1
Amended and Restated Distribution Coordination Agreement

 

OTHER MONSTER DRINKS

 

NONE

 

Exhibit C-1



 

EXHIBIT C-2
Amended and Restated Distribution Coordination Agreement

 

OTHER PRODUCTS

 

NONE

 

Exhibit C-2



 

EXHIBIT D
Amended and Restated Distribution Coordination Agreement

 

 

COMMISSIONS

 

 

Section 6.1 – Subject to the terms set forth in Exhibit Y, if MEC’s then-current Gross Profit Margin on any particular Product or package is: (a) more than *** percent *** then the Commission on such Product or package will be *** percent *** of Incremental Net Sales; (b) less than *** percent *** but more than *** percent ***, then the Commission on such Product or package will be *** percent *** of Incremental Net Sales; or (c) *** percent *** or less, then the Commission on such Product or package will be *** percent *** of Incremental Net Sales.

 

Section 6.2 – Subject to the terms set forth in Exhibit Y, the Facilitation Fee payable by KO/MEC Distributors in the United States to MEC and then by MEC to KO shall be equal to *** per case of 24 units and *** per case of 12 units of Products sold by MEC or its Affiliates to the KO/MEC Distributor, but excluding any free or bonus unit or units used for sampling.  Any other case configuration to be mutually agreed between CCR and KO.

 

 

*** Indicates portions of this exhibit have been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to a request for confidential treatment.

 

Exhibit D



 

EXHIBIT E
Amended and Restated Distribution Coordination Agreement

 

*** physical cases

 

 

*** Indicates portions of this exhibit have been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to a request for confidential treatment.

 

Exhibit E



 

EXHIBIT F
Amended and Restated Distribution Coordination Agreement

 

8.2                            Pepsi System.  Without limiting any other provisions of the Agreement, MEC will not grant any distribution rights regarding the Products to PepsiCo, or any of its Affiliates, or distributors whose sale of Pepsi products exceeds *** percent *** of such distributor’s total sales.  This provision shall not apply to general wholesalers and broad-line distributors.

 

 

*** Indicates portions of this exhibit have been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to a request for confidential treatment.

 

Exhibit F



 

EXHIBIT G
Amended and Restated Distribution Coordination Agreement

 

9.                                    Competitive Product/s.

 

9.1                            This Competitive Products provision (Exhibit G) (this “Provision”) is made pursuant to the following recitals of fact, which recitals constitute an integral part of the Provision and this Agreement.  The Parties acknowledge, agree and represent to each other that (a) MEC has agreed to transfer substantially all of its distribution of Monster Energy Drink/s from independent distributors to KO’s system of distribution, to pay KO the Commission and to grant other benefits to KO, KO Affiliates and KO Distributors in reliance upon KO’s covenants as set forth in this Exhibit G, (b) this Provision is a material and integral inducement to MEC completing the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, the Asset Transfer Agreement and the Transaction Agreement (the “Underlying Agreements”) and that KO is receiving valuable consideration for the covenants contained in this Provision, (c) the scope of the restrictive covenants set forth in this Provision are reasonable in view of the substantial consideration KO is receiving, (d) the performance by KO of its obligations under this Provision is a material and substantial part of the consideration due MEC under the Underlying Agreements, and (e) MEC would not have entered the Underlying Agreements in the absence of this Provision and KO acknowledges that this Provision is reasonable and necessary to protect the legitimate interests of MEC.

 

9.2                            During the Term of this Agreement (the “Restricted Period”), KO shall not, and shall cause its consolidated Subsidiaries (as defined in Section 13.1.4) not to, acquire or hold, directly or indirectly, any ownership interest in, or enter into any contract or arrangement with respect to the management or control of, the business, assets, brands or trademarks related to the marketing, sale or distribution of any (a) Energy Drinks (in any and all sizes or packages), (b) Red Bull branded products, or (c) Rockstar branded products, owned by (i) Red Bull GmbH and Red Bull Thailand and each of their respective controlled Affiliates and/or successors (collectively, “Red Bull”) or (ii) Rockstar, Inc. and its controlled Affiliates and/or successors (collectively, “Rockstar”).

 

9.3                            During the Restricted Period, KO shall not, and shall cause its consolidated Subsidiaries not to, directly or indirectly engage in, or knowingly assist or finance (for the specific purpose of the restricted activity) any third party in engaging in, the business of manufacturing, marketing, selling or distributing any Competitive Products in the Restricted Territories (“Energy Competitive Business”); provided, that, nothing in this Provision shall preclude or prohibit KO or its consolidated Subsidiaries from (a) consummating the transactions contemplated by any of the Transaction Documents, (b) performing their respective obligations or exercising their respective rights under any of the Transaction Documents, (c) owning equity interests in any non-consolidated entity that may be engaged in any Energy Competitive Business; provided, that none of KO or any of its consolidated Subsidiaries knowingly causes or approves in writing (to extent such a contractual approval right exists) such non-consolidated entity to engage in the Energy Competitive Business or directly or indirectly knowingly assists or finances (for the specific purpose of the restricted activity) such non-consolidated entity in connection therewith, or (d) acquiring (whether by means of acquisition, asset purchase, merger, consolidation, similar business combination or otherwise) any business that engages in an

 

Exhibit G



 

Energy Competitive Business, if the Energy Competitive Business represents less than fifty percent (50%) of the acquired business’s total assets (measured based on the most recent financial statements available for the acquired business prior to the execution of definitive agreements for such acquisition) so long as a definitive agreement for the sale, transfer or other disposition of the portion of such business that engages in the Energy Competitive Business to a Third Party is entered into within twelve (12) months (or sooner, to the extent practicable without adversely affecting the value received in such sale) following the consummation of the acquisition of such business, and consummation of any such sale, transfer or other disposition occurs within eighteen (18) months following the acquisition of such business (or, if not consummated within such period, as soon as practicable thereafter).  For the avoidance of doubt, the restrictions in this Provision shall not apply to any non-consolidated entities in which KO or its Subsidiaries or Affiliates may hold an interest; provided, that none of KO or any of its consolidated Subsidiaries knowingly causes or approves in writing (to the extent such a contractual approval right exists) such non-consolidated entity to engage in the Energy Competitive Business or directly or indirectly knowingly assists or finances (for the specific purpose of the restricted activity) such non-consolidated entity in connection therewith.

 

9.4                            For purposes of this Provision, the term “knowingly” refers to, with respect to KO, the knowledge of any member of senior management of KO.

 

9.5                            For the avoidance of doubt, nothing in this Provision shall limit or modify KO’s obligations under Section 8.14 of the Transaction Agreement.

 

9.6                            The Parties acknowledge that the restrictions contained in this Provision are reasonable and necessary to protect the legitimate interests of the parties, constitute a material inducement to the Parties to enter into the Underlying Agreements and the other agreements contemplated hereby and thereby, are an essential element of the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby, and that any breach will result in irreparable injury to the other Party.  Each Party agrees that neither it nor any of its controlled Affiliates will challenge the enforceability of, or the reasonableness of the time, scope or geographic coverage of, any provision of this Provision in any action or proceeding.  In the event that any covenant contained in this Provision is ever adjudicated to exceed the time, geographic, scope or other limitations permitted by applicable law in any jurisdiction, then any court is expressly empowered to reform such covenant, and such covenant shall be deemed reformed, in such jurisdiction to the maximum time, geographic, scope or other limitations permitted by applicable law.  The covenants contained in this Provision and each provision hereof are severable and distinct covenants and provisions. The invalidity or unenforceability of any such covenant or provision as written shall not invalidate or render unenforceable the remaining covenants or provisions hereof, and any such invalidity or unenforceability in any jurisdiction shall not invalidate or render unenforceable such covenant or provision in any other jurisdiction.

 

9.7                            For purposes of this Provision, (a) any terms defined in the Agreement to which this Provision is attached, but not defined in this Provision, will have the meanings set forth in such Agreement and (b) any terms defined in this Provision (including the following terms) will have the definitions set forth in this Provision (it being understood that definitions of any terms defined herein will supersede any definitions set forth in the Agreement to which this Provision is attached).

 

Exhibit G



 

9.7.1                Competitive Products” means (a) any Energy Beverages and/or (b) any Red Bull branded products and/or Rockstar branded products.

 

9.7.2                Energy Beverages” means any shelf-stable, non-alcoholic beverage, in ready-to-drink, powdered, drops or concentrate form, made with or without carbonation, that both (a) is marketed or positioned to consumers as an energy beverage and (b) contains one or more of the following ingredients: guarana, taurine, panax ginseng, L-carnitine, B-2 vitamins, B-6 vitamins, B-12 vitamins, L-arginine, astralagus, glucuronolactone or inositol (or, to the extent approved by Parent, which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed, any ingredients substituting for or supplementing any of the foregoing ingredients); provided that “Energy Beverages” shall not include (whether or not they would otherwise be an Energy Beverage) either (i) any beverage which is marketed or positioned to consumers under the Coca-Cola brand and any line extensions or expansions of such products marketed under such brand, or (ii) any products marketed under the Vitaminwater brand and any line extensions or expansions of such products marketed under such brand even if such product utilizes the word “energy” on its packaging or labeling as long as such product (utilizing the word “energy” on its packaging or labeling) is also identified as a nutrient based water beverage (or words of similar import).

 

9.7.3                Excluded Territories” means any (a) Served Territory as of or after the Effective Date and as to which, at any time as of or after the one-year anniversary of the Effective Date, no distribution agreement with any KO Distributor covering any Product that is either an Energy Beverage brand that was included in the KO Asset Transfer (as defined in the Asset Transfer Agreement) or an Energy Beverage brand of NewCo (“MBC”), Company (“MEC”) or one of their Subsidiaries, in each case in such Served Territory, is in effect (in the case of an Energy Beverage included in the KO Asset Transfer, to the extent that the distribution of such Energy Beverage is occurring in substantially the same manner as occurring as of the date of the Transaction Agreement), (b) Served Territory as to which a KO Distributor previously had distribution rights that have since terminated but only upon the earlier to occur of (i) the six-month anniversary of the date of such termination if no New Distribution Agreement with a KO Distributor in such territory has been entered into by such six-month anniversary and (ii) the date when MBC or one of its Affiliates enters into a distribution agreement with a distributor that is not a KO Distributor covering such Served Territory, or (c) Unserved Refused Territory; provided, however, that (i) the one-year deadline referred to in clause (a) (the “Relevant Period”), will be deemed to be extended for as long as MBC is negotiating, as of the end of the Relevant Period, and thereafter continues to negotiate, in each case in good faith with the applicable KO Distributor, regarding a New Distribution Agreement in such Served Territory (provided that any such extension shall not exceed twelve (12) months) and (ii) no Served Territory will be deemed to be an Excluded Territory as a result of the operation of clause (a) above if there has been a Distribution Refusal by the applicable KO Distributor prior to the end of the applicable Relevant Period (as it may be extended pursuant to clause (i)) unless following such Distribution Refusal MBC or one of its Affiliates enters into a distribution agreement with a Third Party on terms that are more favorable to such Third Party, in the aggregate, than the last terms proposed to the applicable KO Distributor that was the subject of the Distribution Refusal.

 

Exhibit G



 

9.7.4                Products” means all beverages manufactured by or for MBC, MEC or any of their Subsidiaries or marketed or sold under the brands of MBC, MEC or any of their Subsidiaries, including, with respect to any period following the Effective Date, any brand included in the KO Asset Transfer.

 

9.7.5                Restricted Territories” means Served Territories and Unserved Territories, in each case, other than any Excluded Territory.

 

9.7.6                Served Territoriesmeans, as of a given date, a territory where either of the following have been distributed pursuant to one or more distribution agreements prior to such date: (a) beverages manufactured by or for MBC, MEC or any of their Subsidiaries or marketed or sold under the brands of MBC, MEC or any of their Subsidiaries or (b) beverages manufactured by or for KO or any of its Subsidiaries or marketed or sold under the brands of KO or any of its Subsidiaries and included in the KO Asset Transfer.

 

9.7.7                Territory Implementation” means the initiation or commencement of any one or more of (a) the process to obtain or satisfy any applicable governmental, regulatory or other industry-related approvals or requirements required for distribution of the applicable Products in the applicable Unserved Territory, (b) due diligence related to determining the feasibility of distribution of Products in the applicable Unserved Territory, or (c) the commencement of negotiations with a KO Distributor with respect to the future distribution of Products in that Unserved Territory.

 

9.7.8                Third Party” means any Person other than MBC, MEC, KO or their respective Affiliates.

 

9.7.9                Transaction Documents” means the Transaction Agreement, the Asset Transfer Agreement, the Commercial Agreements (as defined in the Transaction Agreement), the Ancillary Agreements (as defined in the Asset Transfer Agreement), all exhibits and schedules to the Transaction Agreement, the Asset Transfer Agreement, the Commercial Agreements and the Ancillary Agreements (as defined in the Asset Transfer Agreement) and any other documents, certificates, agreements or letters executed in connection with the transactions contemplated by the Transaction Agreement, the Asset Transfer Agreement, the Commercial Agreements and the Ancillary Agreements.

 

9.7.10        Unserved Refused Territory” means any Unserved Territory as follows:  Following the Effective Date, if KO receives a request from a KO Distributor in an Unserved Territory to make an Energy Beverage available to it for distribution in such Unserved Territory, then KO may provide a written notice to MBC of its intention to distribute products of KO or its Affiliates that are Energy Beverages in any Unserved Territory.  If (a) MBC fails to deliver to KO within ninety (90) days after KO provides such notice to MBC a written affirmation that MBC intends in good faith to distribute products that are Energy Beverages in such Unserved Territory, (b) MBC fails to commence a Territory Implementation in respect of such Unserved Territory in good faith within twelve (12) months after delivery to KO of such written affirmation, or (c) (i) MBC ceases to advance, in good faith, the applicable process described in the definition of Territory Implementation in such Unserved Territory after the twelve (12) month period set forth in the foregoing clause (b) and (ii) following the twelve (12) month period

 

Exhibit G



 

referred to in the foregoing clause (b), KO provides notice to MBC indicating that MBC has ceased to advance such applicable process and MBC thereafter fails to progress such process in good faith within ninety (90) days of receipt of such notice, then such territory shall become an Unserved Refused Territory; provided, however, that MBC shall be excused from continuing with any Territory Implementation during any period that (A) a governmental or regulatory approval process shall have delayed the commencement of distribution in such territory or (B) economic conditions would reasonably be expected to have an adverse economic impact on MBC’s business of distributing Products in such Unserved Territory or to otherwise delay the commencement of distribution in such territory; provided, further, that if at any time MBC no longer intends in good faith to implement such Territory Implementation in the applicable Unserved Territory, it shall promptly inform KO of such change in intention and thereafter such Unserved Territory shall become an Unserved Refused Territory.

 

9.7.11        Unserved Territories” means, as of a given date, a territory where neither of the following are being or have been distributed pursuant to one or more distribution agreements prior to such date: (a) beverages manufactured by or for MBC, MEC or any of their Subsidiaries or marketed or sold under the brands of MBC, MEC or any of their Subsidiaries or (b) beverages manufactured by or for KO or any of its Subsidiaries or marketed or sold under the brands of KO or any of its Subsidiaries and included in the KO Asset Transfer.

 

Exhibit G



 

EXHIBIT H
Amended and Restated Distribution Coordination Agreement

 

EXCLUDED TERRITORIES

 

Kalil Territories means those territories in which Kalil Bottling Co. has exclusive rights to distribute Products as of the Effective Date.

 

Big Geyser Territory means those territories in which Big Geyser Inc. has exclusive rights to distribute Products as of the Effective Date.

 

Exhibit H



 

EXHIBIT I

Amended and Restated Distribution Coordination Agreement

 

1.6(a)(i)                                             In the event that the New Distribution Agreement being negotiated is an amendment to an Existing Distribution Agreement and the Proposed Distributor is willing to agree to the terms of the Existing Distribution Agreement for the additional Sub-Territories to be added (but not to an amendment implementing terms substantially identical with the form attached as Exhibit A), upon KO’s direction, MEC shall not be permitted to withhold agreement to adding the additional Sub-Territories to the Existing Distribution Agreement.

 

Exhibit I



 

EXHIBIT J

Amended and Restated Distribution Coordination Agreement

 

KO COMPETITORS

 

***

 

 

*** Indicates portions of this exhibit have been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to a request for confidential treatment.

 

Exhibit J



 

EXHIBIT Y

Amended and Restated Distribution Coordination Agreement

 

 

KO agrees that no Commission or Facilitation Fee, as provided in Section 6.1 and Section 6.2 of this Agreement, respectively, shall be payable with respect to sales of Products delivered by MEC or any of its Affiliates to territories that are included in any Prior Territory (as defined below) (“Prior Territory Sales”). For the purposes of this Agreement, “Prior Territory” shall mean the respective territories identified below of the KO/MEC Distributors identified below.  For the avoidance of doubt, no Commission or Facilitation Fee, as provided in Sections 6.1 and 6.2 of this Agreement, respectively, shall be payable with respect to any Prior Territory Sales or any other sales of Products delivered by MEC or any of its Affiliates in the Prior Territory or any part thereof pursuant to any New Distribution Agreement/s, any new KO Distribution Agreement/s or any future KO Distribution Agreement/s that relate to such Prior Territory or part thereof.

 

KO/MEC Distributor

Prior Territory

Swire Coca-Cola, USA

See highlighted territories in Exhibit Y-1

Coca-Cola Bottling Company High Country

See highlighted territories in Exhibit Y-2

The Philadelphia Coca-Cola Bottling Company

See highlighted territories in Exhibit Y-3

 

For the avoidance of doubt, no Commission or Facilitation Fee, as provided in Sections 6.1 and 6.2 of this Agreement, respectively, shall be payable with respect to direct sales of Products by MEC to any National Account or Outlet of a National Account (each as defined in an applicable KO Distribution Agreement).

 

Exhibit Y



 

EXHIBIT Y-1

Amended and Restated Distribution Coordination Agreement

 

Prior Territory for Swire Coca-Cola, USA

 

 

 

Exhibit Y-1



 

EXHIBIT Y-2

Amended and Restated Distribution Coordination Agreement

 

Prior Territory for Coca-Cola Bottling Company High Country

 

 

Exhibit Y-2



 

EXHIBIT Y-3

Amended and Restated Distribution Coordination Agreement

 

Prior Territory for The Philadelphia Coca-Cola Bottling Company

 

Exhibit Y-3



 

EXHIBIT Z

Amended and Restated Distribution Coordination Agreement

 

3.                                    KO Distributors; Distribution Agreements.  Whenever a KO Bottler Agreement with a KO Distributor that is a party to a KO Distribution Agreement expires or is terminated by KO pursuant to either a deficiency termination procedure or any other right of termination stated in such a KO Bottler Agreement, KO shall notify MEC in writing within sixty (60) days after such termination.  In the event that any such former KO Distributor is no longer a party to any KO Bottler Agreement, upon written notice from KO, MEC shall (or shall cause its applicable Affiliate to) terminate all KO Distribution Agreements with such former KO Distributor to the extent that such KO Distribution Agreements can be terminated by MEC (or such applicable Affiliate) upon such occurrence or upon written notice pursuant to and in accordance with the terms of the applicable KO Distribution Agreements.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, MEC shall not be required pursuant to this Section 3 to (or to cause such applicable Affiliate to) terminate such KO Distribution Agreement (a) under which MEC is obligated to pay a Severance Payment (or other amounts required to be paid for termination) to such former KO Distributor, *** and (b) with respect to any Sub-Territory/ies applicable to the KO Distribution Agreement to be terminated, until such time as MEC receives a Distribution Commitment from a Primary KO Distributor for such Sub-Territory/ies in accordance with the Distributor Negotiation Process (mutatis mutandis).

 

 

*** Indicates portions of this exhibit have been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to a request for confidential treatment.

 

Exhibit Z


EXHIBIT 10.2

 

Portions hereof have been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to a request for confidential treatment in accordance with Rule 406 of the Securities Act of 1993, as amended.

 

AMENDED AND RESTATED INTERNATIONAL DISTRIBUTION COORDINATION AGREEMENT

 

This AMENDED AND RESTATED INTERNATIONAL DISTRIBUTION COORDINATION AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”) is entered into as of June 12, 2015 (the “Effective Date”), between MONSTER ENERGY LTD. (formerly TAURANGA, LTD.), a company organized and existing under the laws of the Republic of Ireland, with offices at South Bank House, Barrow Street, Dublin 4, Ireland and MONSTER ENERGY COMPANY (formerly known as Hansen Beverage Company) (collectively, “MEL”) and THE COCA-COLA COMPANY, a Delaware corporation (“KO”).  This Agreement amends and restates in its entirety that certain Monster Energy International Distribution Coordination Agreement between MEL and KO as of October 3, 2008 (the “Original Agreement”).  Capitalized terms not otherwise defined in this Agreement shall have the meaning defined in Section 2 below.

 

1.                                    Recitals.  This Agreement is made with reference to the following recitals of essential facts:

 

1.1.                        MEL and KO (each, a “Party” and collectively, the “Parties”), and their respective Affiliates (as defined below), are both engaged in the manufacture and sale of beverages.  For purposes of this Agreement, “Affiliate” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in the Transaction Agreement (as defined below).

 

1.2.                        MEL is a wholly owned subsidiary of Monster Energy Company (formerly known as Hansen Beverage Company), a Delaware corporation (“MEC”).  MEC or its applicable Affiliate owns the exclusive right, title and interest in and to the MEC Marks (as defined below).  MEL has been authorized by MEC or its applicable Affiliate to use the MEC Marks (as defined below) and manufacture, promote, market, distribute and sell, including without limitation through distributors appointed by MEL, the Products (as defined below) throughout the Territory (as defined below).

 

1.3.                        Prior to the execution of this Agreement, (i) Company (as defined in the Transaction Agreement), Parent (as defined in the Transaction Agreement) and NewCo (as defined in the Transaction Agreement) entered into the Asset Transfer Agreement (as defined below), pursuant to which Parent agreed to transfer to NewCo or one or more of NewCo’s designated Subsidiaries the KO Energy Assets (as defined in the Asset Transfer Agreement) and to assume the Assumed KO Energy Liabilities (as defined in the Asset Transfer Agreement) and Company agreed to sell to Parent or one or more of Parent’s designated Subsidiaries the Monster Non-Energy Assets and Parent agreed to assume the Assumed Monster Non-Energy Liabilities (each as defined in the Asset Transfer Agreement) (the “Asset Transfer Agreement”) and (ii) Company, NewCo, Merger Sub (as defined in the Transaction Agreement) and Purchaser (as defined in the Transaction Agreement) entered into the Transaction Agreement, pursuant to which (a) Company reorganizes into a new holding company structure by merging Merger Sub with and into Company, with Company surviving as the wholly-owned subsidiary of NewCo, (b)

 



 

upon the effective time of the merger, each outstanding share of Company’s common stock converts into one share of NewCo’s common stock (“NewCo Common Stock”), and (c) immediately after the effective time of the merger, Purchaser purchases from NewCo a number of newly issued shares of NewCo Common Stock representing one share less than 16.666% of the total number of then issued and outstanding shares of NewCo Common Stock measured on a post-issuance basis (the “Transaction Agreement”), each as more fully described therein.  As a condition to consummating the transactions contemplated by the Asset Transfer Agreement and the Transaction Agreement, the Parties have agreed to enter into, simultaneously with the consummation of the transactions contemplated by the Asset Transfer Agreement and the Transaction Agreement, this Agreement with respect to distribution related matters.

 

1.4.                        KO has relationships with an extensive worldwide network of owned, partially owned or independent distributors and/or bottlers that engage in the manufacture, distribution and/or sale of KO-branded beverages. Each such distributor or bottler that is a party to an agreement with KO regarding the distribution of beverage products (as it may be amended, restated, and/or replaced from time to time, in each case a “KO Bottler Agreement”) is referred to in this Agreement as a “KO Distributor” and some or all of such distributors are collectively referred to as the “KO Distributors.”

 

1.5.                        Certain KO Distributors entered into various exclusive agreements with KO pursuant to which they need consent from KO to distribute competitive products offered by third parties.  Certain KO Distributors (“Pre-Coordination Distributors”) previously entered into distribution agreements (“Pre-Coordination Agreements”) with MEL (i) prior to the effective date of the Original Agreement and (ii) in the case of Coca Cola Hellenic and/or its Affiliates (“Hellenic”), after the effective date of the Original Agreement but before the Effective Date of this Agreement.  Certain KO Distributors (“Existing KO Distributors”) previously entered into distribution agreements (“Existing Distribution Agreements”) with MEL pursuant to the Original Agreement.  Through this Agreement, and subject to the provisions contained herein, MEL desires to enter into, and KO desires to consent to (to the extent necessary), (a) new distribution agreements with KO Distributors designated by KO for Products (as defined below) in, and/or (b) add to Existing Distribution Agreements specific sub-territories (each a “Sub-Territory” and collectively “Sub-Territories”) designated by MEL that are within the Territory (as defined below), in each case as provided hereunder (subject to the last sentence of Section 3.2 hereof) and/or (c) new distribution agreements with Pre-Coordination Distributors and those distributors that have entered into Existing Distribution Agreements with MEL prior to the Effective Date in Sub-Territories designated by MEL and agreed to by such KO Distributors, but only to the extent of such Sub-Territories that become subject to such New Distribution Agreement.

 

1.6.                        Subject to the terms of this Agreement, (i) MEL shall use its Best Efforts (as defined below) to enter into (a) new distribution agreements for Sub-Territories substantially in the form of attached Exhibit A, (b) amendments to Existing Distribution Agreements adding Sub-Territories to such Existing Distribution Agreements as may be agreed upon in writing and/or (c) to the extent applicable Existing KO Distributors are agreeable, amendments to applicable Existing Distribution Agreements to make them substantially identical to the form of attached Exhibit A.  The new distribution agreements in the form of attached Exhibit A or amendments referred to in this Recital 1.6 shall be effective from their respective effective dates,

 

2



 

in each case, and shall be subject to such modifications as may be agreed upon in writing by MEL, the applicable KO Distributor, and to the extent required in accordance with Section 7.2 below, by KO, and are collectively referred to as the “New Distribution Agreements,” (ii) KO shall use its Best Efforts (as defined below) to, recommend and consent to and shall, upon MEL’s reasonable request, use good faith efforts to reasonably assist, the entering into of such New Distribution Agreements as set forth in Section 3.2 below, (iii) subject to the last sentence of Section 3.3 below, MEL shall use its Best Efforts to respond to KO’s or a KO Distributor’s reasonable inquiries and cooperate with KO in response to KO’s reasonable requests in relation to MEL’s relationship with KO and KO Distributors, including with respect to discussing in good faith potential resolutions of any material issues with KO Distributors relating to KO Distribution Agreements (as defined below) and any material disputes or performance issues thereunder, as set forth in Section 3.3 below, and (iv) MEL shall consider, in good faith, any reasonable requests by a KO Distributor to amend the form of Exhibit A, without any obligation on MEL to agree to such amendment/s that MEL determines to be unacceptable in its sole and absolute discretion.  Without limiting the foregoing, as used herein, the term “New Distribution Agreements” shall also include (A) amendments to Pre-Coordination Agreements to make them substantially identical with the form of attached Exhibit A, but only with respect to such Sub-Territories that become subject to such New Distribution Agreement, with effect from the respective effective dates of such amendments, in each case subject to such modifications as may be agreed upon in writing by MEL, KO and the applicable Pre-Coordination Distributor, and (B) any other agreement that the parties otherwise agree in writing will constitute a New Distribution Agreement hereunder.

 

1.7.                        All Exhibits referred to in this Agreement shall be deemed to be incorporated into this Agreement.  In accordance with Section 23.2 of the Original Agreement, the Parties desire to supersede the Original Agreement in its entirety, which shall no longer be in force and effect, as set forth herein.

 

Now, therefore, in consideration of the foregoing and of the mutual representations, warranties and covenants contained herein, the Parties hereby agree that the Original Agreement is hereby superseded in its entirety as follows:

 

2.                                    Definitions.  For the purposes of this Agreement, the following additional definitions shall apply:

 

Applicable Sub-Territory/ies” means any Sub-Territory within the Territory.

 

Best Efforts” means the efforts a prudent Person (as defined below) desiring in good faith to achieve a result would use in the circumstances to ensure such result is achieved as expeditiously as possible but does not require the Person subject to such obligation to take actions that would result in any materially adverse change, or any financial change which in the aggregate, or over a period of time, would result in any materially adverse change, in the benefits to such Person under this Agreement or require such Person to expend funds or extend other economic incentives, unless otherwise expressly required under this Agreement.

 

3



 

KO Distribution Agreements” means (a) Pre-Coordination Agreements, (b) Existing Distribution Agreements, and (c) New Distribution Agreements to be entered into between MEL and a KO Distributor in the Territory after the Effective Date of this Agreement (“New Distributor/s”); in each case, together will all exhibits, appendices, and schedules thereto and as such agreements may be amended or modified.

 

Energy Drink/s” means any shelf-stable, in ready-to-drink, powdered, drops or concentrate form, non-alcoholic beverage that satisfies all of the following conditions: (a) it is marketed or positioned to consumers as an energy beverage, (b) it contains one or more of the following ingredients: guarana, taurine, panax ginseng, L-carnitine, B-2 vitamins, B-6 vitamins, B-12 vitamins, L-arginine, astralagus, glucuronolactone or inositol (or, to the extent approved by KO, which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed, any ingredients substituting for or supplementing any of the foregoing ingredients) and (c) it has at least five (5) milligrams of caffeine per ounce (the “Caffeine Requirement”), except that (i) Products under the brand Monster Energy Unleaded (substantially as such Products are formulated, manufactured, marketed and/or sold as of the date hereof, and any line extensions or expansions of such Products marketed under such brand) shall not be required to meet the Caffeine Requirement; and (ii) the Caffeine Requirement shall be reduced in respect of any particular territory to the extent that any final law applicable to MEL in such territory imposing restrictions on the on-going business activities of MEL is enacted by a Governmental Entity (as defined below) having jurisdiction over such territory that either (A) specifically establishes a maximum caffeine concentration that is lower than the Caffeine Requirement (in which case the Caffeine Requirement applicable to such territory shall be the maximum caffeine concentration permitted by such law) or (B) is reasonably expected, based on the good faith judgment of MEL, to have an adverse impact on MEL’s business, sales or profitability in such territory due to the caffeine concentration of the Products exceeding a specified level (including, for example, a material tax imposed on beverages with caffeine concentrations above a stated amount but excluding, for the avoidance of doubt, any age or similar restriction on the manner of sale of such beverages) (in which case the Caffeine Requirement applicable to such territory shall be the maximum caffeine concentration that would not have such adverse impact); it being agreed that affected Products in any affected territory may be reformulated by MEL to the extent necessary to comply with any such law or to avoid such adverse impact.

 

MEC Marks” means the trademarks, trade names, brand names, and logos (whether or not registered), copyright material and other intellectual property owned by MEC or its applicable Affiliate and used by it on the Products and/or in connection with the production, labeling, packaging, marketing, sale, advertising, and promotion of the Products.

 

KO Competitor” means the Persons identified on attached Exhibit J and any Affiliates and successors thereof, it being agreed that KO may propose to MEL for MEL’s written approval to supplement or amend Exhibit J from time to time to add additional Person/s who are significant competitors of KO who own, operate or control a distribution network for alcoholic and/or non-alcoholic beverage products or own or license alcoholic

 

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and/or non-alcoholic beverage product brands, and MEL shall not unreasonably withhold approval to such supplement or amendment (and in all cases, including any of such Person’s respective Affiliates and successors).

 

KO/MEL Distributor/s” means (a) Pre-Coordination Distributors, but only in relation to New Distribution Agreements that such Pre-Coordination Distributors may enter into pursuant to this Agreement, (b) Existing KO Distributors under Existing Distribution Agreements and (c) KO Distributors that enter into New Distribution Agreements pursuant to this Agreement, in each case, for so long as such agreements remain in effect, but only during the period in which a KO Bottler Agreement is in effect between KO and such KO/MEL Distributor.

 

Products” collectively means (excluding, for purposes of this Agreement, any Products (as such term is defined in the KO Legacy Brands Coordination Agreements (as defined below))) (a) all Energy Drinks, in any form, that are offered, packaged and/or marketed by MEL or any of its Affiliates at any time, under the primary brand name “Monster” or any other primary brand name having “Monster” as a derivative or part of such name, and/or containing the “” as a primary brand component, and which may, but are not required to contain the “” mark, and/or the “M” icon (“Monster Energy Drink/s”), (b) all drinks other than Energy Drinks, in any form, that are offered, packaged and/or marketed by MEL or any of its Affiliates at any time, under the primary brand name “Monster” or any other primary brand name having “Monster” as a derivative or part of such name, and which may, but are not required to contain the “ “ mark, and/or the “M” icon (“Other Monster Drink/s”), as MEL and KO may agree upon in writing and as identified on attached Exhibit C-1 which may be amended from time to time by MEL and KO executing a mutually agreed upon amended Exhibit C-1, including any Other Monster Drinks added to a KO Distribution Agreement pursuant to Section 4.6.2 below and (c) all other beverages not specified in (a) or (b) of this definition of Products, in any form, including, without limitation, Energy Drinks, that are offered, packaged and/or marketed by MEL or any of its Affiliates at any time, but not under the primary brand name “Monster” or any other primary brand name having “Monster” as a derivative or part of such name, and that do not contain the ” mark, and/or the “M” icon (“Other Products”), as MEL and KO may agree upon in writing and identified on attached Exhibit C-2 which may be amended from time to time by MEL and KO executing a mutually agreed upon amended Exhibit C-2.  The Products shall include all sizes of SKUs as may be determined by MEL and offered, packaged and/or marketed by MEL or any of its Affiliates in good faith from time to time, subject to Section 4.6 below (the “Product SKUs”).

 

Territory” means the countries, regions or geographical areas described on attached Exhibit B, as may be amended from time to time by mutual agreement of the Parties in writing.

 

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3.                                    Agreement.

 

3.1.                        The Parties acknowledge and agree that, subject to the terms of this Agreement, and in exchange for the consideration described in the Transaction Agreement, it is their mutual intent (a) to procure and facilitate a smooth and uninterrupted transition of the distribution of all Products to applicable KO Distributors throughout the Territory and (b) that the transition will happen in due course, as KO provides Identification Notices (as defined below) pursuant to and in accordance with the Distributor Negotiation Process (as defined below).

 

3.2.                        KO Efforts; Access to Distributors.  To the extent permissible under applicable law (a) KO agrees to use its Best Efforts to recommend and consent to the entering into of such New Distribution Agreements, and shall, upon MEL’s reasonable request, use good faith efforts to reasonably assist the entering into of such New Distribution Agreements and the on-going relationship between MEL and such KO/MEL Distributors that have executed New Distribution Agreements with MEL, including, without limitation, by KO taking the following actions when required during the Term: (i) reasonably requesting that Proposed Distributors meet with representatives of KO (or KO and MEL) to attempt to resolve material issues related to the relationship (or failure to reach agreement with respect to a New Distribution Agreement) between MEL and such KO Distributor, (ii) participating in a reasonable number of such meetings described in clause (i), whether in person or via teleconference or video conference, at mutually agreed upon times with reasonable advance notice to KO, (iii) communicating to KO Distributors KO’s recommendation of, and consent to, the entering into of New Distribution Agreements, as well as, upon MEL’s reasonable request, sending an applicable KO Distributor a letter or email substantially in a form to be reasonably agreed upon by the Parties as set forth in Exhibit X, and (iv) refraining from discouraging, preventing and/or intentionally delaying the entry into of New Distribution Agreements between MEL and Proposed Distributors; (b) and to the extent KO has express consent rights under a KO Bottler Agreement with respect to the KO Distributor’s right to distribute products other than KO products, KO will grant such consent in the Sub-Territories with respect to the Monster Energy Drink/s designated by MEL, and with respect to the Other Monster Drink/s and the Other Products that are included in the Products, as may be agreed to between MEL, KO and such KO Distributors in a New Distribution Agreement with such KO Distributor; and (c) KO shall use reasonable efforts to permit MEL to make presentations to KO/MEL Distributors in relation to its Energy Drink business from time to time throughout the Term (as defined below), under circumstances deemed reasonably appropriate by KO.  For the avoidance of doubt, KO’s Best Efforts and MEL’s Best Efforts hereunder shall not obligate either KO or MEL, as the case may be, to expend funds or extend other economic incentives to convince KO Distributors to enter into New Distribution Agreements with MEL; it being understood by MEL that KO does not control all KO Distributors, who will independently negotiate distribution agreements directly with MEL.  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, KO does not consent to (and shall have no obligation hereunder with respect to) any KO Distributor distributing Products in any Sub-Territory in which such KO Distributor does not distribute Products as of the Effective Date, unless and until such KO Distributor and all of its applicable Affiliates enter into New Distribution Agreements in the form of Exhibit A in accordance with this Agreement covering each and every Sub-Territory in which such KO Distributor or any of its Affiliates distribute or intend to distribute Products (including any Sub-Territories in which such KO Distributor or any of its Affiliates distributed Products prior to the Effective Date); provided that, in the event of any addition or intended addition of Sub-Territories (in which Coca-Cola Enterprises does not distribute Products as of the Effective Date)

 

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to the distribution territory of Coca-Cola Enterprises under New Distribution Agreements, if Coca-Cola Enterprises wishes to continue to distribute Products pursuant to its Existing Distribution Agreements in the Sub-Territories in which Coca-Cola Enterprises distributes Products as of the Effective Date, Coca-Cola Enterprises shall not be required to enter into New Distribution Agreements in the form of Exhibit A with respect to the Sub-Territories in which Coca-Cola Enterprises distributes Products as of the Effective Date.

 

3.3.                        MEL Efforts.  MEL shall reasonably respond to KO’s or a KO Distributor’s reasonable inquiries and cooperate with KO in response to KO’s reasonable requests in relation to MEL’s relationship with KO and KO Distributors, including, without limitation, with respect to discussing in good faith potential resolutions of any material issues with KO Distributors relating to KO Distribution Agreements and any material disputes or performance issues thereunder or any perceived material issues relating to the commercialization of MEL’s Products, including, without limitation, by taking the following actions when required during the Term: participating in a reasonable number of meetings with representatives of KO (or KO and the applicable KO Distributor) to attempt to resolve material issues related to the relationship between MEL and such KO Distributor or MEL and KO (or failure to reach agreement with respect to a New Distribution Agreement), whether in person or via teleconference or video conference, at mutually agreed upon times with reasonable advance notice to MEL.  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, and for the avoidance of doubt, MEL’s obligations under this Section 3.3 shall not (a) limit, delay or otherwise affect MEL’s rights and remedies relating to any breach or failure by a KO/MEL Distributor under an applicable KO Distribution Agreement, (b) constitute a basis for a defense by a KO/MEL Distributor to any claim by MEL for such KO/MEL Distributor’s breach or failure to perform under the applicable KO Distribution Agreement therewith or (c) excuse, suspend or delay a KO/MEL Distributor’s obligations under an applicable KO Distribution Agreement.

 

3.4.                        Manufacturing.  The Parties acknowledge and agree that it is their current mutual intention that they will consider in due course entering into a written agreement (with a KO Affiliate or a KO Distributor identified by KO) on mutually acceptable terms to provide for the manufacture of certain Products in the Territory.  This Section 3.4 shall not be deemed to be an agreement by the Parties for such manufacture and the Parties shall not have any obligations with respect thereto unless and until a written agreement has been duly executed.

 

4.                                    Procedures for Appointment of Distributors.

 

4.1.                        Designation and Identification. Without limiting the Parties’ respective obligations under the Transaction Agreement, to the extent permissible under applicable law and subject to Section 4.6.2:

 

4.1.1.            MEL and KO, subject to the penultimate sentence of Section 3.2, shall use their respective Best Efforts to cause New Distribution Agreements to be entered into on terms and conditions mutually agreeable between MEL and KO Distributors for the distribution of all Products in the Sub-Territories, pursuant to the following process:

 

(a)                               At any time after the Effective Date of this Agreement, (i) MEL may decide to have KO Distributors distribute Products in any additional territory/ies in the Territory,

 

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in which event MEL will deliver written notice (the “MEL Designation Notice”) to KO designating the specific Sub-Territory/ies in which MEL desires KO Distributors to distribute the Products and/or (ii) KO may determine, in consultation with MEL, that it is economically feasible to terminate an existing distributor in the Applicable Sub-Territory/ies, in which event KO will deliver written notice (the “KO Designation Notice”, and together with the MEL Designation Notice, the “Designation Notice”) to MEL designating such Applicable Sub-Territory/ies.  Within seven (7) days of its receipt of the MEL Designation Notice or delivery of the KO Designation Notice, KO will deliver written notice (the “Identification Notice”) to MEL identifying the specific KO Distributors (the “Proposed Distributors”) proposed to be appointed to distribute the Products in the respective Sub-Territory/ies identified in the Designation Notice (subject to the last sentence of Section 3.2 hereof) and any additional relevant information as may be in KO’s possession concerning such Proposed Distributor or the Sub-Territory covered by it that is reasonably requested by MEL (provided that KO shall not be required to deliver information that KO is obligated to keep confidential).  In the event that KO fails to deliver an Identification Notice in accordance with this Section 4.1.1 within the prescribed period and does not cure such failure within seven (7) days written notice thereof, such failure shall be deemed to be a failure to deliver a Distribution Commitment (as defined below) with respect to the applicable Sub-Territory/ies.

 

(b)                              MEL shall, within twenty-one (21) days of receipt of the Identification Notice (or Identification Notice amendment, as applicable), deliver to each such Proposed Distributor accepted by MEL, a New Distribution Agreement that provides for the applicable KO Distributor to obtain exclusive distribution rights for all accounts and classes of accounts in the applicable Sub-Territory/ies, except to the extent approved in advance in writing by KO or otherwise agreed between MEL and such Proposed Distributor, along with the relevant details and instructions sufficiently explaining to such Proposed Distributor the requirements relating to submitting a Distribution Commitment (as defined below) in accordance herewith and providing requirements with respect to pricing, margins and promotional contribution commitments, including equipment requirements (the “Commercial Requirements”).  MEL shall not reject (nor refuse to accept) a KO Distributor holding the exclusive right to distribute (or that otherwise is the primary distributor of) “Coca-Cola” brand products in an applicable Sub-Territory (“Primary KO Distributor”), subject to compliance with the other provisions of this Section 4.1.1.  MEL shall diligently and in good faith negotiate the terms of such New Distribution Agreement using its Best Efforts to enter into such New Distribution Agreement with such Proposed Distributor for a period of at least forty-five (45) days (the “Initial Negotiation Period”), subject to such modifications to such form as may be agreed upon in writing by MEL, the Proposed Distributor and KO.  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, and for the avoidance of doubt, MEL’s “Best Efforts” under Sections 4.1 and 4.5(c) shall not obligate MEL to (i) agree to any amendments to such New Distribution Agreements which MEL, in good faith, deems inappropriate or unacceptable in its sole and absolute discretion, (ii) enter into any such New Distribution Agreement with respect to any Sub-Territory in which MEL is then party to an existing Third Party Agreement (as defined below) that would provide economic and other material operational terms (that are not addressed under the terms of Exhibit A) that are materially less favorable to MEL in the aggregate than the economic and other material operational terms of such Third Party Agreement, or (iii) violate, or incur any material liabilities arising under, the Third Party Agreement or any applicable laws or regulations in the applicable

 

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Sub-TerritoryExhibit I sets forth certain additional terms and conditions applicable to negotiation of New Distribution Agreements that constitute amendments of Existing Distribution Agreements in accordance with Exhibit A.

 

(c)                               If the Proposed Distributor does not deliver, or refuses to deliver, to MEL a Distribution Commitment (as defined below) within such Initial Negotiation Period, KO shall have the right to participate or otherwise assist in further negotiations between MEL and such Proposed Distributor for an additional period of at least fifteen (15) days, and MEL shall diligently and in good faith negotiate the terms of such New Distribution Agreement using its Best Efforts to enter into such New Distribution Agreement with such Proposed Distributor during such additional fifteen (15) day period (the “Second Negotiation Period”); provided that MEL may reject any proposed amendments to such New Distribution Agreement in its sole and absolute discretion.

 

(d)                             If the Proposed Distributor fails to deliver such Distribution Commitment (as defined below) following the process set forth in clauses (a)-(c) above; provided that MEL used good faith efforts to meet and confer with the applicable KO Distributor to resolve any differences, then such failure shall be deemed a Distribution Refusal (as defined and provided for in Section 4.6 below).  The process set forth in clauses (a)-(d) of this Section 4.1.1 shall be referred to herein as the “Distributor Negotiation Process”.

 

(e)                               Distribution Commitmentmeans (i) a duly executed New Distribution Agreement (including acceptance of the Commercial Requirements) in the form provided by MEL or another form acceptable to MEL (provided that MEL shall consider, in good faith, any reasonable requests by a Proposed Distributor to amend the form of Exhibit A, without any obligation on MEL to agree to any such amendment/s that (A) MEL determines to not be acceptable in its sole and absolute discretion, (B) with respect to any Sub-Territory in which MEL is then party to an existing Third Party Agreement (as defined below), would provide economic and other material operational terms (that are not addressed under the terms of Exhibit A) that are materially less favorable to MEL in the aggregate than the economic and other material operational terms of such Third Party Agreement (as defined below), or (C) violate, or incur any material liabilities arising under, the Third Party Agreement or any applicable laws or regulations in the applicable Sub-Territory), which entitles MEL to accept and execute such New Distribution Agreement, but only after the effective termination of any Third Party Agreement/s (as defined below) for the Sub-Territory/ies applicable to such New Distribution Agreement (provided that such entitlement to accept and execute shall be irrevocable for a period of one hundred twenty (120) days after MEL’s receipt thereof and, thereafter, such Proposed Distributor may revoke such Distribution Commitment in its sole discretion upon written notice to MEL) and, to the extent there is a Third Party Agreement in effect in the applicable Sub-Territory, together with (ii) a Severance Commitment (as defined below).  MEL shall notify such Proposed Distributor if the duly executed New Distribution Agreement submitted by the Proposed Distributor is not in a form and substance acceptable to MEL, identifying in general why such New Distribution is not acceptable to MEL and in the event that MEL fails to so respond within ten (10) days of receipt of a duly executed New Distribution Agreement, the Proposed Distributor shall have the right to revoke such Distribution Commitment upon written notice to MEL.  If the Proposed Distributor delivers the Distribution Commitment, then immediately after

 

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the effective termination of any applicable Third Party Agreements (and, to the extent provided in a Severance Commitment, such Proposed Distributor pays any amounts agreed to be paid under the Severance Commitment) for the Sub-Territory/ies applicable to the applicable Distribution Commitment (or if there are no such Third Party Agreements, immediately upon receipt thereof), MEL shall execute such Distribution Commitment to the extent not previously revoked by such Proposed Distributor in accordance herewith (which thereupon shall constitute the applicable New Distribution Agreement), and deliver the fully executed New Distribution Agreement to such Proposed Distributor with a copy to KO promptly following the execution thereof.  For the avoidance of doubt, MEL shall not approach or engage any KO Distributors without first notifying KO in writing.

 

4.1.2.            The provisions of this Section 4.1.2 are set forth on attached Exhibit E and are incorporated in this Section 4.1.2 by this reference.

 

4.1.3.            In the event that there is a Third Party Agreement (as defined below) in effect in the Sub-Territory that is the subject of a Distributor Negotiation Process, MEL shall (a) reasonably consult with the Proposed KO Distributor to determine whether it would be permissible and lawful under the applicable Third Party Agreement and applicable law, and economically feasible for MEL and the Proposed KO Distributor for MEL to terminate such Third Party Agreement (as defined below), and (b) negotiate in good faith with the Proposed KO Distributor to attempt to reach a reasonable agreement regarding the form and substance of what would constitute an acceptable Severance Commitment (as defined below) under such circumstances (collectively, the “Severance Discussions”).  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, the Parties acknowledge and agree that, unless the Proposed KO Distributor and MEL reach agreement regarding the acceptable form and substance of the Severance Commitment for the applicable Sub-Territory pursuant to the Severance Discussions (or MEL otherwise accepts a Distribution Commitment for the applicable Sub-Territory that includes a Severance Commitment (as defined below) pursuant to the Distributor Negotiation Process), (i) the Proposed KO Distributor shall not be required to pay or agree to pay any such Severance Payment (as defined below) or other amounts to such Third Party Distributor (as defined below), and (ii) MEL shall not be required to terminate the applicable Third Party Agreement (as defined below) to the extent that MEL determines, in its sole and absolute discretion, that such termination would result in any requirement to pay a Severance Payment (as defined below)  or other amounts to such Third Party Distributor (as defined below) for such termination.  “Severance Commitment” shall mean a written commitment by the Proposed Distributor that is agreed upon by MEL and the Proposed KO Distributor pursuant to the Severance Discussions (or that MEL otherwise accepts as part of a Distribution Commitment for the applicable Sub-Territory pursuant to the Distributor Negotiation Process), providing for the Proposed KO Distributor’s irrevocable commitment to pay or contribute to any Severance Payments and/or any other amounts necessary to terminate the applicable Third Party Agreement (and which may address other issues, such as the timing and manner of any such payment or contribution).

 

4.2.                        MEL’s Rights Regarding New Distribution Agreements.  Except as expressly provided in any KO Distribution Agreement with a KO/MEL Distributor and this Agreement (including Section 4.5(b)), nothing in this Agreement should be construed as granting KO

 

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Distributors exclusive distribution rights for the Products or otherwise prohibiting MEL from entering or maintaining relationships with other distributors.

 

4.3.                        Acceptance.  Except as expressly provided in any KO Distribution Agreement with a KO/MEL Distributor and this Agreement (including Section 4.1), nothing in this Agreement should be construed as granting KO Distributors exclusive distribution rights for the Products or otherwise prohibiting MEL from entering or maintaining relationships with other distributors.

 

4.4.                        [RESERVED]

 

4.5.                        Third Party Agreements.

 

(a)                               As soon as practicable, but in no event later than ten (10) days, after a KO Distributor has delivered a Distribution Commitment with respect to an Applicable Sub-Territory/ies, MEL shall (or shall cause its applicable Affiliate to), including, if necessary and provided that MEL has received a Severance Commitment, by payment of any Severance Payment (subject to and as defined below), lawfully commence and implement terminating, to the extent permissible under and in accordance with its terms and applicable law, any existing distribution or similar agreements or arrangements with third party distributors who are not KO Affiliates or other KO Distributors (“Third Party Distributors”) relating to the distribution of any Products (“Third Party Agreements”) in the Applicable Sub-Territory/ies, to the extent such Sub-Territory/ies is/are covered by the Distribution Commitment.  Upon the effective date of any such effective termination, MEL shall cease distributing Products through any such terminated Third Party Distributor and shall commence distribution through the applicable KO Distributor in accordance with the applicable New Distribution Agreement.  “Severance Payment” means the quantifiable amount expressly provided for in the applicable Third Party Agreement that MEL is obligated to pay to the applicable Third Party Distributor under such Third Party Agreement for the lawful termination of such Third Party Agreement, without cause and/or for convenience, in accordance with its terms.

 

(b)                              except as provided in the next sentence, or as otherwise expressly provided by this Agreement, MEL shall not (and shall cause its Affiliates to not) enter into any new coordination, distribution or similar agreements or arrangements (or otherwise amend any similar existing arrangements to grant any third party additional rights), relating to the distribution of any Products in the Territory or distribute Products in the Territory other than through KO, its Affiliates and/or the KO Distributors in accordance with this Agreement and the applicable KO Distribution Agreements.  The foregoing shall not apply (i) to the Sub-Territories subject to Third Party Agreements existing as of the Effective Date that remain in effect in accordance with this Agreement (e.g., those that will not be and/or have not yet been terminated in accordance with Section 4.5(a) above), (ii) to the Sub-Territories with respect to which both (1) no KO Distribution Agreement has been entered into with a KO Distributor, and (2) a Distributor Negotiation Process was completed in accordance with this Agreement but no Distribution Commitment was provided, (iii) to the Sub-Territories with respect to which a KO Distributor has been terminated and a Distributor Negotiation Process was completed to replace such KO Distributor, but such KO Distributor was not replaced with a Primary KO Distributor, and (iv) to the extent otherwise expressly authorized under other Sections of this Agreement (including, for

 

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clarity, Section 4.6); provided that, in no event, shall MEL (and MEL shall cause its Affiliates not to) enter into any agreements or arrangements (or amendment of any agreement or arrangement) that conflicts with MEL’s obligations or KO’s rights or benefits under this Section 4.5 (such as agreeing to amend a Third Party Agreement to make it not terminable by MEL or its applicable Affiliate).  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary, the first sentence of this Section 4.5(b) shall not apply to (A) MEL directly making arrangements with “MMM” accounts or its functional equivalent as defined or provided in an applicable KO Distribution Agreement relating to Large Accounts (as defined in the applicable KO Distribution Agreement) having multiple outlets in one or more market/s and/or Sub-Territories in the Territory and (B) any Distributor’s Accounts (as defined in the applicable KO Distribution Agreement) that are expressly identified in the applicable KO Distribution Agreement as not exclusive to (or not served by) such KO Distributor.

 

(c)                               Provided that a KO Distributor has delivered a Distribution Commitment (including acceptance of the Commercial Requirements) with respect to an Applicable Sub-Territory, and other than as expressly agreed by the Parties in writing, to the extent that any Third Party Agreements existing as of the Effective Date are not terminable in accordance with Section 4.5(a) above, MEL shall (and shall cause its applicable Affiliate to) (i) use commercially reasonable efforts (without limiting MEL’s obligation as provided in the last sentence of this Section 4.5(c)) to negotiate the termination of such Third Party Agreements pursuant to and in accordance with the terms thereof as soon as reasonably practicable following the Effective Date, and (ii) to the extent not prohibited by the terms thereof, not renew (other than automatic renewals or renewals by the Third Party Distributor as provided in an applicable Third Party Agreement) or expand such Third Party Agreement.  Promptly upon effective termination or expiration of any Third Party Agreements or with respect to Products for which there is no existing Third Party Agreement or KO Distribution Agreement in the Sub-Territory (including the transfer of distribution rights for Products and Sub-Territories covered by the terminated Third Party Agreements), MEL shall use its Best Efforts to enter into a New Distribution Agreement with a Primary KO Distributor with respect to such Sub-Territory and Products pursuant to and in accordance with the Distributor Negotiation Process (mutatis mutandis) or, as otherwise may be agreed by KO, MEL and the applicable KO Distributor, adding such Products and Sub-Territories to Existing Distribution Agreements.  In the event a Severance Payment or other termination fees are required to be paid by MEL under a Third Party Agreement or applicable law to terminate the distribution thereunder of such third party distributor with respect to Products in the Territory, MEL reserves the right, in accordance herewith, to require (and shall not be required to accept any Distribution Commitment that does not include) a Severance Commitment, including an agreement by the applicable KO Distributor (i.e., the Proposed Distributor intended to acquire such distribution rights upon termination of the Third Party Agreement) to (A) pay for the applicable Severance Payment or other amounts payable to such third party distributor (or a portion thereof to the extent agreed by MEL in writing) in connection with the termination of its applicable Third Party Agreement, or (B) permit MEL to delay the execution of the Distribution Commitment until such Third Party Agreement expires or can be terminated pursuant to its terms without a Severance Payment or other amounts payable to such Third Party Distributor, unless the Parties otherwise agree in writing that such agreement will not be required in such instance, it being understood and agreed that MEL shall reasonably cooperate with such KO Distributor in good faith with a view towards mitigating any such Severance

 

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Payment and other required amounts to the extent any such Severance Payments or other amounts are required under any applicable Third Party Agreement and applicable laws.

 

4.6.      Distribution Refusal.

 

4.6.1.   If, after the Distributor Negotiation Process provided for in Section 4.1 above, including MEL’s good faith effort to meet and confer with the applicable Distributor to resolve any differences, (a) a Proposed Distributor fails to deliver a Distribution Commitment or, in breach of its agreement with MEL, a KO/MEL Distributor, at any time thereafter, otherwise refuses to distribute or to continue to distribute substantially all Monster Energy Drink/s, as the case may be, designated by MEL in good faith for sale in the Applicable Sub-Territory, (b) KO has not provided consent (to the extent required) to such KO Distributor to distribute substantially all Monster Energy Drink/s, as the case may be, designated by MEL in good faith for sale in the Applicable Sub-Territory, (c) KO has not provided consent (to the extent required) to an applicable KO Distributor to distribute substantially all Other Monster Drinks or Other Products included in the Products, as the case may be, designated by MEL in good faith for sale in the applicable Sub-Territory or (d) KO has provided such consent to such KO Distributor’s distribution of Other Monster Drinks or Other Products but such KO Distributor refuses to distribute or to continue to distribute substantially all such Other Monster Drinks or Other Products, as the case may be (each, as to such category of Monster Energy Drinks, Other Monster Drinks or Other Products subject to such refusal, a “Distribution Refusal”), MEL shall have the right, subject to Section 4.6.5, to market, distribute and sell, and/or to continue to market, distribute and sell, directly or through a third party distributor, to the exclusion of KO or such KO/MEL Distributor, as the case may be, all or substantially all of the Product SKUs (including the declined Products), of such applicable category of Products subject to such Distribution Refusal (i.e., Monster Energy Drinks, Other Monster Drinks or Other Products, as the case may be), so designated for sale by MEL in the Applicable Sub-Territory, upon forty-five (45) days written notice to KO (with a copy to the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of KO) of its intention to do so; provided that such Distribution Refusal continues to exist after such forty-five (45) day period.  In such event, the KO Distribution Agreement with such KO/MEL Distributor may be terminated by the KO/MEL Distributor if substantially all of the Products under such KO Distribution Agreement are distributed to the exclusion of such KO/MEL Distributor.  MEL’s rights to enter into agreements with other distributor/s (including Third Party Distributors) or otherwise market, distribute and sell Products or Monster Energy Drink/s, as the case may be, shall be limited to the Applicable Sub-Territories for which such Distribution Refusal applies.

 

4.6.2.   KO hereby irrevocably grants MEL approval in advance for the distribution by KO/MEL Distributors (subject to the last sentence of Section 3.2) of any and all Monster Energy Drink/s during the Term (a) in ready to drink form, and (b) such other form(s), unless KO determines such other forms are not operationally or logistically viable for KO Distributors with respect to the distribution and related activities by KO Distributors as contemplated hereunder and under the KO Distribution Agreements, (provided that, for clarity, refusal to distribute or provide consent to any such non-viable non-ready-to-drink form of Monster Energy Products or of any Other Monster Drink or Other Product shall constitute “Refused New Products” (as defined below), with respect to Section 4.6.2 and 4.6.3).  At any

 

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reasonable time prior to launching or otherwise commencing the sale or other distribution of any product SKUs of Other Monster Drink/s or Other Products that MEL or any of its Affiliates may determine to sell or otherwise distribute after the Effective Date (each a “New Product SKUs”), MEL shall offer (i) KO the option to include such New Product SKUs as Products under this Agreement, and (ii) KO/MEL Distributors the right to distribute New Product SKUs, subject to the terms of the applicable KO Distribution Agreement, and where permissible under applicable law, subject to KO’s prior written approval of distribution by such KO Distributors of such New Product SKUs. Without prejudice to MEL’s rights under Section 4.6.1 above, to the extent that KO or the applicable KO/MEL Distributor refuses to approve of adding New Product SKUs or any product SKUs of Monster Energy Products (collectively “Refused New Product/s”) to a KO/MEL Distributor’s KO Distribution Agreement within fifteen (15) days of MEL’s request that New Product SKUs be added, MEL shall have the right, subject to Section 4.6.3 below, to sell, have sold or otherwise distribute in the applicable Sub-Territory, such Refused New Products (but not, subject to Section 4.6.1 above for clarity, any other Products or New Product SKUs) to the exclusion of such KO/MEL Distributors, through other distributors selected by MEL, after an additional fifteen (15) days written notice to KO of its intention to do so and KO and/or the applicable KO/MEL Distributor, as the case may be, do not provide such approval prior to expiration of such fifteen (15) day period.  MEL’s right to sell, have sold, or otherwise distribute such Refused New Products/New Product SKUs pursuant to this Section 4.6.2 shall be limited to the Sub-Territories for which such approval has not been granted.

 

4.6.3.   MEL may, in its sole and absolute discretion, offer KO/MEL Distributors the right to distribute any Refused New Products on such terms as MEL may determine in its sole and absolute discretion.  Without limiting the foregoing, prior to launching or otherwise commencing the sale, commercialization or other distribution of any Refused New Products or entering into any contract or arrangement with respect to the acquisition, directly or indirectly, of any ownership interest in, or the management or control of, any business or assets relating to any Refused New Products, MEL shall notify KO in writing of its intention to do so and the Parties shall discuss in good faith potential business relationships or other commercial opportunities relating to the commercialization of such Refused New Products (on mutually agreeable terms), with the joint goal of promoting each Party’s focus on its core business and alignment between them and their respective product offerings, for a period of thirty (30) days or such longer period agreed upon by the Parties.

 

4.6.4.   Except for Monster Energy Drinks and products distributed pursuant to the Concurrent Agreement (as defined below) or the KO Legacy Brands Coordination Agreements (as defined below), MEL shall not permit any KO Distributors to distribute any products that do not fall within the definition of the “Products” or that KO has not approved in advance in writing in accordance with this Section 4.6 (unless KO is prohibited under applicable law from disapproving of such distribution).  For the avoidance of doubt, any KO Distributor shall have the right to appoint one or more sub-distributors and enter into sub-distribution agreement/s therewith with respect to their Sub-Territory/ies subject to the applicable provisions of the New Distribution Agreements relating to sub-distributors.  The “KO Legacy Brands Coordination Agreements” mean, collectively, the Distribution Coordination Agreement For Crown-Transferred Energy Products dated June 12, 2015 between KO and MEC and the International

 

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Distribution Coordination Agreement For Crown-Transferred Energy Products dated June 12, 2015 between KO and MEL and MEC.

 

4.6.5.   In the event of any Distribution Refusal, subject to Section 4.6.3, MEL shall only have the right to market, distribute and sell the applicable Product SKUs in the applicable Sub-Territory through any Third Party Distributor pursuant to a written distribution agreement; provided that if the Commercial Requirements terms offered to any Third Party Distributor are substantially more favorable to such Third Party Distributor than the Commercial Requirements that were offered to a Proposed Distributor during the Distributor Negotiation Process, then MEL shall first provide such Proposed Distributor in writing the right, for a period of four (4) Business Days (as defined in Section 14(a) below) from written notice by MEL (prominently noting to such Proposed Distributor that such offer expires at the end of such period, with a copy to KO of such offer), to enter into a New Distribution Agreement based on the Commercial Requirements offered to such Third Party Distributor.  Upon the expiration of such four (4) Business Day period, MEL shall be entitled to enter into a distribution agreement with the applicable Third Party Distributor in accordance herewith.

 

4.7.      Equipment.  In each Sub-Territory in which a KO/MEL Distributor distributes Monster Energy Drink/s, KO shall consent to and authorize KO/MEL Distributors, and use reasonable efforts to the extent within KO’s reasonable control, *** that exists as of the Effective Date and from time to time during the Term of this Agreement, but solely to the extent (and in the form and manner) reasonably agreed to by the Parties on a market-by-market basis, subject to and taking into account regional, local market and financial considerations and other relevant factors, which shall in any event be ***.

 

4.8.      KO Distributors; Distribution AgreementsExhibit Z sets forth certain additional terms and conditions applicable to expiration or termination of a KO Bottler Agreement. In the event that any Primary KO Distributor is willing to distribute the Products on the terms of the KO Distribution Agreement then in effect, MEL shall not have the right to withhold its agreement to such Primary KO Distributor distributing the Products on such terms (i.e., such agreement shall be deemed to be a Distribution Commitment). MEL hereby approves in advance any whole or partial transfer in the rights of KO Distributors effected or otherwise approved by KO, whether pursuant to the KO Bottler Agreement or otherwise, that results from, arises out of or relates to (a) the transfer of one or more Sub-Territories from one KO Distributor to a Primary KO Distributor, (b) the acquisition and divestiture of ownership or control of KO Distributors, either by or from KO or other KO Distributors, pursuant to a plan adopted by KO, or (c) any activities substantially identical to the foregoing. KO (or any Primary KO Distributors) shall not be required to seek further approval from or make any payment to MEL or any of its Affiliates with respect to such change. MEL’s approval pursuant to this Section 4.8 shall constitute prior written approval under this Agreement (and any applicable KO Distribution Agreement), provided that such approval does not result in or require MEL to pay a Severance Payment or

 

*** Indicates portions of this exhibit have been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to a request for confidential treatment.

 

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other amounts or to extend other economic incentives, unless KO agrees to reimburse MEL therefor.

 

4.9.     Performance.

 

4.9.1.   During the Term, MEL shall have primary responsibility for the overall global branding and positioning of the Products, as well as brand and image marketing for the Products, in such form and manner and of such nature and to such extent as may be determined by MEL in its sole and absolute discretion from time to time (“Global Branding and Marketing”).  KO acknowledges and agrees that MEL makes no express or implied warranty, representation or covenant relating to or in connection with any Global Branding and Marketing activities, including without limitation, the value, performance, extent, effectiveness, quantity, quality, success or results of any such activities or the lack thereof.  For clarity, KO shall not have any claim against MEL and hereby releases MEL from all and any claims by, and liability to, KO of any nature arising from or relating to or in connection with (a) MEL’s failure to procure, provide or perform any Global Branding and Marketing activities or (b) the value, extent, effectiveness, quantity, quality, success or results of any such activities or the lack thereof.

 

4.9.2.   To the extent permissible under applicable law and to the extent available to KO, if a general product distribution tracking system is utilized by KO, MEL and KO will use their respective Best Efforts to require each KO/MEL Distributor to assign a KO-provided (or manufacturer-provided, as the case may be) tracking number to each Product and Product package (or such other actions as KO may reasonably request in the future) to allow for tracking of inventory and sales information by any sales data collection system then in use generally by KO and the KO Distributors, and as required under Section 3(p) of the New Distribution Agreement (Exhibit A) or any corollary provision in any KO Distribution Agreement.

 

4.9.3.   During the Term, KO shall work with and reasonably assist MEL where reasonably feasible in obtaining (at MEL’s expense) all import licenses and governmental approvals which may be necessary to permit the sale of Products in the Territory and which have not been obtained by MEL prior to the Effective Date, and provide reasonable assistance to MEL for the renewal of any licenses or approvals which have been obtained as of the Effective Date.  KO’s obligations under this Section 4.9.3 shall not require KO to incur any out-of-pocket expenses or other costs other than the time reasonably spent by KO personnel to comply with the terms of this Section 4.9.3.

 

5.         Commissions.

 

5.1       Commissions Payable by MEL.  The Parties acknowledge and agree that all Commissions due to KO under the Original Agreement for the period ended prior to the Effective Date have been paid or otherwise satisfied and neither Party owes the other any amounts therefor under the Original Agreement. In exchange for KO’s performance of its obligations under this Agreement, including the provision of services under this Agreement by KO to MEL or its Affiliates, as applicable, MEL, or (subject to the penultimate sentence of this Section 5.1) such Affiliate of MEL as MEL designates by written notice to KO, will pay KO a commission (the “Commission”) for each region in the Territory set forth in Exhibit D-1 (each, a

 

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Region”) equal to the greater of, on a Region-by-Region basis:  (x) *** of the Net Profit on the Incremental Net Sales (as defined below) in such Region after the Effective Date, and (y) *** per *** included in the Incremental Net Sales in such Region after the Effective Date; provided, that KO agrees that no Commission shall be payable by MEL with respect to the direct sale of any Products by MEL to any MMM Account (as defined in an applicable KO Distribution Agreement) or outlet of an MMM Account.  The Commission will be payable monthly in arrears within forty-five (45) days of the end of each month commencing on the Effective Date based on MEL’s good faith estimate of the Incremental Net Sales and the Net Profit thereon on a Region-by-Region basis, and shall be reconciled to reflect actual Incremental Net Sales and the Net Profit thereon for each calendar quarter within sixty (60) days of the end of such calendar quarter.  For the avoidance of doubt, the computation of the Commission set forth in the preceding sentence is subject to the Maximum Annual Commission calculation set forth below, as applicable.  MEL shall have the right to designate, by written notice to KO, an Affiliate to make payment of the Commission hereunder to KO; provided that such designation and payment shall not have any adverse consequence to KO or any amounts payable to KO hereunder, including any applicable taxes (including sales, use, value added and excise taxes, or similar taxes, specifically including withholding taxes), customs, duties, assessments, excises, registration fees, surtax, stamp duties, insurance, or any other charges (or any penalties, interest and reasonable expenses arising therefrom or with respect thereto).  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, the Parties acknowledge and agree that the maximum amount of all Commissions payable hereunder (less any rebates, contributions or reimbursements to MEL or its Affiliates with respect thereto) in the aggregate for all months in any calendar year (the “Annual Commission Payment”) shall not exceed the total amount of *** per *** included in the Incremental Net Sales in the aggregate in the Territory in such year (the “Maximum Annual Commission”), and accordingly, in the event the Commission payable hereunder with respect to December of any year would cause the Annual Commission Payment to exceed the Maximum Annual Commission for such year, such Commission payment shall be reduced to the extent necessary to cause the Annual Commission Payment to equal the Maximum Annual Commission for such year.

 

Base Volume” means the number of actual cases of Products sold by MEL or any of its Affiliates to all prior distributors in the applicable territory/ies, on a Region-by-Region basis, during the twelve (12) month period ending the last day of the month immediately preceding the effective dates of each applicable KO Distribution Agreement, which amount shall be agreed to by the Parties and shall be attached to this Agreement as Exhibit D-2, and which shall be increased from time to time as appropriate in order to reflect reflect (i) the number of actual cases of Products sold by MEL or any of its Affiliates to Third Party Distributors, in any additional territory/ies, on a Region-by-Region basis, that may be added to this Agreement subsequent to the Effective Date, during the twelve (12) month period ending the last day of the month immediately preceding the effective dates of each applicable New Distribution Agreement, and (ii) the number of actual cases of Products sold by MEL or any of its Affiliates to customers or to accounts serviced by MEL or any of its Affiliates directly, that

 

 

*** Indicates portions of this exhibit have been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to a request for confidential treatment.

 

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begin to be sold by a KO/MEL Distributor to such customers or accounts serviced by a KO/MEL Distributor directly, during the twelve (12) month period ending the last day of the month immediately preceding the date on which such customers or accounts begin to be sold to or serviced by a KO/MEL Distributor directly, which amounts described in subclause (i) and (ii) shall be agreed to by the Parties from time to time.

 

Incremental Net Sales” for a particular period means that portion of the Net Sales (as defined below) of each of the Products sold by MEL or any of its Affiliates to KO/MEL Distributors during each calendar year (prorated for any period less than a calendar year) that exceeds the Base Volume during such calendar year (prorated for any period less than a calendar year) (i.e., the excess only).  For the purpose of determining the applicable Incremental Net Sales, any Net Sales to Coca-Cola Enterprises prior to the Effective Date shall not be included in the Base Volume (i.e., all Net Sales to Coca-Cola Enterprises from and after the Effective Date shall be included in Incremental Net Sales).

 

Net Sales” for any applicable period means the gross amount invoiced for all sales by MEL or any of its Affiliates to KO/MEL Distributors in each Region in the Territory, on a Region-by-Region basis, of each of the Products for the applicable period, less deductions specified in and calculated in accordance with Section 1 of Exhibit D-3, which deductions shall be reported by MEL to KO by written notice in the form of Section 1 of Exhibit D-3 on a monthly basis within forty-five (45) days of the end of each month commencing the Effective Date. Such deductions are not exhaustive and may be supplemented by any applicable deductions or expenses permissible in accordance with US GAAP, excluding unallocated corporate overheads.

 

Net Profit” for any applicable period means the Net Sales for all sales by MEL or any of its Affiliates to KO/MEL Distributors in each Region in the Territory, on a Region-by-Region basis, of each of the Products for the applicable period, less such deductions specified in and calculated in accordance with Section 2 of Exhibit D-3, which deductions shall be reported by MEL to KO by written notice in the form of Section 2 of Exhibit D-3 on a monthly basis within forty-five (45) days of the end of each month commencing the Effective Date.

 

5.2       Acknowledgement.  For the avoidance of doubt, the Parties hereby acknowledge and agree that (a) no Commission shall be payable with respect to the Net Sales of Pre-Coordination Distributors except in relation to New Distribution Agreements in substantially the form of the attached Exhibit A, that are entered into between Pre-Coordination Distributors and MEL pursuant to this Agreement, subject to such modifications as may be agreed upon in writing by MEL, KO (to the extent required under Section 7.2 below) and the applicable Pre-Coordination Distributor, (b) no Commission shall be payable by MEL with respect to the direct sale of any Products by MEL to any MMM Account (as defined in an applicable KO Distribution Agreement) or outlet of an MMM Account, and (c) notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, KO shall have no obligations hereunder (including under Section 3.2) or be subject to any liability or claims for breach hereof with respect to any Pre-Coordination Agreements (or Pre-Coordination Distributors that are not parties to such New Distribution Agreements or amendments).

 

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5.3       Excluded Liabilities.  Except as contemplated by Section 21.1 of this Agreement, KO shall not assume pursuant to the terms of this Agreement any of MEL’s debts, liabilities or obligations whatsoever, whether accrued, absolute, contingent, known, unknown or otherwise; any accounts payable; or any damages, losses, liabilities, claims, charges, actions, suits, proceedings, deficiencies, taxes, interest, penalties, or costs and expenses arising from or relating to claims asserted by any third party or Governmental Entity (as defined below) regarding the Products.

 

6.         Confidentiality.

 

6.1.      “Confidentiality” Definition.  As used herein, “Confidential Information” means any information, observation, data, written material, records, documents, computer programs, software, firmware, inventions, discoveries, improvements, developments, designs, promotional ideas, customer lists, suppliers lists, financial statements, practices, processes, formulae, methods, techniques, trade secrets, products and/or research, in each such case, of or related to a Party’s products, organization, business and/or finances; provided, however, that Confidential Information shall not include any information which (a) is in the public domain except through any intentional or negligent act or omission of the non-disclosing Party (or any agent, employee, shareholder, director, officer, or independent contractor of or retained by such other Party or any of its Affiliates, (b) can be shown by clear and convincing tangible evidence to have been in the possession of the non-disclosing Party prior to disclosure by the disclosing Party, (c) is legally and properly provided to the non-disclosing Party without restriction by an independent third party that is under no obligation of confidentiality to the disclosing Party and that did not obtain such information in any illegal or improper manner or otherwise in violation of any agreement with the disclosing Party, (d) is disclosed without any restrictions of any kind by the disclosing Party to third parties on a regular basis without any measures being taken, whether explicitly or implicitly, by the disclosing Party to protect the confidentiality of such information, or (e) is independently generated by any employee or independent contractor of or retained by the non-disclosing Party, and such employee or independent contractor has no knowledge of any of the Confidential Information.

 

6.2.      Non-Disclosure Obligations.  It is contemplated that in the course of the performance of this Agreement each Party may, from time to time, disclose its Confidential Information to the other, as well as to KO/MEL Distributors.  Each Party agrees that any such Confidential Information (a) will be used solely as provided by the terms and conditions of this Agreement, (b) is intended solely for the information and assistance of the other Party and/or the KO/MEL Distributors in the performance of such Party’s obligations or exercise of such Party’s rights under this Agreement and is not to be otherwise disclosed, (c) may be disclosed by either Party to its professional advisers for the purposes of taking professional advice, subject to appropriate obligations of professional confidentiality, and (d) may be disclosed as required by applicable law or an order by a Governmental Entity or any requirements of stock market or exchange or other regulatory body having competent jurisdiction; provided, except where prohibited by law, the recipient will give the disclosing Party reasonable advance notice of such required disclosure, and will reasonably cooperate with the disclosing Party, in order to allow the disclosing Party an opportunity to oppose, or limit the disclosure of the Confidential Information or otherwise secure confidential treatment of the Confidential Information required to be

 

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disclosed; provided, further, that if disclosure is ultimately required, the recipient will furnish only that portion of the Confidential Information which, based upon advice of legal counsel, the recipient is required to disclose in compliance with any such requirement.  Each Party will use its Best Efforts to protect the confidentiality of the other Party’s Confidential Information, which efforts shall be at least as extensive as the measures such Party uses to protect its own similar Confidential Information.

 

6.3.      Injunctive Relief.  Each Party acknowledges that the other Party will suffer irreparable harm if such Party breaches any of the provisions regarding confidentiality set forth in this Section 6 and that monetary damages will be inadequate to compensate the other Party for such breach.  Therefore, if a Party (or any agent, employee, shareholder, director, officer, or independent contractor of or retained by such other Party or any of its Affiliates) breaches any of such provisions, then the other Party shall be entitled to seek injunctive relief without bond (in addition to any other remedies at law or equity) to enforce such provisions.

 

7.         Distribution Agreements and Amendments.

 

7.1       [RESERVED]

 

7.2       KO’s consent shall not be required to amend, modify, add or delete any provision of any KO Distribution Agreement (or the terms attached as Exhibit A with respect to any New Distribution Agreement proposed by MEL pursuant to the Distributor Negotiation Process) except with respect to an amendment, modification, addition or deletion (a) that would reasonably be expected to materially impact KO’s rights or benefits under such KO Distribution Agreement or this Agreement, or (b) to any of the following terms (or otherwise materially affecting such terms): definition of Products (to the extent KO has consent rights with respect thereto under Section 4.6 of this Agreement), term, termination, deadlock procedures, placement in branded refrigerated equipment, distributor’s exclusivity, distribution refusal, competing products or other non-competition, and amendment.  KO shall not unreasonably withhold or delay its approval of any amendment, modification, addition or deletion of any KO Distribution Agreement (or the terms attached as Exhibit A with respect to any New Distribution Agreement proposed by MEL pursuant to the Distributor Negotiation Process) that is sought by MEL and is acceptable to such KO Distributor.  KO’s approval shall be deemed to have been granted if KO does not respond within fourteen (14) Business Days of receipt of MEL’s written request; provided that such written request prominently states that failure to respond by such date will be deemed approval by KO.

 

8.         Competitive Product/s.  The provisions of this Section 8 are set forth on attached Exhibit H and incorporated in this Section 8 by this reference.

 

9.         Termination of Distribution Agreement/s.

 

9.1       KO Right to Cure.  In the event of any breach or default by a KO/MEL Distributor under its KO Distribution Agreement with MEL or any other occurrence that would give rise to MEL’s right to terminate such Distribution Agreement, MEL will give KO written notice of such breach, default or occurrence at the same time as MEL delivers notice of such breach, default or occurrence to such KO/MEL Distributor, and KO shall have the same

 

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opportunity to cure such breach, default, or occurrence as is provided to the KO/MEL Distributor under the KO Distribution Agreement, if any, but only to the extent capable of being cured by KO.  If the KO/MEL Distributor and KO fail to cure the breach, default, or occurrence within the applicable cure period, if any, MEL may terminate such KO Distribution Agreement pursuant to and in accordance with its terms and seek any remedies available under such KO Distribution Agreement or applicable law, in its sole and absolute discretion.  KO will not, and will not directly or indirectly participate in or assist any KO/MEL Distributor (other than any wholly-owned direct or indirect subsidiary of KO (e.g., CCR)) to, challenge any right or remedy MEL invokes against such KO/MEL Distributor under any KO Distribution Agreement, except to the extent that such challenge may relate to a breach by MEL or KO of its obligations under this Agreement or is reasonably necessary for KO to prevent a material impairment of its rights under this Agreement.  MEL agrees that (a) KO is not obligated, directly or indirectly, in any way under any of the KO Distribution Agreements, (b) KO has not expressly or implicitly agreed to guarantee the performance of any KO/MEL Distributor under its respective KO Distribution Agreement with MEL, and (c) MEL will not take any action against KO to enforce a KO/MEL Distributor’s obligation/s under its KO Distribution Agreement with MEL.

 

10.       Term.  Unless terminated by either Party pursuant to the terms of this Agreement, the initial term of this Agreement shall commence on the Effective Date and shall end on the fifth (5th) anniversary of the Effective Date (the “Initial Term”).  After the Initial Term, this Agreement may be renewed for up to three (3) successive five (5)-year terms (“Additional Term/s”) if either Party gives written notice to the other at least one hundred twenty (120) days prior to the end of the Initial Term or applicable Additional Term, as the case may be, of its intention to renew the Agreement for an Additional Term.  After such Initial Term and Additional Terms, this Agreement shall, subject to being terminated by either Party pursuant to the terms of this Agreement, continue and remain in effect for as long as any KO/MEL Distributor continues to distribute some or all of the Products pursuant to the terms of a KO Distribution Agreement.  The Initial Term and any Additional Terms are referred to collectively as the “Term.”

 

11.       Termination By Either Party.  Without prejudice to its other rights and remedies under this Agreement and those rights and remedies otherwise available in equity or at law, either Party may terminate this Agreement on the occurrence of one or more of the following:

 

11.1.    Material Breach.  The other Party’s material breach of a provision of this Agreement and failure to cure such breach within forty-five (45) days after receiving written notice describing such material breach in reasonable detail from the non-breaching Party; provided, however, if such breach is of a nature that it cannot reasonably be cured within forty-five (45) days, then the breaching Party shall have an additional forty-five (45) day period to cure such breach, providing it immediately commences, and thereafter diligently uses, in good faith, its Best Efforts to cure such breach.  For the avoidance of doubt, any material breach of Section 8 hereof shall constitute a material breach of this Agreement for purposes of this Section 11.1.

 

11.2.    Insolvency.  The other Party: (a) makes any general arrangement or assignment for the benefit of creditors; (b) becomes bankrupt, insolvent or a “debtor” as defined in 11 U.S.C. Section 101 or any successor statute (unless such petition is dismissed within sixty (60) days

 

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after its original filing); (c) has appointed a trustee or receiver to take possession of substantially all of such Party’s assets or interest in this Agreement (unless possession is restored to such Party within sixty (60) days after such taking); or (d) has substantially all of such Party’s assets or interest in this Agreement (unless such attachment, execution or judicial seizure is discharged within sixty (60) days after such attachment, execution or judicial seizure) attached, executed, or judicially seized.

 

11.3.    Agreement.  Mutual written agreement of the Parties.

 

11.4.    Termination of Related Agreements.

 

11.4.1. If the Concurrent Agreement (as defined below) is terminated by MEC pursuant to Section 12.1 thereof as a result of a breach by KO, then MEL shall have the option to terminate this Agreement upon ninety (90) days written notice to KO, which option may be exercised within one hundred twenty (120) days of the occurrence of such termination by written notice by MEC to KO.  Any such termination shall be effective ninety (90) days after KO’s receipt of MEL’s written notice of termination, and MEL shall not be liable to KO or otherwise obligated to pay to KO any Termination Fee (as defined below) or other amount by reason of such termination for compensation, reimbursement or damages of whatsoever nature including, for (a) loss of prospective compensation or earnings, (b) goodwill or loss thereof, or (c) expenditures, investments, leases or any type of commitment made in connection with the business of KO or in reliance on the existence of this Agreement.  MEL’s right to terminate this Agreement under this Section 11.4.1 shall be independent of any other rights or remedies of MEL under this Agreement.  The “Concurrent Agreement” means the Amended and Restated Monster Energy Distribution Coordination Agreement dated concurrently herewith between KO and MEC.

 

11.4.2. If the Concurrent Agreement is terminated by KO pursuant to Section 12.1 thereof as a result of MEC’s breach, then KO shall have the option to terminate this Agreement upon ninety (90) days written notice to MEL, which option may be exercised within one hundred twenty (120) days of the occurrence of such termination by written notice by KO to MEC.  Any such termination shall be effective ninety (90) days after MEL’s receipt of KO’s written notice of termination, and KO shall not be liable to MEL or otherwise obligated to pay to MEL any Termination Fee (as defined below) or other amount by reason of such termination for compensation, reimbursement, or damages of whatsoever nature including, for (a) loss of prospective compensation or earnings, (b) goodwill or loss thereof, or (c) expenditures, investments, leases or any type of commitment made in connection with the business of MEL or in reliance on the existence of this Agreement.  KO’s right to terminate this Agreement under this Section 11.4.2 shall be independent of any other rights or remedies of KO under this Agreement.

 

12.       Change of Control.

 

12.1.    Definitions.  The following definitions apply to this Section 12 and wherever else they are used in this Agreement.  Any terms not defined herein shall have the meaning set forth in the Transaction Agreement.

 

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12.1.1. MEC Change of Control” means a Change of Control (as defined below), whether directly or indirectly, by or with respect to MEC or its Parent, including any Change of Control described in clauses (a)-(c) of Section 12.1.2 below that occurs during the period commencing on execution of the Transaction Agreement and ending on the Effective Date of this Agreement (as defined in the Transaction Agreement) (a “Pre-Closing MEC Change of Control”).

 

12.1.2. “Change of Control” means, with respect to a Person, directly or indirectly:

 

a.         a consolidation, merger or similar business combination involving such Person in which the holders of voting securities of such Person immediately prior thereto are not the holders of a majority in interest of the voting securities of the surviving Person in such transaction,

 

b.         a sale, lease or conveyance of all or substantially all of the consolidated assets, or of fifty percent (50%) or more of the outstanding voting securities, of such Person in one transaction or a series of related transactions, or

 

c.         any Person or group becomes the Beneficial Owner (as defined in the Transaction Agreement) of fifty percent (50%) or more of the outstanding voting securities of such Person.

 

12.1.3. “Governmental Entity” means any (a) nation, state, county, city, town, village, district, or other jurisdiction of any nature, (b) federal, state, local, municipal, foreign, or other government, (c) governmental or quasi-governmental authority of any nature (including any governmental agency, branch, department, official, or entity and any court or other tribunal), or (d) body exercising, or entitled to exercise, any administrative, executive, judicial, legislative, police, regulatory, or taxing authority or power of any nature.

 

12.1.4. “Parent” means (a) with respect to any corporation, limited liability company, association or similar organization or entity, any Person (whether directly, through one or more of its direct or indirect Subsidiaries) owning more than fifty percent (50%) of the issued and outstanding Voting Interests of such corporation, limited liability company, association or similar organization or entity and (b) with respect to any partnership, any Person (whether directly or through one of its direct or indirect Affiliates) owning more than fifty percent (50%) of the issued and outstanding general and/or limited partnership interests.

 

12.1.5. Person” means an individual or firm, corporation, partnership, trust, incorporated or unincorporated association, joint venture, limited liability company, joint stock company, government (or an agency or subdivision thereof) or other entity of any kind.

 

12.1.6. Subsidiary” means, with respect to any Person, any corporation, limited liability company, partnership, association or other organization or entity of which more than fifty percent (50%) of the issued and outstanding Voting Interests or, in the case of a partnership, more than fifty percent (50%) of the general partnership interests, is at the time owned by such Person (whether directly, through one or more of such Person’s direct or indirect Subsidiaries).

 

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12.1.7. Voting Interest” means equity interests in any entity of any class or classes (however designated) having ordinary voting power for the election of members of the governing body of such entity.

 

12.2.    Notice of Change of Control.  As soon as is reasonably practical after the occurrence of an MEC Change of Control, but in no event later than sixty (60) days thereafter, MEL shall deliver written notice to KO that (a) states that an MEC Change of Control has occurred with respect to MEC or its Parent, (b) states the date that the MEC Change of Control was consummated, if known, and (c) identifies the Person/s who were counterparties to such Change of Control (the “Change of Control Notice”).  “Termination Start Date” means (i) with respect to KO as the Terminating Party (as defined below), KO’s receipt of a Change of Control Notice (or the Effective Date with respect to any Pre-Closing MEC Change of Control), or (ii) with respect to MEL as the Terminating Party (as defined below), the occurrence of such Change of Control (or the Effective Date with respect to any Pre-Closing MEC Change of Control).

 

12.3.    Termination on Change of Control.  Within sixty (60) days of the applicable Termination Start Date, either Party may terminate this Agreement (“Terminating Party”) upon written notice to the other Party (“Non-Terminating Party”) effective upon completion of such MEC Change of Control or, if later, receipt of such written notice by the Non-Terminating Party in accordance herewith; provided that it (or its Affiliate that is a party to the Concurrent Agreement) simultaneously provides written notice of termination under the Concurrent Agreement for such MEC Change of Control.  In the event (a) KO is the Terminating Party and the MEC Change of Control involves Person/s that is/are a KO Competitor or (b) MEL is the Terminating Party, MEL shall be required to pay KO the COC Termination Fee (as defined in Section 13.3 of the Concurrent Agreement) under the Concurrent Agreement, as liquidated damages and not as a penalty.  The Parties acknowledge and agree that the payment by MEL to KO of the COC Termination Fee in the event of clauses (a) and (b) above shall be the sole amount payable by MEL to KO and KO’s exclusive remedy under this Agreement and the Concurrent Agreement for such termination to the extent terminated in accordance therewith and in such instance MEL shall not be liable to KO hereunder for the payment of any Severance Payment, Termination Fee (as defined below) or Partial Termination Fee (as defined below) therefor.  The parties acknowledge and agree that (i) the agreements in this Section 12.3 are an integral part of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, (ii) the amount of actual damages sustained by KO in such event would be extremely difficult or impossible to calculate, (iii) the COC Termination Fee constitutes a reasonable amount for liquidated damages in such event, and (iv) the COC Termination Fee shall not in any event be construed as a penalty.  Such termination shall be effective upon the completion of such MEC Change of Control.  For the avoidance of doubt, (A) MEL shall only be required to pay to KO a single COC Termination Fee for termination of this Agreement and the Concurrent Agreement upon an MEC Change of Control, and (B) MEL shall have the sole responsibility for any fees due to KO Distributors under applicable KO Distribution Agreements in such event.  In the event that neither Party terminates this Agreement for such MEC Change of Control, MEL acknowledges and agrees that it shall not (and shall cause its applicable Affiliates not to), and it and its applicable Affiliates shall not have the right to (notwithstanding the provisions of the applicable KO Distribution Agreements), terminate any KO Distribution Agreement pursuant to Section 12(a)(ii)(B) of the

 

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New Distribution Agreement (Exhibit A) or any corollary provision in any KO Distribution Agreement, unless approved in advance in writing by KO.

 

12.4                    Effect of Notice Termination.  Upon delivery of any written notice of termination of this Agreement in accordance with the terms of this Agreement, including for a MEC Change of Control, the restrictions in Section 8 hereof and any competing products or other non-competition provision under the KO Distribution Agreements, this Agreement or the Concurrent Agreement, as well as, for the avoidance of doubt, Section 8.14 of the Transaction Agreement,  shall no longer be binding upon KO, MEL or any of their respective Affiliates (or, as applicable, any KO Distributor) and thereafter shall be of no further force or effect.

 

13.                            Termination Upon the Occurrence of Certain Changes.  If, after the Effective Date, a change in legal or regulatory conditions in the Territory occurs including, without limitation, any change in any applicable law, regulation or order, or the interpretation of any of the foregoing, in the Sub-Territory which has had, or would be reasonably expected to have, a material adverse effect on the business of distributing Products in that Sub-Territory, either Party may, upon written notice, suspend the Parties’ respective rights and obligations under this Agreement solely with respect to (a) the affected Products in the affected Sub-Territory, or (b), to the extent such change in conditions affects the business of distribution of all or substantially all Products in the Sub-Territory, all Products in the affected Sub-Territory; provided that neither MEL nor any of its Affiliates shall be permitted to sell any such Products subject to suspension in the affected Sub-Territory without first providing KO the option, in its sole discretion, to remove the cause for such suspension with respect to such Products and Sub-Territories. In the event of any such suspension that materially adversely affects a Party’s benefits hereunder, such Party shall have the option to terminate this Agreement upon three (3) months written notice, providing the opportunity for the other Party to attempt to remove such suspension during such three (3) month period, (i) in the event that all or substantially all of the Territory is so affected, in its entirety, or (ii) otherwise, with respect to the applicable affected Sub-Territories, in each case upon written notice to the other Party; provided that, in the event MEL is the terminating Party, MEL shall not resume or otherwise conduct the sale or distribution of such terminated Products in such terminated portions of the Territory (or of any Products in the entire Territory in the event of termination of this Agreement in its entirety) for a period of twelve (12) months following such termination, unless MEL first provides KO at least sixty (60) days written notice of its intention to do so and provides KO the option during such sixty (60) day period to re-enter into this Agreement on the same terms and conditions (or such other conditions agreed to in writing by the Parties).

 

14.                            Automatic Termination; Termination by KO.

 

(a)                               If neither Party has previously chosen to terminate this Agreement pursuant to its terms and all KO Distribution Agreements with KO/MEL Distributors in the Territory have been terminated for any reason (other than termination without cause by MEL) and/or expired pursuant to their terms, either Party may terminate this Agreement by notifying the other Party, in writing, of such termination effective no earlier than ten (10) Business Days (as defined below) after the date of such notice.  For purposes of this Agreement, “Business Day” means each day other than a Saturday, Sunday or other day on which commercial banks in New York are authorized or required by law to close.

 

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(b)                              In the event that at any time during the Term the volume of all Products distributed by KO/MEL Distributors in accordance with this Agreement and the Concurrent Agreement in the aggregate is fifty percent (50%) or less of the volume of all Products distributed by or on behalf of MEL or its Affiliates throughout the Territory under this Agreement and the Territory (as defined in the Concurrent Agreement), KO may terminate this Agreement by notifying MEL in writing of such termination effective no earlier than ten (10) Business Days after the date of such notice.

 

15.                            Obligations on Termination.

 

15.1.                In the event that this Agreement expires or is terminated in accordance with the terms hereof, MEL shall (or shall cause its applicable Affiliate to) immediately provide written notice of termination of all of its and its Affiliates’ KO Distribution Agreements with KO Distributors pursuant to and in accordance with the terms thereof, with such termination to be effective no later than twelve (12) months after such expiration or termination of this Agreement (except in the event of termination (a) for an MEC Change of Control that involves Person/s that is/are a KO Competitor, in which event such termination shall be effective no later than three (3) months after such termination of this Agreement, or (b) for KO’s material breach pursuant to Section 11.1 or 11.4.1, in which event such termination shall be effective no later than two (2) years after such termination of this Agreement; provided that MEL shall use good faith efforts to terminate such agreements as soon as reasonably practicable, provided further that MEL may, in its sole and absolute discretion, from time to time during such two (2) year period, specify a shorter period with respect to individual territories, regions or states, as MEL determines from time to time in its sole and absolute discretion in compliance with any KO Distribution Agreement in effect at that time), unless (i) the Parties agree otherwise in writing, (ii) the applicable KO Distribution Agreement is not terminable upon such occurrence or otherwise for convenience pursuant to its terms (provided that in such event MEL shall not, and shall cause its Affiliates to not, renew or otherwise extend any such KO Distribution Agreement), or (iii) this Agreement is terminated by KO pursuant to Section 11.1 or 11.4.2 and KO provides written notice to MEL within thirty (30) days of the effective termination of this Agreement identifying any KO Distribution Agreements with KO Distributors that should not be so terminated (and, in such event, such identified KO Distribution Agreements shall not be terminated by MEL or its Affiliates due to the termination of this Agreement).  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Section 15, neither MEL nor its applicable Affiliates shall be obligated to provide notice of termination if such termination (x) is not expressly authorized under the applicable KO Distribution Agreement and/or (y) solely in the event that this Agreement is terminated by MEL pursuant to Section 11.1 or 11.4.1, would result in MEL becoming obligated to pay to the applicable KO Distributor a Severance Payment (unless KO agrees to reimburse MEL therefor).  During the period between a notice of termination and the effective date of termination, each Party shall continue to fully perform its obligations under this Agreement.  To the extent any KO Distribution Agreement remains in effect following the expiration or termination of this Agreement in accordance with the terms hereof, MEL shall continue to pay KO any and all payments and fees that would have been due to KO under this Agreement and/or the applicable KO Distribution Agreement had this Agreement not expired or been terminated (for so long as such KO Distribution Agreement remains in effect).  Sections 6, 7, 16.1, 17, 18, 19, 20 and 21 of this Agreement shall survive the expiration or termination of this Agreement.

 

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16.                            Termination Fees.

 

16.1.                Termination Fee” means the aggregate of the Commissions for the twelve (12) month period ending on the last day of the last calendar month preceding the effective date of termination of this Agreement for Products sold by MEL or any of its Affiliates to KO/MEL Distributors who are KO/MEL Distributors as of the effective date of such termination; provided that if termination of this Agreement occurs before the first anniversary of the Effective Date the Termination Fee shall be increased by fifty percent (50%); and if termination of this Agreement occurs after the first anniversary of the Effective Date but before the second anniversary of the Effective Date, the Termination Fee shall be increased by twenty-five percent (25%).  Each termination fee specified in this Section 16 will be due and payable no later than thirty (30) days after the effective date of the applicable termination and such obligation shall survive the termination or expiration of this Agreement.

 

16.2.                If MEL terminates this Agreement pursuant to the terms of Section 11.1 or 11.4 above, KO shall, without prejudice to MEL’s rights and remedies available under this Agreement, equity and/or applicable law, but subject to Section 17, pay MEL the Termination Fee.

 

16.3.                If KO terminates this Agreement pursuant to the terms of Section 11.1 or 11.4 above, MEL shall, without prejudice to KO’s rights and remedies available under this Agreement, equity and/or applicable law, but subject to Section 17, pay KO an amount equal to the Termination Fee.

 

16.4.                Without limiting the terms of the applicable KO Distribution Agreement, if MEL terminates a KO Distribution Agreement with a KO/MEL Distributor without cause and without (a) MEL entering into a New Distribution Agreement with a Primary KO Distributor for the same Sub-Territory promptly following such termination and (b) concurrently terminating this Agreement, MEL will pay KO the Termination Fee applicable to the terminated KO Distribution Agreement with the applicable KO/MEL Distributor only.

 

16.5.                If MEL only terminates a portion of the Sub-Territory specified in a particular KO Distribution Agreement between MEL and a KO/MEL Distributor without cause, MEL shall pay KO a partial termination fee (in each case, a “Partial Termination Fee”) equal to the Termination Fee applicable to the terminated KO Distribution Agreement with the applicable KO/MEL Distributor only, that would be owed if the applicable KO Distribution Agreement with such KO/MEL Distributor were fully terminated on the date the partial termination occurs, multiplied by a fraction, the numerator of which is the Net Sales of Products in the terminated portion of the applicable Sub-Territory during the twelve (12) months immediately preceding such termination, and the denominator of which is the Net Sales of Products in the entire applicable Sub-Territory during the twelve (12) months immediately preceding such termination.

 

17.                            Limitation of Damages; Limitation of Liability.  EXCEPT FOR DAMAGES DIRECTLY RESULTING FROM INDEMNITY OBLIGATIONS SET FORTH IN SECTION 21, NEITHER PARTY SHALL BE LIABLE TO THE OTHER PARTY FOR ANY INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, OR EXEMPLARY DAMAGES (INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, DAMAGES FOR LOSS OF PROFITS, LOSS OF

 

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GOODWILL, BUSINESS INTERRUPTION, LOSS OF BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY, OR ANY OTHER PECUNIARY LOSS) SUFFERED BY SUCH PARTY RELATED TO OR ARISING OUT OF THIS AGREEMENT, ANY OF THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED BY THIS AGREEMENT, AND/OR THE USE OF OR INABILITY TO USE OR SELL THE PRODUCTS, AND/OR FROM ANY OTHER CAUSE WHATSOEVER, EVEN IF SUCH PARTY HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.  THESE LIMITATIONS WILL APPLY REGARDLESS OF THE LEGAL THEORY OF LIABILITY, WHETHER UNDER CONTRACT, TORT (INCLUDING NEGLIGENCE AND STRICT LIABILITY), OR ANY OTHER THEORY WHATSOEVER.

 

EACH AND EVERY PROVISION OF THIS AGREEMENT WHICH PROVIDES FOR A LIMITATION OF LIABILITY OR WARRANTIES, DISCLAIMER, OR EXCLUSION OF DAMAGES, IS EXPRESSLY INTENDED TO BE SEVERABLE AND INDEPENDENT FROM ANY OTHER PROVISION, SINCE THOSE PROVISIONS REPRESENT SEPARATE ELEMENTS OF RISK ALLOCATION BETWEEN THE PARTIES, AND SHALL BE SEPARATELY ENFORCED.  NEITHER PARTY MAKES ANY REPRESENTATIONS OR WARRANTIES, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED (INCLUDING THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF NON-INFRINGEMENT, MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE) EXCEPT THOSE SET FORTH IN THIS AGREEMENT.

 

18.                            Books and Records; Examinations.

 

18.1.                For a period of at least two (2) years following the expiration or earlier termination of this Agreement, MEL shall maintain such books and records (collectively, “MEL Records”) as are necessary to substantiate that no payments have been made, directly or indirectly, by or on behalf of MEL to or for the benefit of any KO employee or agent who may reasonably be expected to influence KO’s decision to enter into this Agreement or the amount to be paid by KO pursuant hereto.  (As used herein, “payments” shall include money, property, services and all other forms of consideration.)  All MEL Records shall be maintained in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles as consistently applied by MEL.  KO and/or its representative shall have the right at any time during normal business hours, upon seven (7) days written notice, to examine the MEL Records, but not more than once per year.  The provisions of this paragraph shall survive the expiration or earlier termination of this Agreement.

 

18.2.                For a period of at least two (2) years following the expiration or earlier termination of this Agreement, KO shall maintain such books and records (collectively, “KO Records”) as are necessary to substantiate that no payments have been made, directly or indirectly, by or on behalf of KO to or for the benefit of any MEL employee or agent who may reasonably be expected to influence MEL’s decision to enter into this Agreement or the amount to be paid by MEL pursuant hereto.  (As used herein, “payments” shall include money, property, services and all other forms of consideration.)  All KO Records shall be maintained in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles as consistently applied by KO.  MEL and/or its representative shall have the right at any time during normal business hours, upon seven (7) days written notice, to examine the KO Records, but not more than once per year.  The provisions of this paragraph shall survive the expiration or earlier termination of this Agreement.

 

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18.3.                MEL shall keep complete and true books and other records containing data in sufficient detail necessary to determine the Net Sales and Net Profits of the Products, any Termination Fee, and any Partial Termination Fee, as well as all components of each of these items.

 

18.4.                No more than once per calendar year, KO shall have the right, at its own expense, to have the books and records kept by MEL (and all related work papers and other information and documents) examined by a nationally recognized public accounting firm appointed by KO (in each case, an “Accounting Firm”) to (a) verify the calculations of the Net Sales and Net Profits for each of the Products, any Termination Fee, and any Partial Termination Fee, and/or any component of any of the foregoing, and (b) verify the resulting payments required under this Agreement.  Prior to conducting any such examination, the Accounting Firm shall have agreed to hold in confidence and not disclose to anyone, other than the Parties or unless required by applicable law, all information reviewed by or disclosed to the Accounting Firm during such examination.

 

19.                            Trademarks.

 

19.1.                KO acknowledges and agrees that all MEC Marks shall be and remain the exclusive property of MEC.  No right, title or interest of any kind in or to the MEC Marks is transferred by this Agreement to KO.  KO agrees that it will not attempt to register the MEC Marks, or any marks confusingly similar thereto, in any form or language anywhere in the world.  KO further agrees that during the Term of this Agreement it will not contest the validity of the MEC Marks or the ownership thereof by MEC.  If KO desires to reproduce any of the MEC Marks for promotional purposes, the reproduction will only be made after written approval by MEL.  KO shall only use the MEC Marks in such a manner as to ensure and maintain the high quality and goodwill associated therewith; provided, however, that KO may, in consultation with MEL, submit form or template usages or specimens of proposed use featuring the MEC Marks that may be subsequently used on other materials without seeking additional approval from MEL, provided that the form, substance, content and context of such subsequent use is not materially different from that which MEL initially approves. KO’s use of the MEC Marks will inure for the benefit of MEC.

 

19.2.                Infringement of MEC’s Marks.  If during the Term of this Agreement a third party institutes against MEC, MEL or KO any claim or proceeding that alleges that the use of any MEC Mark in connection with the marketing, promotion, merchandising and/or sales of the Products under this Agreement infringes the intellectual property rights held by such third party, then MEL shall, in its sole discretion, and at its sole expense, contest, settle, and/or assume direction and control of the defense or settlement of, such action, including all necessary appeals thereunder.  KO shall use all reasonable efforts to assist and cooperate with MEL in such action, subject to MEL reimbursing KO for any reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred by KO in connection with such assistance and cooperation.  If, as a result of any such action, a judgment is entered by a court of competent jurisdiction, or settlement is entered by MEL, such that any MEC Mark cannot be used in connection with the marketing, promotion, merchandising and/or sales of the Products under this Agreement without infringing upon the intellectual property rights of such third party, then MEC, MEL and KO promptly shall cease using such affected MEC Mark in connection with the marketing, promotion, merchandising and/or sale of the

 

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Products under this Agreement.  Neither Party shall incur any liability or obligation to the other Party arising from any such cessation of the use of the affected MEC Mark.

 

19.3.                Termination.  Upon expiration or termination of this Agreement, KO shall cease and desist from any use of the MEC Marks and any names, marks, logos or symbols confusingly similar thereto.

 

19.4.                Prior Agreements.  Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of Section 19 (including the definition of “MEC Marks” as including both registered and unregistered rights), the Parties acknowledge their ongoing discussions over their respective rights in trademarks containing the term “monster,” including the agreement among the Parties and Odwalla, Inc. dated June 15, 2004 regarding MEC’s use of its MONSTER marks (the “Monster Trademark Agreement”).  Nothing contained in this Agreement shall (a) be deemed to be an acknowledgement by KO of MEC’s rights in unregistered marks containing the term “monster” or (b) limit the provisions of the Monster Trademark Agreement.  In the case of a conflict between this Section 19 and the Monster Trademark Agreement, the Parties agree that the terms of the Monster Trademark Agreement shall prevail.

 

20.                            Representations, Warranties and Covenants.

 

20.1.                MEL represents and warrants to KO that (a) it has the right and lawful authority to enter into this Agreement, and (b) the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement will not cause or require MEL to breach any obligation to, or agreement or confidence with, any other Person.

 

20.2.                MEL warrants that all Products, all food additives in the Products, and all substances for use in, with, or for the Products, comprising each shipment or other delivery hereby made by MEL to, or on the order of, KO and/or any KO/MEL Distributor are hereby guaranteed as of the date of such shipment to be, on such date, (a) not adulterated or misbranded within the meaning of the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act, as amended, including the Food Additives Amendment of 1958, and (b) in compliance with all health, safety and labeling standards imposed by law, regulations or orders applicable in the territory in which the Products will be sold.

 

20.3.                MEL warrants that all Products shall be merchantable.

 

20.4.                KO’s sole and exclusive remedy for MEL’s breach of MEL’s representations in Sections 20.2 and 20.3 above shall be as provided for in Section 21.3 below.

 

21.                            Indemnification and Insurance.

 

21.1.                KO agrees to indemnify and defend MEL, its Affiliates and their respective directors, officers, employees, representatives and agents (the “MEL Indemnitees”) against any third party claims and hold the MEL Indemnitees harmless from and against any and all damages, losses, liabilities, claims, charges, actions, suits, proceedings, deficiencies, taxes, interest, penalties, and costs and expenses (collectively “Losses”) arising out of, resulting from or otherwise connected with and to the extent attributable to (a) any willfully negligent act,

 

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misfeasance or nonfeasance by KO, its Subsidiaries, or any of their respective officers, employees, directors or agents regarding the sale, distribution or marketing of the Products, (b) the failure of any representation or warranty made by KO contained in this Agreement to be true or correct in any material respect (without regard to any references to materiality contained therein), and (c) any claim, advertising, marketing, promotion or representation made, provided, disseminated or distributed by KO regarding Products that has not been approved by MEL or any MEL Indemnitee, excluding, in each case, any such Losses to the extent MEL or any of its Affiliates is required to indemnify KO therefor pursuant to Section 21.3.

 

21.2.                [INTENTIONALLY OMITTED]

 

21.3.                MEL agrees to indemnify and defend KO, its Affiliates and their respective directors, officers, employees, representatives and agents (the “KO Indemnitees”)  against any third party claims and hold the KO Indemnitees harmless from and against any and all Losses arising out of, resulting from or otherwise connected with and to the extent attributable to (a) the contents, formulation, manufacture, labeling, bottling or packaging of the Products, including, but not limited to, product defects, product integrity/quality failures, any ingredient safety issue, product recalls, any violation of applicable law or regulation, or any injury to or death of any person caused by the Products or any ingredient contained therein including, for clarity, any of such claims described in the foregoing portion of this clause (a) that are brought against any KO Indemnitee based on any KO Indemnitee’s consent to the distribution of such Products by KO Distributors in accordance with this Agreement, (b) any willfully negligent act, misfeasance or nonfeasance by MEL or any of its respective Subsidiaries, officers, employees, directors or agents, (c) any claim, advertising, marketing, promotion or representation made, provided, disseminated, or distributed by MEL or by any agent or representative of MEL regarding the Products, (d) the failure of any representation or warranty made by MEL contained in this Agreement to be true or correct in any material respect (without regard to any references to materiality contained therein), (e) any claim that the authorized use by any KO Indemnitee of any of the MEC Marks pursuant to this Agreement infringes the trademark, trade dress or trade name of another, (f) any claim that any Products or packaging for any Products furnished by MEL infringes any patent, trade secret or other intellectual property right of any third party, (g) the termination or transfer of any of MEL’s existing distribution agreements in anticipation or furtherance of the rights granted to KO in this Agreement, and (h) any other Losses for which a KO Distributor is required to be indemnified by MEL or its Affiliate pursuant to a KO Distribution Agreement, excluding, in each case, any such Losses to the extent KO or any of its Affiliates is required to indemnify MEL therefor pursuant to Section 21.1 above.

 

21.4.                During the Term of this Agreement and for a period of two (2) years thereafter, MEL and KO agree to maintain policies of insurance of the nature and amounts specified below, which shall provide the other Party as an additional insured (providing for a waiver of subrogation rights and endeavoring to provide for not less than thirty (30) days written notice of any modification or termination of coverage), and each Party shall provide the other Party with a certificate of insurance evidencing such insurance, in a form satisfactory to such Party:

 

o                                  Commercial General Liability, including contractual liability coverage, with limits of at least $1,000,000 per occurrence; Bodily Injury and Property Damage /

 

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$1,000,000; Personal and Advertising Injury / $1,000,000; Products/Completed Operations / $2,000,000 General Aggregate.

 

o                                  Excess or Umbrella Liability with a limit of not less than $5,000,000 per occurrence over the insurance coverage described above.

 

For any claims under this Agreement, the applicable Party’s insurance shall be deemed to be primary and not contributing to or in excess of any similar coverage purchased by the other Party.  All deductibles payable under an applicable policy shall be paid by the Party responsible for purchasing such policy.  All such insurance shall be written by companies authorized to do business in the state or states where the work is to be performed and having at least the ratings of the respective Parties current insurers, unless not obtainable at commercially reasonable rates in light of previous premiums.

 

21.5.                An indemnified party under this Section 21 shall give to the indemnifying party prompt notice of the third party claim for which such indemnified party is seeking indemnification.  Until such time as the indemnifying party acknowledges in writing its obligation to indemnify the indemnified party under this Section 21, the indemnified party will have the right to direct, through counsel of its choosing, the defense of any matter the subject of such indemnification claim.  At such time as the indemnifying party acknowledges in writing its obligation to indemnify the indemnified party against any and all Losses that may result from such matter, the indemnifying party shall have the right to direct, through counsel of its own choosing, the defense or settlement of any matter the subject of indemnification hereunder at its expense.  The indemnified party may thereafter retain its own counsel to participate in the defense of the matter, at the indemnified party’s own expense.  The indemnified party shall provide the indemnifying parties with reasonable and relevant access to its records and personnel relating to any such matter during normal business hours and shall otherwise cooperate with the indemnifying party in the defense or settlement of any such matter, and the indemnifying party shall reimburse the indemnified party for all its reasonable out-of-pocket expenses in connection with such matter.  No settlement in respect of any third party claim may be effected by the indemnifying party without the indemnified party’s prior written approval.  If the indemnifying party shall fail to undertake any such defense, the indemnified party shall have the right to undertake the defense or settlement thereof at the indemnifying party’s expense, provided the indemnifying party has received reasonable notice of, and opportunity to participate in, any proposed settlement.

 

22.                            Miscellaneous.

 

22.1.                No Employment Relationship.  Notwithstanding any language in this Agreement to the contrary, the Parties intend that their relationship will be only as set forth in this Agreement.  Neither Party nor any employee, agent, officer, or independent contractor of or retained by either Party shall be considered an agent, employee or co-joint venturer of the other Party for any purpose or entitled to any of the benefits that the other Party provides for any of the other Party’s employees.  Furthermore, each Party acknowledges that it shall be responsible for all federal, state and local taxes for it and its employees and reports relative to fees under this Agreement and each Party will indemnify and hold the other Party harmless from any failure to file necessary reports or pay such taxes.

 

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22.2.                Integration.  This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the Parties with respect to the subject matter of this Agreement and is intended by the Parties to be a final expression of their understanding and a complete and exclusive statement of the terms and conditions of the agreement.  This Agreement supersedes any and all agreements, either oral or in writing, between the Parties concerning the subject contained herein and contains all of the covenants, agreements, understandings, representations, conditions, and warranties mutually agreed to between the Parties.  This Agreement may be modified or rescinded only by a writing signed by the Parties hereto or their duly authorized agents.

 

22.3.                Choice of Law.  This Agreement shall be exclusively governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York (without reference to its law of conflict of laws) and the provisions of the United Nations Convention On Contracts For The International Sale Of Goods will expressly be excluded and not apply.  The place of the making and execution of this Agreement is California, United States of America.  Each Party hereby waives any rights that it may otherwise have to assert any rights or defenses under the laws of the Territory or to require that litigation brought by or against it in connection with this Agreement be conducted in the courts or other forums of the Territory.

 

22.4.                Assignment.  This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Parties and their respective heirs, executors, administrators, legal administrators, legal representatives, successors and assigns.  This Agreement shall not be assignable by either Party without the prior written consent of the other Party; provided, however, that (a) an MEC Change of Control shall not be deemed an assignment of the Agreement requiring KO’s consent hereunder, (b) a Change of Control (as defined in the Transaction Agreement) with respect to KO or its Parent shall not be deemed an assignment of this Agreement requiring MEL’s consent hereunder, and (c) KO shall not be required to obtain any such consent of MEL in relation to any assignment resulting from the transfers or changes approved in advance by MEL pursuant to the last two sentences of Section 4.8 of this Agreement.

 

22.5.                Counterparts.  This Agreement may be signed in one (1) or more counterparts, each of which shall constitute an original but all of which together shall be one (1) and the same document.  Signatures received by facsimile shall be deemed to be original signatures.

 

22.6.                Partial Invalidity.  Each provision of this Agreement will be valid and enforceable to the fullest extent permitted by law.  If any provision of this Agreement or the application of the provision to any Person or circumstance will, to any extent, be invalid or unenforceable, the remainder of this Agreement, or the application of the provision to Persons or circumstances other than those as to which it is held invalid or unenforceable, will not be affected by such invalidity or unenforceability, unless the provision or its application is essential to this Agreement.  The Parties shall replace any invalid and/or unenforceable provision with a valid and enforceable provision that most closely meets the aims and objectives of the invalid and/or unenforceable provision.

 

22.7.                Titles and Subtitles.  The titles and subtitles used in this Agreement are used for convenience only and are not to be considered in construing or interpreting this Agreement.

 

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22.8.                Drafting Ambiguities.  Each Party to this Agreement and their legal counsel have reviewed and revised this Agreement. The rule of construction that any ambiguities are to be resolved against the drafting Party shall not be employed in the interpretation of this Agreement or any amendments or exhibits to this Agreement.

 

22.9.                Notices.  All notices or other communications required or permitted to be given to a Party to this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be personally delivered, sent by certified mail, postage prepaid, return receipt requested, or sent by an overnight express courier service that provides written confirmation of delivery, to such Party at the following respective address:

 

If to MEC and MEL:

 

Monster Energy Ltd.
c/o Mason Hayes & Curran
South Bank House, Barrow Street, Dublin 4, Ireland
Attention: Tony Burke
Facsimile: +353-1-614-5001

 

and

 

Monster Energy Company
1 Monster Way
Corona, California 92879
Attention:  Director
Facsimile:  (951) 739-6210

 

with a copy to:

 

Solomon Ward Seidenwurm & Smith, LLP
401 B Street, Suite 1200
San Diego, California 92101
Attention: Norman L. Smith
Facsimile: (619) 231-4755

 

If to KO:

 

The Coca-Cola Company
One Coca-Cola Plaza
Atlanta, Georgia 30313
Facsimile:
                                (404) 676-8621
Attention:  Chief Financial Officer; and

Senior Vice President, General Counsel and

Chief Legal Officer; (Facsimile:  (404) 515-2546)

 

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

 

Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP
Four Times Square

 

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New York, New York 10036
Facsimile:
                                (212) 735-2000

Attention:                                 Martha E. McGarry, Esq.

Thomas W. Greenberg, Esq.

 

Each such notice or other communication shall be deemed given, delivered and received upon its actual receipt, except that if it is sent by mail in accordance with this Section, then it shall be deemed given, delivered and received three (3) days after the date such notice or other communication is deposited with the U.S. Postal Service in accordance with this Section.  Any Party to this Agreement may give a notice of a change of its address to the other Party to this Agreement.

 

22.10.        Third-Party Beneficiaries.  Nothing in this Agreement, express or implied, is intended or shall be construed to give any Person, other than the Parties to this Agreement and their successors and permitted assigns, any legal or equitable right, remedy or claim under or in respect of any agreement or any provision contained in this Agreement.

 

22.11.        Conflict.  In the event of any conflict between the terms of this Agreement and the terms of any KO Distribution Agreement, the terms of this Agreement shall govern as between KO and MEL.

 

23.                            Dispute Resolution.

 

23.1.                Arbitration.  Any controversy, claim or dispute of whatever nature arising out of or in connection with this Agreement or the breach, termination, performance or enforceability hereof or out of the relationship created by this Agreement (a “Dispute”) shall be finally resolved by arbitration in accordance with the Commercial Arbitration Rules of the American Arbitration Association (“AAA”) in effect on the date of this Agreement.  The Parties understand and agree that they each have the right to apply to a court of competent jurisdiction for a temporary restraining order, a preliminary injunction or other equitable relief to preserve the status quo or prevent irreparable harm.  Unless otherwise agreed in writing by the Parties hereto, the arbitral panel shall consist of three (3) arbitrators, each of whom shall be a retired judge from a State other than California or Georgia and shall be appointed by the AAA in accordance with Section 23.2 below.  The place of arbitration shall be Dallas, Texas.  Judgment upon the award may be entered, and application for judicial confirmation or enforcement of the award may be made, in any competent court having jurisdiction thereof.  Other than as required or permitted by an applicable Governmental Entity, each Party will continue to perform its obligations under this Agreement pending final resolution of any such Dispute.  The Parties knowingly and voluntarily waive their rights to have any Dispute tried and adjudicated by a judge or a jury.

 

23.2.                Immediately after the filing of the submission or the answering statement or the expiration of the time within which the answering statement is filed, the AAA shall send simultaneously to each Party to the Dispute an identical list of ten (10) (unless the AAA decides that a larger number is appropriate) names of retired judges from the National Roster from States other than California or Georgia.  The Parties shall attempt to agree on the three (3) arbitrators from the submitted list and advise the AAA of their agreement.  If the Parties are unable to agree upon the three (3) arbitrators, each Party to the Dispute shall have fifteen (15) days from the

 

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transmittal date in which to strike no more than three (3) names objected to, number the remaining names in order of preference, and return the list to the AAA.  If a Party does not return the list within the time specified, all persons named therein shall be deemed acceptable.  From among the persons who have been approved on both lists, and in accordance with the designated order of mutual preference, the AAA shall invite the acceptance of the three (3) arbitrators to serve.  If the Parties fail to agree on any of the persons named, or if acceptable arbitrators are unable to act, or if for any other reason the appointment cannot be made from the submitted lists, the AAA shall have the power to make the appointment from among other retired judges on the National Roster from States other than California or Georgia without the submission of additional lists.

 

23.3.                The arbitration shall be governed by the laws of the State of New York, without regard to its conflicts-of-law rules, and by the arbitration law of the Federal Arbitration Act (Title 9, U.S. Code).  The arbitrators shall base the award on the applicable law and judicial precedent that would apply, and the arbitrators shall have no authority to render an award that is inconsistent therewith.  The award shall be in writing and include the findings of fact and conclusions of law upon which it is based if so requested by either Party.  Except as may be awarded to the prevailing Party, each Party shall bear the expense of its own attorneys, experts, and out of pocket costs as well as fifty percent (50%) of the expense of administration and arbitrators’ fees.

 

23.4.                Except as otherwise required by law, the Parties and the arbitrator(s) shall keep confidential and not disclose to third parties any information or documents obtained in connection with the arbitration process, including the resolution of the Dispute.

 

23.5.                EXCEPT FOR THE DAMAGES DIRECTLY RESULTING FROM THE INDEMNITY OBLIGATIONS SET FORTH IN SECTION 21 OF THIS AGREEMENT, NOTWITHSTANDING ANYTHING TO THE CONTRARY IN THIS AGREEMENT, EACH PARTY WAIVES THE RIGHT IN ANY ARBITRATION OR JUDICIAL PROCEEDING TO RECEIVE CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE, OR EXEMPLARY DAMAGES.  THE ARBITRATORS SHALL NOT HAVE THE POWER TO AWARD CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE, OR EXEMPLARY DAMAGES.

 

24.                            Force Majeure.

 

24.1.                Neither Party shall be liable for any delays in delivery or failure to perform or other loss due directly or indirectly to causes beyond such Party’s reasonable control (each, individually, a “Force Majeure Event”) including, without limitation: (a) acts of God, act (including failure to act) of any Governmental Entity (de jure or de facto), wars (declared or undeclared), governmental priorities, port congestion, riots, revolutions, strikes or other labor disputes, fires, floods, sabotage, nuclear incidents, earthquakes, storms, epidemics; or (b) inability to timely obtain either necessary and proper labor, materials, ingredients, components, facilities, production facilities, energy, fuel, transportation, governmental authorizations or instructions, material or information. The foregoing shall apply even though any Force Majeure Event occurs after such Party’s performance of its obligations is delayed for other causes.

 

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24.2.                The Party affected by a Force Majeure Event shall give written notice to the other Party of the Force Majeure Event within a reasonable time after the occurrence thereof, stating therein the nature of the suspension of performance and reasons therefore.  Such Party shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to resume performance as soon as reasonably possible.  Upon restoration of the affected Party’s ability to perform its obligations hereunder, the affected Party shall give written notice to the other Party within a reasonable time.

 

25.                            Ethical Standards.

 

25.1.                KO and each of its sub-distributors will comply with the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and without derogating from the generality of the foregoing, will not have its directors, officers or employees, directly or indirectly, offer, promise or pay any bribes or other improper payments for the purposes of promoting and/or selling MEL Products to any individual, corporation, government official or agency or other entity.  No gift, benefit or contribution in any way related to MEL or the promotion and/or sale of MEL Products will be made to political or public officials or candidates for public office or to political organizations, regardless of whether such contributions are permitted by local laws.

 

25.2.                MEL will comply with the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and without derogating from the generality of the foregoing, will not have its directors, officers or employees, directly or indirectly, offer, promise or pay any bribes or other improper payments for the purposes of promoting and/or selling Products to any individual, corporation, government official or agency or other entity.  No gift, benefit or contribution in any way related to KO or the promotion and/or sale of Products will be made to political or public officials or candidates for public office or to political organizations, regardless of whether such contributions are permitted by local laws.  MEL shall review its anti-bribery and ethical compliance policies (including with respect to compliance with the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and other applicable laws) within a reasonable period of time following the Effective Date.

 

26.                            External Communications.

 

26.1.                Publicity.  MEL and KO each agree that the initial public, written announcements regarding the execution of this Agreement and the subject matter addressed herein shall be coordinated between the Parties prior to release.  Thereafter, each Party agrees to use commercially reasonable efforts to consult with the other Party regarding any public, written announcement which a Party reasonably anticipates would be materially prejudicial to the other Party.  Nothing provided herein, however, will prevent either Party from (a) making and continuing to make any statements or other disclosures it deems required, prudent or desirable under applicable Federal or State Securities Laws and/or such Party’s customary business practices, or (b) engaging in oral discussions or oral or written presentations with actual or prospective investors or analysts regarding the subject matter of this Agreement, provided no Confidential Information is disclosed.  If a Party breaches this Section 26.1 it shall have a seven (7) day period in which to cure its breach after written notice from the other Party.  A breach of this Section 26.1 shall not entitle a Party to damages or to terminate this Agreement.

 

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26.2.                Marketing and Promotion.

 

a.                                 MEL and KO agree that the principles set forth in Section 26.2(b) below are generally consistent with the marketing and promotion guiding principles of both MEL and KO (the “Guiding Principles”). Notwithstanding anything set forth below, compliance with the Guiding Principles shall not constitute an obligation of either Party under this Agreement.  The Guiding Principles shall constitute unenforceable goals only of the Parties and neither Party shall be entitled to make any claim for breach against the other or enforce any remedy under this Agreement or to terminate this Agreement as the result of non-compliance with, or a violation of, any Guiding Principle(s).

 

b.                                Neither MEL nor KO will advertise, market, or promote the Products in connection with: (i) material misrepresentations or material omissions of fact about the Products branded with the MEC Marks; (ii) derogatory statements or messages about the other Party or its products; (iii) illegal drugs, pornography, racist activities or organizations; or (iv) activities, causes, or products that are generally immoral according to applicable community standards of the relevant consumer of the Products such that it is materially detrimental to the other Party’s public image and/or its rights as set forth in this Agreement.

 

27.                            Controlling Language.  This Agreement is in the English language only, which will be controlling in all respects.  No translation, if any, of this Agreement into any other language will be of any force or effect in the interpretation of this Agreement or in a determination of the intent of either Party hereto.

 

[Signature page follows.]

 

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SIGNATURE PAGE TO AMENDED AND RESTATED INTERNATIONAL DISTRIBUTION COORDINATION AGREEMENT BETWEEN MONSTER ENERGY LTD. AND MONSTER ENERGY COMPANY AND THE COCA-COLA COMPANY

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have caused this Agreement to be executed by their respective duly authorized officers as of the Effective Date.

 

MONSTER ENERGY LTD,

 

THE COCA-COLA COMPANY,

an Irish company

 

a Delaware corporation

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Rodney Sacks

 

By:

/s/ Marie D. Quintero Johnson

 

Rodney Sacks

 

Name:

Marie D. Quintero Johnson

 

 

Director

 

Title:

Vice President and Director of Mergers

& Acquisitions

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MONSTER ENERGY COMPANY,

 

 

a Delaware corporation

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Rodney Sacks

 

 

 

Rodney Sacks

 

 

 

Chief Executive Officer

 

 

 

[Signature Page to Amended and Restated International Distribution Coordination Agreement]

 



 

EXHIBIT A
Amended and Restated International Distribution Coordination Agreement

 

FORM INTERNATIONAL DISTRIBUTION AGREEMENT

 

Exhibit A

 



 

EXHIBIT A

 

INTERNATIONAL DISTRIBUTION AGREEMENT

 

This INTERNATIONAL DISTRIBUTION AGREEMENT (Agreement) is entered into as of ____________________, 2015 (the Effective Date) between MONSTER ENERGY LTD. (formerly TAURANGA, LTD.), a company organized and existing under the laws of the Republic of Ireland, with offices at South Bank House, Barrow Street, Dublin 4, Ireland (“MEL”) and [KO DISTRIBUTOR] (Distributor).  MEL and Distributor are referred to herein collectively as the “parties” and individually as a “party” hereto.

 

1.         Recitals and Definitions.

 

a.         MEL is a wholly owned subsidiary of Monster Energy Company (formerly known as Hansen Beverage Company) (MEC”).  MEC and/or its Affiliates (as defined below) own the exclusive right, title and interest in and to the Trademarks (as defined below).  MEL has been authorized by MEC to use the Trademarks (as defined below) and manufacture, promote, market, distribute and sell, including without limitation through distributors appointed by MEL, the Products (as defined below) throughout the Territory (as defined below).

 

b.         Distributor is a leading distributor of beverages throughout the Territory (as defined below) and has substantial experience in the distribution of beverages.  Distributor has developed and implemented successful marketing plans and/or systems for such distribution and which are substantially associated with the trademarks and trade name of The Coca-Cola Company (“KO”).  KO has designated Distributor, and MEL wishes to appoint Distributor, as a distributor of Products (as defined below) as part of Distributor’s business operations and systems, with performance to commence as of ___________________, 2015, or such other date as may be mutually agreed by the parties in writing, but which in no event shall be later than _________________, 2015 (the Commencement Date).

 

c.         When used herein: (i) the word “Products” means (x) all Energy Drinks (as defined below) in any form, that are offered, packaged and/or marketed by MEC or any of its Affiliates at any time after the Effective Date in the Territory under the primary brand name “Monster” or any other primary brand name having “Monster” as a derivative or part of such name, and/or containing the “” as a primary brand component, and which may, but are not required, to contain the “” mark, and/or the “M” icon, and (y) such additional beverage products, whether marketed under the Trademarks (as defined below) or otherwise, as MEL and Distributor shall agree from time to time by executing a mutually agreed upon amended Exhibit A.  MEL and Distributor shall use commercially reasonable efforts to periodically review and update Exhibit A on a reasonable basis throughout the Term.  The Products shall include all sizes of SKUs as may be determined by MEC and offered, packaged and/or marketed by MEC or any of its Affiliates in good faith from time to time; (ii) the word “Territory” means the territory identified in Exhibit B hereto; (iii) the words “Distributor’s Accounts” mean all accounts or classes of accounts in the Territory (including those set forth as exclusive or non-exclusive Distributor’s Accounts on Exhibit C hereto), other than those reserved for MEL as identified on Exhibit C; (iv) the word “Trademarks” means those names and marks identified on Exhibit D hereto; (v) the words Energy Drink/s” mean any shelf-stable, in ready-to-drink, powdered, drops or concentrate form, non-alcoholic beverage that satisfies all of the following conditions: (A) it is

 



 

marketed or positioned to consumers as an energy beverage, (B) it contains one or more of the following ingredients: guarana, taurine, panax ginseng, L-carnitine, B-2 vitamins, B-6 vitamins, B-12 vitamins, L-arginine, astralagus, glucuronolactone or inositol (or, to the extent approved by KO, which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed, any ingredients substituting for or supplementing any of the foregoing ingredients) and (C) it has at least five (5) milligrams of caffeine per ounce (the “Caffeine Requirement”), except that (1) Products under the brand Monster Energy Unleaded (substantially as such Products are formulated, manufactured, marketed and/or sold as of the date hereof, and any line extensions or expansions of such Products marketed under such brand) shall not be required to meet the Caffeine Requirement; and (2) the Caffeine Requirement shall be reduced in respect of any particular territory to the extent that any final law applicable to MEL in such territory imposing restrictions on the on-going business activities of MEL is enacted by a Governmental Entity having jurisdiction over such territory that either (I) specifically establishes a maximum caffeine concentration that is lower than the Caffeine Requirement (in which case the Caffeine Requirement applicable to such territory shall be the maximum caffeine concentration permitted by such law) or (II) is reasonably expected, based on the good faith judgment of MEL, to have an adverse impact on MEL’s business, sales or profitability in such territory due to the caffeine concentration of the Products exceeding a specified level (including, for example, a material tax imposed on beverages with caffeine concentrations above a stated amount but excluding, for the avoidance of doubt, any age or similar restriction on the manner of sale of such beverages) (in which case the Caffeine Requirement applicable to such territory shall be the maximum caffeine concentration that would not have such adverse impact); it being agreed that affected Products in any affected territory may be reformulated by MEL to the extent necessary to comply with any such law or to avoid such adverse impact; (vi) the word “Affiliates” means as to any Person, any other Person that, directly or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, controls or is controlled by or is under common control with such Person, as such terms are used in and construed under Rule 405 under the Securities Act of 1933 of the United States of America; (vii) the word “Person” means an individual or firm, corporation, partnership, trust, incorporated or unincorporated association, joint venture, limited liability company, joint stock company, government (or an agency or subdivision thereof) or other entity of any kind; and (viii) the words “Governmental Entity” mean any (A) nation, state, county, city, town, village, district, or other jurisdiction of any nature, (B) federal, state, local, municipal, foreign, or other government, (C) governmental or quasi-governmental authority of any nature (including any governmental agency, branch, department, official, or entity and any court or other tribunal), or (D) body exercising, or entitled to exercise, any administrative, executive, judicial, legislative, police, regulatory, or taxing authority or power of any nature.  All Exhibits referred to in this Agreement shall be deemed to be incorporated into this Agreement.

 

2.         Appointment.

 

a.         With effect from the Commencement Date, MEL appoints Distributor, and Distributor accepts appointment, as a distributor and seller of Products to Distributor’s Accounts within the Territory.  Such appointment shall be exclusive with respect to each of Distributor’s Accounts, except if and to the extent specifically designated as non-exclusive on Exhibit C hereto.  Such appointment shall exclude any SKU/s deleted from distribution pursuant to Sections 13(b) or 13(f) below.  Those categories of customers which are excluded from the definition of Distributor’s Accounts are expressly reserved for MEL, or such other distributors as MEL may from time to time appoint.  Distributor shall be entitled to appoint sub-distributors within the Territory provided that the terms of such appointment shall provide that the sub-distributors shall not actively seek or solicit customers for the Products

 

42



 

outside the Territory or any customers located within the Territory other than Distributor’s Accounts, and the terms of such appointments shall not be inconsistent with the terms and conditions of this Agreement and shall be subject to MEL’s rights hereunder.  Distributor’s appointment of sub-distributors shall be to supplement and augment, but not to replace or substitute, wholly or partially, Distributor’s resources, performance capabilities and/or ability to fully perform all of Distributor’s obligations in the Territory under this Agreement, including without limitation, as provided in Section 3 below.  Distributor will remain liable for the actions, omissions and performance of all of Distributor’s sub-distributors.

 

b.         Distributor shall not directly or indirectly, alone or in conjunction with any other Person (i) actively seek or solicit customers or accounts for the Products outside the Territory or any customers or accounts located within the Territory other than Distributor’s Accounts (in particular, but without limiting the above, Distributor shall not actively approach customers outside the Territory or accounts other than Distributor’s Accounts in the Territory, whether by direct mail, visits, promotions or media advertising targeted at such customers, or otherwise), and/or (ii) actively sell, market, distribute or [actively] otherwise dispose of any Products to any Persons located outside the Territory [or to any Persons located within the Territory who Distributor knows or reasonably believes will distribute or resell the Products outside the Territory][NTD: TO BE OMITTED FROM EU AGREEMENTS], except that, subject to all of the terms and conditions of this Agreement, Distributor may sell, market, distribute, assign or otherwise transfer Products to other bottlers or distributors designated by KO that are authorized in writing by MEL for sale, marketing, distributing, assigning or otherwise transferring into such distributor’s or bottler’s territory.  During the Term, Distributor shall purchase exclusively and directly from MEL or its nominees (and from no other Person) all of its requirements for Products.  In the event Products distributed or sold by Distributor are found outside the Territory, upon MEL’s reasonable request therefor, Distributor shall use Best Efforts (as defined below) to make available to representatives of MEL such sales agreements and other records relating to applicable Products as may be reasonably required for, and otherwise reasonably cooperate with MEL in, all MEL investigations relating to the sale and distribution of the Products outside the Territory, in each case, subject to confidentiality and other obligations to third parties and solely to the extent permissible under applicable law.  Distributor shall use Best Efforts to promptly inform MEL if at any time any solicitation or offer to purchase Products is made to Distributor in writing by a third party which Distributor knows would result in a breach of this Section 2(b), in each case, subject to confidentiality and other obligations to third parties and solely to the extent permissible under applicable law.  “Best Efforts” means the efforts a prudent Person desiring in good faith to achieve a result would use in the circumstances to ensure such result is achieved as expeditiously as possible but does not require the Person subject to such obligation to take actions that would result in any materially adverse change, or any financial change which in the aggregate, or over a period of time, would result in any materially adverse change, in the benefits to such Person under this Agreement or require such Person to expend funds or extend other economic incentives, unless otherwise expressly required under this Agreement.

 

c.         Distributor acknowledges and agrees that it has no right to distribute any products of MEC other than the Products.  Any sales by MEL to Distributor of any products of MEC that are not the Products, and/or any products sold by MEL to Distributor and/or its sub-distributor(s) beyond the scope, Term (as defined below) or after the termination of this Agreement, with or without cause, for any reason or no reason at all (i) shall not constitute, be construed as, or give rise to, any express or implied distribution agreement, course of conduct or other relationship between MEL and Distributor,

 

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(ii) shall not confer upon Distributor or its sub-distributor(s) any rights of any nature whatsoever, including without limitation to purchase, sell, market or distribute or continue to purchase, sell, market or distribute any products, including Products, or use the Trademarks other than with respect to products sold and delivered by MEL to Distributor, and (iii) shall constitute a separate transaction for each shipment of products actually delivered by MEL to Distributor and/or sub-distributor(s), in MEL’s sole and absolute discretion, which MEL shall be entitled to exercise, vary, withdraw and/or cease, on a case by case basis, at any time in MEL’s sole and absolute discretion.  Distributor irrevocably waives, releases and discharges any claims, liabilities, actions and rights, in law or in equity, against MEL including without limitation for damages (including without limitation, consequential, special or punitive damages), compensation or severance payments or any other claims of whatsoever nature by Distributor arising from or in connection with the matters referred to in this Section 2(c) and/or any acts, omissions or conduct of MEL with regard to such matters.

 

d.         MEL and Distributor shall reasonably cooperate with respect to obtaining any import licenses, permits, certificates, and governmental approvals which are necessary to permit the sale of Products in the Territory. To the extent MEL reasonably requests that Distributor obtain any such licenses, permits, certificates, or governmental approvals, Distributor shall, at MEL’s sole expense, use Best Efforts to obtain such import licenses, permits, certificates, and governmental approvals which are necessary to permit the sale of Products in the Territory.  Distributor acknowledges and agrees that all such licenses, permits, certificates, and governmental approvals are obtained for the benefit of MEL, and are subject to Distributor’s obligation to comply with the provisions of Sections 3(x) and 12(e)(vi) below.  Distributor shall also comply with any and all governmental laws, regulations, and orders which are applicable to Distributor by reason of its execution and performance of this Agreement, including any and all laws, regulations or orders in the Territory which govern or affect the ordering, export, shipment, import, sale, delivery or redelivery of Products in the Territory. Distributor shall also notify MEL of the existence and content of any provision of law which, to Distributor’s knowledge, conflicts with any provisions of this Agreement at the time of its execution or thereafter.  In the export of Products from the United States, Distributor shall further comply with the applicable law of the Territory, as well as U.S. laws and regulations governing exports, including the Export Administration Act and regulations thereunder, and the U.S. Boycott Regulations.  Distributor shall use Best Efforts to provide MEL all reasonably necessary assistance in ensuring compliance by MEL, Distributor and the Products with any applicable governmental laws, regulations, orders and registration requirements for, and translations of, the Products, Product labels and any other written information as may be necessary in the Territory, in each case without limiting MEL’s representations, warranties or obligations hereunder.

 

e.         MEL and its Affiliates (if applicable) will use commercially reasonable efforts to include provisions comparable to subsections 2(b)(i) and 2(b)(ii) above in its distribution agreements with distributors in territories within the European Economic Area that are entered into after the Effective Date.  If any other distributor appointed by MEL in the European Economic Area (i) actively seeks and solicits customers in Distributor’s Accounts (other than such non-exclusive Distributor’s Accounts as identified on Exhibit C) for Products in the Territory, or (ii) actively sells, markets, distributes or otherwise disposes of any Products, either directly or indirectly to any Persons located within its territory who such distributor knows or reasonably believes will distribute or resell the Products inside the Territory, MEL will take commercially reasonable steps to (A) enforce MEL’s rights under any distribution agreement, to the extent enforceable under such distribution agreement and applicable law, [to address the importation of Products into the Territory in violation of any

 

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applicable distribution agreement relating to the Products, (B) enforce MEL’s rights against any other distributors to address the importation of Products into the Territory in violation of applicable distribution agreements with such other distributors relating to the Products to which MEL or its Affiliates are a party, but only to the extent enforceable under such applicable distribution agreements and applicable law][NTD: TO BE OMITTED FROM EU AGREEMENTS], and (C) prevent such other distributors from breaching provisions comparable to subsections 2(b)(i) and 2(b)(ii), above, but only, to the extent that MEL shall be entitled to do so pursuant to the terms of its distribution agreements with such distributors and to the extent enforceable under applicable law. Distributor shall cooperate and, if necessary and required by MEL, join with MEL in all such proceedings in accordance with the foregoing.  Distributor shall have no claim, and MEL shall have no liability, arising from the sale of Products by such other distributors in the Territory, except to require MEL to enforce the above-mentioned provisions in the applicable distribution agreements.

 

f.          If Distributor becomes aware that corrective labeling of Products delivered by MEL to Distributor is required in order to comply with applicable law in the Territory, Distributor shall provide to MEL for MEL’s written consent, which shall not be unreasonably withheld (i) written notice including details of the applicable law/s, (ii) the corrective Product label proposed by Distributor, and (iii) the estimated costs of relabeling the applicable Products.  Upon receipt of MEL’s written consent (which shall not be unreasonably withheld), Distributor shall affix the corrective labeling to the Products at MEL’s cost provided that such cost has been approved by MEL in writing, which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld.  All right, title and interest of every kind and nature in and to such corrective labeling shall be the sole and exclusive property of MEL for all purposes or uses.  Distributor hereby assigns to MEL all of Distributor’s right, title and interest, if any, in and to such corrective labeling, and agrees to execute any documents and take any action MEL may deem reasonably necessary or appropriate to effectuate such assignment, at MEL’s reasonable request and expense.

 

g.         The parties acknowledge that it is their current mutual intention that they will consider in due course entering into a written agreement on mutually acceptable terms to provide for the manufacture of certain Products in the Territory.  This subsection 2(g) shall not be enforceable against either party unless and until an enforceable agreement has been executed by both parties.

 

h.         Subject to and without limiting MEL’s and its Affiliates’ obligations to KO under the International Distribution Coordination Agreement (as defined below), if Distributor declines to distribute, declines to continue to distribute, or proposes not to distribute (each a “Distribution Refusal”) (i) substantially all Products, as the case may be, designated by MEL in good faith for sale in the Territory, MEL shall have the right to sell any or all of the Products so designated by MEL for sale in the Territory directly or through other distributors in the Territory, to the exclusion of Distributor, or (ii) one or more of MEL’s SKUs designated by MEL for sale in the Territory, MEL shall have the right (without prejudice to its right in clause (i) above) to sell such declined SKU/s directly or through other distributors in the Territory, to the exclusion of Distributor, in each case (i) and (ii) upon forty-five (45) days written notice to Distributor and KO of its intention to do so; provided that such Distribution Refusal continues to exist for such forty-five (45) day period. MEL’s right to sell or have sold such Products shall be limited to the portion of the Territory for which such distribution has been declined.  The “International Distribution Coordination Agreement” means the Amended and Restated International Distribution Coordination Agreement dated [DATE] between KO and MEL and MEC.

 

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i.          If, after the Effective Date, MEL determines to sell or otherwise distribute any Product or any SKU of any Product (“Product SKUs”) in the Territory not previously sold or distributed by Distributor (each a “New Product SKU”), prior to launching or otherwise commencing the sale or other distribution of such New Product SKU, MEL shall provide Distributor the right to distribute such New Product SKUs, subject to the terms of this Agreement (and subject to and without limiting MEL’s obligations to KO under the International Distribution Coordination Agreement).  If Distributor declines to sell and distribute such New Product SKUs in the Territory within fifteen (15) days of MEL’s request that such New Product SKUs be added, then MEL shall have the right and option, in MEL’s sole and absolute discretion, to sell and distribute such refused New Product SKUs directly or through other distributors selected by MEL, to the exclusion of Distributor; provided that MEL gives such Distributor an additional fifteen (15) days written notice of MEL’s intention to do so and Distributor does not commence and continue purchasing from MEL and selling such refused New Product SKUs within such additional fifteen (15) day period.  MEL’s right to sell or have sold such New Product SKUs shall be limited to the portion of the Territory for which such distribution has been declined.

 

3.         Distributor’s Duties.  Distributor shall:

 

a.         Use commercially reasonable good faith efforts (i) to actively and diligently promote, solicit and push vigorously the wide distribution and sale of the Products to Distributor’s Accounts in the Territory, and (ii) to develop and exploit the full potential of the business of distributing, Marketing (as defined below) and selling the Products throughout the Territory by creating, stimulating and expanding continuously, the future demand for the Products and satisfying fully and in all respects, the current demand therefor (except to accounts reserved for MEL pursuant to Exhibit C and those MMM Accounts (as defined below) that are serviced directly by MEL in accordance with Section 14).  For the purposes of this Section 3 and Section 13(a) below, “Marketing” means trade marketing, local marketing and local Product promotions in the Territory;

 

b.         Use commercially reasonable good faith efforts to actively and diligently develop new business opportunities for Products in Distributor’s Accounts in the Territory;

 

c.         Use commercially reasonable good faith efforts to actively and diligently manage all of Distributor’s sub-distributors throughout the Territory to gain system alignment to promote the sale and distribution of Products;

 

d.         Secure extensive in-store merchandising and optimal shelf positioning in Distributor’s Accounts in the Territory with respect to Products, except for those MMM Accounts serviced directly by MEL in accordance with Section 14 below;

 

e.         Perform complete and efficient distribution functions to and in Distributor’s Accounts throughout the Territory;

 

f.          Fully implement the Annual Business Plan (as defined and to be agreed upon from time-to-time in accordance with Section 13(b) below), and use commercially reasonable good faith efforts to achieve and maintain all of the objectives set with respect thereto as contemplated in Section 13(b) below;

 

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g.         Achieve and maintain the Performance Targets (as defined and determined each calendar year in accordance with Section 13(d) below);

 

h.         In relation to the sales of the Products only, permit MEL representatives to accompany Distributor’s salesmen on sales routes in the Territory, upon reasonable advance notice to Distributor;

 

i.          Achieve optimum ambient and cold space, position, prominence, and visibility of the Products in all Distributor’s Accounts in the Territory, except for those MMM Accounts serviced directly by MEL in accordance with Section 14 below;

 

j.          Promote and maintain an efficient, viable and financially sound system of distribution for the Products in Distributor’s Accounts throughout the Territory, except for those MMM Accounts serviced directly by MEL in accordance with Section 14 below;

 

k.         Provide the resources necessary for the sale, delivery, Marketing, promotion and servicing of the Products in Distributor’s Accounts within the Territory, except for those MMM Accounts serviced directly by MEL in accordance with Section 14 below;

 

l.          Achieve and maintain Minimum Distribution Levels for the Products in Distributor’s Accounts (other than such non-exclusive Distributor’s Accounts as identified on Exhibit C) as agreed upon or determined in accordance with Section 13(c) below from time to time;

 

m.        Perform and satisfy its obligations specified in Sections 10 and 13 below;

 

n.         Provide such sales and Marketing information in relation to the Products as may be reasonably requested by MEL;

 

o.         Comply with any applicable laws and regulations of or applicable in the Territory and shall be responsible for ensuring that all Product deliveries by Distributor within the Territory comply with all health, safety, environmental and other standards, specifications and other requirements imposed by law, regulation or order in the Territory, and applicable to the Products;

 

p.         Assign such article numbers as may be utilized by Distributor from time to time for each Product and Product package to track sales information by its sales data collection system;

 

q.         Cause all of its promotional and Marketing efforts and/or activities under this Agreement to be devoted solely to the Products. Unless approved by MEL’s prior written consent, it shall be a violation of this subsection for (i) Products to be placed by Distributor in Equipment (as defined below) branded with the trademark of an Energy Drink other than a Product, it being agreed that Distributor may place Products in Equipment branded with another beverage other than an Energy Drink; (ii) Energy Drinks other than Products to be placed by Distributor in Equipment branded for Products; (iii) sales materials for Products created by Distributor to include trademarks of products or Energy Drinks other than Products; (iv) Distributor distributing sales material created by Distributor including trademarks of Products; and (v) Distributor’s promotional pricing and/or promotional and/or Marketing activities and/or promotional and/or Marketing programs to apply to all or any Products in combination with all or any Energy Drinks other than Products sold by Distributor.  It is not a violation of this subsection for Products to be ordered, sold, delivered, or merchandised by the same Person or in the same vehicles as other products;

 

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r.          Invest all the capital and obtain and expend all the funds required for the organization, installation, operation, maintenance and replacement within the Territory of such warehousing, Marketing, distribution, delivery, transportation and other facilities and equipment as shall be necessary for Distributor to comply with its obligations under this Agreement;

 

s.          For its own account, budget and expend such funds for advertising, Marketing and promoting the Products in the Territory as may be reasonably required by MEL to create, stimulate and sustain the demand for the Products in the Territory, provided that Distributor shall submit all advertising, Marketing and promotional projects relating to the Trademarks or the Products to MEL for its prior approval, and shall use, publish, maintain or distribute only such advertising, Marketing or promotional material relating to the Trademarks or the Products as MEL shall approve and authorize. MEL may agree from time to time and subject to such terms and conditions as it shall stipulate in each case to contribute financially to Distributor’s Marketing programs.  MEL may also undertake, at its own expense and independently from Distributor, any additional advertising or sales promotion activities in the Territory it deems useful or appropriate;

 

t.          Use commercially reasonable good faith efforts to allocate Products in Distributor Equipment consistent with the Annual Business Plan and to the extent (and in the form and manner) agreed between Distributor and MEL, including without limitation by including ***.  “Distributor Equipment” shall mean any refrigeration equipment, coolers, barrels, vending machines or similar equipment provided by Distributor, or placed and maintained by Distributor in premises of Distributor’s customers within the Territory for use in relation to the refrigeration, display, Marketing, promotion, and/or sale of all or any beverages distributed and sold by Distributor in the Territory.  “MEL Equipment” shall mean any refrigeration equipment, coolers, barrels, vending machines or similar equipment funded by MEL and/or its Affiliate/s or provided by MEL and/or its Affiliate/s to Distributor and placed in premises of Distributor’s customers within the Territory by Distributor for use in relation to the refrigeration, display, Marketing, promotion, and/or sale of all or any Products distributed and sold by Distributor in the Territory, *** and/or as may otherwise be agreed by the parties in writing from time to time.  The appearance and branding of MEL Equipment shall be determined by MEL and/or its Affiliate/s in its discretion.  Distributor Equipment and MEL Equipment shall be referred to collectively as the “Equipment;”

 

u.         Take such steps and execute such documents as may be necessary to ensure that any MEL Equipment for use in relation to the refrigeration, display, Marketing, promotion, and/or sale of Products, and any licenses, entitlements, consents or other rights relating to the placement or location of MEL Equipment in a customer’s premises remains the exclusive, unencumbered property of MEL. Distributor shall maintain the MEL Equipment in good condition throughout the Term of this Agreement, ordinary wear and tear excepted.  Upon termination of this Agreement Distributor shall deliver the MEL Equipment to MEL and/or its Affiliate/s at the location of such Equipment in the customers’ premises.  As the bona fide depository of the MEL Equipment, Distributor undertakes to take all commercially reasonable steps for the proper storage, preservation and use of the MEL Equipment for as long as such MEL Equipment remains serviceable, and shall be responsible for any failure to do so.  If for any reason any of the MEL Equipment is removed and not recovered,

 

*** Indicates portions of this exhibit have been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to a request for confidential treatment.

 

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Distributor shall be liable for all loss and damages arising from Distributor’s breach of this Section 3(u). Distributor hereby agrees to pay MEL any loss or damages incurred by MEL with respect to replacing the MEL Equipment and securing the placement of the MEL Equipment.  Distributor further agrees to maintain and to replace such Equipment at such reasonable intervals as are reasonably necessary;

 

v.         Use commercially reasonable good faith efforts to protect the reputation and goodwill of MEL, the Products, and the Trademarks, conduct business in a proper and businesslike manner and otherwise act in the best interests of MEL in relation to its Products, reputation and goodwill.  Distributor shall not act or fail to act in any manner that would reasonably be expected to be detrimental to the brand image of MEL or the Products.  [Distributor shall sell Products only to reputable and suitable Distributor’s Accounts consistent with the reputation and quality of MEC’s global brand.][NTD: TO BE OMITTED FROM EU AGREEMENTS]  Distributor shall not engage in any activities or practices, or fail to engage in activities or practices, that would reasonably be expected to impair the value of or otherwise damage the reputation or goodwill of MEL, the Products, or the Trademarks;

 

w.        Maintain in stock at all times a reasonably sufficient quantity of each Product/s in relation to the demand from Distributor’s Accounts in the Territory for at least a reasonable period based on such demand, subject to availability as provided by MEL; and

 

x.         Promptly upon MEL’s reasonable request and at MEL’s expense, take such action and execute such document/s as may be necessary to assign or otherwise transfer to MEL or MEL’s designee, any registrations, licenses, permits, certificates, and governmental approvals that Distributor may have acquired in connection with, and only to the extent it solely relates to, the sale of Products in the Territory, in each case subject to and to the extent permissible under applicable law.

 

4.         Prices.

 

a.         The prices (Selling Price) to be paid by Distributor to MEL for the Products shall be reviewed and determined annually by MEL for the forthcoming year in its sole discretion after discussion with Distributor but shall be subject to adjustment in accordance with Section 4(c) below.  The annual increases to the Selling Price will be communicated to Distributor no later than three (3) calendar months prior to implementation of price increases in a country within the Territory.

 

b.         It is acknowledged that from time to time Distributor may be required by its customer/s to fix, for a period of up to twelve (12) months, the prices that Distributor may charge to its customer/s for certain Products.  In such event, Distributor may request that MEL fix the prices to be paid by Distributor for the applicable Product/s to be resold to such customer/s.  MEL shall promptly discuss such a request with Distributor in good faith and the parties will prepare and record any agreement in writing.  Provided that MEL agrees to the foregoing in writing, MEL shall not adjust, for the same period that Distributor’s prices are fixed, the prices to be paid by Distributor for the applicable Product/s to the extent that (i) the applicable Product/s are to be supplied by Distributor to the customer in question, and (ii) Distributor is not entitled to pass on any price adjustments to such customer.  Nothing contained in this Section 4(b) shall be construed as imposing any agreement or restriction on the right of either MEL to unilaterally determine the Selling Price or the right of Distributor to unilaterally determine Distributor’s own resale prices and terms of business.

 

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c.         Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement, in the event of any material change in the costs associated with production of the Products (including, but not limited to, a material change in the costs of ingredients, packaging materials, energy or freight costs related to the production and shipping of Products) at any time, then MEL may adjust the Selling Price of Products to Distributor to reflect such cost increase, effective thirty (30) days after written notice from MEL to Distributor of such change. MEL shall provide reasonable supporting documentation evidencing the material change in its costs of production and delivery, if requested by Distributor.

 

d.         All Selling Prices are exclusive of (i) any costs of carriage and insurance of the Products, and (ii) any applicable value added or any other sales or similar tax, which shall be payable by Distributor.

 

5.         Orders.  All purchase orders for Products shall be transmitted in writing or electronically, shall specify a reasonable date and time for delivery to locations in the Territory agreed upon in writing between the parties from time to time with a lead time of at least ten (10) days and shall be subject to acceptance by MEL in MEL’s reasonable discretion.  If MEL is unable to accept an order for any reason, then MEL will use commercially reasonable efforts to equitably allocate available Products to fill orders from its distributors and customers, including Distributor.  In the event of any conflict or inconsistency between the terms of this Agreement and any purchase order, the terms of this Agreement shall govern.  All such purchase orders shall be deemed acceptances of MEL’s offers to sell Products and shall limit acceptance by Distributor to the terms and conditions thereof.

 

6.         Payment.  MEL shall invoice Distributor on a monthly or other mutually agreed periodic basis and Distributor shall promptly pay MEL for the Products (a) in Sterling for Products sold in Great Britain, (b) in Euros for Products sold in Europe and (c) in a currency selected by MEL from time to time in all other Territories, provided that MEL provides Distributor twelve (12) months advance notice of any change in the currency selected for each such Territory and provided that such change is permitted by applicable laws, in full (without set off, deduction or counter claim) by electronic transfer within *** of the date of the relevant invoice or such other period as may be agreed by MEL from time to time in writing.  Distributor and MEL shall use a mutually agreeable method of electronic settlement of accounts that Distributor reasonably approves which may include ACH or Xign, Distributor’s current electronic invoice presentment system.  If Distributor is delinquent in payment upon presentation of invoice and remains delinquent for seven (7) days after written notice calling upon Distributor to pay, Distributor shall reimburse MEL for any costs and expenses incurred by MEL in collecting such delinquent amounts, including, without limitation, legal fees and costs including fees of collection agencies, and interest computed at the *** percent *** per month or part thereof from the due date(s) or the maximum legally permissible rate.  MEL reserves the right by giving reasonable notice to Distributor to establish in its sole discretion the conditions of shipment and payment and, subject to the first sentence of this Section 6, the currency or currencies acceptable to MEL in payment and to designate the supply point and/or alternate supply points for each of the Products.

 

*** Indicates portions of this exhibit have been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to a request for confidential treatment.

 

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7.         Title and Risk of Loss.  Title and risk of loss to the Products shall pass to Distributor upon delivery of the Products to Distributor.

 

8.         Forecast and Delivery.

 

a.         Distributor shall provide MEL with *** forecasts describing the volume of each SKU of Products that Distributor projects will be ordered during each *** period during the Term (as defined below) of this Agreement.  Distributor shall submit each updated forecast monthly in a format reasonably acceptable to MEL no later than the first day of each month during the Term.

 

b.         Unless otherwise agreed in writing by the parties to this Agreement, the Products will be tendered by MEL for delivery to Distributor in full truckload quantities of particular Product lines and extensions but without combining different Product lines in the same truckloads.  By way of example, Monster Green (i.e. Monster’s original product) and its extensions and Java Monster and its extensions are different particular Product lines.  Subject to Distributor providing MEL forecasts in accordance with Section 8(a) above, MEL agrees to use commercially reasonable good faith efforts to deliver Products to Distributor within *** of receipt by MEL of the applicable purchase orders for Products in compliance with Sections 5 and 8(a) above to (i) Distributor, in the case of Products delivered from the point of manufacture to Distributor by ground transportation, and (ii) the shipper, in the case of delivery of the Products to Distributor which involves shipment by sea.  MEL shall deliver to Distributor Products with at least *** shelf life remaining at the time of delivery or such other period as may be agreed to between MEL and Distributor with respect to any specific Products.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, Distributor acknowledges that delivery dates set forth in purchase orders for Products accepted by MEL are merely approximate and that MEL shall have no liability for late deliveries, except only for fines, penalties and assessments imposed by Distributor’s customers and actually paid by Distributor which arise solely and directly as a result of MEL’s failure to comply with its obligations under this Section 8.

 

9.         Trademarks.

 

a.         Distributor acknowledges the respective exclusive right, title, and interest in and to the Trademarks and trade names of MEC and/or its Affiliates, whether or not registered, patents, patent applications, and all rights in inventions (whether or not patentable) (collectively, Patents), copyrights and copyrightable material (collectively, Copyrights) and trade secrets and know-how (collectively, Know-How) which MEC and/or its Affiliates may have at any time created, adopted, used, registered, or been issued in the United States of America, the Territory or in any other location in connection with MEC’s business or the Products and Distributor shall not do, or cause or permit to be done, any acts or things contesting or in any way impairing or tending to impair any portion of MEC’s right, title, and interest in and to the Trademarks, trade names, Patents, Copyrights, and Know-How.  Any approval by MEL for Distributor to use any Trademarks, trade names, Patents, Copyrights, trade secrets and Know-How in connection with the distribution and sale of the Products shall be a mere temporary permission, uncoupled with any right or interest, and without payment of any fee or royalty charge for such use.

 

*** Indicates portions of this exhibit have been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to a request for confidential treatment.

 

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b.         Distributor shall not use any trademark, name, brand name, logo or other production designation or symbol in connection with Products other than the Trademarks, subject to the terms of this Section 9.  It will not be a breach of this Section for the Products to be delivered by Distributor in vehicles, or using employees, agents, assigns or sub-distributors wearing clothing, displaying any other trademark, name, brand name, logo or other products designation or symbol.  Distributor acknowledges that it has no right or interest in the Trademarks (except as expressly permitted hereunder) and that any use by Distributor of the Trademarks will inure solely to MEC’s benefit.  Distributor may only use the Trademarks in strict accordance with MEL’s policies and instructions, and MEL reserves the right, from time to time and at any time, at its discretion, to modify such policies and instructions then in effect.

 

c.         Any proposed use by Distributor of the Trademarks (to the extent that it either has not been previously approved by MEL in writing or differs materially from a use previously approved by MEL in writing) shall be subject to the prior written consent of MEL, which MEL may withhold in its sole and absolute discretion.  Distributor shall submit to MEL in writing each different proposed use of the Trademarks in any medium.

 

d.         Distributor shall not at any time alter the Trademarks or the packaging of Products, use the Trademarks for any purpose other than the promotion, advertising and sale of Products hereunder, or challenge the validity, or do or refrain from doing any act which might result in impairment of the value, of the Trademarks.  Distributor shall not cause or permit its business name to include any of the Trademarks or its business to be operated in a manner which is substantially associated with any of the Trademarks.

 

e.         In advertising, promotions or in any other manner so as to identify Products, Distributor shall clearly indicate MEC’s ownership of the Trademarks.  Distributor further agrees that before distributing or publishing any sales literature, promotional or descriptive materials, MEL shall have the right, upon request, to inspect, edit and approve such materials which illustrate, describe or discuss the Products.  Distributor shall comply with any Trademark usage guidelines that MEL provides to it in writing.

 

f.          Upon the termination of this Agreement, the temporary permission granted under sub-Section 9(a) above will terminate and Distributor shall immediately cease and desist from any use of the Trademarks and any names, marks, logos or symbols similar thereto and the use of any Patents, Copyrights and Know-How.

 

g.         Distributor shall (i) notify MEL of any actual or suspected misuse or infringement of any Trademark, brand name, logo or other production designation or symbol in the Territory, (ii) at MEL’s expense and upon MEL’s request, assist in such legal proceedings as MEL will deem necessary for the safeguard of any Trademark, brand name, logo or other production designation or symbol in the Territory, and execute and deliver in accordance with MEL’s request such documents and instruments as may be necessary or appropriate in the conduct of such proceedings, and (iii) at MEL’s expense, assist MEC and MEL in the registration and/or renewal of registration of any Trademark, brand name, logo or other production designation or symbol in the Territory as MEC or MEL may determine to be necessary or desirable, and execute such documents and instruments as may be necessary to register or to apply for the registration (or registration renewal) of such Trademark, brand name, logo or other production designation or symbol.

 

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h.         Distributor shall not acquire or attempt to acquire, for itself or for others, any rights in or to the Patents, Copyrights, Know-How, Trademarks, or any names, marks, logos or symbols confusingly similar thereto, either through registration or use.  All rights granted to Distributor concerning the Trademarks, Patents, Copyrights, and Know-How are personal to Distributor, and are not assignable (except in accordance with Section 23) or sublicensable (except to a sub-distributor in accordance with Section 2(a)).  Subject to Distributor’s rights under Sections 2 and 23, Distributor shall not grant or attempt to grant any rights in or to the Trademarks, Patents, Copyrights, and Know-How to any other Person.

 

i.          If during the Term a third party institutes against MEC, MEL or Distributor any claim or proceeding that alleges that the use of any Trademark or any Know-How, Patent, trade secret or Copyright in connection with the distribution, marketing, promotion, merchandising and/or sales of the Products under this Agreement infringes the intellectual property rights held by such third party, then MEL shall, in its sole discretion, and at its sole expense, contest, settle, and/or assume direction and control of the defense or settlement of, such action, including all necessary appeals thereunder.  Distributor shall use all reasonable efforts to assist and cooperate with MEL in such action, subject to MEL reimbursing Distributor for any reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred by Distributor in connection with such assistance and cooperation.  If, as a result of any such action, a judgment is entered by a court of competent jurisdiction, or settlement is entered by MEL, such that any Know-How, Patent, trade secret, Copyright or Trademark cannot be used in connection with the distribution, marketing, promotion, merchandising and/or sales of the Products under this Agreement without infringing upon the intellectual property rights of such third party, then MEC, MEL and Distributor promptly shall cease using such affected Know-How, Patent, trade secret Copyright or Trademark in connection with the distribution, marketing, promotion, merchandising and/or sale of the Products under this Agreement.  Except as otherwise specified in this Agreement, neither party shall incur any liability or obligation to the other party arising from any such cessation of the use of the affected Trademark.

 

j.          If MEL, for the purposes of this Agreement, should reasonably require that, in accordance with applicable laws governing the registration and licensing of intellectual property, Distributor be recorded as a registered user or licensee of the Trademarks then, at the request and expense of MEL, Distributor will execute any and all agreements and such other documents as may be necessary for the purpose of entering, varying or canceling the recordation.

 

10.       Promotion and Trade Marketing of Products.  Distributor shall be responsible for promotion and Marketing of the Products to Distributor’s Accounts within the Territory.  Distributor shall use commercially reasonable efforts to actively and diligently distribute and encourage the utilization of merchandising aids and promotional materials in all Distributor’s Accounts throughout the Territory.  Without in any way detracting from the foregoing, Distributor shall reasonably participate in and diligently implement all Marketing and promotional programs that are mutually agreed upon by MEL and Distributor from time to time.  Distributor acknowledges that (a) MEL has no obligation to market and promote the Products, and (b) MEL makes no, and hereby disclaims any, express or implied warranty, representation, or covenant relating to or in connection with MEL’s marketing and promotional activities including any Global Branding and Marketing activities (as defined in Section 13(a) below), including without limitation, as to the value, performance, extent, effectiveness, quantity, quality, success or results of any such activities or the lack thereof.  Except as expressly provided in Section 19 below, Distributor shall have no claim against MEL and its Affiliates and hereby releases

 

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MEL and its Affiliates from all and any claims by, and/or liability to, Distributor of any nature for their failure to market and promote, or adequately market and promote, the Products or arising from or relating to or in connection with any Global Branding and Marketing activities procured, provided or performed by MEL and/or its Affiliates or MEL’s and/or its Affiliates’ failure to procure, provide or perform such activities.

 

[NTD: Alternate provision for use with NON EEA Agreements.  If this provision is used, delete the alternative Section 11 below.]

 

11.       TermUnless terminated by either party pursuant to the terms of this Agreement, the initial term of this Agreement shall commence on the Effective Date and shall end on the fifth (5th) anniversary of the Commencement Date (the “Initial Term”).  After the Initial Term, this Agreement may be renewed for up to three (3) further successive five (5)-year terms (“Additional Term/s”) if (a) either party gives written notice to the other at least one hundred twenty (120) days prior to the end of the Initial Term or applicable Additional Term, as the case may be, of its intention to renew the Agreement for an Additional Term, and (b) the provisions of Sections 2(a), 2(b) and 21 of this Agreement are valid and enforceable in accordance with their respective terms during the applicable Additional Term.  If MEL reasonably determines that it is necessary or desirable that the parties execute an additional agreement or instrument in order for the provisions of Sections 2(a), 2(b) and 21 to be valid and enforceable, then the parties agree to execute such documents as may reasonably be required to give effect to the foregoing.  A “Contract Year” means any calendar year during the Term and the period from the Commencement Date until the close of business on December 31st of the calendar year in which the Commencement Date falls.  The Initial Term and any Additional Terms are collectively referred to as the “Term.”

 

[NTD: Alternate provision for use with EEA Agreements. If this provision is used, delete the alternative Section 11 above.]

 

11.       TermUnless terminated by either party pursuant to the terms of this Agreement, the initial term of this Agreement shall commence on the Effective Date and shall end on the fifth (5th) anniversary of the Commencement Date (the “Initial Term”).  After the Initial Term, this Agreement may be renewed for up to three (3) further successive five (5)-year terms and one (1) further successive term of such duration that, if all renewals occur, the aggregate period of the Initial Term and all Additional Terms (including the fourth and final Additional Term) shall equal two hundred forty (240) months, but in no event shall such fourth and final Additional Term exceed twenty four (24) months (“Additional Term/s”) if (a) either party gives written notice (the “Renewal Notice”) to the other at least one hundred twenty (120) days but not more than one hundred eighty (180) days prior to the end of the Initial Term or applicable Additional Term, as the case may be, of its intention to renew the Agreement for an Additional Term, and (b) the provisions of Sections 2(a), 2(b) and 21 of this Agreement are valid and enforceable in accordance with their respective terms during the applicable Additional Term.  If Distributor gives the Renewal Notice, the applicable Additional Term shall commence with effect from the date of exercise of the applicable renewal option.  If MEL gives the Renewal Notice, then Distributor shall have the option to reject such renewal by giving MEL written notice of such rejection (the “Rejection Notice”) within thirty (30) days of the date of MEL’s exercise of its right to renew the Agreement (the “Objection Period”).  If Distributor gives MEL the Rejection Notice within the Objection Period, then this Agreement shall not be renewed and shall expire at the end of the Initial Term or applicable Additional Term, as the case may be.  If Distributor fails to give

 

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MEL the Rejection Notice within the Objection Period, then this Agreement shall be deemed to have been renewed (and the applicable Additional Term shall commence) with effect from the end of the Objection Period. Without prejudice to Distributor’s right to reject MEL’s renewal as provided above, if MEL reasonably determines that it is necessary or desirable that the parties execute an additional agreement or instrument in order for the provisions of Sections 2(a), 2(b) and 21 to be valid and enforceable, then the parties agree to execute such documents as may reasonably be required to give effect to the foregoing.  A “Contract Year” means any calendar year during the Term and the period from the Commencement Date until the close of business on December 31st of the calendar year in which the Commencement Date falls.  The Initial Term and any Additional Terms are collectively referred to as the “Term.”

 

12.       Termination.

 

a.         Termination for Cause.

 

i.          Termination By Either Party.  Without prejudice to its other rights and remedies under this Agreement and those rights and remedies otherwise available in equity or at law, either party may terminate this Agreement on the occurrence of one or more of the following:

 

A.        Breach.  A party’s material breach of a provision of this Agreement and failure to cure such breach within thirty (30) days after receiving written notice describing such breach in reasonable detail from the non-breaching party; provided, however, if such breach is of a nature that it cannot reasonably be cured within thirty (30) days, then the breaching party shall have an additional forty-five (45) day period to cure such breach, providing it immediately commences, and thereafter diligently prosecutes, in good faith, its Best Efforts to cure such breach.  In the event that either MEL or Distributor exercises its right to terminate this Agreement in accordance with this Section 12(a)(i)(A), the breaching party shall be obligated to pay the other party a severance payment measured as a genuine pre-estimate of the other party’s losses and not as a penalty (the “Breach Severance Payment”) in the amount calculated as follows: Distributor’s “average gross profit per case” (as defined below) multiplied by the number of cases of Products sold by Distributor during the most recently completed twelve (12) month period ended on the last day of the month preceding the month in which this Agreement is terminated.  Distributor’s “average gross profit per case” shall mean Distributor’s actual selling price less (1) promotion allowances, discounts, free cases and allowance programs, and (2) Distributor’s laid in cost of the Products.

 

B.        Insolvency.  The other party (1) makes any general arrangement or assignment for the benefit of creditors, (2) becomes bankrupt, insolvent or a “debtor” as defined in 11 U.S.C. § 101, or any successor statute (unless such petition is dismissed within sixty (60) days after its original filing), (3) has appointed a trustee or receiver to take possession of substantially all of such party’s assets or interest in this Agreement (unless possession is restored to such party within sixty (60) days after such taking), or (4) has substantially all of such party’s assets or interest in this Agreement (unless such attachment, execution or judicial seizure is discharged within sixty (60) days after such attachment, execution or judicial seizure) attached, executed, or judicially seized.

 

C.        Agreement.  Mutual written agreement of the parties.

 

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D.        Deadlock.

 

(1)        If (a) the parties are unable to agree upon Performance Targets, Annual Business Plan or Minimum Distribution Levels, or (b) if Distributor has failed to achieve the applicable Performance Targets, Annual Business Plan or Minimum Distribution Levels or fails to comply with any specific requirements of Distributor under this Agreement, including Section 3 (Distributor’s Duties), Section 10 (Trade Marketing and Promotional Programs), Section 13(f) (sales velocity), and Section 13(g) (promotional activities), in any material respect, commencing with the [2015] Contract Year in accordance with Sections 13(b), 13(c) and 13(d) respectively, (clauses (a) and (b) above, collectively referred to as a “Deadlock”) then either party may, at any time after providing the other party with written notice identifying the specific issues resulting in the Deadlock and making a good faith attempt to resolve the Deadlock with the other party, but not more than three (3) times per twelve (12) month period, upon written notice to the other party (the “Meet and Confer Notice”), require that representatives of the other party’s senior management meet and confer with representatives of the notifying party’s senior management at the dates, times and place reasonably agreed by the parties.  Such meet and confer shall begin no later than seven (7) days after the other party’s receipt of such Meet and Confer Notice and shall end no later than fifteen (15) days after the other party’s receipt of such Meet and Confer Notice (the “Initial Meeting Period”).  Representatives of the parties’ senior management shall meet and confer during such Initial Meeting Period until (x) resolution of the Deadlock to the parties’ mutual satisfaction or (y) conclusion of the Initial Meeting Period, whichever occurs first.

 

(2)        If the parties are unable to resolve the Deadlock in accordance with Section 12(a)(i)(D)(1) above, then either party may, at any time after the Initial Meeting Period, upon written notice to the other party and to KO (the “Second Meet and Confer Notice”), require representatives of the other party’s senior management and representatives of management of the applicable KO business unit (and/or at MEL’s reasonable request, such other representative of senior management of KO), to meet and confer with representatives of the notifying party’s senior management at the dates, times and place reasonably agreed by MEL, Distributor and KO (including via videoconference or teleconference).  Such meet and confer shall begin no later than seven (7) days after the other party’s and KO’s receipt of such Second Meet and Confer Notice and shall end no later than twenty-one (21) days after the other party’s and KO’s receipt of such Second Meet and Confer Notice (the “Second Meeting Period”).  Representatives of the parties’ and the applicable KO business unit’s senior management (and/or at MEL’s reasonable request, such other representative of senior management of KO), shall meet and confer during such Second Meeting Period until (x) resolution of the Deadlock to the parties’ and KO’s satisfaction or (y) conclusion of the Second Meeting Period, whichever occurs first. For the avoidance of doubt and without limiting Section 12(a)(i)(D)(5) below, in the event that, after KO’s receipt of the Second Meet and Confer Notice, such representative of KO’s applicable business unit does not participate in accordance with the foregoing, MEL shall have the option of waiving such requirement that such KO representative participate and proceeding with the Second Meeting Period without a KO representative.

 

(3)        If, after the Second Meeting Period, the parties are unable to resolve the Deadlock in accordance with Section 12(a)(i)(D)(1) and Section 12(a)(i)(D)(2) above, then the Deadlock shall be resolved by reference as follows:

 

(x)        Reference proceedings may be commenced by either party by giving the other party written notice thereof.  Any such reference shall take place before a single referee only in Orange County, California or via videoconference or teleconference.  The referee

 

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shall be an experienced industry expert selected jointly by the parties, or if they cannot agree on a referee within ten (10) days from the commencement of the reference proceedings, then, upon the petition of either party, the experienced industry expert shall be appointed within ten (10) days by the American Beverage Association.

 

(y)        The Deadlock shall be submitted to the referee within ten (10) days after the referee is appointed.  No discovery will be permitted and no hearing will be held, except such informal proceedings as the referee may require.  Each party shall submit to the referee and the other party within such ten (10) day period such written information and statements as that party deems appropriate in support of its claim not exceeding five (5) pages in length (excluding exhibits), together with such information as the referee may require.  Each party shall concurrently submit to the referee and exchange with each other its last and best position with respect to each separate issue subject to Deadlock (“Position”) to resolve the Deadlock.  Within fourteen (14) days of the date that the parties were required to submit their respective written submissions, the referee shall select one of the two written Positions submitted with respect to each separate issue subject to Deadlock, without change or modification.

 

(z)        Each party shall pay one-half of the referee’s fees and otherwise bear its own costs associated with the reference proceeding; provided, that the party whose Position is not selected by the referee (the “Non-Prevailing Party”) shall not be obligated to reimburse the party whose position was selected by the referee (the “Prevailing Party”) for the referee’s fees and costs relating to the proceeding paid by such party.

 

(4)        The Non-Prevailing Party shall have no right to terminate this Agreement or seek any other remedy with respect to the issue for which it was the Non-Prevailing Party, and the Position selected by the referee shall be binding upon the parties.

 

(5)        Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Section 12(a)(i)(D), the parties acknowledge and agree that:

 

(x) the failure of KO or its applicable business unit’s senior management to attend or participate in, or otherwise perform, all or any of the duties, functions or activities described above will not affect the validity or enforceability of any part or result of the procedure in this Section 12(a)(i)(D).

 

(y) If either party is the Prevailing Party two consecutive times in any twelve (12) month period for any issue resulting in a Deadlock, then, after providing at least five (5) days written notice to KO, with a copy to KO’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of MEL’s intention to terminate this Agreement (if MEL is the Prevailing Party), such Prevailing Party shall have the option to terminate this Agreement upon thirty (30) days written notice to the other party; provided that if MEL is such terminating party, MEL shall pay Distributor a Breach Severance Payment (and neither party shall be liable by reason of such termination of this Agreement or Deadlock pursuant to this Section 12(a)(i)(D) for payment of any other amount, including, without limitation, for compensation, reimbursement or damages of whatsoever nature including for loss of prospective compensation or earnings, goodwill or loss thereof, or expenditures, investments, leases of any type or commitment or type of commitment made in connection with the business of either party or in reliance on the existence of the Agreement).

 

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(z) If the Non-Prevailing Party materially fails to comply with the Position selected by the referee within a sixty (60) day period (or, if the Non-Prevailing Party cannot reasonably comply with such Position within such sixty (60) days, an extended period of no longer than an additional four (4) months) following such selection, then, after providing at least five (5) days written notice to KO (with a copy to KO’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer) of the Prevailing Party’s intention to terminate this Agreement, the Prevailing Party may, without prejudice to any other rights or remedies available to it under this Agreement or applicable law, give notice of such breach in accordance with, and thereafter invoke the remedy provided under, Section 12(a)(i)(A) above; provided that neither party shall be required to pay a Breach Severance Payment in such event (and neither party shall be liable by reason of such termination of this Agreement or Deadlock pursuant to this Section 12(a)(i)(D) for payment of any other amount, including, without limitation, for compensation, reimbursement or damages of whatsoever nature including for loss of prospective compensation or earnings, goodwill or loss thereof, or expenditures, investments, leases of any type or commitment or type of commitment made in connection with the business of either party or in reliance on the existence of the Agreement).

 

(6)        Nothing contained in this Section 12(a)(i)(D) shall be construed as limiting, restricting or delaying either party’s ability to exercise its rights and/or remedies under Section 12(a)(i)(A) above.

 

ii.         Termination by MEL.  MEL may terminate this Agreement at any time:

 

A.        Upon written notice, and such termination will be effective immediately upon Distributor’s receipt of such notice, (x) if Distributor sells, assigns, delegates or transfers any of its rights and obligations under this Agreement without having obtained MEL’s prior written consent thereto (which consent may be withheld in MEL’s sole discretion), provided that MEL shall not withhold its consent if such sale, assignment, delegation or transfer is (1) to a Primary KO Distributor (as defined below), (2) to KO or an Affiliate of KO, or (3) a result of an Approved Change of Control (as defined below), or (y) if there is any material change in the control of Distributor or Distributor sells all or substantially all of its assets without the prior written consent of MEL, other than if such material change in control or sale is (1) to a Primary KO Distributor, (2) to KO or an Affiliate of KO, or (3) to any Person to the extent Distributor remains a Primary KO Distributor.  “Primary KO Distributor” means a KO Distributor holding the exclusive right to distribute (or that otherwise is the primary distributor of) Coca-Cola brand products in an applicable territory. “Approved Change of Control” means any change of control of Distributor or sale of all or substantially all of Distributor’s assets that is consented to by MEL or for which MEL’s consent is not required hereunder.

 

B.        Upon the occurrence of an MEC Change of Control (as defined in the International Distribution Coordination Agreement), MEL shall have the option to terminate (1) this Agreement in its entirety (a “Complete Termination”) or (2) if the Territory comprises more than one market, Distributor’s right to sell Products in a portion of the Territory (a “Partial Territory Termination”), which option may be exercised within sixty (60) days of the occurrence of such MEC Change of Control, by written notice by MEL to Distributor.  Any such termination shall be effective upon Distributor’s receipt of MEL’s written notice of termination.  MEL’s right to terminate this Agreement under this Section 12(a)(ii)(B) shall be MEL’s sole right to terminate this Agreement for an MEC Change of Control and independent of any other rights or remedies of MEL under this Agreement.

 

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(x)        In the event of a Complete Termination, MEL or its successor, as the case may be, shall pay to Distributor an amount equal to a Breach Severance Payment calculated in accordance with Section 12(a)(i)(A) above (the “Product Severance Payment”).

 

(y)        In the event of a Partial Territory Termination, MEL or its successor, as the case may be, shall pay to Distributor a severance payment with respect to the Products which are the subject of the termination, calculated on the same basis as the Breach Severance Payment in accordance with Section 12(a)(i)(A) above, but only with respect to that portion of the Territory which is the subject of the Partial Territory Termination (the “Territory Severance Payment”).

 

(z)        Any Product Severance Payment or Territory Severance Payment payable by MEL to Distributor in accordance with Section 12(a)(ii)(B)(x) or 12(a)(ii)(B)(y) shall be paid by MEL to Distributor within thirty (30) days of the later of (I) the date of the applicable termination, and (II) MEL’s receipt of all information reasonably necessary to support computation of the Product Severance Payment or Territory Severance Payment, as the case may be, in a form and substance satisfactory to MEL.

 

iii.        [INTENTIONALLY OMITTED]

 

iv.        Termination Upon the Occurrence of Certain Changes.  If, after the Effective Date, a change in legal or regulatory conditions in the Territory occurs including, without limitation, any change in any applicable law, regulation or order, or the interpretation of any law, regulation or order in the Territory which has had or would be reasonably expected to (A) have a material adverse effect on the business of distributing Products in that Territory, (B) prevent Distributor from legally obtaining foreign exchange to remit abroad payment for the Products; or (C) result in any part of this Agreement ceasing to be in conformity with the laws or regulations applicable in the Territory and, as a result thereof, or as a result of any other laws affecting this Agreement, any one of the material provisions of this Agreement cannot be legally performed and/or the Products cannot be stored, transported, handled, distributed or sold in accordance with this Agreement, either party may, upon written notice, suspend or terminate the parties’ respective rights and obligations under this Agreement solely with respect to (1) the affected Products in the Territory, or, (2) to the extent such change and conditions affects the business of distribution of all or substantially all of the Products in the Territory, all Products in the affected portion of the Territory without liability for damages; provided that neither MEL nor any of its Affiliates shall be permitted to sell any such Products subject to suspension or termination in the affected Territory without first providing Distributor the option to remove the cause for such suspension or re-enter into the Agreement with respect to such Products and Territory.  In the event of any such suspension that materially adversely effects Distributor’s benefits or obligations hereunder, Distributor shall have the option to terminate this Agreement in its entirety upon written notice to MEL.

 

b.         Optional Termination.  MEL shall have the right to terminate this Agreement upon written notice to Distributor (i) in the event of termination or expiration of the International Distribution Coordination Agreement pursuant to and in accordance with its terms and/or (ii) if Distributor is no longer a party to any agreement with KO regarding the distribution of Coca-Cola brand products in the Territory.  Neither KO, MEL nor Distributor shall be liable to any other party or otherwise obligated to pay to any other party any severance payment or other amount by reason of

 

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such termination for compensation, reimbursement or damages of whatsoever nature including, for (A) loss of prospective compensation or earnings, (B) goodwill or loss thereof, or (C) expenditures, investments, leases of any type or commitment or type of commitment made in connection with the business of either party or in reliance on the existence of this Agreement, other than any fees required to be paid by MEL pursuant to the International Distribution Coordination Agreement.

 

c.         International Distribution Coordination Agreement.  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, MEL shall not have the right to terminate this Agreement with respect to any action or circumstance approved by MEL pursuant to Section 4.8 of the International Distribution Coordination Agreement, unless KO consents to such termination in writing in advance.

 

d.         Sole Remedy.

 

i.          The Breach Severance Payment, Product Severance Payment and/or the Territory Severance Payment payable by MEL to Distributor, pursuant to the provisions of this Section 12, if any, and MEL’s repurchase of Distributor’s inventory of Products, advertising materials and MEL Equipment pursuant to Section 12(e)(iv) below, or Distributor’s right to sell such inventory if not so repurchased by MEL, shall constitute Distributor’s sole and exclusive remedy for the termination or non-renewal of this Agreement, including, without limitation, in the case of a breach and shall be in lieu of all other claims that Distributor may have against MEL as a result thereof.  Without in any way detracting from or limiting the provisions of Sections 12(e)(iii) and 12(e)(v) below and, in addition thereto, under no circumstances shall MEL be liable to Distributor by reason of the termination or non-renewal of this Agreement for compensation, reimbursement or damages of whatsoever nature including, without limitation, for (A) loss of prospective compensation or earnings, (B) goodwill or loss thereof, or (C) expenditures, investments, leases of any type or commitment or type of commitment made in connection with the business of Distributor or in reliance on the existence of this Agreement.

 

ii.         The Breach Severance Payment payable by Distributor to MEL pursuant to the provisions of this Section 12, if any, and MEL’s repurchase of Distributor’s inventory of Products, advertising materials and MEL Equipment pursuant to Section 12(e)(iv) below, or Distributor’s right to sell such inventory if not so repurchased by MEL, shall constitute MEL’s sole and exclusive remedy for the termination or non-renewal of this Agreement, including, without limitation, in the case of a breach and shall be in lieu of all other claims that MEL may have against Distributor as a result thereof.  Without in any way detracting from or limiting the provisions of Sections 12(e)(iii) and 12(e)(v) below and, in addition thereto, under no circumstances shall Distributor be liable to MEL by reason of the termination or non-renewal of this Agreement for compensation, reimbursement or damages of whatsoever nature including, without limitation, for (A) loss of prospective compensation or earnings, (B) goodwill or loss thereof, or (C) expenditures, investments, leases of any type or commitment or type of commitment made in connection with the business of MEL or in reliance on the existence of this Agreement.

 

e.         Other Terms Pertaining to Termination.  In the event of the termination of this Agreement for any reason whatsoever (and whether such termination is due to the breach of any of the provisions of this Agreement by any party and/or itself is in breach of the Agreement or otherwise):

 

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i.          MEL shall have the right to cancel all of Distributor’s purchase orders for affected Products accepted but remaining unfilled as of the date of termination;

 

ii.         All amounts payable by Distributor to MEL or by MEL to Distributor shall be accelerated and shall immediately become due unless such termination results from the other’s breach of this Agreement;

 

iii.        Except for the sole remedy provisions in Sections 12(d)(i) and (ii), neither party shall be liable to the other party in contract, tort or on any other theory of liability for any damage, loss, cost or expense (whether general, special, indirect, incidental, consequential or punitive) suffered, incurred or claimed by the other party as a result of or related to such breach and/or termination (even if the termination results from a breach and the breaching party has been advised of the possibility of such damages), including, without limitation, loss of anticipated profits or goodwill, loss of or damage to goodwill or business reputation or any loss of investments or payments made by either party in anticipation of performing under this Agreement;

 

iv.        MEL and Distributor shall each have the option, exercisable upon written notice to the other within thirty (30) days after the date of termination hereof, to cause MEL to (A) repurchase all affected Products in Distributor’s inventory and current advertising materials (providing such Products and advertising materials are in saleable condition) at the prices paid or payable for such Products by Distributor (less any freight and insurance charges), F.O.B., Distributor’s premises and (B) purchase all of Distributor’s right, title and interest in, and all applicable rights in, related to, or associated with, all MEL Equipment and the placement or location of such MEL Equipment at all Distributor’s customers’ locations or premises by Distributor at the fair market value of Distributor’s interest, if any, in each such item of MEL Equipment with no amount or compensation allocated to, or payable for, the maintenance, placement or location of the MEL Equipment;

 

v.         Any Breach Severance Payment, Product Severance Payment, or Territory Severance Payment (each, a “Severance Payment”) payable in accordance with this Agreement by either MEL or Distributor in the event of termination of this Agreement shall constitute reasonable liquidated damages and is not intended as a forfeiture or penalty.  MEL and Distributor agree that it would be impractical and extremely difficult to estimate the total detriment suffered by either party as a result of termination of this Agreement pursuant to this Section 12 or otherwise, and that under the circumstances existing as of the Effective Date, the applicable Severance Payment represents a reasonable estimate of the damages which either MEL or Distributor will incur as a result of such applicable termination.  Therefore, MEL and Distributor agree that a reasonable estimate of the total detriment that either party would suffer in the event of termination of this Agreement pursuant to this Section 12 or otherwise is an amount equal to the applicable Severance Payment.  The foregoing provision shall not waive or affect either party’s indemnity obligations or the parties’ respective rights to enforce those indemnity obligations under this Agreement, or waive or affect either party’s obligations with respect to any other provision of this Agreement which by its terms survives the termination of this Agreement;

 

vi.        Distributor acknowledges and agrees that the payment of any Severance Payment by MEL to Distributor shall be conditional upon (A) Distributor cooperating in good faith with MEL in effecting a smooth transition of or otherwise transferring any distribution or similar rights under this Agreement to MEL (as determined is appropriate by MEL), or in MEL’s sole discretion, to a

 

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third party distributor appointed by MEL, provided that MEL may only withhold payment of such Severance Payment if Distributor materially fails to comply with specific requests of MEL to take actions that are reasonably required to effect such transition and would not impose material costs on Distributor (except to the extent MEL reimburses the same), (B) Distributor, at MEL’s request and expense, taking such reasonable action as is necessary to terminate Distributor’s registration as MEL’s distributor, and/or an authorized importer of Products and/or holder of any health certificate and/or import permit with respect to the Products, with any Governmental Entity, in each case subject to applicable law and (C) Distributor performing its obligations under Section 12(g)(i) below in all material respects.  Distributor shall cooperate in good faith with MEL in assigning or otherwise transferring to MEL (as determined is appropriate by MEL), or in MEL’s sole discretion, to a third party distributor, any such registration or approval including, without limitation, any licenses, permits, certificates, and governmental approvals (or the functional equivalent in the Territory) that Distributor may have acquired in connection with carrying out its obligations under this Agreement.  MEL shall not invoke the right to withhold payment of any Severance Payment unless MEL shall have given Distributor at least twenty (20) days written notice of its failure to perform any of its obligations set forth in this Section 12(e)(vi) and Distributor has failed to cure such failure during such twenty (20) days; and

 

vii.       Upon any notice of termination of this Agreement provided in accordance with the terms hereof and during the applicable notice period, nothing in this Agreement shall be deemed to prohibit MEL, in its sole discretion from negotiating and/or granting distribution rights to any third party or engage directly in transactions concerning the sale and distribution of the Products in the Territory.

 

f.          Continued Supply of Products After Termination.  In the event MEL continues to supply Products to Distributor for any reason following the termination of this Agreement, Distributor acknowledges and agrees that any such action shall not constitute a waiver of MEL’s rights under this Agreement or a reinstatement, renewal or continuation of the Term of this Agreement.  MEL and Distributor agree that if MEL continues to supply Products to Distributor following the termination of this Agreement, (i) Distributor shall not actively seek or solicit customers for the Products outside the Territory or any customers located within the Territory other than Distributor’s Accounts, (ii) Distributor shall promptly pay the prices of the Products in full (without deduction or set-off for any reason) in accordance with the payment terms set forth in MEL’s invoice, and (iii) MEL shall have the right, in its sole discretion, to discontinue supplying Products to Distributor at any time, without notice to Distributor.

 

g.         Distributor’s Obligations After Notice of Termination.

 

i.          During any period after either party gives the other notice of termination of this Agreement and until actual termination of this Agreement, Distributor shall (A) continue to perform all of Distributor’s obligations under this Agreement, including without limitation, all of Distributor’s obligations under Section 3 above, (B) not cause or permit the Products or the Trademarks to be prejudiced in any manner, (C) not eliminate, reduce or replace the listings, shelf space, positioning and/or other benefits enjoyed by the Products, (D) continue to conduct its business relating to the distribution and sale of Products in the ordinary course and consistent with its prior practices including, without limitation, by not purchasing more inventory than customarily purchased by Distributor of Products [or offering its customers prices, terms or benefits not customarily offered by Distributor such

 

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as discounts, rebates or sales promotion allowances (except to the extent permitted hereunder)][NTD: TO BE OMITTED FROM EU AGREEMENTS], and (E) generally cooperate with MEL in relation to the transition to any new distributor appointed by MEL for the Territory.

 

ii.         For a period of thirty (30) days after termination of this Agreement for any reason, Distributor shall not tortiously interfere with any listings, shelf space, or positioning for the Products.

 

13.       Annual Business Plan; Minimum Distribution Levels; Promotion.

 

a.         During the Term, MEL shall have primary responsibility for the overall global branding and positioning of the Products, as well as brand and image Marketing for the Products, in such form and manner and of such nature and to such extent as may be determined by MEL in its sole and absolute discretion from time to time (Global Branding and Marketing).  Distributor acknowledges and agrees that MEL makes no express or implied warranty, representation or covenant relating to or in connection with any Global Branding and Marketing activities, including without limitation, as to the value, performance, extent, effectiveness, quantity, quality, success or results of any such activities or the lack thereof.  Except as set forth in Section 19 below, Distributor shall not have any claim against MEL and its Affiliates and hereby releases MEL and its Affiliates from all and any claims by, and liability to, Distributor of any nature for their failure to market and promote, or adequately market and promote, the Products or arising from or relating to or in connection with any Global Branding and Marketing activities procured, provided or performed by MEL and/or its Affiliates or MEL’s and/or its Affiliates’ failure to procure, provide or perform such activities.

 

b.         Not less than sixty (60) days before the end of each Contract Year, MEL and Distributor shall mutually review the conditions of the marketplace, Distributor’s efforts to achieve sales and its results, including year over year performance, as well as a proposed annual sales, promotion, and trade marketing plan (Annual Business Plan) for the next Contract Year prepared by Distributor.  Such review shall include discussion on marketing efforts and proposed programs to be implemented to improve the distribution and/or sales velocity of the very lowest selling (measured by sales velocity) SKU/s of Products, if appropriate, and/or the possible deletion from distribution, if appropriate, of the very lowest selling (measured by sales velocity) SKU/s of Products but in accordance with and subject to the provisions of Section 13(f) below.  Such Annual Business Plan shall cover such matters as may be appropriate including specific account placement performance objectives, merchandising goals, specific account and channel objectives for specified distribution channels, distribution goals, a sales and marketing spending plan and a strategy for maximizing sales and growth of market share. Additionally, if the Territory has an ethnic market or concentration, the Annual Business Plan shall address such specific ethnic segments, including retail promotions, point-of-sale allocations and special events for ethnic segments. The Annual Business Plan shall not detract from the provisions of Section 10 above.  Distributor shall use Best Efforts to implement such Annual Business Plan in the following Contract Year in accordance with Section 3(f) above.

 

c.         Not less than sixty (60) days before the end of the then-current Contract Year, MEL and Distributor shall mutually agree, in writing, on minimum distribution levels to be achieved and maintained by Distributor for each of the Products throughout the next Contract Year (the Minimum Distribution Levels).  Should the parties have failed, for whatsoever reason, to mutually agree upon the Minimum Distribution Levels to be achieved and maintained by Distributor for each of the

 

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Products throughout the next Contract Year, the same shall be determined by reference to the process described in Section 13(d) below.  The parties shall perform all of their respective obligations under this Section except that Distributor shall not be obligated to achieve and maintain the Minimum Distribution Levels until the expiration of the six (6) month period immediately following the Commencement Date of this Agreement.  A commercially reasonable representation of SKUs of Products shall be required to be in distribution throughout the year in reasonable positioning on shelves, which shall take into account retailer willingness to sell all of the SKUs of Products, shelf space limitations and other commercially reasonable factors that may be applicable in the market.

 

d.         MEL and Distributor shall also agree in writing to performance targets to be achieved and maintained by Distributor for the forthcoming calendar year of this Agreement (collectively, the “Performance Targets”).  For the avoidance of doubt, neither Minimum Distribution Levels nor Performance Targets will include volume requirements.  If the parties are unable to agree to the Performance Targets or Minimum Distribution Levels for any Contract Year commencing with the [2015] Contract Year and at least *** days prior to the commencement of each such Contract Year, then such disagreement shall be resolved pursuant to the procedure provided in Section 12(a)(i)(D) above.

 

e.         The Minimum Distribution Levels for the Products that shall be required to be achieved and maintained by Distributor for the Products shall be reduced to the extent only that actual distribution levels are eroded as a direct result of (i) MEL’s failure to deliver Products in accordance with this Agreement, (ii) MEL’s failure to reimburse all costs pursuant to Section 13(g)(iv) below or (iii) MEL’s failure to contribute its agreed share of the parties funding obligation as set forth in Section 13(g)(iii).

 

f.          In every calendar year commencing [2016], the parties agree to periodically meet in order to discuss performance of the lowest selling SKU/s of Products and to delete from distribution in the Territory any SKU/s the parties mutually agree in writing, provided that MEL will not unreasonably withhold its approval to the deletion of any applicable SKU/s. MEL may withhold its approval to deletion of any SKU/s if any applicable SKU/s has/have sufficient sales velocity or is or are capable of delivering sufficient sales velocity in any one or more of Distributor’s Accounts or any one or more regions or countries, as the case may be, to make such SKU/s economically viable to continue in distribution in such one or more of Distributor’s Accounts or in any one or more regions or countries, as the case may be.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, unless mutually agreed in writing, in no event shall more than *** percent *** of the total number of SKUs, rounded down to the nearest whole number (unless *** percent *** of the total number of SKUs is less than one (1) but more than 0.5, in which case the number will be rounded up to one (1)), be deleted from distribution in any rolling *** period.

 

g.         Promotional activities shall be regulated as follows:

 

i.          The estimated costs of promotional activities shall be allocated as set forth in Exhibit E between MEL and Distributor thirty (30) days prior to the commencement of a calendar year on a cost per-case basis of Products.

 

*** Indicates portions of this exhibit have been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to a request for confidential treatment.

 

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ii.         The promotional activities costs are to be shared between Distributor and MEL as set forth in Exhibit E.  The parties agree that the costs for the promotional activities shall be reconciled each quarter and that the estimate for the costs of promotional activities in the subsequent quarter may be adjusted provided there is mutual agreement.

 

iii.        MEL and Distributor shall periodically meet and may mutually agree to promotional activities including further programs and campaigns not included in the promotional activities contemplated in Exhibit E. The promotional activities costs that are so agreed to between the parties shall be shared between, and paid by, Distributor and MEL as may be agreed in writing from time to time.

 

iv.        If and to the extent previously approved by MEL in writing, MEL shall reimburse or credit Distributor for all of Distributor’s actual out-of-pocket expenses paid or incurred by Distributor in relation to the promotional and trade marketing of Products not otherwise provided for and/or dealt with pursuant to Section 13(g)(i), (ii) and (iii) above.

 

v.         Distributor shall continue its business in the ordinary course including the provision, utilization, and maintenance of coolers, other refrigeration equipment, and vending machines (including without limitation as provided in Section 3(t) above).  Distributor shall be responsible for creating marketing materials for submission to MEL for its final written approval.  Distributor shall not use marketing materials unless approved by MEL in writing; provided that if MEL does not notify Distributor that it objects to any suggested marketing materials within fifteen (15) days after receipt of such materials from Distributor, MEL shall be deemed to have approved such suggested marketing materials.

 

14.       Distribution Accounts and MMM Accounts.

 

a.         Distributor and its sub-distributors shall have the primary (except as specified in Exhibit C) relationship with retail and other customers throughout the Territory and shall be responsible for negotiating the terms of sale of the Products within the Territory; provided that without detracting from the foregoing, MEL may, in its sole and absolute discretion, elect to exercise the right to assume some or all of the elements in the primary relationship with any Large Accounts. For the purposes of this Agreement, “Large Account” mean any large accounts having multiple outlets within the Territory, which may include MMM Accounts. Such rights shall include, without limitation, the right to provide input to Distributor and its sub-distributors regarding sales strategy and other matters as well as to provide sales, marketing, promotional and merchandising support and programs to retail and other customers as well as the right to meet directly with and make presentations to retail and other customers within the Territory as may be appropriate from time to time; and provided further that MEL will advise Distributor of such meetings beforehand to the extent practicable and Distributor shall be entitled to accompany MEL to the meetings.  Additionally, MEL may (i) accompany, assist and support Distributor and/or its sub-distributors from time to time on sales calls to Distributor Accounts in the Territory and to make independent calls on Large Accounts, (ii) to the extent KO extends an invite to MEL with respect to specific system-wide KO bottler meetings that relate in any part to Energy Drinks, attend such part of such meetings relating to Energy Drinks, and (iii) arrange, coordinate and administer a sales trip incentive program at least once per year.  For the sake of clarity, MEL shall not offer or agree terms of supply and/or terms of sale of the Products within the Territory

 

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to any of Distributor’s Accounts without the prior agreement of Distributor (subject to Section 14(c) below), which agreement will not be unreasonably withheld.

 

b.         MEL shall have the right to attend and participate in regular performance review meetings with Distributor to facilitate efficient marketing and distribution of Products.  Without detracting from the foregoing, Distributor will not oppose any additional actions the adoption of which are considered by MEL as necessary and justified in order to protect and improve the sales and distribution system for the Products, including, but not limited to those actions which might be adopted concerning the supply of large or special customers whose field of activity transcends the boundaries of the Territory.

 

c.         “MMM Accounts” shall mean multi-market major accounts having multiple outlets in one or more market/s and/or country/ies in any territories for which Distributor has distribution rights for the applicable Products and/or having multiple outlets in one or more market/s and/or country/ies outside of the territories in which Distributor has distribution rights for the applicable Products.  The parties recognize that it is in their respective interests to work together to formulate the approach to be followed by them jointly or separately with various customers and/or channels of trade, including MMM Accounts, from time to time, both to take advantage of a coordinated approach and to avoid the negative impact of a lack of coordination.  MEL and Distributor therefore agree that an aligned customer/channel approach is a key part of each Annual Business Plan and that they will engage in regular communication to adopt such plans as well as to deal with further opportunities that may arise from time to time during each calendar year, so as to avoid either party acting in an uncoordinated way towards customers.  Subject to Section 14(a) above, if MEL deems it desirable for Products to be sold to any MMM Account, MEL shall be entitled, in its discretion, to make arrangements directly with such MMM Account including the terms of sale of Products to the MMM Account and the MMM Pricing (as defined below), which shall take into account the prices and funding then offered by Distributor and its sub-distributors to MMM Accounts and similar categories of customers, in the Territory.  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, MEL shall be entitled to determine the business relationship with MMM Accounts, including, without limitation, the pricing offered to such MMM Accounts, which may be single pricing, multiple pricing or different pricing for (a) different customers in different territories or markets, or parts of different territories or markets, (b) the same customer in the same territory or market, or parts of such territory or market and/or (c) the same customer in different territories or markets, or parts of such territories or markets (the “MMM Pricing”).  To the extent feasible, MEL will consult with Distributor with respect to the MMM Pricing.  MEL shall use commercially reasonable efforts to arrange for all outlets of any such MMM Account within the Territory to be serviced by Distributor and/or its sub-distributors and for delivery of the Products and other arrangements with regard thereto, to be made directly by Distributor and its sub-distributors or their warehouse system.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, should the MMM Account concerned not agree to its outlets within the Territory being serviced by Distributor or should Distributor elect not to service such outlets, MEL shall be entitled to service the outlets directly.  In the event MEL services the outlets directly, MEL shall bear sole liability and responsibility related to such MMM Account and MEL shall pay to Distributor, during the remaining Term of this Agreement, an amount equal to *** percent *** of Distributor’s “average gross profit per case” per Product case SKU sold to and calculated with respect to MMM Accounts in the channel in question but otherwise in

 

*** Indicates portions of this exhibit have been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to a request for confidential treatment.

 

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accordance with the provisions of Section 12(a)(i)(A) above (or based on MEL’s actual selling price of such Product case SKU if such Product case SKU is not sold by Distributor), for each case of such Product case SKU sold by MEL to the outlets concerned [(but only on the excess of the amount by which the aggregate cases of such Product case SKU/s sold to such outlets in the Territory during each Contract Year exceeds the number of cases set forth on Exhibit F or the number of cases reduced pro rata for any period of less than one year)], within a reasonable time after receipt by MEL of all information necessary for the computation of the amount due under this Section 14, but in no event more frequently than twice per calendar year.  For the purposes of this Agreement, the number of cases of Product case SKU/s sold by MEL to the outlets during any period shall be the actual number of cases reasonably determined by MEL, or if not determined by MEL then as determined by multiplying the total number of cases of Product case SKU/s sold by MEL directly to such MMM Account or regional division of such MMM Account, as the case may be, during the period concerned, by a fraction, the numerator of which shall be the number of outlets within the Territory and the denominator of which shall be the total number of outlets that the MMM Account has anywhere in the world participating in the applicable program.

 

15.       Exclusion of Damages.

 

a.         EXCEPT FOR DAMAGES DIRECTLY RESULTING FROM INDEMNITY OBLIGATIONS PROVIDED IN SECTION 19, WITHOUT IN ANY WAY DETRACTING FROM OR LIMITING THE PROVISIONS OF SECTIONS 12(d), 12(e)(iii) AND/OR 12(e)(v) ABOVE AND, IN ADDITION THERETO, NEITHER PARTY SHALL BE LIABLE FOR ANY CONSEQUENTIAL, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, OR EXEMPLARY DAMAGES (INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, DAMAGES FOR LOSS OF PROFITS, LOSS OF GOODWILL, BUSINESS INTERRUPTION, LOSS OF BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY, OR ANY OTHER PECUNIARY LOSS) SUFFERED BY THE OTHER RELATED TO OR ARISING OUT OF THIS AGREEMENT, THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED BY THIS AGREEMENT, AND/OR THE USE OF OR INABILITY TO USE OR SELL THE PRODUCTS, AND/OR FROM ANY OTHER CAUSE WHATSOEVER, EVEN IF IT HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.

 

b.         EACH AND EVERY PROVISION OF THIS AGREEMENT WHICH PROVIDES FOR A LIMITATION OF LIABILITY OR WARRANTIES, DISCLAIMER, OR EXCLUSION OF DAMAGES, IS EXPRESSLY INTENDED TO BE SEVERABLE AND INDEPENDENT FROM ANY OTHER PROVISION, SINCE THOSE PROVISIONS REPRESENT SEPARATE ELEMENTS OF RISK ALLOCATION BETWEEN THE PARTIES, AND SHALL BE SEPARATELY ENFORCED.

 

16.       Distributor’s Representations and Warranties.  Distributor represents and warrants to MEL that (a) it has the right and lawful authority to enter into this Agreement, and (b) the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement will not cause or require Distributor to breach any obligation to, or agreement or confidence with, any other Person.

 

17.       MEL’s Representations and Warranties.

 

a.         MEL represents and warrants to Distributor that (i) it has the right and lawful authority to enter into this Agreement, and (ii) the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement will

 

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not cause or require MEL to breach any obligation to, or agreement or confidence with, any other Person.

 

b.         MEL warrants that all Products, all food additives in the Products, and all substances for use in, with, or for the Products, comprising each shipment or other delivery hereby made by MEL to, or on the order of, Distributor are hereby guaranteed as of the date of delivery to be, on such date, (i) for Products imported by Distributor from the United States, not adulterated or misbranded within the meaning of the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act, as amended, including the Food Additives Amendment of 1958 (the Act) and are not articles which may not under the provisions of Sections 404, 505, or 512 of the Act, be introduced into interstate commerce, and (ii) for all Products supplied by MEL to Distributor (whether or not imported from the United States) to be in compliance with all health, safety, and labeling standards and specifications imposed by law, regulation or order in the Territory in which the Products will be sold by Distributor and which are applicable to the Products.

 

c.         MEL warrants that all Products shall be merchantable.

 

d.         Distributor’s sole and exclusive remedy for MEL’s breach of MEL’s representations in Sections 17(b) and 17(c) above shall be as provided for in Section 19(b) below.

 

18.       Limitation of Warranty.  MEL MAKES NO REPRESENTATIONS OR WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED (INCLUDING THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF NON-INFRINGEMENT, MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE) EXCEPT THOSE SET FORTH IN SECTION 17 ABOVE.

 

19.       Indemnification.

 

a.         Distributor shall indemnify, defend, and hold harmless MEL and its officers, directors, agents, employees, shareholders, legal representatives, successors and assigns, and each of them, from loss, liability, costs, damages, or expenses from any and all claims, actions and suits, instituted by any third party, whether groundless or otherwise, and from and against any and all third party claims, liabilities, judgments, losses, damages, costs, charges, attorney’s fees, and other expenses of every nature and character arising from the breach of Distributor’s express representations and warranties under this Agreement by Distributor or its agents, employees, subcontractors, sub-distributors or others acting on its behalf, provided that (i) MEL gives Distributor written notice of any indemnifiable claim and MEL does not settle any claim without Distributor’s prior written consent, and (ii) MEL does all things reasonably required by applicable law to mitigate the claim, loss, damage, liability, cost, suit, action, judgment or expense (including without limitation attorney’s fees) to the fullest possible extent.

 

b.         MEL shall indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Distributor and its officers, directors, agents, employees, shareholders, legal representatives, successors, assigns, and customers, and each of them, from loss, liability, costs, damages, or expenses from any and all claims, actions and suits instituted by any third party, whether groundless or otherwise, and from and against any and all such third party claims, liabilities, judgments, losses, damages, costs, charges, attorney’s fees, and other expenses of every nature and character and all Distributor’s direct documented costs to store, transport, test and destroy all unsellable Products and advertising materials arising from (i) the breach of MEL’s express representations and warranties under this Agreement or those of its agents, employees, subcontractors or others acting on its behalf, (ii) any impurity, adulteration, deterioration in or

 

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misbranding of any Products sold to Distributor by MEL, (iii) any prior distributor of Products in the Territory, (iv) any MEL marketing, advertising, promotion, labeling, Global Branding and Marketing, and the Trademarks, Copyrights, Patents, Know-How or other intellectual property relating to the Products, or (v) the fact that the Products (A) are not safe for the purposes for which goods of that kind are normally used or (B) do not comply with any applicable health, safety, or environmental laws, regulations, orders or standards imposed in the Territory; provided that (1) Distributor gives MEL written notice of any indemnifiable claim and Distributor does not settle any claim without MEL’s prior written consent, and (2) Distributor does all things reasonably required by applicable law to mitigate the claim, loss, damage, liability, cost, suit, action, judgment or expense (including without limitation attorney’s fees) to the fullest possible extent.

 

c.         If any action or proceeding is brought against Distributor, MEL or any other indemnified party under Section 19(a) or 19(b) (the Indemnified Party), the Indemnified Party shall promptly notify the party required to provide indemnification (the Indemnifying Party) in writing to that effect.  If the Indemnified Party fails to promptly notify the Indemnifying Party, the Indemnified Party shall be deemed to have waived any right of indemnification with respect to such claim to the extent (but only to the extent) any delay in such notice prejudices the Indemnifying Party’s ability to defend such action, suit or proceeding.  The Indemnifying Party shall have the right to defend such action or proceeding at the Indemnifying Party’s sole cost by counsel satisfactory to Indemnifying Party. If the Indemnifying Party fails to promptly defend or otherwise settle or finally resolve such action, suit or proceeding, Indemnified Party may defend such action, suit or proceeding using counsel selected by Indemnified Party, and the Indemnifying Party shall reimburse Indemnified Party for any resulting loss, damages, costs, charges, attorney’s fees, and other expenses and the related costs of defending such action, suit or proceeding.

 

d.         The parties agree that the provisions contained in this Section shall survive the termination or expiration of this Agreement.

 

20.       Insurance.  During the Term of this Agreement and for a period of two (2) years thereafter, MEL and Distributor agree to maintain policies of insurance of the nature and amounts specified below, which shall provide the other party as an additional insured (providing for a waiver of subrogation rights and endeavoring to provide for not less than thirty (30) days written notice of any modification or termination of coverage), and each party shall provide the other party with a certificate of insurance evidencing such insurance, in a form satisfactory to such party:

 

·

Commercial General Liability, including contractual liability coverage, with limits of at least $1,000,000 per occurrence; Bodily Injury and Property Damage / $1,000,000; Personal and Advertising Injury / $1,000,000; Products/Completed Operations / $2,000,000 General Aggregate.

 

 

·

Excess or Umbrella Liability with a limit of not less than $5,000,000 per occurrence over the insurance coverage described above.

 

 

·

Other statutory insurance required by the applicable laws of the Territory.

 

For any claims under this Agreement, the applicable party’s insurance shall be deemed to be primary and not contributing to or in excess of any similar coverage purchased by the other party.  All

 

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deductibles payable under an applicable policy shall be paid by the party responsible for purchasing such policy.   All such insurance shall be written by companies authorized to do business in the state or states where the work is to be performed and having at least the ratings of the respective parties current insurers, unless not obtainable at commercially reasonable rates in light of previous premiums.  The parties will ensure that the insurance policies obtained pursuant to this Section are effective and enforceable for any liability, claims or other insurable event arising in the Territory.

 

21.       Competing Products.  During the Term of this Agreement, Distributor shall not market, sell, manufacture, prepare, package, or distribute, directly or indirectly, or assist any third party in engaging in the business of manufacturing, marketing, selling, or distributing any Energy Drink/s or products reasonably likely to be confused with any of the Products in the Territory or reasonably likely to be perceived by consumers as confusingly similar to or be passed off as Products (“Competing Products”), except that Distributor may manufacture, prepare, package, market, sell and distribute and otherwise engage or assist any third party in engaging in the business of manufacturing, marketing, selling or distributing in the Territory Competing Products that: (a) are owned, marketed, sold or distributed by KO or an Affiliate of KO, or (b) were internally developed by KO or any of its Affiliates, in each case (a) and (b), to the extent KO is not otherwise prohibited from marketing, selling or distributing such Competing Products pursuant to a written agreement between MEL or MEC and KO.  If under the terms of any written agreement between MEL or MEC and KO, KO authorizes Distributor to sell Competing Products, then Distributor agrees that it shall be obligated at all times to allocate and devote at least such resources and efforts (in all material respects) to the promotion, marketing, sale, and distribution of the Products as are substantially proportional to the ratio that the volume of Distributor’s sales of Products bears to the volume of Distributor’s sales of Competing Products.

 

22.       Amendment.  Except to the extent otherwise expressly permitted by this Agreement, no amendment of, or addition to, this Agreement shall be effective unless reduced to a writing executed by the duly authorized representatives of both parties.  KO’s approval of any amendment shall be necessary with respect to an amendment, modification, addition or deletion (a) that would reasonably be expected to materially impact KO’s rights or benefits under this Agreement or the International Distribution Coordination Agreement, or (b) to any of the following terms (or otherwise materially affecting such terms): definition of Products (to the extent KO has consent rights with respect thereto under the International Distribution Coordination Agreement), term, termination, deadlock procedures, placement in branded refrigerated equipment, distributor’s exclusivity, facilitation fee, distribution refusal, competing products or other non-competition, and amendment, in which case KO’s affirmative written approval shall be required.

 

23.       Assignment.  Neither party may assign its rights or delegate its obligations hereunder without the prior written consent of the other and KO; provided, that MEL shall have the right, in its sole and absolute discretion, to assign its rights and/or obligations under this Agreement to any Affiliate or subsidiary of MEL without the written consent of Distributor and/or KO, and any such transferee shall be deemed to be included within the defined term “MEL” for purposes of this Agreement.  Any purported assignment or delegation, in the absence of such written consent, shall be void.

 

24.       No Agency.  The relationship between MEL and Distributor is that of a vendor to its vendee and nothing herein contained shall be construed as constituting either party the employee, agent, independent contractor, partner or co-venturer of the other party.  Neither party shall have any authority to create or assume any obligation binding on the other party.

 

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25.                            Governing Law.  This Agreement shall be governed by and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the State of California (without reference to its law of conflict of laws), and the provisions of the United Nations Convention On Contracts For The International Sale Of Goods will expressly be excluded and not apply.  The place of the making and execution of this Agreement is California, United States of America.  Distributor hereby waives any rights that it may otherwise have to assert any rights or defenses under the laws of the Territory or to require that litigation brought by or against it in connection with this Agreement be conducted in the courts or other forums of the Territory. For the sake of clarity, the parties record that their choice of law shall not include the California Franchise Relations Act or the California Franchise Investment Law, or any amendment or functionally equivalent statute, unless such law would otherwise apply, and nothing herein shall be deemed to extend or otherwise affect the scope or application of such statutes.

 

[NTD: ALTERNATIVE SECTION 25 FOR USE WHEN ENGLISH GOVERNING LAW IS USED. DELETE IF NOT APPLICABLE. IF ALTERNATIVE SECTION 25 IS USED, DELETE SECTION 25 ABOVE.]

 

25.                            Governing Law.  This Agreement shall be governed by and interpreted in accordance with the laws of England and Wales, and the provisions of the United Nations Convention On Contracts For The International Sale Of Goods will expressly be excluded and not apply.  The place of the making and execution of this Agreement is London, United Kingdom.  Distributor hereby waives any rights that it may otherwise have to assert any rights or defenses under the laws of the Territory or to require that litigation brought by or against it in connection with this Agreement be conducted in the courts or other forums of the Territory.

 

26.                            Arbitration.  Any dispute, controversy or claim arising out of or relating to this Agreement or the breach or termination hereof shall be settled by binding arbitration conducted by JAMS (“JAMS”) in accordance with JAMS Comprehensive Arbitration Rules and Procedures (the “Rules”).  The arbitration shall be heard by one arbitrator to be selected in accordance with the Rules, in Orange County, California.  Judgment upon any award rendered may be entered in any court having jurisdiction thereof.  Within seven (7) calendar days after appointment the arbitrator shall set the hearing date, which shall be within ninety (90) days after the filing date of the demand for arbitration unless a later date is required for good cause shown and shall order a mutual exchange of what he/she determines to be relevant documents and the dates thereafter for the taking of up to a maximum of five (5) depositions by each party to last no more than five (5) days in aggregate for each party. Both parties waive the right, if any, to obtain any award for exemplary or punitive damages or any other amount for the purpose or imposing a penalty from the other in any arbitration or judicial proceeding or other adjudication arising out of or with respect to this Agreement, or any breach hereof, including any claim that said Agreement, or any part hereof, is invalid, illegal or otherwise voidable or void.  In addition to all other relief, the arbitrator shall have the power to award reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs to the prevailing party.  The arbitrator shall make his or her award no later than seven (7) calendar days after the close of evidence or the submission of final briefs, whichever occurs later.  The decision of the arbitrator shall be final and conclusive upon all parties.  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary, if either party desires to seek injunctive or other provisional relief that does not involve the payment of money, then those claims shall be brought in a state or federal court located in Orange County, California, and the parties hereby irrevocably and unconditionally consent to personal jurisdiction of such courts and venue in Orange County, California in any such action for injunctive relief or provisional relief.

 

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[NTD: ALTERNATIVE SECTION 26 FOR USE WHEN ENGLISH GOVERNING LAW IS USED. DELETE IF NOT APPLICABLE. IF ALTERNATIVE SECTION 26 IS USED, DELETE SECTION 26 ABOVE.]

 

26.                            Arbitration.

 

a.                                     Subject to the provisions of Section 26(b), any dispute, controversy or claim arising out of or relating to this Agreement, including without limitation, the formation, existence, validity, interpretation, or the breach or termination of this Agreement shall be referred to and finally resolved by arbitration under the Rules of the London Court of International Arbitration (“LCIA”), which Rules are deemed to be incorporated by reference to this Section. The tribunal shall consist of one arbitrator who shall be appointed by a vice-president of the LCIA. The seat of the arbitration shall be London and the language shall be English.

 

b.                                    MEL may in its absolute discretion bring proceedings in the courts of England and Wales in relation to any dispute, controversy or claim arising in connection with this Agreement, including any question regarding its existence, invalidity or termination and Distributor agrees to submit to the jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales if MEL brings such proceedings.

 

27.                            Force Majeure.

 

a.                                     Neither party shall be liable for any delays in delivery or failure to perform or other loss due directly or indirectly to circumstances unforeseen as of the Effective Date or causes beyond such party’s reasonable control (each, individually, a Force Majeure Event), including, without limitation: (i) acts of God, act (including failure to act) of any Governmental Entity (de jure or de facto), wars (declared or undeclared), governmental priorities, port congestion, riots, revolutions, strikes or other labor disputes, fires, floods, sabotage, nuclear incidents, earthquakes, storms, epidemics; or (ii) inability to timely obtain either necessary and proper labor, materials, ingredients, components, facilities, production facilities, energy, fuel, transportation, governmental authorizations or instructions, material or information. The foregoing shall apply even though any Force Majeure Event occurs after such party’s performance of its obligations is delayed for other causes but only during the period of the applicable Force Majeure Event.

 

b.                                    The party affected by a Force Majeure Event shall give written notice to the other party of the Force Majeure Event within a reasonable time after the occurrence thereof, stating therein the nature of the suspension of performance and reasons therefore.  Such party shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to resume performance as soon as reasonably possible.  Upon restoration of the affected party’s ability to perform its obligations hereunder, the affected party shall give written notice to the other party within a reasonable time.

 

28.                            Merger.  This Agreement and the attached Exhibits contain the entire agreement between the parties to this Agreement with respect to the subject matter of this Agreement, are intended as a final expression of such parties’ agreement with respect to such terms as are included in this Agreement, are intended as a complete and exclusive statement of the terms of such agreement, and supersede all negotiations, stipulations, understandings, agreements, promises, representations and warranties, whether written or oral, if any, with respect to such subject matter, which precede the execution of this Agreement.  No other negotiations, stipulations, understandings, agreements, promises, representations,

 

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or warranties, whether written or oral, either as an inducement to enter into this Agreement or as to its meaning or effect, have been made that are not contemplated herein.

 

29.                            Waivers.  No waiver of any provision hereof or of any terms or conditions will be effective unless in writing and signed by the party against which enforcement of the waiver is sought.  No relaxation or indulgence which either party may grant to the other shall in any way prejudice or be deemed to be a waiver or novation of any of such party’s rights under this Agreement.

 

30.                            Product Recall.  If any Governmental Entity issues a recall or takes similar action in connection with the Products, or if MEL determines that an event, incident or circumstance has occurred which may require a recall or market withdrawal, MEL shall advise Distributor of the circumstances by telephone or facsimile.  MEL shall have the right to control the arrangement of any Product recall, and Distributor shall cooperate in the event of a Product recall with respect to the reshipment, storage or disposal of recalled Products, the preparation and maintenance of relevant records and reports, and notification to any recipients or end users. MEL shall pay all reasonable expenses incurred by Distributor of such a recall, including the costs of destroying Products. Distributor, shall promptly refer to MEL for exclusive response to all customer or consumer complaints involving the health, safety, quality, composition or packaging of the Products, or which in any way could be detrimental to the image or reputation of MEL or the Products, and shall notify MEL of any governmental, customer or consumer inquiries regarding the Products about which Distributor becomes aware.

 

31.                            Interpretation.  In the event any ambiguity or question of intent or interpretation arises, this Agreement shall be construed as drafted jointly by the parties and no presumption or burden of proof shall arise favoring or disfavoring any party by virtue of the authorship of any of the provisions of this Agreement.  No provision of this Agreement shall be construed against any party on the grounds that such party or its counsel drafted that provision.

 

32.                            Partial Invalidity.  Each provision of this Agreement will be valid and enforceable to the fullest extent permitted by law.  If any provision of this Agreement or the application of the provision to any Person or circumstance will, to any extent, be invalid or unenforceable, the remainder of this Agreement, or the application of the provision to Persons or circumstances other than those as to which it is held invalid or unenforceable, will not be affected by such invalidity or unenforceability, unless the provision or its application is essential to this Agreement.  The parties shall replace any invalid and/or unenforceable provision with a valid and enforceable provision that most closely meets the aims and objectives of the invalid and/or unenforceable provision.

 

33.                            Distributor Suppliers Guiding Principles.  MEL has been informed by Distributor that the following are Distributor Suppliers Guiding Principles (the “Guiding Principles”). Notwithstanding anything set forth below, compliance with the Guiding Principles shall not constitute an obligation of MEL or Distributor under this Agreement.  The Guiding Principles shall constitute unenforceable goals only of the parties and neither party shall be entitled to make any claim for breach against the other or enforce any remedy under this Agreement or terminate this Agreement as the result of non-compliance with, or a violation of, any Guiding Principle(s). The preceding sentence shall not detract from the parties’ respective rights and obligations under Section 19 above or any other representation, warranty or obligation expressly made in this Agreement.

 

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·               Laws and Regulations - Each party will use commercially reasonable good faith efforts to comply with all applicable local and national laws, rules, regulations and requirements in the manufacturing and distribution of Products.

 

·               Child Labor - Each party will use commercially reasonable good faith efforts to comply with all applicable local and national child labor laws.

 

·               Forced Labor - Each party will use commercially reasonable good faith efforts to not use forced, bonded, prison, military or compulsory labor.

 

·               Abuse of Labor - Each party will use commercially reasonable good faith efforts to comply with all applicable local and national laws on abuse of employees and will not physically abuse employees.

 

·               Freedom of Association and Collective Bargaining - Each party will use commercially reasonable good faith efforts to comply with all applicable local and national laws on freedom of association and collective bargaining.

 

·               Discrimination - Each party will use commercially reasonable good faith efforts to comply with all applicable local and national discrimination laws.

 

·               Wages and Benefits - Each party will use commercially reasonable good faith efforts to comply with all applicable local and national wages and benefits laws.

 

·               Work Hours and Overtime - Each party will use commercially reasonable good faith efforts to comply with all applicable local and national work hours and overtime laws.

 

·               Health and Safety - Each party will use commercially reasonable good faith efforts to comply with all applicable local and national health and safety laws.

 

·               Environment - Each party will use commercially reasonable good faith efforts to comply with all applicable local and national environmental laws.

 

34.                            Third-Party Beneficiaries.  Nothing in this Agreement, express or implied, is intended or shall be construed to give any Person, other than the parties to this Agreement and their successors and permitted assigns, any legal or equitable right, remedy or claim under or in respect of any agreement or any provision contained in this Agreement.

 

35.                            Sales Information and Books and Records; Examination.  Not later than thirty (30) days after the end of each calendar month Distributor shall deliver to MEL full, complete and accurate written details, separately in respect of each country within the Territory, of the following with respect to Distributor’s sale of Products in the Territory: (a) total sales, (b) taxes and/or duties, (c) discounts and sales allowances paid, accrued or credited, (d) Products returned during such period, (e) other permitted allowances, rebates, and allowance programs granted, paid, payable, reimbursed, credited or incurred by Distributor, and (f) other records containing data in sufficient detail reasonably necessary to determine all amounts payable to or reimbursable by MEL under this Agreement (collectively, the “Records”).  Distributor shall keep and maintain complete and true books and other records containing

 

74



 

data in sufficient detail reasonably necessary to determine all amounts payable to or reimbursable by MEL under this Agreement.  MEL shall have the right, at its own expense, on sixty (60) days prior written notice to have such books and records and the Records (and all reasonably related work papers and other reasonable information and documents necessary for any determination under this Agreement or other related agreements) kept by Distributor examined once per calendar quarter by a public accounting firm appointed by MEL to verify the completeness and accuracy of the Records.

 

36.                            TUPE:

 

a.                                     This Section 36 applies to the extent that the provisions of the Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations 2006 or any equivalent legislation in the Territory which is derived from the Acquired Rights Directive (Directive 77/187 as amended by Directive 98/50/EC and consolidated in 2001/23/EC) (the Regulations) apply in respect of those MEL employees working exclusively on the sales and marketing of the Products immediately prior to the Effective Date or in respect of those employees of Distributor or any sub-distributor working exclusively on the sales and marketing of the Products immediately prior to the date of termination or expiry of this Agreement (the Employees).

 

b.                                    Subject to the provisions of Sections 36(c), (d), (e) and (f) below, MEL shall indemnify Distributor from and against all losses, costs, liabilities, expenses (including reasonable legal fees and disbursements), actions, proceedings, claims and demands (“Losses”) arising out of or in connection with:

 

i.                                        any claim by any Employee (or representative on the Employee’s behalf) for any remedy including but not limited to any breach of contract, unfair dismissal, redundancy, statutory redundancy, equal pay, unlawful discrimination, unlawful deduction from wages, a protective award, an award under the National Minimum Wage Act 1998 or the Working Time Regulations 1998 or for breach of statutory duty or of any other nature as a result of anything done or omitted to be done by MEL in relation to their employment or termination of such employment prior to the Effective Date;

 

ii.                                    any claim by any person (other than an Employee) who asserts that his rights and liabilities as a result of his employment with MEL or its distributors/sub-contractors (other than Distributor) (or the termination of such employment) whether before or after the Effective Date transfer to Distributor arising solely under the Regulations;

 

iii.                                any failure to comply with its obligations under the Regulations, including but not limited to its obligations to inform and consult with the Employees in relation to the transfer of the sales and marketing services for the Products;

 

c.                                     In the event that the Regulations are deemed or alleged to apply to transfer the employment of any person (other than an Employee) from MEL (or its distributors/sub-contractors other than Distributor) to Distributor at any time, Distributor shall have the right to terminate such employment with immediate effect and MEL shall indemnify Distributor and keep Distributor indemnified against all Losses arising out of such employment or termination of such employment subject to such termination of employment being carried out in accordance with the lawful and reasonable directions of MEL.

 

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d.                                   In the event that either (i) Distributor informs MEL before the Effective Date that it does not require the services of any or all of the Employees or (ii) MEL informs Distributor before the Effective Date that it wishes to retain all or any of the Employees, then MEL shall be fully responsible for those Employees (even if the Regulations are alleged to apply) and Distributor shall have the right to terminate such Employees’ employment with immediate effect (should the Regulations be alleged to apply) and MEL shall indemnify Distributor and keep Distributor indemnified against all Losses arising out of such employment or termination of such employment (including any protective award) subject to such termination of employment being carried out in accordance with the lawful and reasonable directions of MEL.

 

e.                                     In the event that Distributor informs MEL within three (3) months of the Effective Date that it does not require the services of any or all of the Employees, then Distributor shall have the right to terminate such Employees’ employment with immediate effect and MEL shall indemnify Distributor and keep Distributor indemnified against all Losses arising out of such employment from the Effective Date and/or arising out of the termination of such employment (including any protective award) subject to such termination of employment being carried out in accordance with the lawful and reasonable directions of MEL.

 

f.                                      Subject to the provisions of Sections 36(b), (c), (d) and (e) above, Distributor shall indemnify MEL from and against all Losses arising out of or in connection with:

 

i.                                        any claim by any Employee (or representative on the Employee’s behalf) for any remedy including but not limited to any breach of contract, unfair dismissal, redundancy, statutory redundancy, equal pay, unlawful discrimination, unlawful deduction from wages, a protective award, an award under the National Minimum Wage Act 1998 or the Working Time Regulations 1998 or for breach of statutory duty or of any other nature as a result of anything done or omitted to be done by Distributor or any sub-distributor in relation to their employment or termination of such employment after the Effective Date but prior to the date of termination or expiry of this Agreement;

 

ii.                                    any claim by any person (other than an Employee) who asserts that his rights and liabilities as a result of his employment with Distributor or its sub-distributor (or the termination of such employment) whether before or after the date of termination or expiry of this Agreement transfer to MEL or its distributors arising solely under the Regulations;

 

iii.                                any failure by Distributor or its sub-distributors to comply with its or their obligations under the Regulations, including but not limited to its obligations to inform and consult with the Employees in relation to the transfer of the sales and marketing services for the Products;

 

g.                                    In the event that the Regulations are deemed or alleged to apply to transfer the employment of any person (other than an Employee) from Distributor or its sub-distributor to MEL or another of its distributors at any time, MEL or its distributors shall have the right to terminate such employment with immediate effect and Distributor shall indemnify MEL and keep MEL indemnified against all Losses arising out of such employment or termination of such employment subject to such termination of employment being carried out in accordance with the lawful and reasonable directions of Distributor.

 

76



 

h.                                    In the event that either (i) MEL informs Distributor before the date of termination or expiry of this Agreement that it or its distributors do not require the services of any or all of the Employees or (ii) Distributor informs MEL before the date of termination or expiry of this Agreement that it wishes to retain all or any of the Employees, then Distributor shall be fully responsible for those Employees (even if the Regulations are alleged to apply) and MEL or its distributors shall have the right to terminate such Employees’ employment with immediate effect (should the Regulations be alleged to apply) and Distributor shall indemnify MEL and keep MEL indemnified against all Losses arising out of such employment or termination of such employment (including any protective award) subject to such termination of employment being carried out in accordance with the lawful and reasonable directions of Distributor.

 

i.                                        In the event that MEL informs Distributor within three (3) months of the date of termination or expiry of this Agreement that it or its distributors do not require the services of any or all of the Employees, then MEL or its distributors shall have the right to terminate such Employees’ employment with immediate effect and Distributor shall indemnify MEL and keep MEL indemnified against all Losses arising out of such employment from the Effective Date and/or arising out of the termination of such employment (including any protective award) subject to such termination of employment being carried out in accordance with the lawful and reasonable directions of Distributor.

 

37.                            Publicity. MEL and Distributor each agree that the initial public, written announcements regarding the execution of this Agreement and the subject matter addressed herein shall be coordinated between the parties prior to release.  Thereafter, each party agrees to use commercially reasonable efforts to consult with the other party regarding any public, written announcement which a party reasonably anticipates would be materially prejudicial to the other party.  Nothing provided herein, however, will prevent either party from (a) making and continuing to make any statements or other disclosures it deems required, prudent or desirable under applicable Federal or State Securities Laws (including without limitation the rules, regulations and directives of the Securities and Exchange Commission) and/or such party’s customary business practices, or (b) engaging in oral discussions or oral or written presentations with actual or prospective investors or analysts regarding the subject matter of this Agreement, provided no confidential information is disclosed.  If a party breaches this Section 37 it shall have a seven (7) day period in which to cure its breach after written notice from the other party.  A breach of this Section 37 shall not entitle a party to damages or to terminate this Agreement.

 

38.                            Anti-Bribery Compliance.

 

a.                                     Distributor shall:

 

i.                                        comply with all applicable laws, statutes, regulations, and codes relating to anti-bribery and anti-corruption including but not limited to [Bribery Act 2010 (England and Wales) and] the United States Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (“Relevant Requirements”);

 

ii.                                    comply with MEL’s generally applicable Ethics, Anti-bribery and Anti-corruption Policies and the relevant industry codes on anti-bribery, in each case, that are provided to Distributor and as MEL or the relevant industry body may update them from time to time upon written notice to Distributor (“Relevant Policies”);

 

77



 

iii.                                have and shall maintain in place throughout the term of this Agreement, its own policies and procedures to ensure compliance with the Relevant Requirements and the Relevant Policies, and will enforce them where appropriate;

 

iv.                                to the extent permitted under applicable law, promptly report to MEL any request or demand for any undue financial or other advantage of any kind in violation of applicable law received by Distributor in connection with the performance of this Agreement; and

 

v.                                    to the extent permitted under applicable law, immediately notify MEL (in writing) if it becomes aware that a foreign public official becomes an officer or employee of Distributor or acquires a direct or indirect interest in Distributor (and Distributor warrants that, to its knowledge, it has no foreign public officials as officers, employees or direct or indirect owners at the date of this Agreement).

 

b.                                    Distributor shall use reasonable efforts to require that all of its agents and subcontractors who perform services or provide goods in connection with this Agreement do so only on the basis of a written contract which imposes on and secures from such persons terms consistent with those imposed on Distributor in this Section 38.

 

39.                            Ethical Standards.

 

a.                                     Distributor and each of its sub-distributors will comply with the United States Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and without derogating from the generality of the foregoing, will not have its directors, officers or employees, directly or indirectly, offer, promise or pay any bribes or other improper payments for the purposes of promoting and/or selling Products to any individual, corporation, government official or agency or other entity.  No gift, benefit or contribution in any way related to MEL or the promotion and/or sale of Products will be made to political or public officials or candidates for public office or to political organizations, regardless of whether such contributions are permitted by local laws.

 

b.                                    MEL will comply with the United States Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and without derogating from the generality of the foregoing, will not have its directors, officers or employees, directly or indirectly, offer, promise or pay any bribes or other improper payments for the purposes of promoting and/or selling Products to any individual, corporation, government official or agency or other entity.  No gift, benefit or contribution in any way related to Distributor or the promotion and/or sale of Products will be made to political or public officials or candidates for public office or to political organizations, regardless of whether such contributions are permitted by local laws.

 

40.                            Controlling Language.  This Agreement is in the English language only, which will be controlling in all respects. No translation, if any, of this Agreement into any other language will be of any force or effect in the interpretation of this Agreement or in a determination of the intent of either party hereto.

 

41.                            Notices.  All notices or other communications required or permitted to be given to a party to this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be personally delivered, sent by certified mail, postage prepaid, return receipt requested, or sent by an overnight express courier service that provides written confirmation of delivery, to such party at the following respective address:

 

78



 

If to MEC and MEL:

 

Monster Energy Ltd.

c/o Mason Hayes & Curran

South Bank House, Barrow Street, Dublin 4, Ireland

Attention: Tony Burke

Facsimile: +353-1-614-5001

 

And:

 

Monster Energy Company

1 Monster Way

Corona, California 92879

Attention: Chief Executive Officer

Facsimile: (951) 739-6210

 

with a copy to:

 

Solomon Ward Seidenwurm & Smith LLP

401 B Street, Suite 1200

San Diego, California  92101

Attention:  Norman L. Smith, Esq.

Facsimile:  (619) 231-4755

 

If to Distributor:

 

[·]

 

For Payment Notices:

 

[·]

 

with a copy to:

 

[·]

 

Each such notice or other communication shall be deemed given, delivered and received upon its actual receipt, except that if it is sent by mail in accordance with this Section, then it shall be deemed given, delivered and received three (3) calendar days after confirmed delivery to such carrier.  Any party to this Agreement may give a notice of a change of its address to the other party to this Agreement.

 

42.                            Further Assurances.  Each party to this Agreement will execute all instruments and documents and take all actions as may be reasonably required to effectuate this Agreement.

 

43.                            Counterparts.  This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original and all of which together shall constitute one document.

 

79



 

44.                            Confidentiality.  During the Term, each party shall maintain in strict confidence all commercial information disclosed by the other party (which obligation shall expressly survive termination of this Agreement for any reason); provided, however that such commercial information shall not include any information which (a) is in the public domain except through any intentional or negligent act or omission of the non-disclosing party (or any agent, employee, shareholder, director, officer, or independent contractor of or retained by such other party or any of its Affiliates), (b) can be shown by clear and convincing tangible evidence to have been in the possession of the non-disclosing party prior to disclosure by the disclosing party, (c) is legally and properly provided to the non-disclosing party without restriction by an independent third party that is under no obligation of confidentiality to the disclosing party and that did not obtain such information in any illegal or improper manner or otherwise in violation of any agreement with the disclosing party, (d) is disclosed without any restrictions of any kind by the disclosing party to third parties on a regular basis without any measures being taken, whether explicitly or implicitly, by the disclosing party to protect the confidentiality of such information, or (e) is independently generated by any employee or independent contractor of or retained by the non-disclosing party, and such employee or independent contractor has no knowledge of any of such commercial information.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, the parties agree that any such commercial information may be disclosed as required by applicable law or an order by a Governmental Entity or any requirements of stock market or exchange or other regulatory body having competent jurisdiction; provided, that, except where prohibited by law, the recipient will give the disclosing party reasonable advance notice of such required disclosure, and will reasonably cooperate with the disclosing party, in order to allow the disclosing party an opportunity to oppose, or limit the disclosure of such commercial information or otherwise secure confidential treatment of such commercial information required to be disclosed; provided, further, that if disclosure is ultimately required, the recipient will furnish only that portion of such commercial information which, based upon advice of legal counsel, the recipient is required to disclose in compliance with any such requirement.

 

45.                            Non-Binding Negotiations and Effectiveness.  MEL and Distributor acknowledge and agree that, except as expressly stated in this Agreement, there are no binding obligations or commitments existing between MEL and Distributor.  No course of conduct, whether or not consistent with the terms discussed in connection with this Agreement, shall have the effect of converting any negotiations or discussions into a binding contract.  No legally binding contract shall exist between MEL and Distributor unless and until this Agreement is executed by MEL and Distributor.  This Agreement shall only become effective when it has been executed by both MEL and Distributor.

 

(Signature page/s follows.)

 

80



 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused their duly authorized representatives to execute this Agreement as of the date first above written.

 

MONSTER ENERGY LTD.

[·]

 

 

By:

 

 

By:

 

 

Name:  Rodney Sacks

Name:

 

 

Its:  Director

Its:

 

 

 

[Signature Page to International Distribution Agreement]

 



 

EXHIBIT A

International Distribution Agreement

 

INITIAL PRODUCT LIST

 

Exhibit A



 

EXHIBIT B

International Distribution Agreement

 

THE TERRITORY

 

 

In the event of a dispute with respect to territorial boundaries between two adjacent parties, MEC shall have the right to decide such dispute in its sole discretion, and any such decision shall be final and binding upon the parties.

 

Exhibit B



 

EXHIBIT C

International Distribution Agreement

 

EXCLUSIVE DISTRIBUTOR ACCOUNTS

 

 

 

EXCLUSIVE MEL ACCOUNTS

 

 

 

NON-EXCLUSIVE DISTRIBUTOR ACCOUNTS

 

Exhibit C



 

EXHIBIT D

International Distribution Agreement

 

THE TRADEMARKS

 

MONSTER ENERGY

 

MONSTER

 

MONSTER

 

MONSTER ENERGY

 

UNLEASH THE BEAST

 

MONSTER LO CARB

 

MONSTER RIPPER

 

MONSTER EXPORT

 

Exhibit D



 

EXHIBIT E

International Distribution Agreement

 

PROMOTIONAL ACTIVITIES COSTS

 

[TO BE PROVIDED]

 

Exhibit E



 

EXHIBIT F

International Distribution Agreement

 

MMM ACCOUNTS – MEL DIRECT VOLUME

 

________________ cases*

 

*To be calculated by MEL as soon as practical following the Commencement Date and to be the number of cases sold directly by MEL to outlets in the Territory during the twelve (12) month period prior to the Commencement Date, but only with respect to that portion of the Territory, if any, (as defined in this Agreement) which was not part of Distributor’s “Territory” under one or more distribution agreements in existence between MEL and Distributor prior to the Effective Date (the “Prior Agreements”).  In the event that this Agreement is amended to include additional “Territory” following the Commencement Date, the number of cases set forth above shall be increased accordingly, but only with respect to such additional “Territory.”  For the avoidance of doubt, the number of cases set forth above shall (a) only apply to the calculation and payment of the fees payable by MEL to Distributor in accordance with Section 14(c) solely with respect to any new Territory allocated to Distributor pursuant to this Agreement with effect from or after the Effective Date which was not part of Distributor’s “Territory” under the Prior Agreements (the “New Territory”) and (b) not include the aggregate number of cases of Products sold by MEL to outlets in the Territory that was part of Distributor’s “Territory” under the Prior Agreements.

 

For outlets which are part of Distributor’s New Territory, MEL shall pay Distributor in accordance with the formula set forth in Section 14(c) for the number of cases of Products sold directly by MEL to such outlets, less the number of cases of Products set forth above.

 

For outlets which were part of Distributor’s “Territory” under the Prior Agreements, MEL shall pay Distributor in accordance with the formula set forth in Section 14(c) for all cases of Products sold directly by MEL to such outlets, without reference to, or subtracting, the number of cases of Products set forth above.

 



 

EXHIBIT B
Amended and Restated International Distribution Coordination Agreement

 

TERRITORY

 

The entire world with the exception of Cuba and North Korea for so long as it is subject to applicable trade embargoes and sanctions laws and regulations, and excluding the United States of America (including the District of Columbia and all states, territories, and possessions of the United States of America) and Canada (including all territories and possessions of Canada).

 

Exhibit B



 

EXHIBIT C-1
Amended and Restated International Distribution Coordination Agreement

 

OTHER MONSTER DRINKS

 

NONE

 

Exhibit C-1



 

EXHIBIT C-2

Amended and Restated International Distribution Coordination Agreement

 

OTHER PRODUCTS

 

NONE

 

Exhibit C-2



 

EXHIBIT D-1
Amended and Restated International Distribution Coordination Agreement

 

REGIONS

 

 

 

No.

Regions

1

Western Europe

2

Eastern Europe, Caucasus, & Central Asia

3

Middle East & Turkey

4

Mexico & Central America

5

South America

6

North Africa, Central, East, & West Africa

7

South Central Africa

8

China/Hong Kong/Taiwan

9

Korea & Japan

10

Australia/New Zealand and rest of SE Asia

11

India/Sri Lanka/Pakistan/Bangladesh/Myanmar

 

Exhibit D-1



 

EXHIBIT D-2
Amended and Restated International Distribution Coordination Agreement

 

BASE VOLUME

 

[TO BE UPDATED UPON TRANSITION OF APPLICABLE TERRITORIES]

 

Exhibit D-2



 

EXHIBIT D-3
Amended and Restated International Distribution Coordination Agreement

 

NET SALES AND NET PROFIT STATEMENT

 

Section 1:  Net Sales Statement

 

INCOME STATEMENT TEMPLATE

 

 

(in US Dollar)

ACTUAL

NET SALES %

 

 

 

Gross Sales

-

0.0%

Add: Recognized Deferred Revenue

-

0.0%

Less: Sales Adjustments

-

0.0%

Less: Spoilage

-

0.0%

Less: Cash Discounts

-

0.0%

ADJUSTED GROSS SALES

-

0.0%

 

 

 

LESS:

 

 

Off Invoice

-

0.0%

Market Development Fund

-

0.0%

Slotting

-

0.0%

Coupon Redemption

-

0.0%

Chain CMA’s

-

0.0%

Invasion Fees

-

0.0%

*** Commissions

-

0.0%

ALLOWANCES/RECLASSIFICATIONS

-

0.0%

 

 

 

NET SALES (100%)

-

0.0%

 

Section 2: Net Profit Statement

 

INCOME STATEMENT TEMPLATE

 

 

(in US Dollar)

ACTUAL

NET SALES %

 

 

 

NET SALES (100%)

-

0.0%

LESS Cost of Goods Sold

-

0.0%

 

 

 

GROSS PROFIT

-

0.0%

 

*** Indicates portions of this exhibit have been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to a request for confidential treatment.

 

Exhibit D-3



 

 

 

 

SELLING

 

 

Distribution Expense

-

0.0%

Selling Expense

-

0.0%

LESS: TOTAL SELLING EXPENSES

-

0.0%

 

 

 

CONTRIBUTION MARGIN

-

0.0%

 

 

 

Payroll Expenses

-

0.0%

General & Admin Expenses

-

0.0%

Distributor Terminations/Settlements

-

0.0%

Less TOTAL G & A EXPENSES

-

0.0%

 

 

 

OPERATING INCOME

-

0.0%

 

 

 

Less: Non-operating income (expense)

-

0.0%

INCOME BEFORE TAXES

-

0.0%

 

 

 

Less: Provisions for Income Taxes

-

0.0%

NET INCOME = NET PROFIT

-

0.0%

 

 

 

DISTRIBUTION

 

 

Freight Out

-

0.0%

Pick-up Allowance

-

0.0%

Storage/Warehouse

-

0.0%

DISTRIBUTION EXPENSE

-

0.0%

 

 

 

SELLING EXPENSE

 

 

Advertising

-

0.0%

Promotional Allowances

-

0.0%

Promotional Printing-Coupons

-

0.0%

Commission

-

0.0%

Conventions & Sales Incentives

-

0.0%

In-Store Demos

-

0.0%

Point of Sale

-

0.0%

Marketing Research & Social Media

-

0.0%

Samples

-

0.0%

Sponsors/Endorse/Dues

-

0.0%

Premiums

-

0.0%

Merchandise Display

-

0.0%

Graphic Design

-

0.0%

SUBTOTAL SELLING EXPENSE

-

0.0%

 

Exhibit D-3



 

 

 

 

Allocated Trade Development

-

0.0%

Allocated MAT Program

-

0.0%

Allocated CAT Program

-

0.0%

SUBTOTAL MKTG PROGRAMS

-

0.0%

TOTAL SELLING EXPENSE

-

0.0%

 

 

 

PAYROLL EXPENSE

 

 

Salaries - Executives

-

0.0%

Salaries - Operations

-

0.0%

Salaries - Administrative

-

0.0%

Salaries - Marketing & Admin

-

0.0%

Salaries - Sales & Support

-

0.0%

Salaries - Bonus/Severance

-

0.0%

Stock Based Compensation

-

0.0%

Payroll Taxes

-

0.0%

Insurance Health and Dental

-

0.0%

Insurance Workers Comp

-

0.0%

Employee Benefits - 401K

-

0.0%

Employee Benefits - Other

-

0.0%

Temporary Services

-

0.0%

TOTAL PAYROLL EXPENSE

-

0.0%

 

 

 

GENERAL & ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES

 

 

Amortiz - L/H Improve/Def Lease Asset

-

0.0%

Amortiz - Trademark

-

0.0%

Bad Debts/Bank Charges

-

0.0%

Charitable Contributions

-

0.0%

Depreciation

-

0.0%

Dues - Subscriptions

-

0.0%

Entertainment

-

0.0%

Postage - Messenger - UPS

-

0.0%

Insurance

-

0.0%

Penalties - Traffic & Other

-

0.0%

Prof Svcs - Computer

-

0.0%

Prof Svcs - Legal

-

0.0%

Prov Svcs - Accounting

-

0.0%

Prof Svcs - Trademark

-

0.0%

Prof Svcs - SAP

-

0.0%

Prof Svcs - Other

-

0.0%

Supplies - Office

-

0.0%

Supplies - Computer

-

0.0%

Computer & Software

-

0.0%

 

Exhibit D-3



 

Meetings & Seminars

-

0.0%

Rent - Offices

-

0.0%

Rent - Equipment & Other

-

0.0%

Repairs & Maintenance

-

0.0%

Taxes & Licenses

-

0.0%

Telephone Expense

-

0.0%

Travel

-

0.0%

Truck & Auto

-

0.0%

Utilities

-

0.0%

GENERAL & ADMIN EXPENSES

-

0.0%

 

 

 

NON-OPERATING INCOME (EXPENSE)

 

 

Royalty

-

0.0%

Foreign Currency

-

0.0%

TOTAL NON-OPERATING INCOME (EXPENSE)

-

0.0%

 

Exhibit D-3



 

EXHIBIT E
Amended and Restated International Distribution Coordination Agreement

 

4.1.2                Pepsi System.  Without limiting any other provisions of the Agreement, MEL will not grant any distribution rights regarding the Products to PepsiCo, or any of its Affiliates, or distributors whose sale of Pepsi products exceeds *** percent *** of such distributor’s total sales. This provision shall not apply to general wholesalers and broad-line distributors.

 

 

*** Indicates portions of this exhibit have been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to a request for confidential treatment.

 

Exhibit E



 

EXHIBIT H
Amended and Restated International Distribution Coordination Agreement

 

8.         Competitive Product/s.

 

8.1       This Competitive Products provision (Exhibit H) (this “Provision”) is made pursuant to the following recitals of fact, which recitals constitute an integral part of the Provision and this Agreement.  The Parties acknowledge, agree and represent to each other that (a) MEL has agreed to transfer substantially all of its distribution of Monster Energy Drink/s from independent distributors to KO’s system of distribution, to pay KO the Commission and to grant other benefits to KO, KO Affiliates and KO Distributors in reliance upon KO’s covenants as set forth in this Exhibit H, (b) this Provision is a material and integral inducement to MEL completing the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, the Asset Transfer Agreement and the Transaction Agreement (the “Underlying Agreements”) and that KO is receiving valuable consideration for the covenants contained in this Provision, (c) the scope of the restrictive covenants set forth in this Provision are reasonable in view of the substantial consideration KO is receiving, (d) the performance by KO of its obligations under this Provision is a material and substantial part of the consideration due MEL under the Underlying Agreements, and (e) MEL would not have entered the Underlying Agreements in the absence of this Provision and KO acknowledges that this Provision is reasonable and necessary to protect the legitimate interests of MEL.

 

8.2       During the Term of this Agreement (the “Restricted Period”), KO shall not, and shall cause its consolidated Subsidiaries (as defined in Section 12.1.6) not to, acquire or hold, directly or indirectly, any ownership interest in, or enter into any contract or arrangement with respect to the management or control of, the business, assets, brands or trademarks related to the marketing, sale or distribution of any (a) Energy Drinks (in any and all sizes or packages), (b) Red Bull branded products, or (c) Rockstar branded products, owned by (i) Red Bull GmbH and Red Bull Thailand and each of their respective controlled Affiliates and/or successors (collectively, “Red Bull”) or (ii) Rockstar, Inc. and its controlled Affiliates and/or successors (collectively, “Rockstar”).

 

8.3       During the Restricted Period, KO shall not, and shall cause its consolidated Subsidiaries not to, directly or indirectly engage in, or knowingly assist or finance (for the specific purpose of the restricted activity) any third party in engaging in, the business of manufacturing, marketing, selling or distributing any Competitive Products in the Restricted Territories (“Energy Competitive Business”); provided, that, nothing in this Provision shall preclude or prohibit KO or its consolidated Subsidiaries from (a) consummating the transactions contemplated by any of the Transaction Documents, (b) performing their respective obligations or exercising their respective rights under any of the Transaction Documents, (c) owning equity interests in any non-consolidated entity that may be engaged in any Energy Competitive Business; provided, that none of KO or any of its consolidated Subsidiaries knowingly causes or approves in writing (to extent such a contractual approval right exists) such non-consolidated entity to engage in the Energy Competitive Business or directly or indirectly knowingly assists or finances (for the specific purpose of the restricted activity) such non-consolidated entity in connection therewith, or (d) acquiring (whether by means of acquisition, asset purchase, merger, consolidation, similar business combination or otherwise) any business that engages in an

 

Exhibit H



 

Energy Competitive Business, if the Energy Competitive Business represents less than fifty percent (50%) of the acquired business’s total assets (measured based on the most recent financial statements available for the acquired business prior to the execution of definitive agreements for such acquisition) so long as a definitive agreement for the sale, transfer or other disposition of the portion of such business that engages in the Energy Competitive Business to a Third Party is entered into within twelve (12) months (or sooner, to the extent practicable without adversely affecting the value received in such sale) following the consummation of the acquisition of such business, and consummation of any such sale, transfer or other disposition occurs within eighteen (18) months following the acquisition of such business (or, if not consummated within such period, as soon as practicable thereafter).  For the avoidance of doubt, the restrictions in this Provision shall not apply to any non-consolidated entities in which KO or its Subsidiaries or Affiliates may hold an interest; provided, that none of KO or any of its consolidated Subsidiaries knowingly causes or approves in writing (to the extent such a contractual approval right exists) such non-consolidated entity to engage in the Energy Competitive Business or directly or indirectly knowingly assists or finances (for the specific purpose of the restricted activity) such non-consolidated entity in connection therewith.

 

8.4       For purposes of this Provision, the term “knowingly” refers to, with respect to KO, the knowledge of any member of senior management of KO.

 

8.5       For the avoidance of doubt, nothing in this Provision shall limit or modify KO’s obligations under Section 8.14 of the Transaction Agreement.

 

8.6       The Parties acknowledge that the restrictions contained in this Provision are reasonable and necessary to protect the legitimate interests of the parties, constitute a material inducement to the Parties to enter into the Underlying Agreements and the other agreements contemplated hereby and thereby, are an essential element of the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby, and that any breach will result in irreparable injury to the other Party.  Each Party agrees that neither it nor any of its controlled Affiliates will challenge the enforceability of, or the reasonableness of the time, scope or geographic coverage of, any provision of this Provision in any action or proceeding.  In the event that any covenant contained in this Provision is ever adjudicated to exceed the time, geographic, scope or other limitations permitted by applicable law in any jurisdiction, then any court is expressly empowered to reform such covenant, and such covenant shall be deemed reformed, in such jurisdiction to the maximum time, geographic, scope or other limitations permitted by applicable law.  The covenants contained in this Provision and each provision hereof are severable and distinct covenants and provisions. The invalidity or unenforceability of any such covenant or provision as written shall not invalidate or render unenforceable the remaining covenants or provisions hereof, and any such invalidity or unenforceability in any jurisdiction shall not invalidate or render unenforceable such covenant or provision in any other jurisdiction.

 

8.7       For purposes of this Provision, (a) any terms defined in the Agreement to which this Provision is attached, but not defined in this Provision, will have the meanings set forth in such Agreement and (b) any terms defined in this Provision (including the following terms) will have the definitions set forth in this Provision (it being understood that definitions of any terms defined herein will supersede any definitions set forth in the Agreement to which this Provision is attached).

 

Exhibit H



 

8.7.1    “Competitive Products” means (a) any Energy Beverages and/or (b) any Red Bull branded products and/or Rockstar branded products.

 

8.7.2    “Energy Beverages” means any shelf-stable, non-alcoholic beverage, in ready-to-drink, powdered, drops or concentrate form, made with or without carbonation, that both (a) is marketed or positioned to consumers as an energy beverage and (b) contains one or more of the following ingredients: guarana, taurine, panax ginseng, L-carnitine, B-2 vitamins, B-6 vitamins, B-12 vitamins, L-arginine, astralagus, glucuronolactone or inositol (or, to the extent approved by Parent, which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed, any ingredients substituting for or supplementing any of the foregoing ingredients); provided that “Energy Beverages” shall not include (whether or not they would otherwise be an Energy Beverage) either (i) any beverage which is marketed or positioned to consumers under the Coca-Cola brand and any line extensions or expansions of such products marketed under such brand, or (ii) any products marketed under the Vitaminwater brand and any line extensions or expansions of such products marketed under such brand even if such product utilizes the word “energy” on its packaging or labeling as long as such product (utilizing the word “energy” on its packaging or labeling) is also identified as a nutrient based water beverage (or words of similar import).

 

8.7.3    “Excluded Territories” means any (a) Served Territory as of or after the Effective Date and as to which, at any time as of or after the one-year anniversary of the Effective Date, no distribution agreement with any KO Distributor covering any Product that is either an Energy Beverage brand that was included in the KO Asset Transfer (as defined in the Asset Transfer Agreement) or an Energy Beverage brand of NewCo (“MBC”), Company (“MEC”) or one of their Subsidiaries, in each case in such Served Territory, is in effect (in the case of an Energy Beverage included in the KO Asset Transfer, to the extent that the distribution of such Energy Beverage is occurring in substantially the same manner as occurring as of the date of the Transaction Agreement), (b) Served Territory as to which a KO Distributor previously had distribution rights that have since terminated but only upon the earlier to occur of (i) the six-month anniversary of the date of such termination if no New Distribution Agreement with a KO Distributor in such territory has been entered into by such six-month anniversary and (ii) the date when MBC or one of its Affiliates enters into a distribution agreement with a distributor that is not a KO Distributor covering such Served Territory, or (c) Unserved Refused Territory; provided, however, that (i) the one-year deadline referred to in clause (a) (the “Relevant Period”), will be deemed to be extended for as long as MBC is negotiating, as of the end of the Relevant Period, and thereafter continues to negotiate, in each case in good faith with the applicable KO Distributor, regarding a New Distribution Agreement in such Served Territory (provided that any such extension shall not exceed twelve (12) months) and (ii) no Served Territory will be deemed to be an Excluded Territory as a result of the operation of clause (a) above if there has been a Distribution Refusal by the applicable KO Distributor prior to the end of the applicable Relevant Period (as it may be extended pursuant to clause (i)) unless following such Distribution Refusal MBC or one of its Affiliates enters into a distribution agreement with a Third Party on terms that are more favorable to such Third Party, in the aggregate, than the last terms proposed to the applicable KO Distributor that was the subject of the Distribution Refusal.

 

Exhibit H



 

8.7.4    “Products” means all beverages manufactured by or for MBC, MEC or any of their Subsidiaries or marketed or sold under the brands of MBC, MEC or any of their Subsidiaries, including, with respect to any period following the Effective Date, any brand included in the KO Asset Transfer.

 

8.7.5    “Restricted Territories” means Served Territories and Unserved Territories, in each case, other than any Excluded Territory.

 

8.7.6    “Served Territoriesmeans, as of a given date, a territory where either of the following have been distributed pursuant to one or more distribution agreements prior to such date: (a) beverages manufactured by or for MBC, MEC or any of their Subsidiaries or marketed or sold under the brands of MBC, MEC or any of their Subsidiaries or (b) beverages manufactured by or for KO or any of its Subsidiaries or marketed or sold under the brands of KO or any of its Subsidiaries and included in the KO Asset Transfer.

 

8.7.7    “Territory Implementation” means the initiation or commencement of any one or more of (a) the process to obtain or satisfy any applicable governmental, regulatory or other industry-related approvals or requirements required for distribution of the applicable Products in the applicable Unserved Territory, (b) due diligence related to determining the feasibility of distribution of Products in the applicable Unserved Territory, or (c) the commencement of negotiations with a KO Distributor with respect to the future distribution of Products in that Unserved Territory.

 

8.7.8    “Third Party” means any Person other than MBC, MEC, KO or their respective Affiliates.

 

8.7.9    “Transaction Documents” means the Transaction Agreement, the Asset Transfer Agreement, the Commercial Agreements (as defined in the Transaction Agreement), the Ancillary Agreements (as defined in the Asset Transfer Agreement), all exhibits and schedules to the Transaction Agreement, the Asset Transfer Agreement, the Commercial Agreements and the Ancillary Agreements (as defined in the Asset Transfer Agreement) and any other documents, certificates, agreements or letters executed in connection with the transactions contemplated by the Transaction Agreement, the Asset Transfer Agreement, the Commercial Agreements and the Ancillary Agreements.

 

8.7.10  “Unserved Refused Territory” means any Unserved Territory as follows:  Following the Effective Date, if KO receives a request from a KO Distributor in an Unserved Territory to make an Energy Beverage available to it for distribution in such Unserved Territory, then KO may provide a written notice to MBC of its intention to distribute products of KO or its Affiliates that are Energy Beverages in any Unserved Territory.  If (a) MBC fails to deliver to KO within ninety (90) days after KO provides such notice to MBC a written affirmation that MBC intends in good faith to distribute products that are Energy Beverages in such Unserved Territory, (b) MBC fails to commence a Territory Implementation in respect of such Unserved Territory in good faith within twelve (12) months after delivery to KO of such written affirmation, or (c) (i) MBC ceases to advance, in good faith, the applicable process described in the definition of Territory Implementation in such Unserved Territory after the twelve (12) month period set forth in the foregoing clause (b) and (ii) following the twelve (12) month period

 

Exhibit H



 

referred to in the foregoing clause (b), KO provides notice to MBC indicating that MBC has ceased to advance such applicable process and MBC thereafter fails to progress such process in good faith within ninety (90) days of receipt of such notice, then such territory shall become an Unserved Refused Territory; provided, however, that MBC shall be excused from continuing with any Territory Implementation during any period that (A) a governmental or regulatory approval process shall have delayed the commencement of distribution in such territory or (B) economic conditions would reasonably be expected to have an adverse economic impact on MBC’s business of distributing Products in such Unserved Territory or to otherwise delay the commencement of distribution in such territory; provided, further, that if at any time MBC no longer intends in good faith to implement such Territory Implementation in the applicable Unserved Territory, it shall promptly inform KO of such change in intention and thereafter such Unserved Territory shall become an Unserved Refused Territory.

 

8.7.11  “Unserved Territories” means, as of a given date, a territory where neither of the following are being or have been distributed pursuant to one or more distribution agreements prior to such date: (a) beverages manufactured by or for MBC, MEC or any of their Subsidiaries or marketed or sold under the brands of MBC, MEC or any of their Subsidiaries or (b) beverages manufactured by or for KO or any of its Subsidiaries or marketed or sold under the brands of KO or any of its Subsidiaries and included in the KO Asset Transfer.

 

Exhibit H



 

EXHIBIT I
Amended and Restated International Distribution Coordination Agreement

 

4.1.1(b)(i)                                In the event that the New Distribution Agreement being negotiated is an amendment to an Existing Distribution Agreement and the Proposed Distributor is willing to agree to the terms of the Existing Distribution Agreement for the additional Sub-Territories to be added (but not to an amendment implementing terms substantially identical with the form attached as Exhibit A), upon KO’s direction, MEL shall not be permitted to withhold agreement to adding the additional Sub-Territories to the Existing Distribution Agreement.

 

Exhibit I



 

EXHIBIT J
Amended and Restated International Distribution Coordination Agreement

 

KO COMPETITORS

 

***

 

 

*** Indicates portions of this exhibit have been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to a request for confidential treatment.

 

Exhibit J



 

EXHIBIT X

Amended and Restated International Distribution Coordination Agreement

 

NONE

 

[KO and MEL shall reasonably agree upon the content and timing of any such letter or email, if any, following the Effective Date.]

 

Exhibit X



 

EXHIBIT Z

Amended and Restated International Distribution Coordination Agreement

 

4.8                            KO Distributors; Distribution AgreementsWhenever a KO Bottler Agreement with a KO Distributor that is a party to a KO Distribution Agreement expires or is terminated by KO pursuant to either a deficiency termination procedure or any other right of termination stated in such a KO Bottler Agreement, KO shall notify MEL in writing within sixty (60) days after such termination.  In the event that any such former KO Distributor is no longer a party to any KO Bottler Agreement, upon written notice from KO, MEL shall (or shall cause its applicable Affiliate to) terminate all KO Distribution Agreements with such former KO Distributor to the extent that such KO Distribution Agreements can be terminated by MEL (or such applicable Affiliate) upon such occurrence or upon written notice pursuant to and in accordance with the terms of the applicable KO Distribution Agreements. Notwithstanding the foregoing, MEL shall not be required pursuant to this Section 4.8 to (or to cause such applicable Affiliate to) terminate such KO Distribution Agreement (a) under which MEL is obligated to pay a Severance Payment (or other amounts required to be paid for termination) to such former KO Distributor, *** and (b) with respect to any Sub-Territory/ies applicable to the KO Distribution Agreement to be terminated, until such time as MEL receives a Distribution Commitment from a Primary KO Distributor for such Sub-Territory/ies in accordance with the Distributor Negotiation Process (mutatis mutandis).

 

 

*** Indicates portions of this exhibit have been omitted and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to a request for confidential treatment.

 

Exhibit Z


EXHIBIT 31.1

 

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO RULE 13A-14(a) OR 15D-14(a) OF THE SECURITIES

EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934, AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 302 OF THE

SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

 

I, Rodney Sacks, certify that:

 

1.            I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Monster Beverage Corporation;

 

2.            Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

 

3.            Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

 

4.            The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

 

a.             designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

 

b.            designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

 

c.             evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

 

d.            disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

 

5.            The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent function):

 

a.             all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

 

b.            any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

Date:

August 10, 2015

/s/Rodney C. Sacks

 

 

Rodney C. Sacks

Chairman of the Board of Directors
and Chief Executive Officer

 


EXHIBIT 31.2

 

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO RULE 13A-14(a) OR 15D-14(a) OF THE SECURITIES

EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934, AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 302 OF THE

SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

 

I, Hilton Schlosberg, certify that:

 

1.            I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Monster Beverage Corporation;

 

2.            Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

 

3.            Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

 

4.            The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

 

a.             designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

 

b.            designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

 

c.             evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

 

d.            disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

 

5.            The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent function):

 

a.             all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

 

b.            any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

Date:

August 10, 2015

/s/ Hilton H. Schlosberg

 

 

Hilton H. Schlosberg

Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors,
President, Chief Operating Officer, Chief
Financial Officer and Secretary

 


EXHIBIT 32.1

 

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO

18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,

AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO

SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

 

In connection with the quarterly report of Monster Beverage Corporation (the “Company”) on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2015 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Report”), the undersigned, Rodney C. Sacks, Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, certifies, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:

 

1.            The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

 

2.            The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

 

 

Date:

August 10, 2015

/s/ Rodney C. Sacks

 

 

Rodney C. Sacks

Chairman of the Board of Directors
and Chief Executive Officer

 


EXHIBIT 32.2

 

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO

18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,

AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO

SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

 

In connection with the quarterly report of Monster Beverage Corporation (the “Company”) on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2015 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Report”), the undersigned, Hilton H. Schlosberg, Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors, President, Chief Operating Officer, Chief Financial Officer and Secretary of the Company, certifies, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:

 

1.            The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

 

2.            The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

 

Date:

August 10, 2015

/s/ Hilton H. Schlosberg

 

 

Hilton H. Schlosberg

Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors,
President, Chief Operating Officer, Chief
Financial Officer and Secretary