UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
_________________________________
Form 8-K
__________________________________
CURRENT REPORT
Pursuant to Section 13 OR 15(d) of The Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported):
June 7, 2019
Commission file number:
000-19599
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WORLD ACCEPTANCE CORPORATION
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(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
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South Carolina
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57-0425114
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(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
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(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
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108 Frederick Street
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Greenville, South Carolina
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29607
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(Address of principal executive offices)
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(Zip Code)
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(864) 298-9800
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(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)
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Not Applicable
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(Former name or former address, if changed since last report.)
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o
Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)
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Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)
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Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))
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Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§240.12b-2 of this chapter). Emerging growth company
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If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.
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Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
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Title of each class
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Trading Symbol(s)
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Name of each exchange on which registered
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Common Stock, No Par Value
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WRLD
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The Nasdaq Global Select Market
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Item 1.01. Entry into a Material Definitive Agreement.
Amended and Restated Revolving Credit Facility
On June 7, 2019, World Acceptance Corporation (the “Company”) entered into an Amended and Restated Revolving Credit Agreement (the “Revolving Credit Agreement”), among the Company, the lenders named therein, and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Administrative Agent and Collateral Agent.
The Revolving Credit Agreement amends and restates the preexisting revolving credit agreement to, among other things: (i) increase the aggregate commitments of the Lenders to $685.0 million (increased from $480.0 million); (ii) permit the Borrower to make purchases of any class or series of capital stock or other equity in the amount of $200.0 million plus 50% of cumulative Consolidated Net Income, subject to certain restrictions; (iii) provide for a process to transition to a new benchmark from LIBOR if necessary; and (iv) extend the term of the Revolving Credit Agreement to three (3) years.
The foregoing description of the Revolving Credit Agreement is only a summary and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the Revolving Credit Agreement, which is filed as Exhibit 10.1 to this Current Report on Form 8-K and incorporated herein by reference.
Item 2.03. Creation of a Direct Financial Obligation or an Obligation under an Off-Balance Sheet Arrangement of a Registrant.
The information contained in Item 1.01 of this Current Report on Form 8-K is incorporated by reference into this Item 2.03.
Item 8.01. Other Events.
On June 7, 2019, the Company’s Board of Directors approved a share repurchase program authorizing the Company to repurchase up to $200.0 million of its outstanding common stock, inclusive of the amount that remains available for repurchases under the prior repurchase. The timing and actual number of shares repurchased will depend on a variety of factors, including the stock price, corporate and regulatory requirements, available funds, alternative uses of capital, restrictions under the Revolving Credit Agreement, and other market and economic conditions. The Company’s stock repurchase program may be suspended or discontinued at any time.
Item 9.01. Financial Statements and Exhibits.
(d) Exhibits.
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Exhibit
Number
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Exhibit Description
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10.1*
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10.2*
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10.3*
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10.4*
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* Submitted electronically herewith.
* Certain schedules to these Exhibits have been omitted pursuant to Item 601(a)(5) of Regulation S-K. The Company hereby undertakes to furnish copies of such omitted materials supplementally upon request by the SEC.
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 hereunto duly authorized.
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WORLD ACCEPTANCE CORPORATION
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By:
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/s/ John L. Calmes, Jr.
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John L. Calmes, Jr.
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Chief Financial and Strategy Officer
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Date:
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June 7, 2019
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AMENDED AND RESTATED
REVOLVING CREDIT AGREEMENT
BY AND AMONG
WORLD ACCEPTANCE CORPORATION,
THE LENDERS PARTIES HERETO,
AND
WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT AND COLLATERAL AGENT
BANK OF MONTREAL, AS DOCUMENTATION AGENT
DATED AS OF JUNE 7, 2019
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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SECTION
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HEADING
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PAGE
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SECTION 1.
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THE CREDIT
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1
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Section 1.1.
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The Revolving Credit
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1
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SECTION 2.
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GENERAL PROVISIONS APPLICABLE TO LOANS
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2
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Section 2.1.
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Applicable Interest Rates
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2
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Section 2.2.
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Minimum Borrowing Amounts
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2
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Section 2.3.
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Borrowing Procedures
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2
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Section 2.4.
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[Reserved]
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5
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Section 2.5.
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Maturity of Loans
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5
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Section 2.6.
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Prepayments
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5
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Section 2.7.
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Default Rate
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6
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Section 2.8.
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Evidence of Indebtedness
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6
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Section 2.9.
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Commitment Terminations
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7
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Section 2.10.
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Special Provisions Applicable to LIBOR Rate
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7
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Section 2.11.
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Substitution of Lenders
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8
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Section 2.12.
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Defaulting Lenders
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8
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Section 2.13.
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Letters of Credit
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9
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SECTION 3.
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FEES, EXTENSIONS AND APPLICATIONS
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16
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Section 3.1.
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Commitment Fee/Closing Fee/Letter of Credit Fee
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16
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Section 3.2.
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Prepayment/Commitment Reduction Fees
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16
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Section 3.3.
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Administrative Agent’s Fees
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16
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Section 3.4.
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Place and Application of Payments
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16
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Section 3.5.
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Account Debit / Loan Account
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18
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SECTION 4.
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THE COLLATERAL AND GUARANTIES
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18
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Section 4.1.
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The Collateral
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18
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Section 4.2.
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Subsidiary Guaranties
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18
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Section 4.3.
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Further Assurances
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18
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SECTION 5.
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DEFINITIONS; INTERPRETATION
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19
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Section 5.1.
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Definitions
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19
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Section 5.2.
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Interpretation
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39
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Section 5.3.
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Change in Accounting Principles
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39
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SECTION 6.
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REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES
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40
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Section 6.1.
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Organization and Qualification
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40
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Section 6.2.
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Subsidiaries
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40
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Section 6.3.
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Corporate Authority and Validity of Obligations
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41
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Section 6.4.
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Investment Company
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41
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Section 6.5.
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Use of Proceeds; Margin Stock
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41
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Section 6.6.
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Financial Reports
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Section 6.7.
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No Material Adverse Change
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42
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Section 6.8.
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Litigation
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42
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Section 6.9.
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Taxes
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42
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Section 6.10.
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Approvals
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42
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Section 6.11.
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Indebtedness and Liens
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42
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Section 6.12.
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ERISA
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42
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Section 6.13.
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Material Agreements
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43
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Section 6.14.
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Compliance with Laws
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Section 6.15.
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Full Disclosure
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44
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Section 6.16.
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No Defaults
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SECTION 7.
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CONDITIONS PRECEDENT
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44
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Section 7.1.
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Initial Borrowing
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Section 7.2.
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All Loans
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45
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SECTION 8.
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COVENANTS
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46
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Section 8.1.
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Existence, Etc.
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Section 8.2.
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Insurance
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Section 8.3.
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Taxes, Claims for Labor and Materials
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Section 8.4.
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Compliance with Laws; OFAC
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Section 8.5.
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Maintenance, Etc.
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Section 8.6.
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Nature of Business
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48
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Section 8.7.
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Financial Covenants
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48
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Section 8.8.
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Hedging Liability
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48
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Section 8.9.
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Permitted Indebtedness
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48
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Section 8.10.
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[Reserved]
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Section 8.11.
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Limitation on Liens
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Section 8.12.
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Subordinated Debt
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50
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Section 8.13.
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Mergers, Consolidations and Sales or Transfers of Assets
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50
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Section 8.14.
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Lease‑Backs
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52
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Section 8.15.
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Guaranties
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52
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Section 8.16.
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Limitation on Restrictions
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53
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Section 8.17.
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Transactions with Affiliates
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53
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Section 8.18.
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Investments
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Section 8.19.
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Termination of Pension Plans
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Section 8.20.
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Reports and Rights of Inspection
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54
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Section 8.21.
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Restricted (Dividend) Payments
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58
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Section 8.22.
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General Underwriting and Servicing Guidelines
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Section 8.23.
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[Reserved]
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59
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Section 8.24. Chattel Paper/Jurisdictions
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59
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SECTION 9.
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EVENTS OF DEFAULT AND REMEDIES
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Section 9.1.
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Events of Default
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Section 9.2.
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Notice to Lenders
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62
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Section 9.3.
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Non‑Bankruptcy Defaults
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62
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Section 9.4.
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Bankruptcy Defaults
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63
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Section 9.5.
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Expenses
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SECTION 10.
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CHANGE IN CIRCUMSTANCES
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63
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Section 10.1.
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Change of Law
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Section 10.4.
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Lending Offices
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Section 10.5.
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Discretion of Lender as to Manner of Funding
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63
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SECTION 11.
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THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT
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64
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Section 11.1.
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Appointment and Authorization
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64
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Section 11.2.
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Administrative Agent and Affiliates
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64
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Section 11.3.
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Action by Administrative Agent
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64
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Section 11.4.
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Consultation with Experts
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65
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Section 11.5.
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Liability of Administrative Agent
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65
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Section 11.6.
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Indemnification
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65
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Section 11.7.
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Credit Decision
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66
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Section 11.8.
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Resignation of the Administrative Agent
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66
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Section 11.9.
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Designation of Additional Agents
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66
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Section 11.10.
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Authorization to Release or Subordinate or Limit Liens
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67
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Section 11.11.
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Collateral Agent
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67
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Section 11.12.
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Authorization to Enter into, and Enforcement of, the Collateral Documents
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67
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Section 11.13.
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Bank Product Obligations and Hedging Liability
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68
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SECTION 12.
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MISCELLANEOUS
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68
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Section 12.1.
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Withholding Taxes
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68
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Section 12.2.
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No Waiver of Rights
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69
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Section 12.3.
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Non‑Business Day
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70
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Section 12.4.
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Documentary Taxes
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70
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Section 12.5.
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Survival of Representations
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70
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Section 12.6.
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Survival of Indemnities
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70
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Section 12.7.
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Sharing of Set‑Off
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70
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Section 12.8.
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Notices
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70
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Section 12.9.
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Counterparts
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71
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Section 12.10.
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Successors and Assigns
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71
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Section 12.11.
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Participants
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71
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Section 12.12.
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Assignments
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72
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Section 12.13.
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Amendments
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74
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Section 12.14.
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Non‑Reliance on Margin Stock
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75
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Section 12.15.
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Fees and Indemnification
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75
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Section 12.16.
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Set‑off
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76
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Section 12.17.
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Governing Law
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76
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Section 12.18.
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Headings
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76
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Section 12.19.
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Entire Agreement
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76
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Section 12.20.
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Severability of Provisions
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76
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Section 12.21.
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Excess Interest
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76
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Section 12.22.
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Construction
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77
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Section 12.23.
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Lender’s Obligations Several
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77
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Section 12.24.
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Submission to Jurisdiction; Waiver of Jury Trial
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77
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Section 12.25.
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USA Patriot Act
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78
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Section 12.26.
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Confidentiality
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78
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Section 12.27.
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Amendment and Restatement
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78
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Section 12.28.
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Equalization of Loans and Commitments
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79
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Exhibit A — Borrowing Base Certificate
Exhibit B — Compliance Certificate
Exhibit C — Assignment and Acceptance
Schedule 1.1 — Commitments
Schedule 1.2 — Closing Fee
Schedule 6.2 — Subsidiaries
Schedule 6.8 — Pending Litigation
Schedule 6.9 — Pending Tax Disputes
Schedule 6.11 — Existing Indebtedness for Borrowed Money
Schedule 8.11 — Existing Liens
AMENDED AND RESTATED REVOLVING CREDIT AGREEMENT
This Amended and Restated Revolving Credit Agreement is entered into as of June 7, 2019, by and among World Acceptance Corporation, a South Carolina corporation (the “
Borrower
”), the several financial institutions from time to time party to this Agreement as Lenders, and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Administrative Agent. All capitalized terms used herein without definition shall have the same meanings herein as such terms are defined in Section 5.1 hereof.
PRELIMINARY STATEMENTS
A. The Borrower is currently a party to that certain Amended and Restated Revolving Credit Agreement dated as September 17, 2010, as amended, among the Borrower, the lenders party thereto, and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as agent for the lenders (the
“Original Credit Agreement”
).
B. The Borrower has requested that certain terms and conditions of the Original Credit Agreement be amended and, for the sake of clarity and convenience, that the Original Credit Agreement be restated in its entirety as so amended. This Amended and Restated Revolving Credit Agreement amends and replaces in its entirety the Original Credit Agreement, and from and after the Effective Date all references made to the Original Credit Agreement in any Loan Document or in any other instrument or document shall, without more, be deemed to refer to this Amended and Restated Revolving Credit Agreement. This Amended and Restated Revolving Credit Agreement shall become effective as of June 7, 2019 (the
“Effective Date”
), and supersedes all provisions of the Original Credit Agreement as of such date, upon the execution of this Amended and Restated Revolving Credit Agreement by each of the parties hereto and the fulfillment of the conditions precedent contained in Section 7.1 hereof. This Amended and Restated Revolving Credit Agreement amends and restates the Original Credit Agreement and is not intended to be or operate as a novation or an accord and satisfaction of the Original Credit Agreement or the indebtedness, obligations and liabilities of the Borrower evidenced or provided for thereunder.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual agreements contained herein, and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto agree as follows:
Section 1.1. The Credit
. Subject to the terms and conditions hereof, the Lenders agree to extend a revolving credit (the “Revolving Credit”) to the Borrower in an aggregate principal amount at any one time outstanding not to exceed the lesser of (A) the Commitments and (B) the Available Borrowing Base as then determined and computed, which may be availed of by the Borrower in its discretion from time to time, be repaid and used again, to but not including the Termination Date. The Revolving Credit, subject to all of the terms and conditions hereof, may be utilized by the Borrower in the form of Loans, all as more fully hereinafter set forth. The maximum amount of the Revolving Credit that a Lender agrees to extend to the Borrower shall be the aggregate amount of its Commitment (subject to any reductions thereof pursuant to the terms hereof). The obligations of the Lenders hereunder are several and not joint, and no Lender shall under any circumstances be obligated to extend credit hereunder in excess of its Commitment. Each Borrowing of Loans shall be made ratably from the Lenders in proportion to their respective Commitments. Administrative Agent has the right at any time, and from time to time, in its Permitted Discretion (but without any obligation), to set aside reasonable reserves against the Available Borrowing Base in such amounts as it may deem appropriate in its Permitted Discretion, including, without limitation, reserves with respect to Regulatory Events or any increased operational, legal or regulatory risk of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries.
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SECTION 2.
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GENERAL PROVISIONS APPLICABLE TO LOANS .
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Section 2.1. Applicable Interest Rates
. (a) In the absence of an Event of Default or Default hereunder, and prior to maturity, the outstanding balance of the Loans will bear interest at an annual rate at all times equal to the LIBOR Rate plus the Applicable Margin.
(b) Interest shall be payable monthly in arrears on the first (1
st
) day of each month commencing on the first such date after the first Borrowing hereunder and continuing until the Commitments are terminated and the Obligations are paid in full. Unless otherwise required by Administrative Agent at any time and from time to time or the Borrower has otherwise paid or informed Administrative Agent that the Borrower will pay such amount in immediately available funds, the Borrower shall be deemed to have requested a Borrowing on the first (1
st
) day of each calendar month in an amount equal to accrued and unpaid interest and any other accrued but unpaid fees due and owing hereunder and such amount shall be added to the outstanding principal balance of the Obligations. Interest as provided hereunder will be calculated on the basis of a three hundred sixty (360) day year and the actual number of days elapsed. The rate of interest provided for hereunder is subject to increase or decrease when and as the LIBOR Rate increases or decreases in an amount corresponding to the change in the LIBOR Rate. Any such change in the interest rate hereunder shall take effect the first (1
st
) day of the month following a change in the LIBOR Rate.
(c) Payments of interest and fees not received within ten (10) days of the date due, are subject to a late charge equal to Five Hundred Dollars ($500),
which late charge shall be in addition to any charge, fee or interest otherwise payable hereunder.
Section 2.2. Minimum Borrowing Amounts
. Each Borrowing of Loans shall be in an amount not less than $50,000.00 or any larger amount that is an integral multiple of $50,000.00.
Section 2.3. Borrowing Procedures
. (a) The Borrower shall notify the Administrative Agent in writing not later than 12:00 Noon (Central time) on the date of each requested Borrowing, specifying the date and amount of the Borrowing. Such notice shall be submitted via the Administrative Agent’s online automatic request system or in the form of the Request for Advance and shall be certified by the President or Treasurer (or such other authorized Person as the Borrower directs from time to time) of the Borrower. Each request for a Borrowing pursuant to this Section 2.3 shall be irrevocable and binding on the Borrower. Notwithstanding the obligation of the Borrower to send written confirmation of a Request for Advance, in the event that the Administrative Agent agrees to accept a Request for Advance made by telephone, such telephonic request shall be binding on the Borrower whether or not written confirmation is sent by the Borrower or requested by the Administrative Agent. The Administrative Agent may act prior to the receipt of any requested written confirmation, without any liability whatsoever, based upon telephonic notice believed by the Administrative Agent in good faith to be from the Borrower or its agents. The Administrative Agent’s records of the terms of any telephonic requests for Advances shall be conclusive on the Borrower in the absence of gross negligence or willful misconduct on the part of the Administrative Agent in connection therewith.
(b) The Administrative Agent shall give to each Lender prompt notice (but in no event later than 1:00 P.M. (Central time) on the date of the Administrative Agent’s receipt of notice from Borrower) of each Request for Advance by facsimile, telephone, e‑mail or other form of transmission. No later than 3:00 P.M. (Central time) on the date on which a Borrowing is requested to be made pursuant to the applicable Request for Advance, each Lender will make available to the Administrative Agent, in immediately available funds, its Commitment Percentage of such Borrowing requested to be made. Unless the Administrative Agent shall have been notified by any Lender prior to the date of Borrowing that such Lender does not intend to make available to the Administrative Agent its portion of the Borrowing to be made on such date, the Administrative Agent may assume that such Lender will make such amount available to the Administrative Agent as required above and the Administrative Agent may, in reliance upon such assumption, make
available the amount of the Borrowing to be provided by such Lender. Upon fulfillment of the conditions set forth in Sections 2.3(a) and 7.2 of this Agreement for such Borrowing, and as soon as practicable after receipt of funds from the Lenders (but in any event not later than 2:00 P.M. (Central time)) the Administrative Agent will make such funds as have been received from the Lenders available to the Borrower in the Designated Disbursement Account agreed to by the Administrative Agent and the Borrower.
(c) To administer the Loan in an efficient manner and to minimize the transfer of funds between the Administrative Agent and the Lenders, the Lenders hereby instruct the Administrative Agent, and the Administrative Agent may (in its sole discretion, without any obligation) (i) make available, on behalf of the Lenders, the full amount of all Borrowings requested by the Borrower, without giving each Lender prior notice of the proposed Borrowing, of such Lender’s Commitment Percentage thereof and the other matters covered by the Request for Advance and (ii) if the Administrative Agent has made any such amounts available as provided in clause (i), upon repayment of the Loans by the Borrower, first apply such amounts repaid directly to the amounts made available by the Administrative Agent in accordance with clause (i) and not yet settled as described below. If the Administrative Agent advances a Borrowing on behalf of the Lenders, as provided in the immediately preceding sentence, the amount of outstanding Loans and each Lender’s Commitment Percentage thereof shall be computed weekly rather than daily and shall be adjusted upward or downward on the basis of the amount of outstanding Loans as of 5:00 P.M. (Central time) on the Business Day immediately preceding the date of each computation;
provided, however,
that the Administrative Agent retains the absolute right at any time or from time to time to make the afore- described adjustments at intervals more frequent than weekly. The Administrative Agent shall deliver to each of the Lenders at the end of each week, or such lesser period or periods as the Administrative Agent shall determine, a summary statement of the amount of outstanding Loans for such period (such week or lesser period or periods being hereafter referred to as a
“Settlement Period”).
If the summary statement is sent by the Administrative Agent and received by the Lenders prior to 12:00 Noon (Central time) on any Business Day each Lender shall make the transfers described in the next succeeding sentence no later than 3:00 P.M. (Central time) on the day such summary statement was sent; and if such summary statement is sent by the Administrative Agent and received by the Lenders after 12:00 Noon (Central time) on any Business Day, each Lender shall make such transfers no later than 3:00 P.M. (Central time) the next succeeding Business Day after such summary statement was sent. If in any Settlement Period, the amount of a Lender’s Commitment Percentage of the Loans is in excess of the amount of Loans actually funded by such Lender, such Lender shall forthwith (but in no event later than the time set forth in the next preceding sentence) transfer to the Administrative Agent by wire transfer in immediately available funds the amount of such excess; and, on the other hand, if the amount of a Lender’s Commitment Percentage of the Loans in any Settlement Period is less than the amount of Loans actually funded by such Lender, the Administrative Agent shall forthwith transfer to such Lender by wire transfer in immediately available funds the amount of such difference. The obligation of each Lender to transfer such funds shall be irrevocable and unconditional, without recourse to or warranty by the Administrative Agent and made without setoff or deduction of any kind. Each of the Administrative Agent and the Lenders agree to mark their respective books and records at the end of each Settlement Period to show at all times the dollar amount of their respective Commitment Percentages of the outstanding Loans. Because the Administrative Agent on behalf of the Lenders may be advancing and/or may be repaid Loans prior to the time when the Lenders will actually advance and/or be repaid Loans, interest with respect to Loans shall be allocated by the Administrative Agent to each Lender (including the Administrative Agent) in accordance with the amount of Loans actually advanced by and repaid to each Lender (including the Administrative Agent) during each Settlement Period and shall accrue from and including the date such Borrowing is advanced by the Administrative Agent to but excluding the date such Loans are repaid by the Borrower or actually settled by the applicable Lender as described in this Section 2.3(c). All such Borrowings advanced by the Administrative Agent on behalf of the Lenders hereunder shall bear interest at the interest rate applicable hereunder for Loans. Each Lender shall be entitled to earn interest at the then applicable rate of interest, calculated in accordance with Section 2.1 of this Agreement, on outstanding Loans which it has funded
to the Administrative Agent from the date such Lender funded such Loans to, but excluding, the date on which such Lender is repaid with respect to such Loans.
(d) If the amounts described in subsection (b) or (c) of this Section 2.3 are not in fact made available to the Administrative Agent by a Defaulting Lender and the Administrative Agent has made such amount available to Borrower, the Administrative Agent shall be entitled to recover such corresponding amount on demand from such Defaulting Lender. If such Defaulting Lender does not pay such corresponding amount forthwith upon the Administrative Agent’s demand therefor, the Administrative Agent shall promptly notify the Borrower and the Borrower shall immediately (but in no event later than two (2) Business Days after such demand) pay such corresponding amount to the Administrative Agent. The Administrative Agent shall also be entitled to recover from such Defaulting Lender and the Borrower, (i) interest on such corresponding amount in respect of each day from the date such corresponding amount was made available by the Administrative Agent to the Borrower to the date such corresponding amount is recovered by the Administrative Agent, at a rate per annum equal to either (A) if paid by such Defaulting Lender, the Federal Funds Rate or (B) if paid by the Borrower, the then applicable rate of interest, calculated in accordance with Section 2.1 of this Agreement,
plus
(ii) in each case, an amount equal to any costs (including reasonable legal expenses) and losses incurred as a result of the failure of such Defaulting Lender to provide such amount as provided in this Agreement. Nothing herein shall be deemed to relieve any Lender from its obligation to fulfill its commitments hereunder or to prejudice any rights which the Borrower may have against any Lender as a result of any default by such Lender hereunder, including, without limitation, the right of the Borrower to seek reimbursement from any Defaulting Lender for any amounts paid by the Borrower under clause (ii) above on account of such Defaulting Lender’s default.
(e) The failure of any Lender to make its portion of the Borrowing to be made by it as part of any advance shall not relieve any other Lender of its obligation, if any, hereunder to advance its portion of the Borrowing on the date of such Borrowing, but no Lender shall be responsible for the failure of any other Lender to make the portion of a Borrowing to be made by such other Lender on the date of any Borrowing. The amounts payable by each Lender shall be a separate and independent obligation.
Section 2.4. [RESERVED].
Section 2.5. Maturity of Loans
. Each Loan, both for principal and interest not sooner paid, shall mature and become due and payable by the Borrower on the Termination Date.
Section 2.6. Prepayments
. (a)
Voluntary
. The Borrower shall have the privilege of prepaying without premium or penalty and in whole or in part (but, if in part, then in an amount not less than $50,000.00 or any greater amount that is an integral multiple of $50,000.00) the Loans at any time on any Business Day upon prior notice to the Administrative Agent (which shall advise each Lender thereof promptly thereafter) by no later than 12:00 noon (Central time) on the date of each prepayment of a Loan, such prepayment to be made by the payment of the principal amount to be prepaid and, in the case of any prepayment is accompanied by a termination of the Commitments, accrued interest thereon to the date fixed for prepayment; provided that in the event the Borrower repays the Loans in full any time prior to the Termination Date, (x) the Borrower shall provide Administrative Agent at least ten (10) Business Days prior written notice and (y) in the event the Borrower repays the Loan in full or the Obligations are accelerated following the occurrence of an Event of Default at any time prior to the Maturity Date, the Borrower shall pay a sum equal to 0.50% of the aggregate amount of the Commitments as a prepayment fee, it being acknowledged by the Borrower that such prepayment fee is an estimate of Lenders’ damages in the event of early termination and is not a penalty.
(b)
Mandatory.
(i) Concurrently with each reduction of the Commitments (whether voluntarily pursuant to Section 2.9 or otherwise), the Borrower shall prepay the Loans by the amount, if any, necessary so that the aggregate outstanding principal balance of the Loans shall not exceed the Commitments as so reduced, each such prepayment to be made by the payment of the principal amount to be prepaid and accrued interest thereon to the date fixed for prepayment.
(ii) The Borrower covenants and agrees that in the event that the outstanding principal amount of the Loans shall at any time and for any reason exceed the Available Borrowing Base as then determined and computed, the Borrower shall immediately upon the demand of the Administrative Agent or the Required Lenders pay over the amount of the excess to the Administrative Agent for the account of the Lenders as and for a mandatory prepayment on the Loans.
(c)
Reborrowings
. Any amount paid or prepaid on the Loans on or before the Termination Date may, subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, be borrowed, repaid and borrowed again.
Section 2.7. Default Rate
. From and after the Termination Date, or such earlier date as the outstanding principal balance of the Loans and other Obligations become due and payable by acceleration or otherwise, or at Administrative Agent’s option upon the occurrence of an Event of Default, (i) the Borrower hereby agrees to pay interest on the outstanding principal balance of the Loans and other Obligations and, to the extent permitted by law, overdue interest with respect thereto, at the rate of two percent (2.0%) per annum above the rate of interest otherwise applicable to the Loans.
Section 2.8. Evidence of Indebtedness
. (a) Each Lender shall maintain in accordance with its usual practice an account or accounts evidencing the indebtedness of the Borrower to such Lender resulting from each Loan made by such Lender from time to time, including the amounts of principal and interest payable and paid to such Lender from time to time hereunder.
(b) The Administrative Agent shall also maintain accounts in which it will record (i) the amount of each Loan made hereunder and the type thereof with respect thereto, (ii) the amount of any principal or interest due and payable or to become due and payable from the Borrower to each Lender hereunder and (iii) the amount of any sum received by the Administrative Agent hereunder from the Borrower and each Lender’s share thereof.
(c) The entries maintained in the accounts maintained pursuant to paragraphs (a) and (b) above shall be
prima facie
evidence of the existence and amounts of the Obligations therein recorded;
provided, however,
that the failure of the Administrative Agent or any Lender to maintain such accounts or any error therein shall not in any manner affect the obligation of the Borrower to repay the Obligations in accordance with their terms.
(d) Any Lender may request that its Loans be evidenced by a promissory note or notes in the forms acceptable to Adminstrative Agent and such Lender (collectively the
“Notes”
and individually as a
“Note”
). In such event, the Borrower shall prepare, execute and deliver to such Lender a Note payable to such Lender or its registered assigns in the amount of the relevant Commitment. Thereafter, the Loans evidenced by such Note or Notes and interest thereon shall at all times (including after any assignment pursuant to Section 12.10) be represented by one or more Notes payable to the order of the payee named therein or any assignee pursuant to Section 12.10, except to the extent that any such Lender or assignee subsequently returns any such Note for cancellation and requests that such Loans once again be evidenced as described in subsections (a) and (b) above.
Section 2.9. Commitment Terminations
. (a) The Borrower shall have the right at any time and from time to time, upon five (5) Business Days prior written notice to the Administrative Agent (or such shorter period of time then agreed to by the Administrative Agent) to terminate without premium or penalty, in whole or in part, the Commitments, any partial termination to be in an amount not less than $2,000,000 or any larger amount that is an integral multiple of $1,000,000, and to reduce ratably the respective Commitments of each Lender;
provided that
the Commitments may not be reduced to an amount less than the aggregate principal amount of Loans then outstanding and the Borrower shall pay a sum equal to 0.50% of the aggregate amount of the Commitment reduction as a prepayment fee, it being acknowledged by the Borrower that such prepayment fee is an estimate of Lenders’ damages in the event of early termination and is not a penalty.
(b) Upon the Administrative Agent’s receipt of the proceeds of any sale or disposition of the Collateral, or any part thereof, applied to the Obligations pursuant to Section 10.4(c) of the Company Security Agreement or Section 10.4(c) of the Subsidiary Security Agreement, the Commitments shall automatically and without notice be ratably reduced (based on the Commitment of each Lender) by the amount of such proceeds.
(c) Any termination of Commitments pursuant to this Section 2.9 may not be reinstated.
Section 2.10. Special Provisions Applicable to LIBOR Rate.
(a) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement or any other Loan Documents, if the Administrative Agent determines (which determination shall be conclusive absent manifest error), or the Borrower or the Required Lenders notify the Administrative Agent (with, in the case of the Required Lenders, a copy to the Borrower) that the Borrower or Required Lenders (as applicable) have determined, that:
(i) adequate and reasonable means do not exist for ascertaining the LIBOR Rate, including because the LIBOR Screen Rate is not available or published on a current basis and such circumstances are unlikely to be temporary; or
(ii) the administrator of the LIBOR Screen Rate or a Governmental Authority having jurisdiction over the Administrative Agent has made a public statement identifying a specific date after which the LIBOR Rate or the LIBOR Screen Rate shall no longer be made available, or used for determining the interest rate of loans (such specific date, the “
Scheduled Unavailability Date
”);
then, reasonably promptly after such determination by the Administrative Agent or receipt by the Administrative Agent of such notice from the Borrower or a Lender, as applicable, the Administrative Agent and the Borrower may amend this Agreement to replace LIBOR Rate with an alternate benchmark rate (including any mathematical or other adjustments to the benchmark (if any) incorporated therein and/or the applicable margin with respect thereto), giving due consideration to (x) any selection, endorsement or recommendation of a replacement rate and/or replacement spread or the mechanism for determining such a rate or spread by the Board of Governors (or a committee convened by the Board of Governors) in effect at such time and (y) any evolving or then existing convention for similar U.S. dollar denominated syndicated credit facilities for such alternative benchmarks (any such proposed rate, a “
LIBOR Successor Rate
”), together with any proposed LIBOR Successor Rate Conforming Changes, and any such amendment shall become effective at 5:00 p.m. on the fifth (5
th
) Business Day after the Administrative Agent shall have posted such proposed amendment to all Lenders and the Borrower unless, prior to such time, Lenders comprising the Required Lenders have delivered to the Administrative Agent written notice that such Required Lenders do not accept such amendment.
(b) If no LIBOR Successor Rate has been determined and the circumstances under clause (a)(i) above exist or the Scheduled Unavailability Date has occurred (as applicable), the Administrative Agent will promptly so notify the Borrower and each Lender. Thereafter, until any LIBOR Successor Rate Conforming Changes or amendment pursuant to Section 2.10 (a) has occurred, the LIBOR Rate shall mean a replacement index rate as may be selected by the Administrative Agent in its commercially reasonable discretion based upon the considerations contained in clause (a) above.
(c) Notwithstanding anything else herein, any definition of LIBOR Successor Rate shall provide that in no event shall such LIBOR Successor Rate be less than zero for purposes of this Agreement.
Section 2.11. Substitution of Lenders
. In the event (a) the Borrower receives a claim from any Lender for compensation under Section 12.1 hereof, (b) the Borrower receives notice from any Lender of any illegality pursuant to Section 10.1 hereof, (c) any Lender is then a Defaulting Lender or such Lender is a Subsidiary or Affiliate of a Person who has been deemed insolvent or becomes the subject of a bankruptcy or insolvency proceeding or a receiver or conservator has been appointed for any such Person, or (d) a Lender fails to consent to an amendment or waiver requested under Section 12.11 hereof at a time when the Required Lenders have approved such amendment or waiver (any such Lender referred to in clause (a), (b), (c), or (d) above being hereinafter referred to as an
“Affected Lender”
), the Borrower may, in addition to any other rights the Borrower may have hereunder or under applicable law, require, at its expense, any such Affected Lender to assign, at par, without recourse, all of its interest, rights, and obligations hereunder (including all of its Commitments and the Loans and other amounts at any time owing to it hereunder and the other Loan Documents) to an Eligible Assignee specified by the Borrower,
provided
that (i) such assignment shall not conflict with or violate any law, rule or regulation or order of any court or other governmental authority, (ii) the Borrower shall have paid to the Affected Lender all monies other than such principal owing to it hereunder, and (iii) the assignment is entered into in accordance with, and subject to the consents required by, Section 12.10 hereof (provided any assignment fees and reimbursable expenses due thereunder shall be paid by the Borrower).
Section 2.12. Defaulting Lenders
. Anything contained herein to the contrary notwithstanding, in the event that any Lender at any time is a Defaulting Lender, then (a) during any Defaulting Lender Period with respect to such Defaulting Lender, such Defaulting Lender shall be deemed not to be a
“Lender”
for purposes of voting on any matters (including the granting of any consents or waivers) with respect to any of the Loan Documents and such Defaulting Lender’s Commitments shall be excluded for purposes of determining
“Required Lenders”
(provided that the foregoing shall not permit an increase in such Lender’s Commitments or an extension of the maturity date of such Lender’s Loans or other Obligations or a reduction of principal, interest, or fees due such Lender without such Lender’s consent); (b) to the extent permitted by applicable law, until such time as the Defaulting Lender Excess with respect to such Defaulting Lender shall have been reduced to zero, any voluntary prepayment of the Loans shall, if the Administrative Agent so directs at the time of making such voluntary prepayment, be applied to the Loans of other Lenders as if such Defaulting Lender had no Loans outstanding; (c) such Defaulting Lender’s Commitments and outstanding Loans shall be excluded for purposes of calculating any commitment fee payable to Lenders pursuant to Section 3.1 in respect of any day during any Defaulting Lender Period with respect to such Defaulting Lender, and such Defaulting Lender shall not be entitled to receive any fee pursuant to Section 3.1 with respect to such Defaulting Lender’s Commitment in respect of any Defaulting Lender Period with respect to such Defaulting Lender; and (d) the utilization of Commitments as at any date of determination shall be calculated as if such Defaulting Lender had funded all Loans of such Defaulting Lender. No Commitment of any Lender shall be increased or otherwise affected, and, except as otherwise expressly provided in this Section, performance by the Borrower of its obligations hereunder and the other Loan Documents shall not be excused or otherwise modified as a result of the operation of this Section. The rights and remedies against a Defaulting
Lender under this Section are in addition to other rights and remedies which the Borrower may have against such Defaulting Lender and which the Administrative Agent or any Lender may have against such Defaulting Lender.
Section 2.13. Letters of Credit
.
(a) Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement and satisfaction of the conditions precedent set forth in Section 7.2 of this Agreement, upon the request of Borrower made in accordance herewith, Issuing Bank agrees to issue a requested Letter of Credit for the account of Borrower. By Borrower submitting a request to Issuing Bank for the issuance of a Letter of Credit, Borrower shall be deemed to have requested that Issuing Bank issue the requested Letter of Credit. Each request for the issuance of a Letter of Credit, or the amendment, renewal, or extension of any outstanding Letter of Credit, shall be made in writing by the President or Treasurer (or such other authorized Person as Borrower directs from time to time) of Borrower and delivered to Issuing Bank via hand delivery, facsimile, or other electronic method of transmission reasonably in advance of the requested date of issuance, amendment, renewal, or extension. Each such request shall be in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Issuing Bank and (i) shall specify (A) the amount of such Letter of Credit, (B) the date of issuance, amendment, renewal, or extension of such Letter of Credit, (C) the proposed expiration date of such Letter of Credit; provided no Letter of Credit shall have an expiration date later than the stated Termination Date, (D) the name and address of the beneficiary of the Letter of Credit, and (E) such other information (including, the conditions to drawing, and, in the case of an amendment, renewal, or extension, identification of the Letter of Credit to be so amended, renewed, or extended) as shall be necessary to prepare, amend, renew, or extend such Letter of Credit, and (ii) shall be accompanied by such Issuer Documents as Administrative Agent or Issuing Bank may request or require. Anything contained herein to the contrary notwithstanding, Issuing Bank may, but shall not be obligated to, issue a Letter of Credit that supports the obligations of Borrower or its Subsidiaries (1) in respect of (x) a lease of real property, or (y) an employment contract, or (2) at any time that one or more of the Lenders is a Defaulting Lender. Issuing Bank shall have no obligation to issue a Letter of Credit if any of the following would result after giving effect to the requested issuance:
(i) the Letter of Credit Usage would exceed the Available Borrowing Base
less
the outstanding amount of the Obligations, or
(ii) the Letter of Credit Usage would exceed the Commitments
less
the outstanding amount of the Obligations, or
(iii) the Letter of Credit Usage would exceed the Letter of Credit Sublimit.
Additionally, Issuing Bank shall have no obligation to issue a Letter of Credit if (I) any order, judgment, or decree of any governmental authority or arbitrator shall, by its terms, purport to enjoin or restrain Issuing Bank from issuing such Letter of Credit, or any law applicable to Issuing Bank or any request or directive (whether or not having the force of law) from any governmental authority with jurisdiction over Issuing Bank shall prohibit or request that Issuing Bank refrain from the issuance of letters of credit generally or such Letter of Credit in particular, or (II) the issuance of such Letter of Credit would violate one or more policies of Issuing Bank applicable to letters of credit generally.
Each Letter of Credit shall be in form and substance reasonably acceptable to Issuing Bank, including the requirement that the amounts payable thereunder must be payable in U.S. dollars. If Issuing Bank makes a payment under a Letter of Credit, Borrower shall pay to Administrative Agent an amount equal to the applicable Letter of Credit Disbursement on the date such Letter of Credit Disbursement is made and, in the absence of such payment, the amount of the Letter of Credit Disbursement immediately and automatically shall be deemed to be a Loan hereunder (notwithstanding any failure to satisfy any condition precedent set forth in Section 7.2 of this Agreement) and, initially, shall bear interest at the rate then applicable to Loans. If a Letter of Credit Disbursement is deemed to be a Loan hereunder, Borrower’s obligation to pay the amount of such Letter of Credit Disbursement to Issuing Bank shall be automatically converted into an obligation to pay the resulting Loan. Promptly following receipt by Administrative Agent of any payment from Borrower pursuant to this paragraph, Administrative Agent shall distribute such payment to Issuing Bank or, to the
extent that Lenders have made payments pursuant to Section 2.13(b) of this Agreement to reimburse Issuing Bank, then to such Lenders and Issuing Bank as their interests may appear.
(b) Promptly following receipt of a notice of a Letter of Credit Disbursement pursuant to Section 2.13(a) of this Agreement, each Lender with a Commitment agrees to fund an amount equal to its Commitment Percentage of such Loan deemed made pursuant to Section 2.13(a) of this Agreement on the same terms and conditions as if Borrower had requested the amount thereof as a Loan and Administrative Agent shall promptly pay to Issuing Bank the amounts so received by it from the Lenders. By the issuance of a Letter of Credit (or an amendment, renewal, or extension of a Letter of Credit) and without any further action on the part of Issuing Bank or Lenders, Issuing Bank shall be deemed to have granted to each Lender, and each Lender shall be deemed to have purchased, a participation in each Letter of Credit issued by Issuing Bank, in an amount equal to its Commitment Percentage of such Letter of Credit, and each Lender agrees to pay to Administrative Agent, for the account of Issuing Bank, an amount equal to its Commitment Percentage of any Letter of Credit Disbursement made by Issuing Bank under the applicable Letter of Credit. In consideration and in furtherance of the foregoing, each Lender hereby absolutely and unconditionally agrees to pay to Administrative Agent, for the account of Issuing Bank, an amount equal to its Commitment Percentage of each Letter of Credit Disbursement made by Issuing Bank and not reimbursed by Borrower on the date due as provided in Section 2.13(a) of this Agreement, or of any reimbursement payment that is required to be refunded (or that Administrative Agent or Issuing Bank elects, based upon the advice of counsel, to refund) to Borrower for any reason. Each Lender acknowledges and agrees that its obligation to deliver to Administrative Agent, for the account of Issuing Bank, an amount equal to its Commitment Percentage of each Letter of Credit Disbursement pursuant to this Section 2.13(b) shall be absolute and unconditional and such remittance shall be made notwithstanding the occurrence or continuation of a Default or an Event of Default or the failure to satisfy any condition set forth in Section 7.2 of this Agreement. If any Lender fails to make available to Administrative Agent the amounts required pursuant to this Section 2.13(b), such Lender shall be deemed to be a Defaulting Lender and Administrative Agent (for the account of Issuing Bank) shall be entitled to recover such amount on demand from such Lender together with interest thereon at the rate set forth in Section 2.3(d) of this Agreement until paid in full.
(c) Borrower hereby agrees to indemnify, save, defend, and hold Administrative Agent, Lenders and Issuing Bank harmless from any damage, loss, cost, expense, or liability, and reasonable attorneys fees incurred by Issuing Bank, Administrative Agent or any Lender arising out of or in connection with any Letter of Credit;
provided
,
however
, that Borrower shall not be obligated hereunder to indemnify for any loss, cost, expense, or liability that a court of competent jurisdiction finally determines to have resulted from the gross negligence or willful misconduct of Issuing Bank, Administrative Agent or any Lender.
(d) Each Lender and Borrower agree that, in paying any drawing under a Letter of Credit, Issuing Bank shall not have any responsibility to obtain any document (other than any sight draft, certificates and documents expressly required by the Letter of Credit) or to ascertain or inquire as to the validity or accuracy of any such document or the authority of the Person executing or delivering any such document. None of Issuing Bank, Administrative Agent or any Lender, nor any correspondent, participant or assignee of Issuing Bank shall be liable to any Lender for (i) any action taken or omitted in connection herewith at the request or with the approval of Lenders or Required Lenders, as applicable; (ii) any action taken or omitted in the absence of gross negligence or willful misconduct; (iii) any error, omission, interruption, loss or delay in transmission or delivery of any draft, notice or other communication under or relating to any Letter of Credit or any error in interpretation of technical terms; or (iv) the due execution, effectiveness, validity or enforceability of any document or instrument related to any Letter of Credit or Issuer Document. Borrower hereby assumes all risks of the acts or omissions of any beneficiary or transferee with respect to its use of any Letter of Credit;
provided
,
however
, that this assumption is not intended to, and shall not, preclude Borrower from pursuing such rights and remedies as it may have against the beneficiary or transferee at law or under any other agreement. None of Issuing Bank, Administrative Agent or any Lender, nor any correspondent, participant or assignee of Issuing Bank shall be liable or responsible for any of the matters described in clauses (i) through (vi) of Section 2.13(e) of this Agreement or for any action, neglect or omission under or in connection with any Letter of Credit or Issuer Document, including in connection with the issuance or any amendment of any Letter of Credit, the failure to issue or amend any Letter of Credit, the honoring or dishonoring of any demand under any Letter of Credit, or the following of Borrower’s instructions or those contained in the Letter of Credit or any modifications, amendments, or supplements thereto, and such action or neglect or omission will bind Borrower;
provided
,
however
, that anything in such clauses to the contrary notwithstanding, Borrower may have a claim against Issuing Bank, and Issuing Bank may be liable to Borrower, to the
extent, but only to the extent, of any direct, as opposed to consequential, exemplary or punitive, damages suffered by Borrower which Borrower proves were caused by Issuing Bank’s willful misconduct or gross negligence or Issuing Bank’s willful failure to pay under any Letter of Credit after the presentation to it by the beneficiary of a sight draft and certificate(s) strictly complying with the terms and conditions of a Letter of Credit;
provided
further
,
however
, that any claim against Issuing Bank by Borrower for any loss suffered or incurred by Borrower shall be reduced by an amount equal to the sum of (i) the amount (if any) saved by Borrower as a result of the breach or other wrongful conduct that allegedly caused such loss, and (ii) the amount (if any) of the loss that would have been avoided had Borrower taken all reasonable steps to mitigate such loss, including, without limitation, by enforcing their rights against any beneficiary and, in case of a claim of wrongful dishonor, by specifically and timely authorizing Issuing Bank to cure such dishonor. In furtherance and not in limitation of the foregoing, Issuing Bank may accept documents that appear on their face to be in order, without responsibility for further investigation, regardless of any notice or information to the contrary (or Issuing Bank may refuse to accept and make payment upon such documents if such documents are not in strict compliance with the terms of such Letter of Credit and may disregard any requirement in a Letter of Credit that notice of dishonor be given in a particular manner and any requirement that presentation be made at a particular place or by a particular time of day), and Issuing Bank shall not be responsible for the validity or sufficiency of any instrument transferring or assigning or purporting to transfer or assign a Letter of Credit or the rights or benefits thereunder or proceeds thereof, in whole or in part, which may prove to be invalid or ineffective for any reason. Issuing Bank shall not be responsible for the wording of any Letter of Credit (including any drawing conditions or any terms or conditions that are ineffective, ambiguous, inconsistent, unduly complicated or reasonably impossible to satisfy), notwithstanding any assistance Issuing Bank may provide to Borrower with drafting or recommending text for any letter of credit application or with the structuring of any transaction related to any Letter of Credit, and Borrower hereby acknowledges and agrees that any such assistance will not constitute legal or other advice by Issuing Bank or any representation or warranty by Issuing Bank that any such wording or such Letter of Credit will be effective. Without limiting the foregoing, Issuing Bank may, as it deems appropriate, modify or alter and use in any Letter of Credit the terminology contained on the letter of credit application for such Letter of Credit. Borrower hereby acknowledges and agrees that neither Issuing Bank, Administrative Agent nor any Lender shall be responsible for delays, errors, or omissions resulting from the malfunction of equipment in connection with any Letter of Credit.
(e) The obligation of Borrower to reimburse Issuing Bank for each drawing under each Letter of Credit shall be absolute, unconditional and irrevocable, and shall be paid strictly in accordance with the terms of this Agreement under all circumstances, including the following:
(i) any lack of validity or enforceability of such Letter of Credit, this Agreement, or any other Loan Document,
(ii) the existence of any claim, counterclaim, setoff, defense or other right that Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries may have at any time against any beneficiary or any transferee of such Letter of Credit (or any Person for whom any such beneficiary or any such transferee may be acting), Issuing Bank or any other Person, whether in connection with this Agreement, the transactions contemplated hereby or by such Letter of Credit or any agreement or instrument relating thereto, or any unrelated transaction,
(iii) any draft, demand, certificate or other document presented under such Letter of Credit proving to be forged, fraudulent, invalid or insufficient in any respect or any statement therein being untrue or inaccurate in any respect, or any loss or delay in the transmission or otherwise of any document required in order to make a drawing under such Letter of Credit,
(iv) any payment by Issuing Bank under such Letter of Credit against presentation of a draft or certificate that does not strictly comply with the terms of such Letter of Credit (including, without limitation, any requirement that presentation be made at a particular place or by a particular time of day), or any payment made by Issuing Bank under such Letter of Credit to any Person purporting to be a trustee in bankruptcy, debtor-in-possession, assignee for the benefit of creditors, liquidator, receiver or other representative of or successor to any beneficiary or any transferee of such Letter of Credit,
(v) any other circumstance or happening whatsoever, whether or not similar to any of the foregoing, including any other circumstance that might otherwise constitute a defense available to, or a discharge of, Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries, or
(vi) the fact that any Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing.
(f) Borrower acknowledges and agrees that any and all standard fees, charges, and commissions in effect from time to time, of Issuing Bank relating to Letters of Credit or incurred by Issuing Bank relating to Letters of Credit, upon the issuance of any Letter of Credit, upon the payment or negotiation of any drawing under any Letter of Credit, or upon the occurrence of any other activity with respect to any Letter of Credit (including the transfer, amendment or cancellation of any Letter of Credit), together with any and all fronting fees in effect from time to time related to Letters of Credit, shall be expenses for purposes of this Agreement, and shall be reimbursable immediately by Borrower to Administrative Agent for the account of Issuing Bank.
(g) If by reason of (x) any change after the date of this Agreement in any applicable law, treaty, rule, or regulation or any change in the interpretation or application thereof by any governmental authority, or (y) compliance by Issuing Bank, Administrative Agent or any Lender with any direction, request, or requirement (irrespective of whether having the force of law) of any governmental authority or monetary authority including, Regulation D of the Federal Reserve Board as from time to time in effect (and any successor thereto):
(i) any reserve, deposit, or similar requirement is or shall be imposed or modified in respect of any Letter of Credit issued or caused to be issued hereunder or hereby, or
(ii) there shall be imposed on Issuing Bank, Administrative Agent or any Lender any other condition regarding any Letter of Credit,
and the result of the foregoing is to increase, directly or indirectly, the cost to Issuing Bank, Administrative Agent or any Lender of issuing, making, participating in, or maintaining any Letter of Credit or to reduce the amount receivable in respect thereof, then, and in any such case, Administrative Agent may, at any time within a reasonable period after the additional cost is incurred or the amount received is reduced, notify Borrower, and Borrower shall pay within thirty (30) days after demand therefor, such amounts as Administrative Agent may specify to be necessary to compensate Issuing Bank, Administrative Agent or such Lender for such additional cost or reduced receipt, together with interest on such amount from the date of such demand until payment in full thereof at the rate then applicable to Loans. The determination by Administrative Agent of any amount due pursuant to this Section 2.13(g), as set forth in a certificate setting forth the calculation thereof in reasonable detail, shall, in the absence of manifest or demonstrable error, be final and conclusive and binding on all of the parties hereto.
(h) Borrower shall pay Administrative Agent (for the ratable benefit of Lenders), a Letter of Credit fee (which fee shall be in addition to the fees, charges, commissions, and costs set forth in this Section 2.13) at a rate equal to two and one-half of one percent (2.5%) per annum
times
the undrawn amount of all outstanding Letters of Credit, which fee shall be due and payable monthly in arrears on the first (1
st
) day of each month and continuing until the Commitment is terminated and the Obligations are paid in full, in which event a monthly installment of the letter of credit fee shall be paid on the date of such termination.
(i) Unless otherwise expressly agreed by Issuing Bank and Borrower when a Letter of Credit is issued, (i) the rules of the ISP and the UCP 600 shall apply to each standby Letter of Credit, and (ii) the rules of the UCP 600 shall apply to each commercial Letter of Credit.
(j) In the event of a direct conflict between the provisions of this Section 2.13 and any provision contained in any Issuer Document, it is the intention of the parties hereto that such provisions be read together and construed, to the fullest extent possible, to be in concert with each other. In the event of any actual, irreconcilable conflict that cannot be resolved as aforesaid, the terms and provisions of this Section 2.13 shall control and govern.
(k) Any reference herein or in any other Loans Document to the satisfaction, repayment, or payment in full of the Obligations shall mean in the case of contingent reimbursement obligations with respect to Letters of Credit, providing Letter of Credit Collateralization.
Section 2.14 Accordion Facility
. Subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein below, the Borrower shall have a right at any time to increase the aggregate amount of the Commitment (the “
Accordion Increase
”) in an amount acceptable to the Administrative Agent in its commercially reasonable discretion; provided, however, that the aggregate amount of the Accordion Increase shall not result in the aggregate amount of the Commitment to exceed $685,000,000. The following additional terms and conditions shall apply to the Accordion Increase:
(a) the Accordion Increase shall constitute additional Obligations and shall be secured and guaranteed with the other Obligations on a pari passu basis by the Collateral;
(b) the Borrower shall execute a new Note in favor of any new Lender or any existing Lender whose Commitment is increased, as well as any other legal documentation and modification documents reasonably requested by the Administrative Agent to consummate the Accordion Increase;
(c) unless otherwise provided by the Administrative Agent, the Accordion Increase shall be subject to the same terms (including interest rate and maturity date) as the existing Loan;
all documents, organizational documents and other documents evidencing and contemplated by the Accordion Increase shall be in form and substance reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent and the Borrower;
(d) the Borrower shall have delivered all due diligence materials and other deliverables reasonably requested by the Administrative Agent;
(e) no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred that has not been waived by Lenders pursuant to the terms hereof;
(f) the Administrative Agent shall have received from the Borrower updated financial statements and projections and a certificate, in each case in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent, demonstrating that, after giving effect to the Accordion Increase on a pro forma basis, the Borrower will be in compliance with all financial covenants set forth herein;
(g) the Accordion Increase shall be subject to the ability of the Administrative Agent to syndicate the Accordion Increase and/or encourage the Lender(s) to increase their Commitment(s), using Administrative Agent’s reasonable efforts in light of then-current market conditions;
(h) the Borrower shall have paid any fees owing to the lender(s) participating in the Accordion Increase; and
(j) the Administrative Agent shall have received such other due diligence and credit committee approvals as it may require with results satisfactory to the Administrative Agent in its sole and absolute discretion.
Participation in the Accordion Increase shall be offered first to each of the existing Lenders in an amount equal to each Lender’s Commitment Percentage of the Accordion Increase, but no such Lender shall have any obligation to provide all or any portion of the Accordion Increase. If the amount of the Accordion Increase requested by the Borrower shall exceed the Commitments which the existing Lenders are willing to provide with respect to the Accordion Increase, then the Administrative Agent may invite other banks or lending institutions acceptable to the Administrative Agent and the Borrower to join this Agreement as Lenders hereunder for the portion of such Accordion Increase not provided by the existing Lenders; provided, however, that such other banks, or financial institutions shall enter into such joinder agreements to give effect thereto as the Administrative Agent and the Borrower may reasonably request. The Administrative Agent is authorized to enter into, on behalf of Lenders, any amendment to this Agreement or any other Loan Document as may be necessary to incorporate the terms of the Accordion Increase in accordance with the terms hereof.
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SECTION 3.
|
FEES, EXTENSIONS AND APPLICATIONS .
|
Section 3.1. Commitment Fee/Closing Fee/Letter of Credit Fee
.
(a) The Borrower shall pay to the Administrative Agent for the ratable account of the Lenders a commitment fee at the rate of 0.50% per annum, in each case computed on the basis of a year of 360 days and the actual number of days elapsed on the average daily unused portion of the maximum amount of the Commitments hereunder.
Such commitment fee is payable in arrears on the first (1
st
) day of each calendar month and on the Termination Date, unless the Commitments are terminated in whole on an earlier date, in which event the fees for the period to the date of such termination in whole shall be paid on the date of such termination.
(b) The Borrower shall pay to the Administrative Agent for the ratable account of the Lenders a non-refundable closing fee in the amount and for the account of the Lenders as set forth on
Schedule 1.2
attached hereto, which fees shall be fully earned by such Lenders and immediately due and payable upon the effectiveness of this Agreement.
(c) The Borrower shall pay to the Administrative Agent any Letter of Credit fees required to be paid pursuant to Section 2.13.
Section 3.2. Prepayment/Commitment Reduction Fees
. The Borrower shall pay to the Administrative Agent any prepayment fees required to be paid pursuant to Sections 2.6(a) and 2.9(a).
Section 3.3. Administrative Agent’s Fees
. The Borrower shall pay to the Administrative Agent for its own account an administrative agent’s fee as mutually agreed upon by the Borrower and the Administrative Agent.
Section 3.4. Place and Application of Payments
. All payments of principal of and interest on the Loans and all payments of fees and all other amounts payable under this Agreement shall be made to the Administrative Agent by no later than 2:00 p.m. (Chicago time) at the principal office of the Administrative Agent in Des Moines, Iowa (or such other location as the Administrative Agent may designate to the Borrower) for the benefit of the Lenders. Any payments received after such time shall be deemed received by the Administrative Agent on the next Business Day. All such payments shall be made in lawful money of the United States of America, in immediately available funds at the place of payment, without set‑off or counterclaim. The Administrative Agent will promptly thereafter cause to be distributed like funds relating to the payment of principal or interest on Loans or fees ratably to the Lenders and like funds relating to the payment of any other amount payable to any Lender to such Lender, in each case to be applied in accordance with the terms of this Agreement. If the Administrative Agent causes amounts to be distributed to the Lenders in reliance upon the assumption that the Borrower will make a scheduled payment and such scheduled payment is not so made, each Lender shall, on demand, repay to the Administrative Agent the amount distributed to such Lender together with interest thereon in respect of each day during the period commencing on the date such amount was distributed to such Lender and ending on (but excluding) the date such Lender repays such amount to the Administrative Agent, at a rate per annum equal to: (i) from the date the distribution was made to the date two (2) Business Days after payment by such Lender is due hereunder, the Federal Funds Rate for each such day and (ii) from the date two (2) Business Days after the date such payment is due from such Lender to the date such payment is made by such Lender, the LIBOR Rate in effect for each such day.
Anything contained herein to the contrary notwithstanding, all payments and collections received in respect of the Obligations and all proceeds of the Collateral and payments or collections on any guaranties received, in each instance, by the Administrative Agent or any of the Lenders after acceleration or the final maturity of the Obligations or termination of the Commitments as a result of an Event of Default shall be remitted to the Administrative Agent and distributed as follows:
(a) first, to the payment of any outstanding costs and expenses incurred by the Collateral Agent or the Administrative Agent in monitoring, verifying, protecting, preserving or enforcing the Liens on the Collateral or in protecting, preserving or enforcing rights under this Agreement or any other Loan Document, and in any event including all costs and expenses of a character which the Borrower has agreed to pay to the Administrative Agent and the Collateral Agent under Sections 9.5 and 12.15 hereof (such funds to be retained by the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent, as the case may be for its own account unless it has previously been reimbursed for such costs and expenses by the Lenders, in which event such amounts shall be remitted to the Lenders to reimburse them for payments therefor made to the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent);
(b) second, to the payment of any outstanding interest or fees or other amounts due under this Agreement other than for principal, ratably as among the Administrative Agent and the Lenders in accord with the amount of such interest, fees or other amounts owing each;
(c) third, ratably (i) to the payment of the principal of the Loans, pro rata as among the Lenders in accord with the then respective unpaid principal balances thereof and (ii) to Administrative Agent, to be held by Administrative Agent, for the benefit of Issuing Bank (and for the ratable benefit of Lenders that have an obligation to pay to Administrative Agent, for the account of Issuing Bank, a share of each Letter of Credit Disbursement), as cash collateral in an amount up to one hundred five percent (105%) of the Letter of Credit Usage (to the extent permitted by applicable law, such cash collateral shall be applied to the reimbursement of any Letter of Credit Disbursement as and when such disbursement occurs and, if a Letter of Credit expires undrawn, the cash collateral held by Administrative Agent in respect of such Letter of Credit shall, to the extent permitted by applicable law, be reapplied pursuant to this Section 3.4, beginning with clause (a) above);
(d) fourth, to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders (and, in the case of Bank Product Obligations and Hedging Liability, their Affiliates) ratably in accord with the amounts of any other indebtedness, obligations or liabilities of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary owing to each of them and secured by the Collateral Documents (including, without limitation, Bank Product Obligations and Hedging Liability) unless and until all such indebtedness, obligations and liabilities have been fully paid and satisfied;
(e) fifth, to the Borrower or whoever else may be lawfully entitled thereto.
Section 3.5. Account Debit / Loan Account
. The Borrower hereby irrevocably authorizes the Administrative Agent to charge any of the Borrower’s deposit accounts maintained with the Administrative Agent for the amounts from time to time necessary to pay any then due Obligations;
provided
that the Borrower acknowledges and agrees that the Administrative Agent shall not be under an obligation to do so and the Administrative Agent shall not incur any liability to the Borrower or any other Person for the Administrative Agent’s failure to do so. The Borrower hereby also authorizes the Administrative Agent, from time to time without prior notice to the Borrower, to charge (i) on the first day of each month, all interest accrued during the prior month on the Loans hereunder, (ii) on the first day of each month, all fees accrued or chargeable pursuant to Section 3.1 of this Agreement, (iii) as and when due and payable, all other fees, costs and expenses payable hereunder or under any of the other Loan Documents, and (iv) as and when due and payable all other payment obligations payable under any Loan Document to Borrower’s loan account with the Administrative Agent, which amounts thereafter shall constitute Loans hereunder.
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SECTION 4.
|
THE COLLATERAL AND GUARANTIES .
|
Section 4.1. The Collateral
. The Obligations shall be secured by valid and perfected first priority Liens on Property of the Borrower and each Restricted Subsidiary (other than the Insurance Subsidiary) described in, and pursuant to the terms of, the Company Security Agreement and the Subsidiary Security Agreement in favor of the Collateral Agent for the benefit of the Administrative Agent and the Lenders. The Borrower covenants and agrees that it will, and will cause each of such Restricted Subsidiaries to, comply with all terms and conditions of each of the Collateral Documents and that it will, and will cause each of its Restricted Subsidiaries to, at any time and from time to time, at the request of the Administrative Agent or the Required Lenders, execute and deliver such instruments and documents and do such acts and things as the Administrative Agent or the Required Lenders may reasonably request in order to provide for or protect or perfect the Lien of the Collateral Agent in the Collateral.
Section 4.2. Subsidiary Guaranties
. Payment of the Obligations shall at all times be guarantied by each of the Restricted Subsidiaries (other than the Insurance Subsidiary) pursuant to the Subsidiary Guaranty Agreement.
Section 4.3. Further Assurances
. The Borrower agrees that it shall, and shall cause each Restricted Subsidiaries (other than the Insurance Subsidiary) to, from time to time at the request of the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent, execute and deliver such documents and do such acts and things as the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent may reasonably request in order to provide for or perfect or protect such Liens on the Collateral. In the event the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary (other than the Insurance Subsidiary) forms or acquires any other Subsidiary after the date hereof, except as otherwise provided in Sections 4.1 and 4.2 above, the Borrower shall promptly upon such formation or acquisition cause such newly formed or acquired Subsidiary to execute a joinder to the Subsidiary Guaranty Agreement and such Collateral Documents as the Administrative Agent may then require, and the Borrower shall also deliver to the Administrative Agent and the Collateral Agent, or cause such Subsidiary to deliver to the Administrative Agent and the Collateral Agent, at the Borrower’s cost and expense, such other instruments, documents, certificates, and opinions reasonably required by the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent in connection therewith.
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SECTION 5.
|
DEFINITIONS; INTERPRETATION .
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Section 5.1. Definitions
. The following terms when used herein have the following meanings:
“Administrative Agent”
means Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, in is capacity as Administrative Agent hereunder, and any successor in such capacity pursuant to Section 11.8 hereof.
“Administrative Questionnaire”
means an Administrative Questionnaire in a form supplied by the Administrative Agent.
“Advance Rate”
means the following percentage based upon the Collateral Performance Indicator as of the end of each month then most recently ended for which monthly reports have been delivered to Agent, pursuant to Section 8.20 of this Agreement:
|
|
|
Collateral Performance Indicator
|
Advance Rate
|
Less than or equal to 18%
|
85%
|
Greater than 18% but less than or equal to 19%
|
84%
|
Greater than 19% but less than or equal to 20%
|
83%
|
Greater than 20% but less than or equal to 21%
|
82%
|
Greater than 21% but less than or equal to 22%
|
81%
|
Greater than 22% but less than or equal to 23%
|
80%
|
Greater than 23%
|
79%
|
“Affiliate”
means any Person (i) which directly or indirectly through one or more intermediaries controls, or is controlled by, or is under common control with, the Borrower, (ii) which beneficially owns or holds 5% or more of any class of the Voting Stock (determined by number of shares or by number of votes) of the Borrower or (iii) 5% or more of the Voting Stock (determined by number of shares or by number of votes) (or in the case of a Person which is not a corporation, 5% or more of the equity interest) of which is beneficially owned or held by the Borrower or a Subsidiary. The term “control” means the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of a Person, whether through the ownership of Voting Stock, by contract or otherwise.
“Agreement”
means this Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, as the same may be amended, modified, restated or supplemented from time to time pursuant to the terms hereof.
“Applicable Margin”
means (a) initially 3.00% per annum and (b) commencing with the Administrative Agent’s receipt of the monthly financial statements and other documentation and reports required pursuant to Section 8.20 of this Agreement for the calendar month ending May 31, 2019 the following percentage as set forth in the matrix below (no downward rate adjustment being permitted if an Event of Default or Default is outstanding):
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|
|
EBITDA Ratio
|
Applicable Margin
|
Greater than 6.0 to 1.0
|
3.00%
|
Greater than 5.50 to 1.0 but less than or equal to 6.0 to 1.0
|
3.50%
|
Less than or equal to 5.50 to 1.0
|
4.00%
|
For purposes of the foregoing (i) the Applicable Margin shall be adjusted monthly in accordance with the matrix above, based upon the Administrative Agent’s receipt of monthly financial statements and other documentation and reports required pursuant to Section 8.20 of this Agreement, and effective the first (1
st
) day of the month of the delivery of such financial statements and other documentation and reports and (ii) if the Borrower fails to timely deliver the applicable financial statements, documentation and reports or any other Event of Default then exists, then at the Administrative Agent’s option, the Applicable Margin will be increased to the highest rate of interest pursuant to the above matrix, which rate of interest shall continue in effect until the applicable financial statements are delivered. In the event that any financial statement, covenant compliance certificate, documentation and reports delivered pursuant
to Section 8.20 of this Agreement is shown to be inaccurate (regardless of whether this Agreement is in effect when such inaccuracy is discovered), and such inaccuracy, if corrected, would have led to the application of a higher Applicable Margin for any period (an “
Applicable Period
”) than the Applicable Margin applied for such Applicable Period, and only in such case, then the Borrower shall immediately (i) deliver to the Administrative Agent a corrected covenant compliance certificate for such Applicable Period, (ii) determine the Applicable Margin for such Applicable Period based upon the corrected covenant compliance certificate, and (iii) pay to the Administrative Agent the accrued additional interest owing as a result of such increased Applicable Margin for such Applicable Period.
“Approved Fund”
means any Fund that is administered or managed by (a) a Lender, (b) an Affiliate of a Lender or (c) an entity or an Affiliate of an entity that administers or manages a Lender.
“Assignment and Acceptance”
means an assignment and acceptance entered into by a Lender and an Eligible Assignee (with the consent of any party whose consent is required by Section 12.10 hereof), and accepted by the Administrative Agent, in substantially the form of Exhibit C or any other form approved by the Administrative Agent.
“Available Borrowing Base”
means, as of any time it is to be determined, the difference between (a) the Borrowing Base and (b) all Hedging Liability then outstanding and the Letter of Credit Usage.
“Bank Products”
means each and any of the following bank products and services provided to the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary that is a party to the Subsidiary Guaranty Agreement by any Lender or any of its Affiliates: (a) credit cards for commercial customers (including, without limitation, “commercial credit cards” and purchasing cards), (b) merchant card services and (c) stored value cards, and treasury management services (including, without limitation, controlled disbursement, automated clearinghouse transactions, return items, overdrafts and interstate depository network services).
“Bank Product Obligations”
of the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries means any and all of their obligations, whether absolute or contingent and howsoever and whensoever created, arising, evidenced or acquired (including all renewals, extensions and modifications thereof and substitutions therefor) in connection with Bank Products.
“Board of Governors”
means the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System of the United States (or any successor).
“Borrower”
means World Acceptance Corporation, a South Carolina corporation.
“Borrowing”
means the total Loans requested by the Borrower on a single date. Except as otherwise permitted by Section 2.3(c) hereof, Borrowings of Loans are made ratably from each of the Lenders according to their Commitment Percentages.
“Borrowing Base”
means, as of any time it is to be determined, the product of the Advance Rate multiplied by the remainder of (x) the then outstanding unpaid amount of Eligible Finance Receivables minus (y) all unearned finance charges and unearned insurance premiums and insurance commissions applicable to such Eligible Finance Receivables.
“Business Day”
means any day except a Saturday, Sunday or other day on which national banks are authorized by law to close including, without limitation, United States federal government holidays.
“Capitalized Lease”
means any lease obligation for Rentals with respect to which is required to be capitalized on the balance sheet of the lessee in accordance with GAAP.
“Capitalized Rentals”
of any Person means, as of the date of any determination thereof, the amount at which the aggregate Rentals due and to become due under all Capitalized Leases under which such Person is a lessee would be required to be reflected under GAAP as a liability on the balance sheet of such Person.
“Change of Control”
means any of (a) the acquisition by any
“person”
or
“group”
(as such terms are used in sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) at any time of beneficial ownership of 40% or more of the outstanding capital stock or other equity interests of the Borrower on a fully‑diluted basis, (b) the failure of individuals who are members of the board of directors (or similar governing body) of the Borrower on the Effective Date (together with any new or replacement directors whose initial nomination for election was approved by a majority of the directors who were either directors on the Effective Date or previously so approved) to constitute a majority of the board of directors (or similar governing body) of the Borrower, shall occur, or (c) any “Change of Control” (or words of like import), as defined in any agreement or indenture relating to any issue of Indebtedness for Borrowed Money of the Borrower or any Subsidiary aggregating $1,000,000 shall occur.
“Code”
means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended and any successor statute thereto.
“Collateral”
means all properties, rights, interests and privileges from time to time subject to the Liens granted to the Collateral Agent for the benefit of the Administrative Agent and the Lenders pursuant to the Collateral Documents.
“Collateral Agent”
means Wells Fargo Bank, National Association., and its successors and assigns under the Company Security Agreement, the Subsidiary Guaranty Agreement, and the Subsidiary Security Agreement.
“Collateral Documents”
means the Company Security Agreement, the Subsidiary Security Agreement, the Subsidiary Guaranty Agreement, and all other security agreements, financing statements and other documents as shall from time to time secure or guarantee or relate to the Obligations or any part thereof.
“
Collateral Performance Indicator
” means as of the end of each calendar month, the sum of (a) the rolling three (3) month average 60+ day delinquency percentage (the percentage defined as (x) Finance Receivables for which payment is sixty (60) or more days contractually past due, divided by (y) total Finance Receivables at such date);
plus
(b) (i) net charge-offs for the eight (8) month period ending on such date divided by (ii) average net Finance Receivables during the eight (8) month period ending on such date.
“Commitment"
means, as to any Lender, the obligation of such Lender to make Loans under the Revolving Credit in an aggregate principal amount at any one time outstanding not to exceed the amount set forth opposite such Lender’s name on
Schedule 1.1
attached hereto and made a part hereof, as such Commitments may be reduced or modified at any time or from time to time pursuant to the terms hereof (including, without limitation, Section 2.9 hereof). The Borrower and the Lenders acknowledge and agree that the Commitments of the Lenders aggregate $685,000,000 commencing on the date hereof and thereafter (subject in each case to any reductions of the Commitments pursuant to Section 2.9 or any increases of the Commitments pursuant to Section 2.14).
“Commitment Percentage”
means, for each Lender, the percentage of the Commitments represented by such Lender’s Commitment or, if the Commitments have been terminated, the percentage held by such Lender of the aggregate
principal amount of all Loans then outstanding (exclusive of non-ratable Loans made by the Administrative Agent under Section 2.3(c) hereof until settled among the Lenders).
“Company Security Agreement
” means that certain Amended and Restated Security Agreement, Pledge and Indenture of Trust dated as of the Effective Date, between the Borrower and the Collateral Agent, as the same may from time to time be amended, modified, or further restated, together with any supplements thereto delivered pursuant to the terms thereof.
“Consolidated Adjusted Net Worth”
at any date means:
(a) as to any corporation, the amount of capital stock liability plus (or minus in the case of a deficit) the capital surplus and earned surplus of the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis, and as to any partnership or limited liability company, the capital account of the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis;
less
(without duplication)
(b) the net book value, after deducting any reserves applicable thereto, of all items of the following character which are included in the assets of the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries, to wit:
(i) all deferred charges (other than deferred Federal income taxes and deferred investment tax credits) and prepaid expenses other than prepaid interest, prepaid taxes and prepaid insurance premiums;
(ii) treasury stock;
(iii) unamortized debt discount and capitalized expense and unamortized stock discount and capitalized expense;
(iv) goodwill, organizational or experimental expense, patents, trademarks, copyrights, trade names and other intangibles;
(v) the excess, if any, of (A) net charge‑offs of the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries over the twelve‑month period ending with such date over (B) reserves for credit losses of the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries as at such date; and
(vi) any surplus resulting from any write‑up in the book value of assets of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary.
“Consolidated Adjusted Net Income”
for any period Consolidated Net Income, but excluding in any event:
(a) any gains or losses on the sale or other disposition of investments or fixed or capital assets, and any taxes on such excluded gains and any tax deductions or credits on account of any such excluded losses;
(b) the proceeds of any life insurance policy;
(c) net earnings and losses of any Restricted Subsidiary accrued prior to the date it became a Restricted Subsidiary;
(d) net earnings and losses of any Person (other than a Restricted Subsidiary), substantially all the assets of which have been acquired in any manner, realized by such other Person prior to the date of such acquisition;
(e) net earnings and losses of any Person (other than a Restricted Subsidiary) with which the Borrower or a Restricted Subsidiary shall have consolidated or which shall have merged into or with the Borrower or a Restricted Subsidiary prior to the date of such consolidation or merger;
(f) net earnings of any Unrestricted Subsidiary or other business entity (other than a Restricted Subsidiary) in which the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary has an ownership interest unless such net earnings shall have actually been received by the Borrower or such Restricted Subsidiary in the form of cash distributions;
(g) any portion of the net earnings of any Restricted Subsidiary (other than the Insurance Subsidiary) which for any reason is unavailable for payment of dividends to the Borrower or any other Restricted Subsidiary;
(h) earnings resulting from any reappraisal, revaluation or write‑up of assets;
(i) any deferred or other credit representing any excess of the equity in any Subsidiary at the date of acquisition thereof over the amount invested in such Subsidiary;
(j) any gain arising from the acquisition of any Securities of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary;
(k) any reversal of any contingency reserve, except to the extent that provision for such contingency reserve shall have been made from income arising during such period;
(l) any portion of the net earnings of the Insurance Subsidiary in excess of $500,000 (on a cumulative basis) which has not actually been distributed to the Borrower in the form of cash; and
(m) the excess, if any, of (A) net charge‑offs of the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries over the twelve‑month period ending with such date over (B) provision for loan losses of the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries over the twelve-month period ending with such date.
“
Consolidated EBITDA Ratio Net Income
”
for any period Consolidated Net Income before payments of interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization and non-cash share based compensation expenses, but excluding in any event:
(a) any gains or losses on the sale or other disposition of investments or fixed or capital assets, and any taxes on such excluded gains and any tax deductions or credits on account of any such excluded losses;
(b) the proceeds of any life insurance policy;
(c) net earnings and losses of any Restricted Subsidiary accrued prior to the date it became a Restricted Subsidiary;
(d) net earnings and losses of any Person (other than a Restricted Subsidiary), substantially all the assets of which have been acquired in any manner, realized by such other Person prior to the date of such acquisition;
(e) net earnings and losses of any Person (other than a Restricted Subsidiary) with which the Borrower or a Restricted Subsidiary shall have consolidated or which shall have merged into or with the Borrower or a Restricted Subsidiary prior to the date of such consolidation or merger;
(f) net earnings of any Unrestricted Subsidiary or other business entity (other than a Restricted Subsidiary) in which the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary has an ownership interest unless such net earnings shall have actually been received by the Borrower or such Restricted Subsidiary in the form of cash distributions;
(g) any portion of the net earnings of any Restricted Subsidiary (other than the Insurance Subsidiary) which for any reason is unavailable for payment of dividends to the Borrower or any other Restricted Subsidiary;
(h) earnings resulting from any reappraisal, revaluation or write‑up of assets;
(i) any deferred or other credit representing any excess of the equity in any Subsidiary at the date of acquisition thereof over the amount invested in such Subsidiary;
(j) any gain arising from the acquisition of any Securities of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary;
(k) any reversal of any contingency reserve, except to the extent that provision for such contingency reserve shall have been made from income arising during such period;
(l) any portion of the net earnings of the Insurance Subsidiary in excess of $500,000 (on a cumulative basis) which has not actually been distributed to the Borrower in the form of cash;
(m) the excess, if any, of (A) net charge‑offs of the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries over the twelve‑month period ending with such date over (B) provision for loan losses of the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries over the twelve-month period ending with such date; and
(o) Receivables 180 days or more contractually past due (unless reserved for by the Borrower).
“Consolidated Net Income”
for any period means the gross revenues of the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries for such period less all expenses and other proper charges (including taxes on income), determined on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP consistently applied and after eliminating earnings or losses attributable to outstanding Minority Interests.
“Consolidated Net Worth”
means, as of the date of any determination thereof, the total assets of the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries less the total liabilities of the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries determined in accordance with GAAP, it being understood and agreed that foregoing shall be determined exclusive of interests in Unrestricted Subsidiaries.
“Consolidated Tangible Net Worth”
means, as of the date of any determination thereof, Consolidated Net Worth less intangible assets of the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries determined in accordance with GAAP, it being understood and agreed that foregoing shall be determined exclusive of interests in Unrestricted Subsidiaries.
“Controlled Group”
means all members of a controlled group of corporations and all trades or businesses (whether or not incorporated) under common control which, together with the Borrower, are treated as a single employer under Section 414 of the Code or Section 4001 of ERISA.
“Default”
means any event or condition the occurrence of which would, with the passage of time or the giving of notice, or both, constitute an Event of Default.
“Defaulting Lender”
means any Lender that (a) has failed to fund any portion of the Loans required to be funded by it hereunder (herein, a
“Defaulted Loan”
) within two (2) Business Days of the date required to be funded by it hereunder unless such failure has been cured, (b) has otherwise failed to pay over to the Administrative Agent or any other Lender any other amount required to be paid by it hereunder within two (2) Business Days of the date when due, unless the subject of a good faith dispute or unless such failure has been cured, or (c) has been deemed insolvent or become the subject of a bankruptcy or insolvency proceeding or a receiver or conservator has been appointed for such Lender.
“Defaulting Lender Excess”
means, with respect to any Defaulting Lender, the excess, if any, of such Defaulting Lender’s Percentage of the aggregate outstanding principal amount of Loans of all Lenders (calculated as if all Defaulting Lenders other than such Defaulting Lender had funded all of their respective Defaulted Loans) over the aggregate outstanding principal amount of all Loans of such Defaulting Lender.
“Defaulting Lender Period”
means, with respect to any Defaulting Lender, the period commencing on the date upon which such Lender first became a Defaulting Lender and ending on the earliest of the following dates: (i) the date on which all Commitments are cancelled or terminated and/or the Obligations are declared or become immediately due and payable and (ii) the date on which (a) such Defaulting Lender is no longer insolvent, the subject of a bankruptcy or insolvency proceeding or, if applicable, under the direction of a receiver or conservator, (b) the Defaulting Lender Excess with respect to such Defaulting Lender shall have been reduced to zero (whether by the funding by such Defaulting Lender of any Defaulted Loans of such Defaulting Lender or otherwise), and (c) such Defaulting Lender shall have delivered to Borrower and the Administrative Agent a written reaffirmation of its intention to honor its obligations hereunder with respect to its Commitments.
“Designated Disbursement Account”
means the account of the Borrower maintained with the Administrative Agent or its Affiliate and designated in writing to the Administrative Agent as the Borrower’s Designated Disbursement Account (or such other account as the Borrower and the Administrative Agent may otherwise agree).
“EBIT”
for any period means the sum of (a) Consolidated Adjusted Net Income during such period plus (to the extent deducted in determining Consolidated Adjusted Net Income), (b) all provisions for any Federal, state or other income taxes made by the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries during such period, and (c) all Interest Charges on all Indebtedness (including the interest component of Capitalized Rentals) of the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries.
“
EBITDA Ratio
” means the ratio of (a) Consolidated EBITDA Ratio Net Income during such period, to (b) all Interest Charges on all Indebtedness of the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries during such period, as calculated on a rolling twelve (12) month basis and in accordance with GAAP.
“Eligible Assignee”
means (a) a Lender, (b) an Affiliate of a Lender, (c) an Approved Fund, and (d) any other Person (other than a natural person) approved by (i) the Administrative Agent and (ii) unless an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, the Borrower (each such approval not to be unreasonably withheld, conditioned, or delayed);
provided
that notwithstanding the foregoing, “Eligible Assignee” shall not include the Borrower or any of the Borrower’s Affiliates or Subsidiaries.
“Eligible Finance Receivables”
means and includes each Finance Receivable of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary (excluding any Insurance Subsidiary) that:
(a) is a loan originated in the United States of America payable in U.S. dollars and is the valid, binding and legally enforceable obligation of the debtor obligated thereon and such debtor is not (i) an Affiliate of the Borrower or of any Restricted Subsidiary, (ii) a shareholder, director, officer or employee of the Borrower or of any Restricted Subsidiary or of any Affiliate of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary, (iii) the United States of America or any department, agency or instrumentality thereof unless the Borrower or such Restricted Subsidiary has complied with the Assignment of Claims Act to the satisfaction of the Administrative Agent, (iv) a debtor under any proceeding under the United States Bankruptcy Code or any other comparable bankruptcy or insolvency law applicable under the law of any other country or political subdivision thereof, or (v) an assignor for the benefit of creditors;
(b) is assignable and not evidenced by an instrument or chattel paper unless the same has been endorsed and delivered to the Collateral Agent (except that, until a Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing and thereafter until otherwise notified by the Collateral Agent pursuant to the Company Security Agreement or the Subsidiary Security Agreement, as appropriate, the same shall not be required to be delivered to the Collateral Agent if a legend shall have been placed thereon in accordance with the Company Security Agreement or the Subsidiary Security Agreement, as appropriate);
(c) is subject to a perfected, first priority Lien pursuant to the Company Security Agreement or the Subsidiary Security Agreement, as appropriate, in favor of the Collateral Agent for the benefit of the Lenders, and is free and clear of any other Lien other than Liens permitted under Sections 8.11(e) and 8.11(g) of this Agreement which are each subordinate to the Liens in favor of the Administrative Agent;
(d) is net of any credit or allowance given by the Borrower or such Restricted Subsidiary to such account debtor;
(e) is not subject to any offset, counterclaim or other defense with respect thereto;
(f) is not owed by an account debtor who is obligated on accounts owed to the Borrower or such Restricted Subsidiary any portion of which is unpaid 60 days or more after the contractual due date (which must be issued in accordance with the Borrower’s or such Restricted Subsidiary’s business practices in effect as of the date hereof) unless the Administrative Agent has approved the continued eligibility thereof;
(g) is subject to loan and security documentation which complies in all respects with all applicable federal, state and local laws, rules and regulations;
(h) is not serviced by a Person other than the Borrower or a Restricted Subsidiary without prior written consent of Administrative Agent;
(i) is not purchased by the Borrower or a Restricted Subsidiary in a bulk purchase in any one or series of related transactions with an aggregate cash purchase price greater than $25,000,000 without prior written consent of Adminstrative Agent;
(j) has been deferred or extended one (1) billing no more than two (2) times during any rolling twelve (12) month period (other than renewals in the ordinary course of business;
(k) has a principal balance of less than $12,000;
(l) is not interest only payments or has a balloon payment;
(m) is in compliance with the Borrower’s underwriting guidelines;
(n) is not secured by real estate;
(o) is not a deficiency balance account; and
(p) in addition to the above requirements contained in this definition, is otherwise acceptable to the Administrative Agent in its Permitted Discretion for inclusion in the determination of the Borrowing Base.
“Environmental Legal Requirement”
means any international, Federal, state or local statute, law, regulation, order, consent decree, judgment, permit, license, code, covenant, deed restriction, common law, treaty, convention, ordinance or other requirement relating to public health, safety or the environment, including without limitation, those relating to releases, discharges or emissions to air, water, land or ground water, to the withdrawal or use of groundwater, to the use and handling of polychlorinated biphenyls or asbestos, to the disposal, treatment, storage or management of hazardous or solid waste, or Hazardous Substances or crude oil, or any fraction thereof, or to exposure to toxic or hazardous materials, to the handling, transportation, discharge or release of gaseous or liquid Hazardous Substances and any regulation, order, notice or demand issued pursuant to such law, statute or ordinance, in each case applicable to the property of the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries or the operation, construction or modification of any thereof, including, without limitation, the following: the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act of 1980, as amended by the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986, the Solid Waste Disposal Act, as amended by the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976 and the Hazardous and Solid Waste Amendments of 1984, the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act, as amended, the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, as amended by the Clean Water Act of 1976, the Safe Drinking Water Control Act, the Clean Air Act of 1966, as amended, the Toxic Substances Control Act of 1976, the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1977, as amended, the Emergency Planning and Community Right‑to‑Know Act of 1986, the National Environmental Policy Act of 1975 and the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 and any similar or implementing state law, and any state statute and any further amendments to these laws, providing for financial responsibility for cleanup or other actions with respect to the release or threatened release of Hazardous Substances or crude oil, or any fraction thereof and all rules, regulations, guidance documents and publication promulgated thereunder.
“ERISA”
means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended, and any successor statute.
“Event of Default”
means any of the events or circumstances specified in Section 9.1 hereof.
“Excess Availability”
means the ratio of Total Excess Availability to Total Availability.
“Federal Funds Rate”
means the fluctuating interest rate per annum as determined by the Administrative Agent to be the average (rounded upward, if necessary, to the next higher 1/100 of 1%) of the rates per annum quoted to the Administrative Agent at approximately 10:00 A.M. (Central time) (or as soon thereafter as is practicable) on such day (or, if such day is not a Business Day, on the immediately preceding Business Day) by two or more Federal funds brokers selected by the Administrative Agent for sale to the Administrative Agent at face value of Federal funds in the secondary market in an amount equal or comparable to the principal amount for which such rate is being determined.
“Finance Receivable”
means each Receivable of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary that arises in the ordinary course of its finance company business and represents amounts due in respect of loans made by the Borrower or such Restricted Subsidiary to the debtor obligated thereon.
“Fixed Asset Financing”
means the acquisition by the Borrower of one or more fixed assets in an aggregate amount not to exceed $1,500,000, which financing (a) shall amortize over time and not be subject to being re‑borrowed and (b) may be secured by the fixed assets so acquired.
“Fixed Charges”
for any period means, on a consolidated basis, the sum of (a) all Rentals (other than Capitalized Rentals) payable during such period by the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries, and (b) all Interest Charges on all Indebtedness (including the interest component of Capitalized Rentals) of the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries.
“Fund”
means any Person (other than a natural person) that is (or will be) engaged in making, purchasing, holding or otherwise investing in commercial loans and similar extensions of credit in the ordinary course of its business.
“GAAP”
means generally accepted accounting principles as in effect from time to time in the United States, consistently applied;
provided
,
however
, that all calculations relative to liabilities shall be made without giving effect to Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 159.
“Governing Documents”
means, collectively, the charter instruments, by‑laws, partnership agreements, operating agreements and other similar documents prescribing the internal governance of the Borrower and each Restricted Subsidiary.
“
Governmental Authority
” means any federal, state, municipal, national, local or other governmental department, court, commission, board, bureau, agency or instrumentality or political subdivision thereof, including without limitation, any attorney general or agency related thereto, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, or any entity or officer exercising executive, legislative or judicial, regulatory or administrative functions of or pertaining to any government or any court, in each case, whether of the United States or a state, territory or possession thereof, a foreign sovereign entity or country or jurisdiction or the District of Columbia.
“Guaranties”
by any Person means all obligations (other than endorsements in the ordinary course of business of negotiable instruments for deposit or collection) of such Person guaranteeing or in effect guaranteeing any Indebtedness, dividend or other obligation, of any other Person (the
“primary obligor”
) in any manner, whether directly or indirectly, including, without limitation, all obligations incurred through an agreement, contingent or otherwise, by
such Person: (a) to purchase such Indebtedness or obligation or any property or assets constituting security therefor, (b) to advance or supply funds (i) for the purchase or payment of such Indebtedness or obligation, (ii) to maintain working capital or other balance sheet condition or otherwise to advance or make available funds for the purchase or payment of such Indebtedness or obligation, (c) to lease property or to purchase Securities or other property or services primarily for the purpose of assuring the owner of such Indebtedness or obligation of the ability of the primary obligor to make payment of the Indebtedness or obligation, or (d) otherwise to assure the owner of the Indebtedness or obligation of the primary obligor against loss in respect thereof. For the purposes of all computations made under this Agreement, a Guaranty in respect of any Indebtedness for Borrowed Money shall be deemed to be Indebtedness equal to the principal amount of such Indebtedness for Borrowed Money which has been guaranteed, and a Guaranty in respect of any other obligation or liability or any dividend shall be deemed to be Indebtedness equal to the maximum aggregate amount of such obligation, liability or dividend.
“Hazardous Substances”
means any hazardous or toxic material, substance or waste pollutant or contaminant which is regulated as such under any statute, law, ordinance, rule or regulation of any Federal, regional, state or local authority having jurisdiction over the property of the Borrower or any Subsidiary or its use, including but not limited to any material, substance or waste which is: (a) defined as a hazardous substance under Section 311 of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. §1317), as amended, (b) regulated as a hazardous waste under Section 1004 of the Federal Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (42 U.S.C. §6901
et seq.
), as amended, (c) defined as a hazardous substance under Section 101 of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act, as amended, (d) defined or regulated as a hazardous substance or hazardous waste under any rules or regulations promulgated under any of the foregoing statutes, or (e) petroleum or products derived therefrom.
“Hedging Liability”
means the liability of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiaries party to the Subsidiary Guaranty Agreement to any of the Lenders, or any Affiliates of such Lenders, in respect of any interest rate, foreign currency, and/or commodity swap, exchange, cap, collar, floor, forward, future or option agreement, or any other similar interest rate, currency or commodity hedging arrangement, as the Borrower or such Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be, may from time to time enter into with any one or more of the Lenders party to this Agreement or their Affiliates.
“
ISP
” means, with respect to any Letter of Credit, the “International Standby Practices 1998” published by the Institute of International Banking Law & Practice (or such later version thereof as may be in effect at the time of issuance).
“Indebtedness”
of any Person means and includes all obligations of such Person which in accordance with GAAP should be classified upon a balance sheet of such Person as liabilities of such Person, and in any event shall include all (a) obligations of such Person for borrowed money or which have been incurred in connection with the acquisition of property or assets, (b) obligations secured by any Lien upon property or assets owned by such Person, even though such Person has not assumed or become liable for the payment of such obligations, (c) obligations created or arising under any conditional sale or other title retention agreement with respect to property acquired by such Person, notwithstanding the fact that the rights and remedies of the seller, lender or lessor under such agreement in the event of default are limited to repossession or sale of property, (d) Capitalized Rentals (e) all obligations of such Person on or with respect to letters of credit, bankers’ acceptances and other extensions of credit whether or not representing obligations for borrowed money, and (f) Guaranties of obligations of others of the character referred to in this definition.
“Indebtedness for Borrowed Money”
of any Person means (a) all Indebtedness of such Person for borrowed money or which has been incurred in connection with the acquisition of assets, (b) all Capitalized Rentals of such Person, and (c) all Guaranties by such Person of Indebtedness for Borrowed Money of others, it being understood that Indebtedness for Borrowed Money shall not include trade payables in the ordinary course of business.
“Insurance Subsidiary”
means any one Subsidiary (a) which is organized under the laws of the British Virgin Islands or such other jurisdiction as shall be consented to in writing by the Required Lenders, (b) which conducts
substantially all of its business and has substantially all of its assets within the British Virgin Islands or such other jurisdiction as shall be consented to in writing by the Required Lenders, (c) of which 100% (by number of votes) of the Voting Stock (except for directors’ qualifying shares) is owned by the Borrower, and (d) which is engaged in the business of reinsuring the credit insurance written by the Subsidiaries of the Borrower.
“Interest Charges”
for any period means all interest and all amortization of debt discount and expense on any particular Indebtedness for which such calculations are being made.
“Investments”
means all investments, in cash or by delivery of property made, directly or indirectly in any Person, whether by acquisition of shares of capital stock, indebtedness or other obligations or Securities or by loan, advance, capital contribution or otherwise;
provided, however,
that
“Investments”
shall not mean or include routine investments in property to be used or consumed in the ordinary course of business.
“
Issuer Documents
” means, with respect to any Letter of Credit, a letter of credit application, a letter of credit agreement, or any other document, agreement or instrument entered into (or to be entered into) by a Borrower in favor of Issuing Bank and relating to such Letter of Credit.
“
Issuing Bank
” means Wells Fargo Bank, National Association.
“Lender”
means each bank and other financial institution signatory hereto and each assignee bank or other financial institution pursuant to Section 12.12 hereof.
“Lending Office”
is defined in Section 10.2 hereof.
“
Letter of Credit
” means a letter of credit (as that term is defined in the Uniform Commercial Code) that is issued or is to be issued by Issuing Bank under this Agreement.
“
Letter of Credit Collateralization
” means either (a) providing cash collateral (pursuant to documentation reasonably satisfactory to Administrative Agent, including provisions that specify that the Letter of Credit fees provided for in Section 2.13 of this Agreement) to be held by Administrative Agent for the benefit of those Lenders in an amount equal to one hundred five percent (105%) of the then existing Letter of Credit Usage, (b) delivering to Administrative Agent documentation executed by all beneficiaries under the Letters of Credit, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Administrative Agent and Issuing Bank, terminating all of such beneficiaries’ rights under the Letters of Credit, or (c) providing Administrative Agent with a standby letter of credit, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Administrative Agent, from a commercial bank acceptable to Administrative Agent (in its sole discretion) in an amount equal to one hundred five percent (105%) of the then existing Letter of Credit Usage (it being understood that the Letter of Credit fee and all usage charges set forth in the Agreement will continue to accrue while the Letters of Credit are outstanding and that any such fees that accrue must be an amount that can be drawn under any such standby letter of credit).
“
Letter of Credit Disbursement
” means a payment made by Issuing Bank pursuant to a Letter of Credit.
“
Letter of Credit Sublimit
” means $1,500,000.
“
Letter of Credit Usage
” means, as of any date of determination, the aggregate undrawn amount of all outstanding Letters of Credit.
“LIBOR Rate”
means the greater of (a) 1.0% per annum or (b) one (1) month London Interbank Offered Rate (or, if no such rate is published for any reason, then at a comparable index rate selected by the Administrative Agent in its commercially reasonable discretion) for any day as found in the Wall Street Journal, Interactive Edition, or any successor edition or publication (the
“LIBOR Screen Rate”
);
provided
any change in the LIBOR Rate during a calendar month that exists as of the last Business Day of a calendar month shall take effect for purposes of Section 2.1 of this Agreement on the first (1
st
) day of the immediately following month.
“LIBOR Successor Rate”
is defined in Section 2.10(a) hereof.
“LIBOR Successor Rate Conforming Changes”
means, with respect to any proposed LIBOR Successor Rate, any conforming changes to the definition of Applicable Margin, Interest Period, timing and frequency of determining rates and making payments of interest and other administrative matters as may be appropriate, in the discretion of the Administrative Agent in consultation with the Borrower, to reflect the adoption of such LIBOR Successor Rate and to permit the administration thereof by the Administrative Agent in a manner substantially consistent with market practice (or, if the Administrative Agent determines that the adoption of any portion of such market practice is not administratively feasible or would not maintain the per annum rate of interest otherwise applicable hereunder with respect to the Loans but for the adoption of such alternate benchmark rate and related changes or that no market practice for the administration of such LIBOR Successor Rate exists, in such other manner of administration as the Administrative Agent determines in consultation with the Borrower).
“Lien”
means any interest in Property securing an obligation owed to a Person, whether such interest is based on the common law, statute or contract, and including but not limited to the security interest arising from a mortgage, security agreement, encumbrance, pledge, conditional sale or trust receipt or a lease, consignment or bailment for security purposes. The term
“Lien”
includes reservations, exceptions, encroachments, easements, rights of way, covenants, conditions, restrictions, leases and other similar title exceptions and encumbrances, including but not limited to mechanics’, materialmen’s, warehousemen’s, carriers’ and other similar encumbrances, affecting Property. For the purposes of this Agreement, a Person shall be deemed to be the owner of any Property which it has acquired or holds subject to a conditional sale agreement or other arrangement pursuant to which title to the property has been retained by or vested in some other Person for security purposes.
“Loan”
means and includes advances made under the Revolving Credit.
“Loan Documents”
means this Agreement, the Notes (if any), the Subsidiary Guaranty Agreement, the Collateral Documents, and each other instrument or document to be delivered hereunder or thereunder or otherwise in connection therewith.
“Mark-to-Market Hedging Liability”
means the aggregate mark-to-market liability of the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries to any Person in respect of any interest rate, foreign currency, and/or commodity swap, exchange, cap, collar, floor, forward, future or option agreement, or any other similar interest rate, currency or commodity hedging arrangement, as the Borrower or such Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be, may from time to time enter into with any Person and without the addition of any asset value with respect thereto.
“Margin Stock”
means
“margin stock”
as defined in Regulation U of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System.
“
Material Adverse Change
” means (a) a material adverse change in the business, operations, results of operations, assets, liabilities or condition (financial or otherwise) of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole, (b) a material impairment of the Borrower’s and its Subsidiaries’ ability to perform their obligations under the this Agreement or other Loan Documents to which they are parties or of Administrative Agent’s ability to enforce the Obligations or realize upon the Collateral taken as a whole, or (c) a material impairment of the enforceability or priority of Administrative Agent’s Liens with respect to the Collateral as a result of an action or failure to act on the part of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole.
“
Maturity Date
” means June 7, 2022.
“Minority Interests”
means any shares of stock, partnership interests, membership interests or other equity interests of any class of a Restricted Subsidiary (other than directors’ qualifying shares as required by law) that are not owned by the Borrower and/or one or more of its Restricted Subsidiaries. Minority Interests shall be valued by valuing Minority Interests constituting preferred stock at the voluntary or involuntary liquidating value of such preferred stock, whichever is greater, by valuing Minority Interests constituting common stock at the book value of the capital and surplus applicable thereto adjusted, if necessary, to reflect any changes from the book value of such common stock required by the foregoing method of valuing Minority Interests in preferred stock, and by valuing Minority Interests constituting partnership or limited liability company membership interests at the book value of such interest.
“Moody’s”
means Moody’s Investors Service, Inc.
“Multiemployer Plan”
shall have the same meaning as in ERISA.
“Net Income Available for Fixed Charges”
for any period means Consolidated Adjusted Net Income during such period plus, to the extent deducted in determining Consolidated Adjusted Net Income, (a) all provisions for any Federal, state or other income taxes made by the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries during such period, and (b) Fixed Charges of the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries during such period.
“Note”
and
“Notes
” each is defined in Section 2.8 hereof.
“Obligations”
means all unpaid principal of and accrued and unpaid interest on the Loans, all Bank Product Obligations (and the payment and performance of all agreements relating thereto), all Hedging Liability (and the payment and performance of all agreements relating thereto), all reimbursement or indemnification obligations with respect to Letters of Credit (irrespective of whether contingent), the amount necessary to reimburse Issuing Bank for amounts paid or payable in connection with Letters of Credit, Letter of Credit commissions, charges, expenses, and fees, all accrued and unpaid fees and all other obligations of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary to the Lenders or any Lender, Issuing Bank or the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent arising under any of the Loan Documents, any agreement relating to Bank Product Obligations, or any agreement relating to Hedging Liability, in each case whether now existing or hereafter arising, due or to become due, direct or indirect, absolute or contingent, and howsoever evidenced, held or acquired.
“
OFAC
” means the United States Department of Treasury Office of Foreign Assets Control.
“
OFAC Event
” means the event specified in Section 8.4(b) hereof.
“
OFAC Sanctions Programs
” means all laws, regulations, and Executive Orders administered by OFAC, including without limitation, the Bank Secrecy Act, anti-money laundering laws (including, without limitation, the Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act of 2001, Pub. L. 107-56 (a/k/a the USA Patriot Act)), and all economic and trade sanction programs administered by OFAC, any and all similar United States federal laws, regulations or Executive Orders, and any similar laws, regulators or orders adopted by any State within the United States.
“
OFAC SDN List
” means the list of the Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons maintained by OFAC.
“PBGC”
is defined in Section 6.12 hereof.
“
Permitted Discretion
” means a determination made in good faith and in the exercise of commercially reasonable (from the perspective of a secured asset-based lender) business judgment.
“Person”
means an individual, partnership, corporation, limited liability company, association, trust, unincorporated organization or any other entity or organization, including a government or agency or political subdivision thereof.
“Plan”
means with respect to the Borrower and each Subsidiary at any time an employee pension benefit plan which is covered by Title IV of ERISA or subject to the minimum funding standards under Section 412 of the Code and either (a) is maintained by a member of the Controlled Group for employees of a member of the Controlled Group, (b) is maintained pursuant to a collective bargaining agreement or any other arrangement under which more than one employer makes contributions and to which a member of the Controlled Group is then making or accruing an obligation to make contributions or has within the preceding five plan years made contributions, or (c) under which a member of the Controlled Group has any liability, including any liability by reason of having been a substantial employer within the meaning of Section 4063 of ERISA at any time during the preceding five years or by reason of being deemed a contributing sponsor under Section 4064 of ERISA.
“Pledged Collateral”
shall have the meaning as defined in the Company Security Agreement or the Subsidiary Security Agreement, as the context may require.
“Property”
means any interest in any kind of property or asset, whether real, personal or mixed, or tangible or intangible, whether now owned or hereafter acquired.
“Receivable”
means all accounts receivable, receivables, contract rights, controls, instruments, notes, drafts, bills, acceptances, documents, chattel paper, general intangibles and all other forms of obligations owing to a Person.
“
Regulatory Event
” mean: either a (x) a “
Level One Regulatory Event
”, which shall comprise the formal commencement by written notice by any federal or state Governmental Authority of any inquiry, investigation, legal action or similar proceeding against any of the Borrower or its Subsidiaries challenging its authority to originate, hold, own, service, collect or enforce Finance Receivables generally or any category or group of Finance Receivables that is material to the business of such Borrower or such Subsidiary, or otherwise alleging any material non-compliance by any of the Borrower or its Subsidiaries with any applicable laws related to originating, holding, collecting, servicing or enforcing Finance Receivables generally or any category or group of Finance Receivables that is material to the business of such Borrower or such Subsidiary (which shall include, without limitation, the issuance of a civil investigative demand by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau that meets the criteria set forth above), which inquiry, investigation, legal action or proceeding is not released or terminated in a manner reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent within thirty (30) calendar days of commencement thereof; or (y) a “
Level Two Regulatory Event
”, which shall comprise the issuance or entering of any stay, order, judgment, cease and desist order, injunction, temporary restraining order, or other judicial or non-judicial sanction (other than the imposition of a monetary fine), order or ruling against any of the Borrower or its Subsidiaries related in any way to the originating, holding, pledging, collecting, servicing or enforcing of Finance Receivables generally or any category or group of Finance Receivables that is material to the business of the Borrower or such Subsidiary.
“Rentals”
means, as of the date of any determination thereof, all fixed payments (including as such all payments which the lessee is obligated to make to the lessor on termination of the lease or surrender of the Property) payable by the Borrower or a Restricted Subsidiary, as lessee or sub‑lessee, under a lease of real or personal property, but shall be exclusive of any amounts required to be paid by the Borrower or a Restricted Subsidiary (whether or not designated as rents or additional rents) on account of maintenance, repairs, insurance, taxes and similar charges. Fixed rents under any so‑called “percentage leases” shall be computed solely on the basis of the minimum rents, if any, required to be paid by the lessee regardless of sales volume or gross revenues.
“Request for Advance”
means an online notice of borrowing submitted to Administrative Agent.
“Required Lenders”
means, as of the date of determination thereof, those Lenders holding at least 66 2/3% of the Commitments or, in the event that no Commitments are outstanding hereunder, those Lenders holding at least 66 2/3% in aggregate principal amount of the Loans outstanding hereunder; provided, however, Required Lenders shall at all times include Wells Fargo Bank, National Association.
“Restricted Investments”
means all Investments other than the Investments permitted by paragraphs (a) through (e), both inclusive, of Section 8.18 hereof.
“Restricted Subsidiary”
means the Insurance Subsidiary, if any, and any other Subsidiary (a) which is organized under the laws of the United States or any State thereof, (b) which conducts substantially all of its business and has substantially all of its assets within the United States, and (c) of which 100% (by number of votes) of the Voting Stock is owned by the Borrower and/or one or more Restricted Subsidiaries. Notwithstanding clauses (a), (b) and (c) above, “Restricted Subsidiary” shall include all Subsidiaries solely for purposes of Section 8.20(a), Section 8.20(b) and Section 8.20(c) and for purposes of calculating financial convenants in Section 8.7 (and the definitions related thereto).
“Revolving Credit”
is defined in Section 1.1 hereof.
“S&P”
means Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services Group, a division of The McGraw‑Hill Companies, Inc.
“Schedule Unavailability Date”
is defined in Section 2.10(a)(ii) hereof.
“Security”
shall have the same meaning as in Section 2(1) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
“Senior Loans”
means the Loans outstanding hereunder.
“Set‑off”
is defined in Section 12.7 hereof.
“Settlement Period”
is defined in Section 2.3(c) hereof.
“Subordinated Debt”
means all unsecured Indebtedness for Borrowed Money of the Borrower which (a) has terms acceptable to Required Lenders in their sole discretion (including a term that matures on a date later than the Maturity Date) and (b) contains or has applicable thereto subordination provisions acceptable to Administrative Agent in its Permitted Discretion.
“Subsidiary”
means any corporation or other entity of which more than fifty percent (50%) of the outstanding Voting Stock or comparable equity interests (including interests as a limited partner in a limited partnership) is at the
time directly or indirectly owned by the Borrower, by one or more of its Subsidiaries, or by the Borrower and one or more of its Subsidiaries.
“Subsidiary Guaranty Agreement”
means that certain Amended and Restated Guaranty Agreement dated as of the Effective Date from the Restricted Subsidiaries (other than the Insurance Subsidiary), as the same may from time to time be amended, modified, or further restated, together with any supplements thereto delivered pursuant to the terms thereof.
“Subsidiary Security Agreement”
means that certain Amended and Restated Security Agreement, Pledge, and Indentures of Trust dated as of the Effective Date among each of the Restricted Subsidiaries (other than the Insurance Subsidiary) and the Collateral Agent, as the same may from time to time be amended, modified, or further restated, together with any supplements thereto delivered pursuant to the terms thereof.
“Termination Date”
means the Maturity Date or such earlier date on which the Commitments are terminated in whole pursuant to this Agreement.
“Total Availability”
means an amount equal to the Available Borrowing Base as then determined and computed.
“Total Debt”
means, at any time the same is to be determined, the aggregated amount (without duplication) of all Indebtedness for Borrowed Money of the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries, including, without limitation, the Senior Loans and all Subordinated Debt.
“Total Excess Availability”
means an amount equal to (a) the lesser of (i) the Commitments and (ii) the Available Borrowing Base as then determined and computed,
minus
(b) the then outstanding principal amount of the Loans.
“
UCP 600
” means the rules of the Uniform Customs and Practice for Documentary Credits, as most recently published by the International Chamber of Commerce and in effect as of July 1, 2007 (or such later version thereof as may be in effect at the time of issuance).
“Unfunded Vested Liabilities”
means, with respect to any Plan at any time, the amount (if any) by which the present value of all vested nonforfeitable accrued benefits under such Plan exceeds the fair market value of all Plan assets allocable to such benefits, all determined as of the then most recent valuation date for such Plan, but only to the extent that such excess represents a potential liability of a member of the Controlled Group to the PBGC or the Plan under Title IV of ERISA.
“Unrestricted Subsidiary”
means any Subsidiary that is not a Restricted Subsidiary.
"Voting Stock”
means Securities, or other equity interests, of any class or classes, the holders of which are ordinarily, in the absence of contingencies, entitled to elect a majority of the corporate directors (or Persons performing similar functions).
“Welfare Plan”
means a
“welfare plan,”
as said term is defined in Section 3(1) of ERISA.
“Wholly‑Owned”
means a Subsidiary of which all of the issued and outstanding shares of stock (other than directors’ qualifying shares as required by law) or other comparable equity interests shall be owned by the Borrower and/or one or more of its Wholly‑Owned Subsidiaries.
Section 5.2. Interpretation
. The foregoing definitions shall be equally applicable to both the singular and plural forms of the terms defined. The words
“hereof”
,
“herein”
, and
“hereunder”
and words of like import when used in this Agreement shall refer to this Agreement as a whole and not to any particular provision of this Agreement. All references to times of day herein shall be references to Des Moines, Iowa time unless otherwise specifically provided. Where the character or amount of any asset or liability or item of income or expense is required to be determined or any consolidation or other accounting computation is required to be made for the purposes of this Agreement, the same shall be done in accordance with GAAP.
Section 5.3. Change in Accounting Principles
. If, after the date of this Agreement, there shall occur any change in GAAP from those used in the preparation of the financial statements referred to in Section 6.6 hereof and such change shall result in a change in the method of calculation of any financial covenant, pricing grid, standard or term found in this Agreement, either the Borrower or the Required Lenders may by notice to the Lenders and the Borrower, respectively, require that the Lenders and the Borrower negotiate in good faith to amend such covenants, pricing grid, standards, and terms so as equitably to reflect such change in accounting principles, with the desired result being that the criteria for evaluating the financial condition of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries shall be the same as if such change had not been made. No delay by the Borrower or the Required Lenders in requiring such negotiation shall limit their right to so require such a negotiation at any time after such a change in accounting principles. Until any such covenant, pricing grid, standard, or term is amended in accordance with this Section 5.3, financial covenants shall be computed and determined in accordance with GAAP in effect prior to such change in accounting principles. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Borrower shall neither be deemed to be in compliance with any financial covenant hereunder nor out of compliance with any financial covenant hereunder if such state of compliance or noncompliance, as the case may be, would not exist but for the occurrence of a change in accounting principles after the date hereof. The Borrower covenants and agrees with the Lenders that whether or not the Borrower may at any time adopt Accounting Standards Codification 825 or account for assets and liabilities acquired in an acquisition on a fair value basis pursuant to Accounting Standards Codification 805, all determinations of compliance with the terms and conditions of this Agreement shall be made on the basis that the Borrower has not adopted Accounting Standards Codification 825 or Accounting Standards Codification 805.
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SECTION 6.
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REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES .
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The Borrower represents and warrants to the Lenders as follows:
Section 6.1. Organization and Qualification
. The Borrower is duly organized and validly existing in good standing under the laws of the State of South Carolina, has full and adequate corporate power to carry on its business as now conducted, is duly licensed or qualified and in good standing in each jurisdiction in which the nature of its business conducted or the nature of the Property owned or leased by it makes such licensing or qualification necessary.
Section 6.2. Subsidiaries
. Each Subsidiary is a corporation, partnership, limited liability company or other entity duly organized and validly existing in good standing under the laws of the jurisdiction in which it was incorporated or organized, has full and adequate corporate or other power to carry on its business as conducted, and is duly licensed or qualified and in good standing in each jurisdiction in which the nature of its business as now conducted or proposed to be conducted or the nature of the Property owned or leased by it makes such licensing or qualification necessary.
Schedule 6.2
hereto identifies each Subsidiary of the Borrower as of the date hereof, the jurisdiction of its organization, the percentage of issued and outstanding shares of each class of its capital stock or other equity interests owned by the Borrower and the Subsidiaries and, if such percentage is not 100% (excluding directors’ qualifying shares
as required by law), a description of each class of its authorized capital stock or other equity interests and the number of shares or units of each class issued and outstanding. All of the issued and outstanding shares of capital stock or other equity interest of each Subsidiary are validly issued and outstanding and fully paid and nonassessable and all such shares are owned, beneficially and of record, by the Borrower or the relevant Restricted Subsidiary, all as set forth on said
Schedule 6.2
, free of any Lien except for Liens granted to the Collateral Agent under the Company Security Agreement and, to the extent applicable, Subsidiary Security Agreement and subordinate Liens permitted pursuant to Sections 8.11(e), 8.11(g), and 8.11(i) hereof. As of the date hereof, each Subsidiary is a Restricted Subsidiary and there are no Unrestricted Subsidiaries. There are no outstanding commitments or other obligations of any Subsidiary to issue, and no options, warrants or other rights of any Person to acquire, any shares of any class of capital stock or other equity interests of any Subsidiary.
Section 6.3. Corporate Authority and Validity of Obligations
. The Borrower has full right and authority to enter into the Loan Documents to which it is a party, to make the borrowings herein provided for, to grant to the Collateral Agent, for the benefit of the Lenders, the Liens described in the Collateral Documents, to issue its Notes and to perform all of its obligations hereunder and under the other Loan Documents. Each Restricted Subsidiary has full right and authority to enter into the Loan Documents entered into by it, to grant to the Collateral Agent, for the benefit of the Lenders, the Liens described in the Collateral Documents to which it is a party and to perform all of its obligations thereunder and under the other Loan Documents. The Loan Documents delivered by the Borrower, and by each Restricted Subsidiary, have been duly authorized, executed and delivered by such Person and constitute valid and binding obligations of such Person enforceable in accordance with their terms except as enforceability may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent conveyance or similar laws affecting creditors’ rights generally and general principles of equity (regardless of whether the application of such principles is considered in a proceeding in equity or at law) and to the discretion of the court before which any proceedings may be brought; and the Loan Documents do not, nor does the performance or observance by the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary of any of the matters or things herein or therein provided for, contravene any provision of law or any Governing Documents of the Borrower or any Subsidiary or any covenant, indenture or agreement of or affecting the Borrower or any Subsidiary or a substantial portion of their respective Properties.
Section 6.4. Investment Company
.
Neither the Borrower nor any Subsidiary is an “investment company” or a company “controlled” by an “investment company” within the meaning of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.
Section 6.5. Use of Proceeds; Margin Stock
. The Loans hereunder shall be used by the Borrower for general working capital purposes (including the purchase of the Borrower’s capital stock, in each case in amounts and upon terms approved by the Borrower’s board of directors (or similar governing body)). Neither the Borrower nor any of its Subsidiaries is engaged principally, or as one of its primary activities, in the business of extending credit for the purpose of purchasing or carrying Margin Stock, and neither the Borrower nor any of its Subsidiaries will use the proceeds of any Loan in a manner that violates any provision of Regulation U or X of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System.
Section 6.6. Financial Reports
. The consolidated and consolidating balance sheet of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries as of March 31, 2019, and the related statements of consolidated earnings, consolidated changes in shareholders’ equity and consolidated cash flows of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries for the year then ended and accompanying notes thereto, which financial statements are accompanied by the report of KPMG LLP, independent public accountants, have been prepared in accordance with GAAP applied on a consistent basis and fairly present the
consolidated financial condition of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries as of such dates and the consolidated results of their operations and cash flows for the periods then ended.
Section 6.7. No Material Adverse Change
. Since March 31, 2019, there has been no change in the condition, financial or otherwise, or business prospects of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries except changes in the ordinary course of business, none of which individually or in the aggregate have been materially adverse.
Section 6.8. Litigation
. Except as disclosed on
Schedule 6.8
attached hereto, there is no litigation or governmental proceeding pending, nor to the knowledge of the Borrower threatened, against the Borrower or any Subsidiary which if adversely determined would (a) impair the validity or enforceability of, or impair the ability of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary to perform its obligations under, this Agreement or any other Loan Document or (b) result in any material adverse change in the financial condition or Property, business or operations of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole (including any such litigation or proceeding with an amount in controversy in excess of $1,000,000).
Section 6.9. Taxes
. All tax returns required to be filed by the Borrower or any Subsidiary in any jurisdiction have, in fact, been filed, and all taxes, assessments, fees and other governmental charges upon the Borrower or any Subsidiary or upon any of their respective properties, income or franchises, which are shown to be due and payable in such returns have been paid. The Borrower does not know of any proposed additional tax assessment against it for which adequate provision in accordance with GAAP has not been made on its accounts. The Federal income tax liability of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries has either been finally determined by the Internal Revenue Service and satisfied for all taxable years up to and including the taxable year ended March 31, 2018, or the applicable statute of limitations therefor has expired and, except as disclosed on
Schedule 6.9
attached hereto, no material controversy in respect of additional income taxes due since said date is pending or to the knowledge of the Borrower threatened. Adequate provisions in accordance with GAAP for taxes on the books of the Borrower and each Subsidiary have been made for all open years, and for its current fiscal period.
Section 6.10. Approvals
. No authorization, consent, license, or exemption from, or filing or registration with, any court or governmental department, agency or instrumentality, or any approval or consent of the stockholders of the Borrower or from any other Person, is necessary to the valid execution, delivery or performance by the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary of this Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents.
Section 6.11. Indebtedness and Liens
.
Schedule 6.11
attached hereto correctly describes all Indebtedness for Borrowed Money of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries outstanding as of the date hereof. There are no Liens on any of the Property of the Borrower or any Subsidiary, except those which are permitted by Section 8.11 of this Agreement.
Section 6.12. ERISA
. The Borrower and each Subsidiary are in compliance in all material respects with ERISA, to the extent applicable to them and have received no notice to the contrary from the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (“
PBGC
”) or any other governmental entity or agency. As of March 31, 2019, the liability of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries to PBGC in respect of Unfunded Vested Liabilities would not have been in excess of $0 if all employee pension benefit plans maintained by the Borrower and its Subsidiaries had been terminated as of such date. No condition exists or event or transaction has occurred with respect to any Plan which could reasonably be expected to result in the incurrence by the Borrower or any Subsidiary of any material liability, fine or penalty. Neither the Borrower nor any Subsidiary has any contingent liability with respect to any post‑retirement benefits under a Welfare
Plan, other than liability for continuation coverage described in Part 6 of Title I of ERISA and liability for post‑retirement medical and life insurance benefits.
Section 6.13. Material Agreements
. Neither the Borrower nor any Subsidiary is a party to any agreement or instrument or subject to any charter or other corporate restriction materially and adversely affecting its business, properties or assets, operations or condition (financial or otherwise). Neither the Borrower nor any Subsidiary is in default in the performance, observance or fulfillment of any of the obligations, covenants or conditions contained in (i) any agreement to which it is a party, which default might have a material adverse effect on the business, properties or assets, operations, or condition (financial or otherwise) of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole or (ii) any agreement or instrument evidencing or governing Indebtedness.
Section 6.14. Compliance with Laws
. (a)
Environmental
. (i) The business and operation of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries comply in all respects with all applicable Environmental Legal Requirements, except to the extent that such noncompliance would not have a material adverse effect on the business, operations, properties, assets or condition (financial or otherwise) of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole.
(ii) Neither the Borrower nor any Subsidiary has given, nor should it give, nor has it received, any notice, letter, citation, order, warning, complaint, inquiry, claim or demand that: (i) the Borrower or such Subsidiary has violated, or is about to violate, any federal, state, regional, county or local environmental, health or safety statute, law, rule, regulation, ordinance, judgment or order; (ii) there has been a release, or there is a threat of release, of Hazardous Substances (including, without limitation, petroleum, its by‑products or derivatives, or other hydrocarbons) from the Borrower’s or such Subsidiary’s property, facilities, equipment or vehicles; (iii) the Borrower or such Subsidiary may be or is liable, in whole or in part, for the costs or cleaning up, remediating or responding to a release of Hazardous Substances (including, without limitation, petroleum, its by‑products or derivatives, or other hydrocarbons); (iv) any of the Borrower’s or such Subsidiary’s property or assets are subject to a Lien in favor of any governmental entity for any liability, costs or damages, under any federal, state or local environmental law, rule or regulation arising from, or costs incurred by such governmental entity in response to, a release of a Hazardous Substance (including, without limitation, petroleum, its by‑products or derivatives, or other hydrocarbons), except to the extent that such violation, release, liability or Lien could not have a material adverse effect on the business, operations, properties, assets or condition (financial or otherwise) of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole.
(b)
Other Laws
. The Borrower and its Subsidiaries are in compliance with all other federal, state and local laws, rules and regulations applicable to or pertaining to the Properties or business operations of the Borrower or any Subsidiary (including without limitation all applicable state consumer credit and protection laws, the Federal Fair Credit Reporting Act, the Federal Truth In Lending Act, the Federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, laws regulating small loan companies, the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990), non‑compliance with which could have a material adverse effect on the business, operations, properties, assets or condition (financial or otherwise) of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole.
(c)
OFAC
. The Borrower is in compliance with the requirements of all OFAC Sanctions Programs to the extent applicable to it, (b) each Subsidiary of the Borrower is in compliance with the requirements of all OFAC Sanctions Programs to the extent applicable to such Subsidiary, (c) the Borrower has provided to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders all information requested by Administrative Agent or the Lenders regarding the Borrower and its Affiliates and Subsidiaries necessary for the Administrative Agent and the Lenders to comply with all applicable OFAC Sanctions Programs, and (d) to the best of the Borrower’s knowledge, neither the Borrower nor any of its Affiliates or Subsidiaries is, as of the date hereof, named on the current OFAC SDN List.
Section 6.15. Full Disclosure
. The financial statements referred to in Section 6.6 do not, nor do the written statements or information, if any, furnished by the Borrower to any Lender in connection with the negotiation of or its participation in this Agreement contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit a material fact necessary to make the material statements contained therein not misleading.
Section 6.16. No Defaults
. No Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing.
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SECTION 7.
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CONDITIONS PRECEDENT .
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The obligation of the Lenders to make any Loan or any other financial accommodation hereunder shall be subject to the following conditions precedent to the satisfaction of the Administrative Agent and the Required Lenders:
Section 7.1. Initial Borrowing
. Prior to the making of the initial Borrowing hereunder:
(a) The Administrative Agent shall have received (i) corporate, enforceability, no conflicts, attachment and perfection opinions and (ii) a compliance opinion, in form and substance satisfactory to the Administrative Agent;
(b) The Administrative Agent shall have received for each Lender (i) copies of the Borrower’s and each Subsidiary’s articles of incorporation and bylaws (or comparable organizational documents) and any amendments thereto, certified in each instance by its Secretary or Assistant Secretary, (ii) certified copies of resolutions of the Board of Directors of the Borrower and of each Restricted Subsidiary authorizing the execution and delivery of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents to which it is a party, indicating the authorized signers of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents and all other documents relating thereto, the persons authorized to request Borrowings hereunder and to select the interest rate options with respect thereto and the specimen signatures of such signers, and (iii) one original certificate of good standing (with copies for each Lender) certified by the appropriate governmental officer in the jurisdiction of the Borrower’s and each Restricted Subsidiaries’ incorporation and each state in which it is authorized to do business as a foreign corporation;
(c) The Administrative Agent shall have received for the Lenders this Agreement, the Notes (if requested), the Company Security Agreement, the Subsidiary Security Agreement, and the Subsidiary Guaranty Agreement;
(d) the Administrative Agent shall have received a fully executed Internal Revenue Service Form W‑9
for the Borrower and each Restricted Subsidiary (other than the Insurance Subsidiary), and each of the Lenders shall have received, sufficiently in advance of the Effective Date all other documentation and information requested by any such Lender required by bank regulatory authorities under applicable “know your customer” and anti‑money laundering rules and regulations, including without limitation, the United States Patriot Act (Title III of Pub. L. 107‑56 (signed into law October 26, 2001));
(e) The Administrative Agent shall have received financing statement lien search results against the Property of the Borrower and each Restricted Subsidiary (other than the Insurance Subsidiary) evidencing the absence of Liens on its Property except as permitted by Section 8.11 hereof;
(f) The Administrative Agent shall have received for the Lenders copies (executed or certified, as may be appropriate) of all legal documents or proceedings taken in connection with the execution and delivery of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents; and
(g) The Administrative Agent shall have received for the account of the Lenders a borrowing base certificate substantially in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A showing the computation of the Borrowing Base as of the close of business on May 31, 2019.
Section 7.2. All Loans
.
As of the time of the making of each advance of a Borrowing (including the initial Borrowing):
(a) The Administrative Agent shall have received the notice required by Section 2.3 hereof;
(b) Each of the representations and warranties of the Borrower set forth in Section 6 hereof shall be true and correct in all material respects as of said time, except to the extent that any such representation or warranty relates solely to an earlier date;
(c) The Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries shall be in compliance with all of the terms and conditions hereof and of the other Loan Documents, and no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing or would occur as a result of making such Borrowing;
(d) After giving effect to the Borrowing the aggregate principal amount of all Loans hereunder shall not exceed the lesser of (i) the Available Borrowing Base or (ii) Commitments; and
(e) Such Borrowing shall not violate any order, judgment or decree of any court or other authority or any provision of law or regulation applicable to any Lender (including, without limitation, Regulation U of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System) as then in effect.
Each request for a Borrowing hereunder shall be deemed to be a representation and warranty by the Borrower on the date of such Borrowing as to the facts specified in subsections (a)‑(e) of this Section 7.2.
Section 8.1. Existence, Etc.
The Borrower will preserve and keep in force and effect, and will cause each Subsidiary to preserve and keep in force and effect, its legal existence and all licenses and permits necessary to the proper conduct of its business.
Section 8.2. Insurance
. The Borrower will maintain, and will cause each Subsidiary to maintain, insurance coverage by financially sound and reputable insurers accorded a rating of A or better by A.M. Best Company, Inc. (the
“Best Rating”
) at the time of the issuance of any such policy and in such forms and amounts and against such risks as are customary for corporations of established reputation engaged in the same or a similar business and owning and operating similar properties with each such policy requiring renewal of such policy at intervals of no greater than one year from the date of issuance or renewal thereof;
provided, however,
that if during the term of any such insurance policy the rating accorded any insurer shall be less than a Best Rating of A, the Borrower will, on the date of renewal of any such policy (or, if such change in rating shall occur within 90 days prior to such renewal date, within 90 days of the date of such change in rating), obtain such insurance policy from an insurer accorded a Best Rating of A or better.
Section 8.3. Taxes, Claims for Labor and Materials
. The Borrower will promptly pay and discharge, and will cause each Subsidiary promptly to pay and discharge, all taxes, assessments and governmental charges or levies imposed upon the Borrower or such Subsidiary, respectively, or upon or in respect of all or any part of the property or business of the Borrower or such Subsidiary (including, but not limited to the Collateral), all trade accounts payable in accordance with usual and customary business terms, and all claims for work, labor or materials, which if unpaid might become a lien or charge upon any property of the Borrower or such Subsidiary (including, but not limited to the Collateral);
provided
the Borrower or such Subsidiary shall not be required to pay any such tax, assessment, charge, levy, account payable or claim if (a) the validity, applicability or amount thereof is being contested in good faith by appropriate actions or proceedings which will prevent the forfeiture or sale of any property of the Borrower or such Subsidiary or any material interference with the use thereof by the Borrower or such Subsidiary, and (b) the Borrower or such Subsidiary shall set aside on its books reserves adequate in accordance with GAAP with respect thereto.
Section 8.4. Compliance with Laws; OFAC
.
(a) Compliance with Laws.
The Borrower will promptly comply, and will cause each Subsidiary to comply, with all laws, ordinances or governmental rules and regulations to which it is subject, including without limitation, ERISA and all Environmental Legal Requirements the violation of which could, individually or in the aggregate, materially and adversely affect the properties (including the Collateral), business, prospects, profits or condition of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries or could, individually or in the aggregate, result in any lien or charge upon any property of the Borrower or any Subsidiary.
(b)
OFAC.
The Borrower shall at all times comply with the requirements of all OFAC Sanctions Programs to the extent applicable to the Borrower and shall cause each of its Subsidiaries to comply with the requirements of all OFAC Sanctions Programs to the extent applicable to such Subsidiary.
The Borrower shall provide the Administrative Agent and the Lenders any information regarding the Borrower, its Affiliates, and its Subsidiaries requested by Administrative Agent or the Lenders necessary for the Administrative Agent and the Lenders to comply with all applicable OFAC Sanctions Programs; subject however, in the case of Affiliates, to the Borrower’s ability to provide information applicable to them. If the Borrower obtains actual knowledge or receives any written notice that the Borrower, any Affiliate or any Subsidiary is named on the then current OFAC SDN List (such occurrence, an
“OFAC Event”
), the Borrower shall promptly (i) give written notice to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders of such OFAC Event, and (ii) comply with all applicable laws with respect to such OFAC Event (regardless of whether the party included on the OFAC SDN List is located within the jurisdiction of the United States of America), including the OFAC Sanctions Programs, and the Borrower hereby authorizes and consents to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders taking any and all steps the Administrative Agent or the Lenders deem necessary, in their sole but reasonable discretion, to avoid violation of all applicable laws with respect to any such OFAC Event, including the requirements of the OFAC Sanctions Programs (including the freezing and/or blocking of assets and reporting such action to OFAC).
(c)
Notices
. The Borrower shall promptly notify the Administrative Agent of (i) any enforcement action or investigation instituted or, to Borrower’s or any Subsidiary’s knowledge, threatened, against Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries by any Governmental Authority, including without limitation any proceeding or action to be commenced by the filing of a stipulation and consent; (ii) receipt by Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries of an “Early Warning Notice,” “Notice and Opportunity to Respond and Advise” or “Civil Investigative Demand” from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau or similar notice or request from any other Governmental Authority (iii) without duplication, the occurrence of any Regulatory Event and (iv) any litigation or action instituted or, to Borrower’s knowledge, threatened in writing against any Borrower or any of their Subsidiaries, in an amount of $1,000,000 or more as to any separate action or litigation instituted or threatened or in an aggregate amount of $2,000,000
or more as to all actions or litigation instituted or threatened.
Section 8.5. Maintenance, Etc
. The Borrower will maintain, preserve and keep, and will cause each Subsidiary to maintain, preserve and keep, its properties which are used or useful in the conduct of its business (whether owned in fee or a leasehold interest) in good repair and working order (ordinary wear and tear excepted) and from time to time will make all necessary repairs, replacements, renewals and additions so that at all times the efficiency thereof shall be maintained.
Section 8.6. Nature of Business
. Neither the Borrower nor any Restricted Subsidiary will engage in any business if, as a result, the general nature of the business, taken on a consolidated basis, which would then be engaged in by the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries (including, but not limited to, the Insurance Subsidiary) would be substantially changed from the general nature of the business engaged in by the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries on the date of this Agreement.
Section 8.7. Financial Covenants
.
(a) The Borrower will at all times keep and maintain Consolidated Net Worth at an amount not less than the Minimum Net Worth. For purposes of this Section,
“Minimum Net Worth”
shall be $375,000,000.
(b) The Borrower will at the end of each fiscal quarter have a ratio of Net Income Available for Fixed Charges to Fixed Charges for each period of four consecutive fiscal quarters then ending at not less than 2.5 to 1.0.
(c) As of the end of each fiscal quarter, provision for loan losses of the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries for the four fiscal quarters then ending shall equal or exceed the net loan charge off for the corresponding period; provided, the failure to comply with this Section 8.7(c) shall not, in itself, constitute an Event of Default so long as such shortfalls are deducted in the determination of the Consolidated Adjusted Net Income and Consolidated Adjusted Net Worth.
(d) The Borrower will not at any time permit the aggregate unpaid principal amount of Total Debt, on a consolidated basis, to exceed 200% of Consolidated Adjusted Net Worth.
(e) The Borrower will maintain a Collateral Performance Indicator of less than or equal to twenty four percent (24%) as of the end of each calendar month.
Section 8.8. Hedging Liability
. The Borrower shall provide the Administrative Agent at least thirty (30) days prior written notice (or such lesser time period acceptable to the Administrtive Agent) of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary incurring any Hedging Liability.
Section 8.9. Permitted Indebtedness
.
The Borrower will not, and will not permit any Restricted Subsidiary to, incur, create, issue, assume or permit to exist any Indebtedness for Borrowed Money other than:
(a) the Obligations hereunder and the Subsidiary Guaranty Agreement relating thereto;
(b) unsecured Subordinated Debt;
(c) debt incurred in connection with permitted Fixed Asset Financing;
(d) unsecured Indebtedness for Borrowed Money owing between the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business,
provided
that the aggregate amount of Indebtedness for Borrowed Money at any one time owing either by or to the Insurance Subsidiary shall not exceed $1,000,000; and
(e) other unsecured Indebtedness for Borrowed Money to any Person (other than to the Borrower or another Restricted Subsidiary) in an aggregate amount for the Borrower and all Restricted Subsidiaries not exceeding $5,000,000 at any time outstanding.
Section 8.10. [RESERVED]
.
Section 8.11. Limitation on Liens
. The Borrower will not, and will not permit any Restricted Subsidiary to, create, assume or suffer to exist any Lien upon any of its Property (including, but not limited to, the Collateral), whether now owned or hereafter acquired;
provided, however,
that the foregoing restriction and limitation shall not apply to the following Liens:
(a) Liens created under the Collateral Documents;
(b) Liens existing as of the date hereof and reflected on
Schedule 8.11
hereto;
(c) Liens existing on property at the time acquired by the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary thereof or existing on the property of a corporation at the time it becomes a Restricted Subsidiary, or placed upon property within 120 days after the date of acquisition thereof by the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary to secure a portion of the purchase price thereof, but only if (i) such Lien shall attach solely to the property acquired, purchased or constructed and (ii) such Lien does not exceed the lesser of the fair market value or cost of such property;
(d) Liens constituting renewals, extensions or refundings of Liens permitted by clause (b) or (c) above,
provided
that the principal amount of the Indebtedness secured by any such new Lien does not exceed the principal amount of the Indebtedness being renewed, extended or refunded at the time of renewal, extension or refunding thereof and that such new Lien attaches only to the same property theretofore subject to such earlier Lien;
(e) Liens securing taxes, assessments or governmental charges or levies, or the claims or demands of materialmen, mechanics, carriers, workmen, repairmen, warehousemen, landlords and other like persons,
provided
that payment thereof is not at the time required by Section 8.3 hereof;
(f) other Liens incidental to the conduct of its business or the ownership of its property and assets when not incurred in connection with the borrowing of money or the obtaining of advances of credit, and which do not in the aggregate materially detract from the value of its property or assets, or materially impair the use thereof in the operation of its business;
(g) attachment, judgment and other similar Liens arising in connection with court proceedings,
provided
that (i) execution or other enforcement of such Liens is effectively stayed, (ii) the claims secured thereby are being actively contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings, (iii) adequate reserves in conformity with GAAP have been provided on the books of the Borrower or such Restricted Subsidiary, and
(iv) the aggregate amount of the liabilities of the Borrower and all Restricted Subsidiaries so secured, including interest and penalties thereon, shall not be in excess of $100,000 at any one time outstanding; and
(h) Liens granted to secure the Fixed Asset Financing,
provided
that such Liens (x) only extend to the fixed assets acquired with the proceeds of such Fixed Asset Financing, (y) only secure the original purchase price of such fixed assets, as reduced by repayments thereon, and (z) do not extend to or cover any other Property of the Borrower or any Subsidiary.
Section 8.12. Subordinated Debt
. The Obligations shall at all times constitute “Senior Debt” or “Senior Indebtedness” (or words of like import) under any indenture, instrument, or agreement relating to any Subordinated Debt. Except as otherwise specified below, the Borrower shall not (i) amend or modify any of the terms or conditions relating to Subordinated Debt, (ii) make any voluntary prepayment of Subordinated Debt or effect any voluntary redemption thereof, (iii) make any cash payments in connection with any conversion of any such Subordinated Debt, or (iv) make any payment on account of Subordinated Debt which is prohibited under the terms of any instrument or agreement subordinating the same to the Obligations. Notwithstanding the foregoing, (x) with prior written notice to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders, the Borrower may agree to a decrease in the interest rate applicable thereto or to a deferral of repayment of any of the principal of or interest on the Subordinated Debt beyond the current due dates therefor or to any other amendment or modifications of any Subordinated Debt not adverse to the Lenders (other than amendments or modifications of the relevant subordination provisions thereof which requires the affirmative consent of the Required Lenders), and (y) with prior written notice to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders (which notice may be given the same day as the anticipated consummation of the transaction addressed in the notice), the Borrower may voluntarily prepay, redeem, or repurchase all or any part of outstanding Subordinated Debt if at the time of any such payment and after giving effect thereto no Default or Event of Default exists, which notice shall be accompanied by a duly executed officer’s certificate (in form and substance acceptable to the Administrative Agent) certifying the amount of the Subordinated Debt to be voluntarily prepaid, redeemed, or repurchased, the payment or purchase price thereof, and that at the time of any such payment and after giving effect thereto no Default or Event of Default exists.
Section 8.13. Mergers, Consolidations and Sales or Transfers of Assets
. (a) The Borrower will not, and will not permit any Restricted Subsidiary to, enter into any transaction of merger or consolidation or transfer, sell, assign, lease, or otherwise dispose of all or a substantial part of its properties or assets to any Person, except that:
(1) any Restricted Subsidiary may merge or consolidate with or into the Borrower or any other Restricted Subsidiary (other than the Insurance Subsidiary) so long as in any merger or consolidation involving the Borrower, the Borrower shall be the surviving or continuing corporation;
(2) the Borrower may merge or consolidate with any other Person
provided
that (i) the Borrower shall be the surviving and continuing corporation; and (ii) at the time of such consolidation or merger and after giving effect thereto, no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing;
(3) any Restricted Subsidiary may sell or convey all or substantially all of its assets to the Borrower or to another Restricted Subsidiary (other than the Insurance Subsidiary); and
(4) the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary may sell all or a substantial part of the assets of the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries pursuant to, and in compliance with, Section 10.4 of the Company Security Agreement and Section 10.4 of the Subsidiary Security Agreement.
(b) The Borrower will not permit any Restricted Subsidiary to issue or sell any shares of stock of any class or any partnership interest, membership interest or other equity interest of any type (including for the purposes of this Section 8.13, any warrants, rights or options to purchase or otherwise acquire any such equity interest or other Securities exchangeable for or convertible into any such equity interest) of such Restricted Subsidiary to any Person other than the Borrower or a Restricted Subsidiary (other than the Insurance Subsidiary), except for the purpose of qualifying directors.
(c) The Borrower will not sell, transfer, or otherwise dispose of any shares of stock, partnership interest, membership interest or other equity interest in any Restricted Subsidiary (except (i) to qualify directors and (ii) the pledge of the Pledged Collateral under the Company Security Agreement and any transfer or sale thereof pursuant to, and in compliance with, Section 10.4 of the Company Security Agreement) or any Indebtedness of any Restricted Subsidiary, and will not permit any Restricted Subsidiary to sell, transfer or otherwise dispose of (except (i) to the Borrower or a Restricted Subsidiary or (ii) the pledge of the Pledged Collateral under the Subsidiary Security Agreement and any transfer or sale thereof pursuant to, and in compliance with, Section 10.4 of the Subsidiary Security Agreement) any such shares of stock, partnership interest, membership interest or other equity interest or any Indebtedness of any other Restricted Subsidiary, unless:
(1) simultaneously with such sale, transfer, or disposition, all such interests and all Indebtedness of such Restricted Subsidiary at the time owned by the Borrower and by every other Restricted Subsidiary shall be sold, transferred or disposed of as an entirety;
(2) the Board of Directors of the Borrower shall have determined, as evidenced by a resolution thereof, that the retention of such interest and Indebtedness is no longer in the best interests of the Borrower or the Lenders;
(3) such interest and Indebtedness is sold, transferred or otherwise disposed of to a Person, for a cash consideration and on terms reasonably deemed by the Board of Directors to be adequate and satisfactory;
(4) the Restricted Subsidiary being disposed of shall not have any continuing investment in the Borrower or any other Restricted Subsidiary not being simultaneously disposed of; and
(5) such sale or other disposition does not involve a substantial part (as hereinafter defined) of the assets of the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries.
(d) As used in this Section 8.13, in the case of the sale, lease or other disposition of any assets, such assets shall be deemed to be a “substantial part” of the assets of the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries if (x) such assets, together with all other assets (i) sold, leased or otherwise disposed of by the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries or (ii) subject to any waiver or supplemental agreement of the Company Security Agreement or the Subsidiary Security Agreement, in each case during the period of 12 months ending with the date of such sale, lease or disposition, contributed more than 15% of EBIT of the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries determined as of the end of the fiscal year immediately preceding such sale or disposition, or (y) the book value of such assets, when added to the book value of all other assets of the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries (i) sold or otherwise disposed of by the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries or (ii) subject to any waiver or supplemental agreement of the Company Security Agreement or the Subsidiary Security Agreement, in each case, during the period of 12 months ending with the date of such sale or disposition, exceeds 10% of the book value of all Receivables determined as of the end of the fiscal year immediately preceding such sale or disposition.
(e) Nothing in this Section 8.13 shall prohibit the Borrower from transferring, selling, assigning, leasing, subleasing or otherwise disposing of an insubstantial part of its properties or assets, excluding Receivables of the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries, to any Person from time to time, in the ordinary course.
Section 8.14. Lease‑Backs
‑. The Borrower will not, and will not permit any Restricted Subsidiary to, enter into any arrangements, directly or indirectly, with any Person, whereby the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary shall sell or transfer any Property, whether now owned or hereafter acquired, used or useful in their respective businesses in connection with the rental or lease of the Property so sold or transferred or of other Property which the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary intends to use for substantially the same purpose or purposes as the Property so sold or transferred.
Section 8.15. Guaranties
. The Borrower will not and will not permit any Restricted Subsidiary to become or be liable in respect of any Guaranty except: (a) Guaranties of the Borrower which are limited in amount to a stated maximum dollar exposure and are permitted under Sections 8.7(d) and 8.9, and (b) the Subsidiary Guaranty Agreement.
Section 8.16. Limitation on Restrictions
. Except as provided herein, the Borrower shall not and shall not permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries directly or indirectly to create or otherwise cause or suffer to exist or become effective any consensual encumbrance or restriction of any kind on the ability of any Restricted Subsidiary to: (1) pay dividends or make any other distribution on any of such Restricted Subsidiary’s capital stock or other equity interests owned by the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary of the Borrower; (2) pay any indebtedness owed to the Borrower or any other Restricted Subsidiary; (3) make loans or advances to the Borrower or any other Restricted Subsidiary; or (4) transfer any of its property or assets to the Borrower or any other Restricted Subsidiary. The Borrower shall not enter into any indenture, instrument, or other agreement for Indebtedness for Borrowed Money which contains, or amend any terms of any such indenture, instrument, or agreement which would result in any such indenture, instrument, or agreement having, covenants or defaults more burdensome on the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary than the covenants and defaults provided for in this Agreement and the other Loan Documents.
Section 8.17. Transactions with Affiliates
. The Borrower will not, and will not permit any Restricted Subsidiary to, enter into or be a party to, any transaction or arrangement with any Affiliate (including without limitation, the purchase from, sale to or exchange of property with, or the rendering of any service by or for, any Affiliate), except in the ordinary course of and pursuant to the reasonable requirements of the Borrower’s or such Restricted Subsidiary’s business and upon fair and reasonable terms no less favorable to the Borrower or such Restricted Subsidiary than would be obtained in a comparable arm’s‑length transaction with a Person other than an Affiliate.
Section 8.18. Investments
. The Borrower will not, and will not permit any Restricted Subsidiary to make any Investment except:
(a) Investments in obligations of the United States of America (or any agency thereof for which the full faith and credit of the United States of America is pledged for the repayment of principal and interest thereof) maturing in twelve months or less from the date of acquisition thereof;
(b) certificates of deposit of any banking institution with combined capital and surplus of at least $500,000,000, maturing in twelve months or less from the date of acquisition thereof which, at the time of acquisition by the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary, is accorded the rating of A or better by S&P and
A2 or better by Moody’s, or if S&P and/or Moody’s is no longer rating any such certificates of deposit, then an equivalent rating by any other nationally recognized credit rating agency of similar standing;
(c) Loans, advances and extensions of credit to or for the benefit of consumer/borrowers in the ordinary course of business in accordance with Section 8.6 hereof;
(d) Investments by the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary in and to any other Restricted Subsidiary
provided, however
, Investments by the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary in and to the Insurance Subsidiary shall not exceed $750,000 in the aggregate; or
(e) Investments in commercial paper maturing in 270 days or less from the date of issuance thereof which, at the time of acquisition by the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary, is accorded the rating of P1 or better by S&P and A1 or better by Moody’s, or if S&P and/or Moody’s is no longer rating any such commercial paper, then an equivalent rating by any other nationally recognized credit rating agency of similar standing.
Section 8.19. Termination of Pension Plans
. The Borrower will not and will not permit any Subsidiary to withdraw from any Multiemployer Plan or permit any employee benefit plan maintained by it to be terminated if such withdrawal or termination could result in withdrawal liability (as described in Part 1 of Subtitle E of Title IV of ERISA) or the imposition of a Lien on any Property of the Borrower or any Subsidiary pursuant to Section 4068 of ERISA.
Section 8.20. Reports and Rights of Inspection
. The Borrower will keep, and will cause each Subsidiary to keep, proper books of record and account in which full and correct entries will be made of all dealings or transactions of or in relation to the business and affairs of the Borrower or such Subsidiary, in accordance with GAAP consistently maintained (except for changes disclosed in the financial statements furnished to the Lenders pursuant to this Section 8.20 and concurred in by the independent public accountants referred to in paragraph (b) hereof), and will furnish to each Lender, the Administrative Agent and the Collateral Agent (in duplicate if so specified below or otherwise requested):
(a)
Monthly and
Quarterly Statements
.
(i)
Monthly Statements
. As soon as available and in any event within 25 days after the end of each calendar month of each fiscal year, a copy of:
(1) consolidated balance sheets of the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries as of the close of such calendar month and, in the case of the consolidated balance sheets, setting forth in comparative form the amount for the corresponding period of the preceding fiscal year, and
(2) consolidated statements of income and retained earnings of the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries for the portion of the fiscal year ending with such calendar month and, in the case of the consolidated statements of income and retained earnings, setting forth in comparative form the amount for the corresponding period of the preceding fiscal year,
all in reasonable detail and certified as complete and correct, by an authorized financial officer of the Borrower;
(ii)
Quarterly Statements
. As soon as available and in any event within 45 days after the end of each quarterly fiscal period (except the last) of each fiscal year, a copy of:
(1) consolidated and consolidating balance sheets of the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries as of the close of such quarter and, in the case of the consolidated balance sheets, setting forth in comparative form the amount for the corresponding period of the preceding fiscal year,
(2) consolidated and consolidating statements of income and retained earnings of the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries for the portion of the fiscal year ending with such quarter and, in the case of the consolidated statements of income and retained earnings, setting forth in comparative form the amount for the corresponding period of the preceding fiscal year,
(3) consolidated and consolidating statements of changes in financial position of the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries for the portion of the fiscal year ending with such quarter and, in the case of the consolidated statements of changes in financial position, setting forth in comparative form the amount for the corresponding period of the preceding fiscal year, and
(4) consolidated and consolidating statements of cash flows of the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries for the portion of the fiscal year ending with such quarter and, in the case of the consolidated statements of cash flows, setting forth in comparative form the consolidated figures for the corresponding period of the preceding fiscal year,
all in reasonable detail and certified as complete and correct, by an authorized financial officer of the Borrower;
(b)
Annual Statements
. As soon as available and in any event within 120 days after the close of each fiscal year of the Borrower, a copy of:
(1) consolidated and consolidating balance sheets of the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries as of the close of such fiscal year,
(2) consolidated and consolidating statements of income and retained earnings and changes in financial position of the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries for such fiscal year, and
(3) consolidated and consolidating statements of changes in cash flows of the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries for such fiscal year,
in each case setting forth in comparative form the consolidated figures for the preceding fiscal year, all in reasonable detail and accompanied by an opinion, unqualified as to scope limitations imposed by the Borrower and otherwise without qualification except as therein noted, thereon of a firm of independent public accountants of recognized national standing selected by the Borrower to the effect that the consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with GAAP consistently applied (except for noted changes in application in which such accountants concur) and present fairly the financial condition of the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries and that the examination of such accountants in connection with such financial statements has
been made in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards and accordingly, includes such tests of the accounting records and such other auditing procedures as were considered necessary in the circumstances;
(c)
Audit Reports
. Promptly upon receipt thereof, one copy of each interim or special audit made by independent accountants of the books of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary and any written communications received from such accountants and the Borrower’s response, if any, to such written communications;
(d)
SEC and Other Reports
. Promptly upon their becoming available, one copy of each financial statement, report, notice, proxy statement or statement of additional information sent by the Borrower to stockholders generally and of each regular or periodic report, and any registration statement or prospectus filed by the Borrower or any Subsidiary with any securities exchange or the Securities and Exchange Commission or any successor agency, and copies of any orders in any proceedings to which the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries is a party, issued by any governmental agency, Federal or state, having jurisdiction over the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries;
(e) O
fficers’ Certificates
. Within the periods provided in paragraphs (a) and (b) above, a certificate of an authorized financial officer of the Borrower in the form of Exhibit B hereto (or in such other form acceptable to the Administrative Agent) stating that such officer has reviewed the provisions of this Agreement and setting forth: (i) the information and computations (in sufficient detail) required in order to determine whether the Borrower was in compliance with the requirements of Sections 8.7 through Sections 8.18, both inclusive, at the end of the period covered by the financial statements then being furnished, and (ii) whether, to the best of such officer’s knowledge, there existed as of the date of such financial statements and whether, to the best of such officer’s knowledge, there exists on the date of the certificate or existed at any time during the period covered by such financial statements any Default or Event of Default and, if any such condition or event exists on the date of the certificate, specifying the nature and period of existence thereof and the action the Borrower is taking and proposes to take with respect thereto;
(f)
Accountant’s Certificates
. Within the period provided in paragraph (b) above, a certificate of the accountants who render an opinion with respect to such financial statements, stating that they have reviewed this Agreement and stating further, whether in making their audit, such accountants have become aware of any Default or Event of Default under any of the terms or provisions of this Agreement insofar as any such terms or provisions pertain to or involve accounting matters or determinations, and if any such condition or event then exists, specifying the nature and period of existence thereof;
(g)
Borrowing Base;
Collateral Reports.
On or before the twenty‑fifth day of every month, (i) a Borrowing Base Certificate substantially in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A calculated as of the last day of the immediately preceding month duly signed by the Borrower’s chief financial officer or such other officer of the Borrower acceptable to the Administrative Agent, and (ii) books and records consisting of data tape information, reports setting forth an aging of Receivables and detailed delinquency report, a loan loss reserve report and a loan charge‑off recovery report with respect to the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries for the immediately preceding month in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and the Required Lenders;
(h)
Annual Budget.
As soon as available, and in any event within 90 days after the close of each fiscal year of the Borrower, a copy of the Borrower’s consolidated annual budget for the current fiscal
year, such annual budget to show the Borrower’s projected consolidated revenues, expenses, and balance sheet on month‑by‑month basis, such annual budget to be in reasonable detail prepared by the Borrower and in form reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and the Required Lenders;
(i)
Unrestricted Subsidiaries
. Within the respective periods provided in paragraph (b) above, financial statements of the character and for the dates and periods as in said paragraph (b) provided covering each Unrestricted Subsidiary (or groups of Unrestricted Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis);
(j)
Notice of Change of Control
. Promptly upon the occurrence of any Change of Control, notice of such Change of Control;
(k)
Subordinated Debt Deliveries and Notices.
Promptly upon issuance or receipt, copies of all material reports, certificates and notices delivered by the Borrower to the holders of any Subordinated Debt and copies of all material notices or demands received by the Borrower from one or more holders of Subordinated Debt; and
(l)
Other Requested Information
. With reasonable promptness, such other data and information as the Administrative Agent, the Collateral Agent, or any Lender may reasonably request.
Without limiting the foregoing, the Borrower will permit the Administrative Agent, each Lender and the Collateral Agent (or such Persons as any Lender or the Collateral Agent may designate) to visit and inspect, any of the properties of the Borrower or any Subsidiary, to inspect any other Collateral, to examine all their books of account, records, reports and other papers, to make copies and extracts therefrom, and to discuss their respective affairs, finances and accounts with their respective officers, employees, and independent public accountants (and by this provision the Borrower authorizes said accountants to discuss with such Persons the finances and affairs of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries) all at such reasonable times and as often as may be reasonably requested. Any visitation, inspection or discussion shall be at the sole cost and expense of the Borrower;
provided, however,
that prior to the occurrence of a Default or Event of Default, the Borrower shall bear only such costs and expenses of the Administrative Agent and/or the Collateral Agent and not more frequently than once per calendar year.
The Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent shall promptly forward to each Lender, when complete, copies of any field audit, examination, or appraisal report prepared by or for the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent with respect to the Borrower or any Subsidiary or the Collateral (herein,
“Reports”
).
Each Lender hereby agrees that (a) it has requested a copy of each Report prepared by or on behalf of the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent; (b) neither the Administrative Agent nor the Collateral Agent (i) makes any representation or warranty, express or implied, as to the completeness or accuracy of any Report or any of the information contained therein or any inaccuracy or omission contained in or relating to a Report and (ii) shall be liable for any information contained in any Report; (c) the Reports are not comprehensive audits or examinations, and that any Person performing any field examination will inspect only specific information regarding the Borrower and its Subsidiaries and will rely significantly upon the books and records of Borrower and its Subsidiaries, as well as on representations of personnel of Borrower and its Subsidiaries, and that neither the Administrative Agent nor the Collateral Agent undertakes any obligation to update, correct or supplement the Reports; (d) it will keep all Reports confidential and strictly for its internal use, not share the Report with any other Person except as otherwise permitted pursuant to this Agreement; and (e) without limiting the generality of any other indemnification provision contained in this Agreement, it will pay and protect, and indemnify, defend, and hold the Administrative Agent and the Collateral Agent and any such other Person preparing a Report harmless from and against, the claims, actions, proceedings, damages, costs, expenses, and other amounts (including reasonable
attorney fees) incurred by as the direct or indirect result of any third parties who might obtain all or part of any Report through the indemnifying Lender;
provided
that such indemnification shall not apply to any such claims, actions, proceedings, damages, costs, expenses, and other amounts (including reasonable attorney fees) arising due to the gross negligence or willful misconduct of the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent.
Section 8.21. Restricted (Dividend) Payments
. The Borrower shall not, nor shall it permit any Subsidiary to, declare or pay any dividends on or make any other distributions in respect of any class or series of its capital stock or other equity interests (other than dividends payable solely in additional capital stock issued by the Borrower) or purchase any class or series of its capital stock or other equity;
provided, however,
that the foregoing shall not operate to prevent (a) the making of dividends or distributions by any Subsidiary to the Borrower or to any other Subsidiary, (b) other dividends and distributions made with the prior written consent of the Required Lenders, (c) the Borrower making purchases of any class or series of its capital stock or other equity so long as (i) no Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, (ii) immediately following such purchase Excess Availability is equal to or greater than 15% and (iii) the aggregate amount of such purchases do not exceed (A) $200,000,000 from the date of this Agreement through and including June 1, 2020 plus (B) an amount not to exceed 50% of cumulative Consolidated Adjusted Net Income for the period commencing January 1, 2019, and (d) the Borrower making other purchases of any class or series of its capital stock or other equity with the prior written consent of the Required Lenders.
Section 8.22. General Underwriting and Servicing Guidelines.
The Borrower shall not, nor shall it permit any of its Subsidiaries to, materially change how it or they underwrite, originate, service, and collect its or their Finance Receivables, except to the extent required to comply with applicable law or with the prior written consent of the Required Lenders.
Section 8.23 [RESERVED]
.
Section 8.24 Chattel Paper/Jurisdictions.
(a) Upon the Administrative Agent’s request from time to time, the Borrower shall engage outside legal counsel reasonably acceptable the Administrative Agent (at the Borrower’s sole cost and expense) to undertake a review of Finance Receivable documentation of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries. The Borrower shall provide the Administrative Agent with copies of such review within sixty (60) days after each such request with the results of such documentation review to be acceptable to the Administrative Agent in all material respects.
(b) The Borrower shall promptly (i) notify the Administrative Agent of either (A) the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries conducting business in any new jurisdiction, and (B) the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries making any material modifications to its respective Finance Receivable documentation and (ii) upon the request of the Administrative Agent, provide the Administrative Agent a list of jurisdictions in which the Borrower and its Subsidiaries conduct business and licenses held in each such jurisdiction.
Section 8.25 Bulk Purchases.
The Borrower will not purchase Finance Receivables in any one or series of related transactions with an aggregate cash purchase price exceeding $50,000,000 without prior written consent of the Required Lenders.
Section 8.26 Deposit Accounts
. The Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries do not maintain any deposit accounts other than those listed on
Schedule 8.26
attached hereto as of the date hereof and the Borrower shall thereafter provide an updated
Schedule 8.26
on a quarterly basis to the Administrative Agent together with the financial statements delivered for the calendar months ending March 31, June 30, September 30 and December 31 of each calendar year.
The Borrower shall cause all proceeds of Collateral to be deposited into or transferred to a deposit account subject to a deposit account control agreement in favor the Administrative Agent as soon as possible but in any event within two (2) Business Days of receipt.
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SECTION 9.
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EVENTS OF DEFAULT AND REMEDIES .
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Section 9.1. Events of Default
. Any one or more of the following shall constitute an Event of Default:
(a) Default shall occur in the payment of interest on any Loan or any other sums (other than for principal on the Loan) required to be paid pursuant to this Agreement or any other Loan Document when the same shall have become due and such default shall continue for more than five days; or
(b) Default shall occur in the making of any required prepayment of principal on any of the Loans when due; or
(c) Default shall occur in the making of any other payment of the principal of any Loan at the expressed or any accelerated maturity date or at any date fixed for prepayment; or
(d) Default shall occur in the observance or performance of any covenant or agreement contained in Sections 8.7 through 8.18, both inclusive, Section 8.20, Section 8.21, Section 8.24, Section 8.25 or Section 8.26 hereof; or
(e) The Borrower shall, without the prior written consent of the Required Lenders, make any voluntary prepayment, or enter into any amendment changing any payment due dates, on any Subordinated Debt except as permitted by this Agreement; or
(f) Default shall occur in the observance or performance of any other provision of this Agreement or any other Loan Document which is not remedied within 30 days after the earlier to occur of (i) the date on which such failure shall first become known to any officer of the Borrower or (ii) the date on which notice thereof is given to the Borrower; or
(g) An “Event of Default” shall occur under any indenture, instrument, or agreement setting forth the terms and conditions applicable to any Subordinated Debt; or any subordination provision in any document or instrument relating to any Subordinated Debt or any Liens securing any Subordinated Debt shall cease to be in full force and effect or any Person (including the holder of any Subordinated Debt) shall contest in any manner the validity, binding nature or enforceability of any such provision; or
(h) Default by the Borrower or any Subsidiary of any of its obligations under any interest rate, currency, commodity, or equity option or hedging agreement; or
(i) Default shall be made in the payment when due (whether by lapse of time, by declaration, by call for redemption or otherwise) of the principal of or interest or premium on any Indebtedness for Borrowed Money in excess of $1,000,000 (other than the Loans) of the Borrower or any Subsidiary, individually or in the aggregate, and such default shall continue beyond the period of grace, if any, allowed with respect thereto; or
(j) Default or the happening of any event shall occur under any indenture, agreement, or other instrument under which any Indebtedness for Borrowed Money in excess of $1,000,000 of the Borrower or any Subsidiary (other than this Agreement or the Subsidiary Guaranty Agreement), individually or in the aggregate, may be issued and such default or event shall continue for a period of time sufficient to permit the acceleration of the maturity of any Indebtedness for Borrowed Money of the Borrower or any Subsidiary outstanding thereunder; or
(k) Any representation or warranty made by the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary herein or in any other Loan Document or made by the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary in any statement or certificate furnished by the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary in connection with the making of any Loans or furnished by the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary pursuant hereto or pursuant to any other Loan Document is untrue in any material respect as of the date of the issuance or making thereof; or
(l) The Subsidiary Guaranty Agreement shall be held by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid or unenforceable in whole or in part in any respect or shall otherwise cease to be in full force and effect or the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary takes any action for the purpose of repudiating or rescinding any Loan Document or the obligations of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary, respectively, thereunder or the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary declares that the obligations of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary under any Loan Document are unenforceable; or
(m) The Collateral Documents shall cease to be in full force and effect, or shall cease to give the Collateral Agent the Liens purported to be created thereby or, in the reasonable judgment of the Administrative Agent or the Required Lenders, the practical realization of the benefits of the Liens purported to be created thereby; or
(n) Final judgment or judgments for the payment of money aggregating in excess of $100,000 is or are outstanding against the Borrower or any Subsidiary or against any property or assets of either and any one of such judgments has remained unpaid, unvacated, unbonded or unstayed by appeal or otherwise for a period of 30 days from the date of its entry; or
(o) The Borrower or any member of its Controlled Group shall fail to pay when due an amount or amounts aggregating in excess of $100,000 which it shall have become liable to pay to the PBGC or to a Plan under Title IV of ERISA; or notice of intent to terminate a Plan or Plans having aggregate Unfunded Vested Liabilities in excess of $100,000 (collectively, a
“Material Plan”
) shall be filed under Title IV of ERISA by the Borrower or any other member of its Controlled Group, any plan administrator or any combination of the foregoing; or the PBGC shall institute proceedings under Title IV of ERISA to terminate or to cause a trustee to be appointed to administer any Material Plan or a proceeding shall be instituted by a fiduciary of any Material Plan against the Borrower or any member of its Controlled Group to enforce Section 515 or 4219(c)(5) of ERISA and such proceeding shall not have been dismissed within 30 days thereafter; or a condition shall exist by reason of which the PBGC would be entitled to obtain a decree adjudicating that any Material Plan must be terminated; or
(p) A custodian, trustee or receiver is appointed for the Borrower or any Subsidiary or for the major part of the property of either and is not discharged within 45 days after such appointment; or
(q) The Borrower or any Subsidiary becomes insolvent or bankrupt, is generally not paying its debts as they become due or makes an assignment for the benefit of creditors, or the Borrower or any Subsidiary causes or suffers an order for relief to be entered with respect to it under applicable Federal bankruptcy law or applies for or consents to the appointment of a custodian, trustee or receiver for the Borrower or such Subsidiary or for the major part of the property of either; or
(r) Bankruptcy, reorganization, arrangement or insolvency proceedings, or other proceedings for relief under any bankruptcy or similar law or laws for the relief of debtors, are instituted by or against the Borrower or any Subsidiary and, if instituted against the Borrower or any Subsidiary, are consented to or are not dismissed within 60 days after such institution;
(s) any Change of Control shall occur; or
(t) The occurrence of a Level Two Regulatory Event which (A) remains unvacated, undischarged, unbonded or unstayed by appeal or otherwise for a period of 60 days from the date of its entry and (B) is reasonably likely to cause a Material Adverse Change.
Section 9.2. Notice to Lenders
. When any Default or Event of Default described in the foregoing Section 9.1 has occurred, or if any Lender or the holder of any other evidence of Indebtedness of the Borrower gives any notice or takes any other action with respect to a claimed default, the Borrower agrees to give notice within three business days (except as otherwise specifically provided herein) of such event to all Lenders, such notice to be in writing and sent by registered or certified mail or by telegram.
Section 9.3. Non‑Bankruptcy Defaults
‑. When any Event of Default other than those described in Sections (p), (q) or (r) of Section 9.1 hereof with respect to the Borrower has occurred and is continuing, the Administrative Agent shall, if so directed by the Required Lenders, by notice to the Borrower, take either or both of the following actions:
(a) terminate the remaining Commitments of the Lenders hereunder on the date stated in such notice (which may be the date thereof); and
(b) declare the principal of and the accrued interest on all outstanding Loans of the Borrower to be forthwith due and payable and thereupon all of said Loans, including both principal and interest, shall be and become immediately due and payable together with all other amounts payable under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents without further demand, presentment, protest or notice of any kind.
The Administrative Agent, after giving notice to the Borrower pursuant to this Section 9.3, shall also promptly send a copy of such notice to the other Lenders, but the failure to do so shall not impair or annul the effect of such notice.
Section 9.4. Bankruptcy Defaults
. When any Event of Default described in Sections (p), (q) or (r) of Section 9.1 hereof with respect to the Borrower has occurred and is continuing, then all outstanding Loans, both for principal and interest, shall immediately become due and payable together with all other amounts payable under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents without presentment, demand, protest or notice of any kind, and the obligation of the Lenders to extend further credit pursuant to any of the terms hereof shall immediately terminate.
Section 9.5. Expenses
. The Borrower agrees to pay to the Administrative Agent, Issuing Bank and each Lender, or any other holder of any Obligations, all costs and expenses incurred or paid by the Administrative Agent, Issuing Bank and such Lender or any such holder, including reasonable attorneys’ fees and court costs, in connection with any Default or Event of Default by the Borrower hereunder or in connection with the enforcement of any of the terms hereof or of the other Loan Documents (including all such costs and expenses incurred in connection with any proceeding under the United States Bankruptcy Code involving the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary as a debtor).
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SECTION 10.
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CHANGE IN CIRCUMSTANCES .
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Section 10.1. Change of Law
. Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Agreement or any other Loan Document, if at any time after the date hereof any change in applicable law or regulation or in the interpretation thereof makes it unlawful for any Lender to make or continue to maintain Loans or to give effect to its obligations as contemplated hereby, such Lender shall promptly give notice thereof to the Borrower, with a copy to the Administrative Agent, and such Lender’s obligations to make or maintain Loans under this Agreement shall terminate and shall not revive until it is no longer unlawful for such Lender to make or maintain Loans. The Borrower shall prepay on demand the outstanding principal amount of any such affected Loans, together with all interest accrued thereon and all other amounts then due and payable to such Lender under this Agreement;
provided
,
however
, subject to all of the terms and conditions of this Agreement, the Borrower may then elect to borrow the principal amount of the affected Loan from such Lender by means of a Loan from such Lender that shall not be made ratably by the Lenders but only from such affected Lender.
Section 10.2. Lending Offices
. Each Lender may, at its option, elect to make its Loans hereunder at the branch, office or affiliate specified on the appropriate signature page hereof (each a
“Lending Office”
) for each type of Loan available hereunder or at such other of its branches, offices or affiliates as it may from time to time elect and designate in a notice to the Borrower and the Administrative Agent.
Section 10.3. Discretion of Lender as to Manner of Funding
. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, each Lender shall be entitled to fund and maintain its funding of all or any part of its Loans in any manner it sees fit, it being understood, however, that for the purposes of this Agreement all determinations hereunder shall be made as if each Lender had actually funded and maintained each Loan through the purchase of deposits in the interbank market and bearing an interest rate equal to the LIBOR Rate.
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SECTION 11.
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THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT .
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Section 11.1. Appointment and Authorization
. Each Lender hereby irrevocably appoints Wells Fargo Bank, National Association its Administrative Agent under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents and hereby authorizes the Administrative Agent to take such action as Administrative Agent and on its behalf and to exercise such powers under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents as are delegated to the Administrative Agent by the terms hereof, together with such powers as are reasonably incidental thereto. The Lenders expressly agree that the Administrative Agent is not acting as a fiduciary of the Lenders in respect of the Loan Documents, the Borrower or otherwise, and nothing herein or in any of the other Loan Documents shall result in any duties or obligations on the Administrative Agent or any of the Lenders except as expressly set forth herein.
Section 11.2. Administrative Agent and Affiliates
. The Administrative Agent shall have the same rights and powers under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents as any other Lender and may exercise or refrain from exercising the same as though it were not an Administrative Agent, and the Administrative Agent and its
affiliates may accept deposits from, lend money to, and generally engage in any kind of business with the Borrower or any Subsidiary or affiliate of the Borrower as if it were not an Administrative Agent hereunder and thereunder.
Section 11.3. Action by Administrative Agent
. If the Administrative Agent receives from the Borrower a written notice of an Event of Default pursuant to Section 9.2 hereof, the Administrative Agent shall promptly give each of the Lenders written notice thereof. The obligations of the Administrative Agent under the Loan Documents are only those expressly set forth therein. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Administrative Agent shall not be required to take any action hereunder with respect to any Default or Event of Default, except as expressly provided in Sections 9.3. Upon the occurrence of an Event of Default, the Administrative Agent shall instruct the Collateral Agent to take such action to enforce its Lien on the Collateral and to preserve and protect the Collateral as may be directed by the Required Lenders. Unless and until the Required Lenders give such direction, the Administrative Agent and the Collateral Agent may (but shall not be obligated to) take or refrain from taking such actions as it deems appropriate and in the best interest of all the Lenders. In no event, however, shall the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent be required to take any action in violation of applicable law or of any provision of any Loan Document, and the Administrative Agent and the Collateral Agent shall in all cases be fully justified in failing or refusing to act hereunder or under any other Loan Document unless it first receives any further assurances of its indemnification from the Lenders that it may require, including prepayment of any related expenses and any other protection it requires against any and all costs, expense, and liability which may be incurred by it by reason of taking or continuing to take any such action. The Administrative Agent shall be entitled to assume that no Default or Event of Default exists unless notified in writing to the contrary by a Lender or the Borrower. In all cases in which the Loan Documents do not require the Administrative Agent to take specific action, the Administrative Agent shall be fully justified in using its discretion in failing to take or in taking any action thereunder. Any instructions of the Required Lenders, or of any other group of Lenders called for under the specific provisions of the Loan Documents, shall be binding upon all the Lenders and the holders of the Obligations. The Administrative Agent shall be acting as an independent contractor hereunder and nothing herein shall be deemed to impose on the Administrative Agent any fiduciary obligations to the Lenders or the Borrower.
Section 11.4. Consultation with Experts
. The Administrative Agent may consult with legal counsel, independent public accountants and other experts selected by it and shall not be liable for any action taken or omitted to be taken by it in good faith in accordance with the advice of such counsel, accountants or experts.
Section 11.5. Liability of Administrative Agent
. No Administrative Agent nor any of its directors, officers, agents or employees shall be liable for any action taken or not taken by it in connection herewith (i) with the consent or at the request of the Required Lenders or (ii) in the absence of its own gross negligence or willful misconduct. Neither the Administrative Agent nor any of its directors, officers, agents or employees shall be responsible for or have any duty to ascertain, inquire into or verify (i) any statement, warranty or representation made in connection with this Agreement or any borrowing hereunder or any other Loan Document; (ii) the performance or observance of any of the covenants or agreements of the Borrower or any Subsidiary in any Loan Document; (iii) the satisfaction of any condition specified in Section 7, except receipt of items required to be delivered to the Administrative Agent; or (iv) the validity, effectiveness or genuineness of this Agreement or any other Loan Document or any other instrument or writing furnished in connection herewith or of the collectibility of the Obligations or the value, worth, priority, or perfection of the Collateral or the Liens provided for by the Loan Documents. The Administrative Agent shall not incur any liability by acting in reliance upon any notice, consent, certificate, request or statement (whether written or oral) or other documents believed by it to be genuine or to be signed by the proper party or parties and, in the case of legal matters, in relying on the advice of counsel (including counsel for the Borrower). The Administrative Agent need not verify the worth or existence of the Collateral and may rely exclusively on reports of the Borrower in computing the Borrowing Base. The
Administrative Agent may treat the Lenders that are named herein as the holders of the Loans and the indebtedness contemplated herein.
Section 11.6. Indemnification
. Each Lender shall, ratably in accordance with its Commitments (or, if the Commitments have been terminated in whole, ratably in accordance with its outstanding Loans), indemnify the Administrative Agent (to the extent not reimbursed by the Borrower) against any cost, expense (including reasonable counsels’ fees and disbursements), claim, demand, action, loss, obligation, damages, penalties, judgments, suits or liability (except such as result from the Administrative Agent’s gross negligence or willful misconduct) that the Administrative Agent may suffer or incur in connection with this Agreement or any other Loan Document or any action taken or omitted by the Administrative Agent hereunder or thereunder. The obligations of the Lenders under this Section shall survive termination of this Agreement. The Administrative Agent shall be entitled to offset amounts received for the account of a Lender under this Agreement against unpaid amounts due from such Lender to the Administrative Agent hereunder (whether as fundings of participations, indemnities or otherwise, and with any amounts offset for the benefit of the Administrative Agent to be held by it for its own account, but shall not be entitled to offset against amounts owed to the Administrative Agent by any Lender arising outside of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents.
Section 11.7. Credit Decision
. Each Lender acknowledges that it has, independently and without reliance upon the Administrative Agent or any other Lender, and based on such documents and information as it has deemed appropriate, made its own credit analysis and decision to enter into this Agreement. Each Lender also acknowledges that it will, independently and without reliance upon the Administrative Agent or any other Lender, and based on such documents and information as it shall deem appropriate at the time, continue to make its own credit decisions in taking or not taking any action under this Agreement or any other Loan Document.
Section 11.8. Resignation of the Administrative Agent
. Subject to the appointment and acceptance of a successor Administrative Agent as provided below, the Administrative Agent may, with the prior written consent of the Borrower (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld), resign at any time by giving written notice thereof to the Lenders and the Borrower. Upon any such resignation of the Administrative Agent, the Required Lenders shall have the right to appoint, with the consent of the Borrower (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld), a successor Administrative Agent. If no successor Administrative Agent shall have been so appointed by the Required Lenders, and shall have accepted such appointment, within thirty (30) days after the retiring Administrative Agent’s giving of notice of resignation, then the retiring Administrative Agent may, on behalf of the Lenders, appoint a successor Administrative Agent, which shall be a commercial bank, or an Affiliate of a commercial bank, having an office in the United States of America and having a combined capital and surplus of at least $200,000,000. Upon the acceptance of its appointment as Administrative Agent hereunder by a successor Administrative Agent, such successor Administrative Agent shall thereupon succeed to and become vested with all the rights and duties of the retiring Administrative Agent, and the retiring Administrative Agent shall be discharged from its duties and obligations hereunder and under the other Loan Documents. After any retiring Administrative Agent’s resignation hereunder as Administrative Agent, the provisions of this Section 11 shall inure to its benefit as to any actions taken or omitted to be taken by it while it was Administrative Agent.
Section 11.9. Designation of Additional Agents
.
(a) Administrative Agent shall have the continuing right, for purposes hereof, at any time and from time to time to designate one or more of the Lenders (and/or its or their Affiliates) as “co‑agent,” “syndication agents,” “documentation agents,” “arrangers” or other designations for purposes hereto, but such designation shall have no
substantive effect, and such Lenders and their Affiliates shall have no additional powers, duties or responsibilities as a result thereof.
(b) Administrative Agent hereby designates Bank of Montreal as documentation agent (the “
Documentation Agent
”) for purposes of the this Agreement and the other Loan Documents. The Documentation Agent shall have no rights, duties, responsibilities, obligations, liabilities, responsibilities or duties, except for those received, undertaken or incurred by the Documentation Agent in its capacity as a Lender. No duty, responsibility, right or option granted to the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent is delegated or transferred, in whole or in part, to the Documentation Agent and no compensation payable to the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent shall be shared with, or paid to, the Documentation Agent.
Section 11.10. Authorization to Release or Subordinate or Limit Liens
.
The Administrative Agent is hereby irrevocably authorized by each of the Lenders to authorize the Collateral Agent to (a) release any Lien covering any Collateral that is sold, transferred, or otherwise disposed of in accordance with the terms and conditions of this Agreement and the relevant Collateral Documents (including a sale, transfer, or disposition permitted by the terms of Section 8.13 hereof or which has otherwise been consented to in accordance with Section 12.11 hereof), (b) release or subordinate any Lien on Collateral consisting of goods financed with purchase money indebtedness or under a Capital Lease to the extent such purchase money indebtedness or Capitalized Lease Obligation, and the Lien securing the same, are permitted by Sections 8.7(d), 8.9 and 8.11 hereof, (c) reduce or limit the amount of the indebtedness secured by any particular item of Collateral to an amount not less than the estimated value thereof to the extent necessary to reduce mortgage registry, filing and similar tax, and (d) release Liens on the Collateral following termination or expiration of the Commitments and payment in full in cash of the Obligations.
Section 11.11. Collateral Agent
.
The Lenders and the Borrower acknowledge and agree that Wells Fargo Bank, National Association has been appointed to act as Collateral Agent pursuant to the Loan Documents. The Collateral Agent shall have all of the benefits and immunities (i) provided to the Administrative Agent in this Section 11 with respect to any acts taken or omissions suffered by the Collateral Agent in connection with any Loan Documents as fully as if the term “Administrative Agent”, as used in this Section 11, included the Collateral Agent with respect to such acts or omissions and (ii) as additionally provided in this Agreement and any of the other Loan Documents with respect to the Collateral Agent.
Section 11.12. Authorization to Enter into, and Enforcement of, the Collateral Documents
. The Collateral Agent is hereby irrevocably authorized by each of the Lenders to execute and deliver the Collateral Documents and the Administrative Agent and the Collateral Agent, as applicable, are hereby irrevocably authorized by each of the Lenders to execute and deliver any subordination and/or intercreditor agreement with respect to any Subordinated Debt on behalf of each of the Lenders and their Affiliates and to take such action and exercise such powers under the Collateral Documents and such other subordination and/or intercreditor agreements as the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent considers appropriate,
provided
neither the Administrative Agent not the Collateral Agent shall amend the Collateral Documents or such other subordination and/or intercreditor agreements unless such amendment is agreed to in writing by the Required Lenders. Each Lender acknowledges and agrees that it will be bound by the terms and conditions of the Collateral Documents and such other subordination and/or intercreditor agreements upon the execution and delivery thereof by the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent, as applicable. Except as otherwise specifically provided for herein, no Lender (or its Affiliates) other than the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent, as applicable, shall have the right to institute any suit, action or proceeding in equity or at law for the foreclosure or other realization upon any Collateral or for the execution of any trust or power in respect of the Collateral or for the appointment of a receiver or for the enforcement of any other remedy under the Collateral Documents or such other subordination
and/or intercreditor agreements; it being understood and intended that no one or more of the Lenders (or their Affiliates) shall have any right in any manner whatsoever to affect, disturb or prejudice the Lien of the Collateral Agent under the Collateral Documents or the rights of the Administrative Agent or any Collateral Agent set forth in Collateral Documents or any other subordination and/or intercreditor agreements by its or their action or to enforce any right thereunder, and that all proceedings at law or in equity shall be instituted, had, and maintained by the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent, as applicable, in the manner provided for in the relevant Collateral Documents or such other subordination and/or intercreditor agreements for the benefit of the Lenders and their Affiliates.
Section 11.13. Bank Product Obligations and Hedging Liability.
By virtue of a Lender’s execution of this Agreement or an assignment agreement pursuant to Section 12.10 hereof, as the case may be, any Affiliate of such Lender with whom the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary has entered into an agreement creating Bank Product Obligations or Hedging Liability shall be deemed a Lender party hereto for purposes of any reference in a Loan Document to the parties for whom the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent is acting, it being understood and agreed that the rights and benefits of such Affiliate under the Loan Documents consist exclusively of such Affiliate’s right to share in payments and collections out of the Collateral and the Subsidiary Guaranty Agreement as more fully set forth in Section 3.4 hereof. In connection with any such distribution of payments and collections, or any request for the release of the Subsidiary Guaranty Agreement and the Collateral Agent’s Liens in connection with the termination of the Commitments and the payment in full of the Obligations, the Administrative Agent and the Collateral Agent shall be entitled to assume no amounts are due to any Lender or its Affiliate with respect to any Bank Product Obligations or Hedging Liability unless such Lender has notified the Administrative Agent and the Collateral Agent in writing of the amount of any such liability owed to it or its Affiliate prior to such distribution or payment or release of Subsidiary Guaranty Agreement and Liens.
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SECTION 12.
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MISCELLANEOUS .
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Section 12.1. Withholding Taxes
. (a)
Payments Free of Withholding
. Except as otherwise required by law and subject to Section 12.1(b) hereof, each payment by the Borrower under this Agreement or the other Loan Documents shall be made without withholding for or on account of any present or future taxes (other than overall net income taxes on the recipient) imposed by or within the jurisdiction in which the Borrower is domiciled, any jurisdiction from which the Borrower makes any payment, or (in each case) any political subdivision or taxing authority thereof or therein. If any such withholding is so required, the Borrower shall make the withholding, pay the amount withheld to the appropriate governmental authority before penalties attach thereto or interest accrues thereon, and forthwith pay such additional amount as may be necessary to ensure that the net amount actually received by each Lender and the Administrative Agent free and clear of such taxes (including such taxes on such additional amount) is equal to the amount which that Lender or the Administrative Agent (as the case may be) would have received had such withholding not been made. If the Administrative Agent or any Lender pays any amount in respect of any such taxes, penalties or interest, the Borrower shall reimburse the Administrative Agent or such Lender for that payment on demand in the currency in which such payment was made. If the Borrower pays any such taxes, penalties or interest, it shall deliver official tax receipts evidencing that payment or certified copies thereof to the Lender or Administrative Agent on whose account such withholding was made (with a copy to the Administrative Agent if not the recipient of the original) on or before the thirtieth day after payment.
(b)
U.S. Withholding Tax Exemptions
. Each Lender that is not a United States person (as such term is defined in Section 7701(a)(30) of the Code) shall submit to the Borrower and the Administrative Agent on or before the date hereof or, if later, the date such financial institution becomes a Lender hereunder, two duly completed and signed copies of (i) either Form W‑8 BEN (relating to such Lender and entitling it to a complete exemption from
withholding under the Code on all amounts to be received by such Lender, including fees, pursuant to the Loan Documents and the Obligations) or Form W‑8 ECI (relating to all amounts to be received by such Lender, including fees, pursuant to the Loan Documents and the Obligations) of the United States Internal Revenue Service or (ii) solely if such Lender is claiming exemption from United States withholding tax under Section 871(h) or 881(c) of the Code with respect to payments of “portfolio interest”, a Form W‑8 BEN, or any successor form prescribed by the Internal Revenue Service, and a certificate representing that such Lender is not a bank for purposes of Section 881(c) of the Code, is not a 10‑percent shareholder (within the meaning of Section 871(h)(3)(B) of the Code) of the Borrower and is not a controlled foreign corporation related to the Borrower (within the meaning of Section 864(d)(4) of the Code). Thereafter and from time to time, each Lender shall submit to the Borrower and the Administrative Agent such additional duly completed and signed copies of one or the other of such Forms (or such successor forms as shall be adopted from time to time by the relevant United States taxing authorities) and such other certificates as may be (i) requested by the Borrower in a written notice, directly or through the Administrative Agent, to such Lender and (ii) required under then‑current United States law or regulations to avoid or reduce United States withholding taxes on payments in respect of all amounts to be received by such Lender, including fees, pursuant to the Loan Documents or the Obligations. Upon the request of the Borrower or the Administrative Agent, each Lender that is a United States person (as such term is defined in Section 7701(a)(30) of the Code) shall submit to the Borrower and the Administrative Agent a certificate to the effect that it is such a United States person.
(c)
Inability of Lender to Submit Forms
. If any Lender determines, as a result of any change in applicable law, regulation or treaty, or in any official application or interpretation thereof, that it is unable to submit to the Borrower or the Administrative Agent any form or certificate that such Lender is obligated to submit pursuant to subsection (b) of this Section 12.1 or that such Lender is required to withdraw or cancel any such form or certificate previously submitted or any such form or certificate otherwise becomes ineffective or inaccurate, such Lender shall promptly notify the Borrower and Administrative Agent of such fact and the Lender shall to that extent not be obligated to provide any such form or certificate and will be entitled to withdraw or cancel any affected form or certificate, as applicable.
Section 12.2. No Waiver of Rights
. No delay or failure on the part of the Administrative Agent or any Lender or on the part of the holder or holders of any Obligations in the exercise of any power or right shall operate as a waiver thereof or as an acquiescence in any default, nor shall any single or partial exercise thereof preclude any other or further exercise of any other power or right. The rights and remedies hereunder of the Administrative Agent and the Lenders and of the holder or holders of any Obligations are cumulative to, and not exclusive of, any rights or remedies which any of them would otherwise have.
Section 12.3. Non‑Business Day
‑. If any payment hereunder becomes due and payable on a day which is not a Business Day, the due date of such payment shall be extended to the next succeeding Business Day on which date such payment shall be due and payable. In the case of any payment of principal falling due on a day which is not a Business Day, interest on such principal amount shall continue to accrue during such extension at the rate per annum then in effect, which accrued amount shall be due and payable on the next scheduled date for the payment of interest.
Section 12.4. Documentary Taxes
. The Borrower agrees that it will pay any documentary, stamp or similar taxes payable in respect to this Agreement or any other Loan Document, including interest and penalties, in the event any such taxes are assessed irrespective of when such assessment is made and whether or not any credit is then in use or available hereunder.
Section 12.5. Survival of Representations
. All representations and warranties made herein or in any other Loan Document or in certificates given pursuant hereto or thereto shall survive the execution and delivery of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents, and shall continue in full force and effect with respect to the date as of which they were made as long as any credit is in use or available hereunder.
Section 12.6. Survival of Indemnities
. All indemnities and all other provisions relative to reimbursement to the Lenders of amounts sufficient to protect the yield of the Lenders with respect to the Loans shall survive the termination of this Agreement and the payment of the Obligations.
Section 12.7. Sharing of Set‑Off
‑. Each Lender agrees with each other Lender a party hereto that if such Lender shall receive and retain any payment, whether by set‑off or application of deposit balances or otherwise (
“Set‑off”
), on any of the Obligations outstanding under this Agreement in excess of its ratable share of payments on all Obligations then outstanding to the Lenders, then such Lender shall purchase for cash at face value, but without recourse, ratably from each of the other Lenders such amount of the Obligations held by each such other Lender (or interest therein) as shall be necessary to cause such Lender to share such excess payment ratably with all the other Lenders;
provided
,
however
, that if any such purchase is made by any Lender, and if such excess payment or part thereof is thereafter recovered from such purchasing Lender, the related purchases from the other Lenders shall be rescinded ratably and the purchase price restored as to the portion of such excess payment so recovered, but without interest. Each Lender’s ratable share of any such Set‑off shall be determined by the proportion that the aggregate amount of Loans then due and payable to such Lender bears to the total aggregate amount of the Loans then due and payable to all the Lenders.
Section 12.8. Notices
. Except as otherwise specified herein, all notices hereunder and under the other Loan Documents shall be in writing (including, without limitation, notice by telecopy) and shall be given to the relevant party at its address or telecopier number set forth below, or such other address or telecopier number as such party may hereafter specify by notice to the Administrative Agent and the Borrower given by courier, by United States certified or registered mail, by telecopy or by other telecommunication device capable of creating a written record of such notice and its receipt. Notices under the Loan Documents to any Lender shall be addressed to its address or telecopier number set forth on its Administrative Questionnaire; and notices under the Loans Documents to the Borrower or the Administrative Agent shall be addressed to its respective address or telecopier number set forth below:
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to the Borrower:
World Acceptance Corporation
108 Frederick Street
Greenville, South Carolina 29607‑2532
Attention:
Telephone:
Telecopy:
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to the Administrative Agent:
Wells Fargo Bank, National Association
123 South Broad Street, 5
th
Floor
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19109
Attention:
Telephone:
Telecopy:
|
Each such notice, request or other communication shall be effective (i) if given by telecopier, when such telecopy is transmitted to the telecopier number specified in this Section or in the relevant Administrative Questionnaire and a confirmation of such telecopy has been received by the sender, (ii) if given by mail, 5 days after such communication is deposited in the mail, certified or registered with return receipt requested, addressed as aforesaid or (iii) if given by
any other means, when delivered at the addresses specified in this Section or in the relevant Administrative Questionnaire;
provided
that
any notice given pursuant to Sections 1 and 2 hereof shall be effective only upon receipt.
Section 12.9. Counterparts
. This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, and by the different parties on different counterparts, each of which when executed shall be deemed an original but all such counterparts taken together shall constitute one and the same instrument.
Section 12.10. Successors and Assigns
. This Agreement shall be binding upon the Borrower and its successors and assigns, and shall inure to the benefit of each of the Lenders and the benefit of their respective successors and assigns, including any subsequent holder of any Obligations;
provided
,
however
, that the Borrower may not assign any of its rights or obligations hereunder without the written consent of all of the Lenders.
Section 12.11. Participants
. Each Lender shall have the right at its own cost to grant participations (to be evidenced by one or more agreements or certificates of participation) in the Loans made and/or Commitments held by such Lender at any time and from time to time to one or more other Persons without the consent of the Borrower; provided that no such participation shall relieve any Lender of any of its obligations under this Agreement, and, provided, further that no such participant shall have any rights under this Agreement except as provided in this Section, and the Administrative Agent shall have no obligation or responsibility to such participant. Any agreement pursuant to which such participation is granted shall provide that the granting Lender shall retain the sole right and responsibility to enforce the obligations of the Borrower under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents including, without limitation, the right to approve any amendment, modification or waiver of any provision of the Loan Documents, except that such agreement may provide that such Lender will not agree to any modification, amendment or waiver of the Loan Documents that would reduce the amount of or postpone any fixed date for payment of any Obligation in which such participant has an interest.
Section 12.12. Assignments
. (a) Any Lender may at any time assign to one or more Eligible Assignees all or a portion of such Lender’s rights and obligations under this Agreement (including all or a portion of its Commitment and the Loans at the time owing to it);
provided
that any such assignment shall be subject to the following conditions:
(i)
Minimum Amounts
. (A) In the case of an assignment of the entire remaining amount of the assigning Lender’s Commitment and the Loans at the time owing to it or in the case of an assignment to a Lender, an Affiliate of a Lender or an Approved Fund, no minimum amount need be assigned; and (B) in any case not described in subsection (a)(i)(A) of this Section, the aggregate amount of the Commitment (which for this purpose includes Loans outstanding thereunder) or, if the applicable Commitment is not then in effect, the principal outstanding balance of the Loans of the assigning Lender subject to each such assignment (determined as of the date the Assignment and Acceptance with respect to such assignment is delivered to the Administrative Agent or, if “Effective Date” is specified in the Assignment and Acceptance, as of the Effective Date) shall not be less than $5,000,000, unless each of the Administrative Agent and, so long as no Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, the Borrower otherwise consents (each such consent not to be unreasonably withheld, conditioned, or delayed);
(ii)
Proportionate Amounts
. Each partial assignment shall be made as an assignment of a proportionate part of all the assigning Lender’s rights and obligations under this Agreement with respect to the Loans and the Commitment assigned.
(iii)
Required Consents
. No consent shall be required for any assignment except to the extent required by Section 12.12(a)(i)(B) and, in addition:
(a) the consent of the Borrower (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed) shall be required unless (x) an Event of Default
has occurred and is continuing at the time of such assignment or (y) such assignment is to a Lender, an Affiliate of a Lender or an Approved Fund;
provided
that the Borrower shall be deemed to have consented to any such assignment unless it shall object thereto by written notice to the Administrative Agent within five (5) Business Days after having received notice thereof; and
(b) the consent of the Administrative Agent (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed) shall be required for assignments in respect of the Revolving Credit if such assignment is to a Person that is not a Lender with a Commitment in respect of such facility, an Affiliate of such Lender or an Approved Fund with respect to such Lender.
(iv)
Assignment and Acceptance
. The parties to each assignment shall execute and deliver to the Administrative Agent an Assignment and Acceptance, together with a processing and recordation fee of $3,500, and the assignee, if it is not a Lender, shall deliver to the Administrative Agent an Administrative Questionnaire.
(v)
No Assignment to Borrower or Parent
. No such assignment shall be made to the Borrower or any of its Affiliates or Subsidiaries.
(vi)
No Assignment to Natural Persons
. No such assignment shall be made to a natural person.
Subject to acceptance and recording thereof by the Administrative Agent pursuant to Section 12.12(b) hereof, from and after the effective date specified in each Assignment and Acceptance, the assignee thereunder shall be a party to this Agreement and, to the extent of the interest assigned by such Assignment and Acceptance, have the rights and obligations of a Lender under this Agreement, and the assigning Lender thereunder shall, to the extent of the interest assigned by such Assignment and Acceptance, be released from its obligations under this Agreement (and, in the case of an Assignment and Acceptance covering all of the assigning Lender’s rights and obligations under this Agreement, such Lender shall cease to be a party hereto) but shall continue to be entitled to the benefits of Sections 12.6 and 12.15 with respect to facts and circumstances occurring prior to the effective date of such assignment. Any assignment or transfer by a Lender of rights or obligations under this Agreement that does not comply with this Section shall be treated for purposes of this Agreement as a sale by such Lender of a participation in such rights and obligations in accordance with Section 12.11 hereof.
(b)
Register
. The Administrative Agent, acting solely for this purpose as an agent of the Borrower, shall maintain at one of its offices in Des Moines, Iowa, a copy of each Assignment and Acceptance delivered to it and a register for the recordation of the names and addresses of the Lenders, and the Commitments of, and principal amounts of the Loans owing to, each Lender pursuant to the terms hereof from time to time (the
“Register”
). The entries in the Register shall be conclusive, and the Borrower, the Administrative Agent, and the Lenders may treat each Person whose name is recorded in the Register pursuant to the terms hereof as a Lender hereunder for all purposes of this Agreement, notwithstanding notice to the contrary. The Register shall be available for inspection by the Borrower and any Lender, at any reasonable time and from time to time upon reasonable prior notice.
(c) Any Lender may at any time pledge or grant a security interest in all or any portion of its rights under this Agreement to secure obligations of such Lender, including any such pledge or grant to a Federal Reserve Bank,
and this Section shall not apply to any such pledge or grant of a security interest;
provided
that no such pledge or grant of a security interest shall release a Lender from any of its obligations hereunder or substitute any such pledgee or secured party for such Lender as a party hereto;
provided further, however,
the right of any such pledgee or grantee (other than any Federal Reserve Bank) to further transfer all or any portion of the rights pledged or granted to it, whether by means of foreclosure or otherwise, shall be at all times subject to the terms of this Agreement.
Section 12.13. Amendments
. Any provision of this Agreement or the other Loan Documents may be amended or waived if, but only if, such amendment or waiver is in writing and is signed by (a) the Borrower, (b) the Required Lenders, (c) if the rights or duties of the Administrative Agent are affected thereby, the Administrative Agent, as applicable, and (d) if the rights or duties of the Collateral Agent are affected thereby, the Collateral Agent; provided that:
(i) no amendment or waiver pursuant to this Section shall (A) increase any Commitment of any Lender or otherwise adversely affect the rights of any Lender in a manner disproportionate to the effect on the other Lenders without the consent of such Lender or (B) reduce the amount of or postpone the date for any scheduled payment of any principal of or interest (other than interest pursuant to Section 2.7, the waiver of which shall require the consent of only the Required Lenders) on any Loan or of any fee payable hereunder without the consent of the Lender to which such payment is owing or which has committed to make such Loan or other credit hereunder; and
(ii) no amendment or waiver pursuant to this Section shall, unless signed by each Lender, extend the Termination Date, change the provisions of this Section or Sections 2.11 or 2.12, change the provisions of Section 12.7 or any other provision related to the pro-rata sharing of payments, the definition of Defaulting Lender, Defaulting Lender Excess, Defaulting Lender Period, Required Lenders, Advance Rate, Borrowing Base or Eligible Finance Receivables, or the provisions of Section 9.4, release any material guarantor or all or substantially all of the Collateral (except as otherwise provided for in the Loan Documents), or affect the number of Lenders required to take any action hereunder.
Without regard to any other provision hereof, if any Lender (for such purpose, a “
Dissenting Lender
”) dissents to any action the Administrative Agent desires to take requiring either the unanimous consent of Lenders or the consent of the Required Lenders or fails to respond to Administrative Agent within five (5) Business Days of Administrative Agent’s request for a consent, either the Borrower (if no Event of Default or Default is outstanding and with the prior written consent of the Administrative Agent, in its sole and absolute discretion) or the Administrative Agent may compel such Dissenting Lender to assign its entire Commitment (either to one or more existing Lenders or other financial institution(s) who is to become a Lender pursuant to the terms hereof) so long as (i) such Dissenting Lender receives written notice of such intended assignment (and the proposed effective date thereof) within one hundred twenty (120) days of its providing its dissent to the Administrative Agent or such Dissenting Lender failing to respond to the Administrative Agent within the required five (5) Business Day period and the effective date of such intended assignment is not later than ten (10) days thereafter and (ii) the Dissenting Lender receives full payment on the effective date of such assignment of its entire portion of the outstanding Obligations, with accrued interest and unpaid fees to such date.
Notwithstanding anything contained in this Agreement or other Loan Document, Administrative Agent hereby is authorized by Borrower and Lenders, from time to time in Administrative Agent’s sole discretion, (A) after the occurrence and during the continuance of a Default or an Event of Default, or (B) at any time that any of the other applicable conditions precedent set forth in Section 7.2 hereof are not satisfied, to make Loans to, or for the benefit of, Borrower on behalf of Lenders that Administrative Agent, in its sole discretion deems necessary or desirable (i) to
preserve or protect the Collateral, or any portion thereof, or (ii) to enhance the likelihood of repayment of the Obligations (“
Protective Advances
”). Each Protective Advance shall be deemed to be a Loan hereunder. The Protective Advances in the aggregate shall not exceed an amount equal to ten percent (10%) of the Borrowing Base and shall be repayable on demand, secured by Collateral Agent’s Liens, constitute Obligations hereunder, and shall bear interest at 2.5% per annum above the rate otherwise applicable to the Loans. The provisions related to Protective Advances are for the exclusive benefit of Administrative Agent and Lenders and are not intended to benefit Borrower in any way.
Section 12.14. Non‑Reliance on Margin Stock
‑. Each of the Lenders represents to the Administrative Agent and to each of the other Lenders that it in good faith is not relying upon any Margin Stock as collateral in the extension or maintenance of the credit provided for in this Agreement.
Section 12.15. Fees and Indemnification
. (a) The Borrower agrees to pay the reasonable fees and disbursements of counsel to the Administrative Agent and the Collateral Agent in connection with the preparation and execution of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents, and any amendment, waiver or consent related hereto, whether or not the transactions contemplated herein are consummated.
(b) The Borrower further agrees to indemnify the Administrative Agent, each Lender, and any security trustee or collateral agent therefore (including the Collateral Agent), and their respective directors, officers, employees, agents, financial advisors, and consultants (each such Person being called an
“Indemnitee”
) against all losses, claims, damages, penalties, judgments, liabilities and expenses (including, without limitation, all reasonable fees and disbursements of counsel for any such Indemnitee and all reasonable
expenses of litigation or preparation therefor, whether or not the Indemnitee is a party thereto, or any settlement arrangement arising from or relating to any such litigation) which any of them may pay or incur arising out of or relating to any Loan Document or any of the transactions contemplated thereby or the direct or indirect application or proposed application of the proceeds of any Loan, other than those which arise from the gross negligence or willful misconduct of the party claiming indemnification. The Borrower, upon demand by the Administrative Agent, the Collateral Agent, or a Lender at any time, shall reimburse the Administrative Agent, the Collateral Agent, or such Lender for any legal or other expenses (including, without limitation, all reasonable fees and disbursements of counsel for any such Indemnitee) incurred in connection with investigating or defending against any of the foregoing (including any settlement costs relating to the foregoing) except if the same is directly due to the gross negligence or willful misconduct of the party to be indemnified. To the extent permitted by applicable law, the Borrower shall not assert, and hereby waives, any claim against any Indemnitee, on any theory of liability, for special, indirect, consequential or punitive damages (as opposed to direct or actual damages) arising out of, in connection with, or as a result of, this Agreement or the other Loan Documents or any agreement or instrument contemplated hereby or thereby, the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby, any Loan or the use of the proceeds thereof. The obligations of the Borrower under this Section shall survive the termination of this Agreement.
Section 12.16. Set‑off
‑. In addition to any rights now or hereafter granted under the Loan Documents or applicable law and not by way of limitation of any such rights, upon the occurrence of any Event of Default, with the prior written consent of the Administrative Agent, each Lender and each subsequent holder of any Obligation, and each of their respective affiliates, is hereby authorized by the Borrower
at any time or from time to time, without notice to the Borrower or to any other Person, any such notice being hereby expressly waived, to set‑off and to appropriate and to apply any and all deposits (general or special, including, but not limited to, indebtedness evidenced by certificates of deposit, whether matured or unmatured, and in whatever currency denominated, but not including trust accounts) and any other indebtedness at any time held or owing by that Lender, subsequent holder, or affiliate, to or for the credit or the account of the Borrower, whether or not matured, against and on account of the Obligations of the Borrower to that Lender or subsequent holder under the Loan Documents, including, but not limited to, all claims of any nature or
description arising out of or connected with the Loan Documents, irrespective of whether or not (a) that Lender or subsequent holder shall have made any demand hereunder or (b) the principal of or the interest on the Loans and other amounts due hereunder shall have become due and payable pursuant to Section 9 and although said obligations and liabilities, or any of them, may be contingent or unmatured.
Section 12.17. Governing Law
. This Agreement and the other Loan Documents (except as otherwise specified therein), and the rights and duties of the parties hereto and thereto, shall be construed and determined in accordance with the internal laws of the State of New York.
Section 12.18. Headings
. Section headings used in this Agreement are for reference only and shall not affect the construction of this Agreement.
Section 12.19. Entire Agreement
. The Loan Documents constitute the entire understanding of the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof and any prior or contemporaneous agreements, whether written or oral, with respect thereto are superseded hereby.
Section 12.20. Severability of Provisions
.
Any provision of any Loan Document which is unenforceable in any jurisdiction shall, as to such jurisdiction, be ineffective to the extent of such unenforceability without invalidating the remaining provisions hereof or affecting the validity or enforceability of such provision in any other jurisdiction. All rights, remedies and powers provided in this Agreement and the other Loan Documents may be exercised only to the extent that the exercise thereof does not violate any applicable mandatory provisions of law, and all the provisions of this Agreement and other Loan Documents are intended to be subject to all applicable mandatory provisions of law which may be controlling and to be limited to the extent necessary so that they will not render this Agreement or the other Loan Documents invalid or unenforceable.
Section 12.21. Excess Interest
. Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary contained herein or in any other Loan Document, no such provision shall require the payment or permit the collection of any amount of interest in excess of the maximum amount of interest permitted by applicable law to be charged for the use or detention, or the forbearance in the collection, of all or any portion of the Loans or other obligations outstanding under this Agreement or any other Loan Document (
“Excess Interest”
). If any Excess Interest is provided for, or is adjudicated to be provided for, herein or in any other Loan Document, then in such event (a) the provisions of this Section shall govern and control, (b) neither the Borrower nor any guarantor or endorser shall be obligated to pay any Excess Interest, (c) any Excess Interest that the Administrative Agent or any Lender may have received hereunder shall, at the option of the Administrative Agent, be (i) applied as a credit against the then outstanding principal amount of Obligations hereunder and accrued and unpaid interest thereon (not to exceed the maximum amount permitted by applicable law), (ii) refunded to the Borrower, or (iii) any combination of the foregoing, (d) the interest rate payable hereunder or under any other Loan Document shall be automatically subject to reduction to the maximum lawful contract rate allowed under applicable usury laws (the
“Maximum Rate”
), and this Agreement and the other Loan Documents shall be deemed to have been, and shall be, reformed and modified to reflect such reduction in the relevant interest rate, and (e) neither the Borrower nor any guarantor or endorser shall have any action against the Administrative Agent or any Lender for any damages whatsoever arising out of the payment or collection of any Excess Interest. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if for any period of time interest on any of Borrower’s Obligations is calculated at the Maximum Rate rather than the applicable rate under this Agreement, and thereafter such applicable rate becomes less than the Maximum Rate, the rate of interest payable on the Borrower’s Obligations shall remain at the Maximum Rate until the Lenders have received the amount of interest which such Lenders would have received during such period on the Borrower’s Obligations had the rate of interest not been limited to the Maximum Rate during such period.
Section 12.22. Construction
. The parties acknowledge and agree that the Loan Documents shall not be construed more favorably in favor of any party hereto based upon which party drafted the same, it being acknowledged that all parties hereto contributed substantially to the negotiation of the Loan Documents. NOTHING CONTAINED HEREIN SHALL BE DEEMED OR CONSTRUED TO PERMIT ANY ACT OR OMISSION WHICH IS PROHIBITED BY THE TERMS OF ANY COLLATERAL DOCUMENT, THE COVENANTS AND AGREEMENTS CONTAINED HEREIN BEING IN ADDITION TO AND NOT IN SUBSTITUTION FOR THE COVENANTS AND AGREEMENTS CONTAINED IN THE COLLATERAL DOCUMENTS.
Section 12.23. Lender’s Obligations Several
. The obligations of the Lenders hereunder are several and not joint. Nothing contained in this Agreement and no action taken by the Lenders pursuant hereto shall be deemed to constitute the Lenders a partnership, association, joint venture or other entity.
Section 12.24. Submission to Jurisdiction; Waiver of Jury Trial
. The Borrower hereby submits to the nonexclusive jurisdiction of the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York and of any New York State court sitting in the City of New York, Borough of Manhattan for purposes of all legal proceedings arising out of or relating to this Agreement, the other Loan Documents or the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby. The Borrower irrevocably waives, to the fullest extent permitted by law, any objection which it may now or hereafter have to the laying of the venue of any such proceeding brought in such a court and any claim that any such proceeding brought in such a court has been brought in an inconvenient forum. THE BORROWER, THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT AND EACH LENDER HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES ANY AND ALL RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY LEGAL PROCEEDING ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO ANY LOAN DOCUMENT OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED THEREBY.
Section 12.25. USA Patriot Act
. Each Lender that is subject to the requirements of the USA Patriot Act (Title III of Pub. L. 107‑56 (signed into law October 26, 2001)) (the
“Act”
) hereby notifies the Borrower that pursuant to the requirements of the Act, it is required to obtain, verify, and record information that identifies the Borrower, which information includes the name and address of the Borrower and other information that will allow such Lender to identify the Borrower in accordance with the Act.
Section 12.26. Confidentiality
. Each of the Administrative Agent and the Lenders severally agrees to maintain the confidentiality of the Information (as defined below), except that Information may be disclosed (a) to its and its Affiliates’ directors, officers, employees and agents, including accountants, legal counsel and other advisors to the extent any such Person has a need to know such Information (it being understood that the Persons to whom such disclosure is made will first be informed of the confidential nature of such Information and instructed to keep such Information confidential), (b) to the extent requested by any regulatory authority (including any self‑regulatory authority, such as the National Association of Insurance Commissioners), (c) to the extent required by applicable laws or regulations or by any subpoena or similar legal process, (d) to any other party hereto, (e) in connection with the exercise of any remedies hereunder or under any other Loan Document or any suit, action or proceeding relating to this Agreement or any other Loan Document or the enforcement of rights hereunder or thereunder, (f) subject to an agreement containing provisions substantially the same as those of this Section, to (A) any assignee of or participant in, or any prospective assignee of or participant in, any of its rights or obligations under this Agreement or (B) any actual or prospective counterparty (or its advisors) to any swap or derivative transaction relating to the Borrower or any Subsidiary and its obligations, (g) with the prior written consent of the Borrower, (h) to the extent such Information (A) becomes publicly available other than as a result of a breach of this Section or (B) becomes available to the Administrative Agent or any Lender on a non‑confidential basis from a source other than the Borrower or any Subsidiary or any of their directors, officers, employees or agents, including accountants, legal counsel and other advisors, (i) to
rating agencies if requested or required by such agencies in connection with a rating relating to the Loans or Commitments hereunder, or (j) to entities which compile and publish information about the syndicated loan market,
provided
that only basic information about the pricing and structure of the transaction evidenced hereby may be disclosed pursuant to this subsection (j). For purposes of this Section,
“Information”
means all information received from the Borrower or any of the Subsidiaries or from any other Person on behalf of the Borrower or any Subsidiary relating to the Borrower or any Subsidiary or any of their respective businesses, other than any such information that is available to the Administrative Agent or any Lender on a non-confidential basis prior to disclosure by the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries or from any other Person on behalf of the Borrower or any of the Subsidiaries.
Section 12.27. Amendment and Restatement
. This Agreement shall become effective on the Effective Date and shall supersede all provisions of the Original Credit Agreement as of such date. From and after the Effective Date all references made to the Original Credit Agreement in any Loan Document or in any other instrument or document shall, without more, be deemed to refer to this Agreement. This Agreement amends and restates the Original Credit Agreement and is not intended to be or operate as a novation or an accord and satisfaction of the Original Credit Agreement or the indebtedness, obligations and liabilities of the Borrower evidenced or provided for thereunder. The Borrower heretofore executed and delivered to the Collateral Agent the Company Security Agreement and certain other Collateral Documents. The Borrower hereby acknowledges and agrees that the Liens created and provided for by the Collateral Documents continue to secure, among other things, the Obligations arising under this Agreement; and the Collateral Documents and the rights and remedies of the Collateral Agent, the Administrative Agent, and the Lenders thereunder, the obligations of the Borrower thereunder, and the Liens created and provided for thereunder remain in full force and effect and shall not be affected, impaired or discharged hereby. Nothing herein contained shall in any manner affect or impair the priority of the liens and security interests created and provided for by the Collateral Documents as to the indebtedness which would be secured thereby prior to giving effect to this Agreement. Without limiting the foregoing, the parties to this Agreement hereby acknowledge and agree that the “Credit
Agreement” and the “Notes” referred to in the Company Security Agreement and any of the other Collateral Documents shall from and after the date hereof be deemed a reference to this Agreement and the Notes (if any) issued hereunder.
Section 12.28. Equalization of Loans and Commitments
.
Upon the satisfaction of the conditions precedent set forth in Section 7.1 hereof, on the Effective Date, all loans outstanding under the Original Credit Agreement shall remain outstanding as the initial Borrowing of Loans under this Agreement, and, in connection therewith, the Borrower shall be deemed to have prepaid all outstanding Loans on the Effective Date. On the Effective Date, the Lenders each agree to make such purchases and sales of interests in the outstanding Loans between themselves so that each Lender is then holding its relevant pro rata share of outstanding Loans based on their Commitments as in effect after giving effect hereto. Such purchases and sales shall be arranged through the Administrative Agent and each Lender hereby agrees to execute such further instruments and documents, if any, as the Administrative Agent may reasonably request in connection therewith.
[SIGNATURE PAGES TO FOLLOW]
Upon execution hereof by all the parties, this Amended and Restated Revolving Credit Agreement is dated as of the date and year first above written and shall be a contract among the parties for the purposes hereinabove set forth.
WORLD ACCEPTANCE CORPORATION
By
Accepted and agreed to as of the day and year last above written.
WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, individually as a Lender and as Administrative Agent and Collateral Agent
By:
[Signature Page to Amended and Restated Revolving Credit Agreement—World Acceptance Corporation]
BANK OF AMERICA, N.A.
By
Name
Title
[Signature Page to Amended and Restated Revolving Credit Agreement—World Acceptance Corporation]
BANK OF MONTREAL
By
Name
Title
TEXAS CAPITAL BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION
By
Name
Title
FIRST TENNESSEE BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION
By
Name
Title
[Signature Page to Amended and Restated Revolving Credit Agreement—World Acceptance Corporation]
BANK UNITED, N.A.
By
Name
Title
[Signature Page to Amended and Restated Revolving Credit Agreement—World Acceptance Corporation]
AXOS BANK
By
Name
Title
[Signature Page to Amended and Restated Revolving Credit Agreement—World Acceptance Corporation]
PACIFIC WESTERN BANK
By
Name
Title
[Signature Page to Amended and Restated Revolving Credit Agreement—World Acceptance Corporation]
SCHEDULE 1.1
Commitments
116549.01049/119709025v.7
SCHEDULE 1.2
Closing Fee
EXHIBIT A
WORLD ACCEPTANCE CORPORATION
BORROWING BASE CERTIFICATE
[See attached]
EXHIBIT B
WORLD ACCEPTANCE CORPORATION
COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATE
[See attached]
EXHIBIT C
ASSIGNMENT AND ACCEPTANCE
Dated _____________, _______
Reference is made to the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of June 7, 2019 (as extended, renewed, amended or restated from time to time, the
“Credit Agreement”
) among World Acceptance Corporation, the Lenders party thereto, and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Administrative Agent (the
“Administrative Agent”
). Terms defined in the Credit Agreement are used herein with the same meaning.
______________________________________________________ (the
“Assignor”
) and _________________________ (the
“Assignee”
) agree as follows:
1. The Assignor hereby sells and assigns to the Assignee, and the Assignee hereby purchases and assumes from the Assignor, the amount and specified percentage interest shown on Annex I hereto of the Assignor’s rights and obligations under the Credit Agreement as of the Effective Assignment Date (as defined below), including, without limitation, the Assignor’s Commitments as in effect on the Effective Assignment Date and the Loans, if any, owing to the Assignor on the Effective Assignment Date.
2. The Assignor (i) represents and warrants that it is the legal and beneficial owner of the interest being assigned by it hereunder and that such interest is free and clear of any adverse claim, lien, or encumbrance of any kind; (ii) makes no representation or warranty and assumes no responsibility with respect to any statements, warranties or representations made in or in connection with the Credit Agreement or the execution, legality, validity, enforceability, genuineness, sufficiency or value of the Credit Agreement or any other instrument or document furnished pursuant thereto; and (iii) makes no representation or warranty and assumes no responsibility with respect to the financial condition of the Borrower or any Subsidiary or the performance or observance by the Borrower or any Subsidiary of any of their respective obligations under the Credit Agreement or any other instrument or document furnished pursuant thereto.
3. The Assignee (i) confirms that it has received a copy of the Credit Agreement, together with copies of the most recent financial statements delivered to the Lenders pursuant to Section 8.20(a) and (b) thereof and such other documents and information as it has deemed appropriate to make its own credit analysis and decision to enter into this Assignment and Acceptance; (ii) agrees that it will, independently and without reliance upon the Administrative Agent, the Assignor or any other Lender and based on such documents and information as it shall deem appropriate at the time, continue to make its own credit decisions in taking or not taking action under the Credit Agreement; (iii) appoints and authorizes the Administrative Agent to take such action as Administrative Agent on its behalf and to exercise such powers under the Credit Agreement and the other Loan Documents as are delegated to the Administrative Agent by the terms thereof, together with such powers as are reasonably incidental thereto; (iv) appoints and authorizes the Collateral Agent to take such action as Collateral Agent on its behalf and to exercise such powers under the Collateral Documents and the other Loan Documents as are delegated to the Collateral Agent by the terms thereof, together with such powers as are reasonably incidental thereto; (v) agrees that it will perform in accordance with their terms all of the obligations which by the terms of the Credit Agreement are required to be performed by it as a Lender; and (vi) specifies as its lending office (and address for notices) the offices set forth on its Administrative Questionnaire.
4. As consideration for the assignment and sale contemplated in Annex I hereof, the Assignee shall pay to the Assignor on the Effective Assignment Date in Federal funds the amount agreed upon between them. It is understood that commitment and/or letter of credit fees accrued to the Effective Assignment Date with respect to the interest assigned hereby are for the account of the Assignor and such fees accruing from and including the Effective Assignment Date are for the account of the Assignee. Each of the Assignor and the Assignee hereby agrees that if it receives any amount under the Credit Agreement which is for the account of the other party hereto, it shall receive the same for the account of such other party to the extent of such other party’s interest therein and shall promptly pay the same to such other party.
5. The effective date for this Assignment and Acceptance shall be
___________
(the
“Effective Assignment Date”
). Following the execution of this Assignment and Acceptance, it will be delivered to the Administrative Agent for acceptance and recording by the Administrative Agent and, if required, the Borrower.
6. Upon such acceptance and recording, as of the Effective Assignment Date, (i) the Assignee shall be a party to the Credit Agreement and, to the extent provided in this Assignment and Acceptance, have the rights and obligations of a Lender thereunder and (ii) the Assignor shall, to the extent provided in this Assignment and Acceptance, relinquish its rights and be released from its obligations under the Credit Agreement.
7. Upon such acceptance and recording, from and after the Effective Assignment Date, the Administrative Agent shall make all payments under the Credit Agreement in respect of the interest assigned hereby (including, without limitation, all payments of principal, interest and commitment fees with respect thereto) to the Assignee. The Assignor and Assignee shall make all appropriate adjustments in payments under the Credit Agreement for periods prior to the Effective Assignment Date directly between themselves.
8. This Assignment and Acceptance shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of New York.
[ASSIGNOR LENDER]
By
Name
Title
[ASSIGNEE LENDER]
By
Name
Title
Accepted and consented this
____ day of _____________
WORLD ACCEPTANCE CORPORATION
By
Name
Title
Accepted and consented to by the Administrative Agent this ___ day of _________
WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, as Administrative Agent
By
Name
Title
ANNEX I
TO ASSIGNMENT AND ACCEPTANCE
The assignee hereby purchases and assumes from the assignor the following interest in and to all of the Assignor’s rights and obligations under the Credit Agreement as of the effective date.
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Facility Assigned
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Aggregate Commitment/Loans For All Lenders
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Amount of Commitment/Loans Assigned
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Percentage Assigned of Commitment/Loans
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Revolving Credit
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$____________
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$____________
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_____%
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AMENDED AND RESTATED SECURITY AGREEMENT,
PLEDGE AND INDENTURE OF TRUST
Dated as of June 7, 2019
BETWEEN
WORLD ACCEPTANCE CORPORATION
and
WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION,
as Collateral Agent
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SECTION HEADING PAGE
Parties ..............................................................................................................................................1
Recitals ............................................................................................................................................1
SECTION 1. INTERPRETATION OF AGREEMENT; DEFINITIONS. ......................................1
Section 1.1. Definitions .............................................................................................1
Section 1.2. Accounting Principles ............................................................................5
Section 1.3. Directly or Indirectly .............................................................................5
SECTION 2. GRANTING CLAUSES ...................................................................................5
Section 2.1. Equipment ..............................................................................................5
Section 2.2. Receivables ............................................................................................6
Section 2.3. Pledged Collateral ..................................................................................6
Section 2.4. General Intangibles ................................................................................6
Section 2.5. Investment Property ...............................................................................6
Section 2.6. Records and Cabinets .............................................................................6
Section 2.7. Partnership Interests ...............................................................................6
Section 2.8. Additional Property ................................................................................7
Section 2.9. Deposit Accounts ...................................................................................7
Section 2.10. Other Proceeds and Products .................................................................7
SECTION 3. COVENANTS, REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE BORROWER ...............8
Section 3.1. Location of Collateral ............................................................................8
Section 3.2. Warranty of Title....................................................................................8
Section 3.3. No Alienation of Collateral ....................................................................8
Section 3.4. Removal of Collateral ............................................................................8
Section 3.5. Compliance with Leases ........................................................................9
Section 3.6. Protection of Collateral ..........................................................................9
Section 3.7. Further Assurances ................................................................................9
Section 3.8. Maintenance of Lien; Recording; Opinions of Counsel ......................10
Section 3.9. Guaranty and Security Agreement Supplements .................................10
Section 3.10. Deposit Accounts .................................................................................11
SECTION 4. SPECIAL PROVISIONS RELATING TO RECEIVABLES .................................11
Section 4.1. Representations and Warranties ...........................................................11
Section 4.2. Receivable Schedules ..........................................................................13
Section 4.3. Collection of Receivables ....................................................................13
Section 4.4. Power of Attorney ................................................................................14
SECTION 5. SPECIAL PROVISIONS RELATING TO PLEDGED COLLATERAL ..................15
Section 5.1. Delivery of Pledged Collateral; Transfer to Security
Trustee .................................................................................................15
Section 5.2. Voting Power; Payments......................................................................15
Section 5.3. Covenants of the Borrower ..................................................................16
SECTION 6. APPLICATION OF CERTAIN MONEYS .........................................................17
Section 6.1. Application if no Default or Event of Default Exists ..........................17
Section 6.2. Application if a Default or an Event of Default Exists ........................18
SECTION 7. DEFAULTS AND REMEDIES ........................................................................18
Section 7.1. Events of Default .................................................................................18
Section 7.2. Security Trustee’s Rights .....................................................................18
Section 7.3. Waiver by Borrower ............................................................................19
Section 7.4. Effect of Sale ........................................................................................19
Section 7.5. Application of Sale and Other Proceeds ..............................................20
Section 7.6. Discontinuance of Remedies................................................................20
Section 7.7. Cumulative Remedies ..........................................................................20
SECTION 8. THE SECURITY TRUSTEE ...........................................................................21
Section 8.1. Duties of Security Trustee ...................................................................21
Section 8.2. Security Trustee’s Liability .................................................................22
Section 8.3. No Responsibility of Security Trustee for Recitals .............................23
Section 8.4. Certain Limitations on Security Trustee’s Rights to
Compensation and Indemnification .....................................................23
Section 8.5. Status of Moneys Received ..................................................................23
Section 8.6. Resignation of Security Trustee ...........................................................24
Section 8.7. Removal of Security Trustee ...............................................................24
Section 8.8. Appointment of Successor Security Trustee ........................................24
Section 8.9. Succession of Successor Security Trustee ...........................................25
Section 8.10. Eligibility of Security Trustee ..............................................................25
Section 8.11. Successor Security Trustee by Merger ................................................25
Section 8.12. Co-Trustees ..........................................................................................26
Section 8.13. Compensation and Reimbursement .....................................................26
SECTION 9. SUPPLEMENTS; WAIVERS ..........................................................................27
Section 9.1. Supplemental Security Agreements Without Secured
Creditor Consent .................................................................................27
Section 9.2. Waivers and Consents by Secured Creditors; Supplemental Security Agreements with Secured Creditors’ Consent ....................................27
Section 9.3. Notice of Supplements .........................................................................27
Section 9.4. Opinion of Counsel Conclusive as to Supplements .............................27
SECTION 10. MISCELLANEOUS .......................................................................................28
Section 10.1. Successors and Assigns .......................................................................28
Section 10.2. Severability ..........................................................................................28
Section 10.3. Communications ..................................................................................28
Section 10.4. Release .................................................................................................29
Section 10.5. Counterparts .........................................................................................30
Section 10.6. Governing Law ....................................................................................30
Section 10.7. Headings ..............................................................................................30
Section 10.8. Prior Liens ............................................................................................30
SECTION 10.9. AMENDMENT AND RESTATEMENT " \L 2...................................................31
Signature Page .................................................................................................................................1
ATTACHMENTS TO SECURITY AGREEMENT, PLEDGE AND INDENTURE OF TRUST:
Schedule I — Description of Pledged Shares
Schedule II — Description of Partnership Interest
Schedule III — Locations of the Borrower’s Offices and Facilities
Schedule IV — Concentration Accounts
Exhibit A — Form of Subsidiary Security Agreement
Exhibit B — Form of Subsidiary Guaranty Agreement
AMENDED AND RESTATED SECURITY AGREEMENT,
PLEDGE AND INDENTURE OF TRUST
AMENDED AND RESTATED SECURITY AGREEMENT, PLEDGE AND INDENTURE OF TRUST (this
“Agreement”
) dated as of June 7, 2019, between WORLD ACCEPTANCE CORPORATION, a South Carolina corporation (the
“Borrower”
), and WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, as collateral agent (the
“Collateral Agent”
) which amends and restates that certain Amended and Restated Security Agreement, Pledge and Indenture of Trust dated as of September 17, 2010 (as the same has heretofore been amended, restated, modified, supplemented or waived pursuant to the terms thereof) between the Borrower and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association (the
“Original Security Agreement”
). The post office addresses of the Borrower and the Collateral Agent are set forth in Section 10.3.
RECITALS
A. The capitalized terms used in this Agreement shall have the respective meanings specified in Section 1.1 unless otherwise herein defined or the context hereof shall otherwise require.
B. The Borrower is authorized by law, and deems it necessary from time to time, to borrow money for its proper purposes and to secure the same as hereinafter provided, and to that end, in the exercise of said authority, has duly authorized the execution and delivery of this Agreement providing for the securing of certain obligations of the Borrower hereunder, all as hereinafter provided.
C. The Borrower has authorized borrowings and other extensions of credit pursuant to the Credit Agreement (as defined herein). In addition, the Borrower may from time to time be liable to the Lenders and/or their affiliates with respect to Hedging Liability (as such term is defined in the Credit Agreement) (the Collateral Agent, the Administrative Agent and the Lenders, together with affiliates of the Lenders with respect to Hedging Liability, being hereinafter referred to collectively as the
“Secured Creditors”
and individually as a
“Secured Creditor”
).
D. All acts and proceedings required by law and by the Articles of Incorporation and By‑Laws of the Borrower, to constitute this Agreement a valid and binding agreement for the uses and purposes herein set forth, in accordance with its terms, have been done and taken, and the execution and delivery of this Agreement has been in all respects duly authorized.
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SECTION 1.
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INTERPRETATION OF AGREEMENT; DEFINITIONS.
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Section 1.1. Definitions
.
Except as otherwise provided in this Section 1, all capitalized terms used herein without definition shall have the same meanings herein as such terms have in the Credit Agreement. Unless the context otherwise requires, the terms hereinafter set forth when used herein shall have the following meanings and the following definitions shall be equally applicable to both the singular and plural forms of any of the terms herein defined:
“Account Debtor”
shall mean any Person who is or may become obligated to the Borrower under or on account of a Receivable.
“Administrative Agent”
shall have the same meaning herein as such term is defined in the Credit Agreement.
“Affiliate”
shall have the same meaning herein as such term is defined in the Credit Agreement.
“Borrower”
shall mean World Acceptance Corporation, a South Carolina corporation, and any Person which succeeds to all, or substantially all of the assets and business of World Acceptance Corporation.
“Closing Date”
shall mean June 7, 2019.
“Collateral”
as used herein shall mean any and all property from time to time subject to the security interest granted hereby.
“Collateral Agent”
means the Person named above as the “Collateral Agent” in the first paragraph of this Agreement until a successor Collateral Agent shall have become such pursuant to the applicable provisions of this Agreement, and thereafter
“Collateral Agent”
shall mean such successor Collateral Agent.
“Credit Agreement”
shall mean that certain Amended and Restated Revolving Credit Agreement dated as of June 7, 2019 among the Borrower, the Administrative Agent and the Lenders, as the same may from time to time be amended, restated, modified, supplemented or waived pursuant to the terms thereof.
“Default”
shall mean any event or condition, the occurrence of which would, with the lapse of time or the giving of notice, or both, constitute an Event of Default.
“Event of Default”
shall have the meaning specified in Section 7.1.
“GAAP”
shall have the same meaning herein as such term is defined in the Credit Agreement.
“Governing Documents”
shall mean collectively the charter instruments, by‑laws, partnership agreements, operating agreements and other similar documents prescribing the internal governance of each Restricted Subsidiary.
“Indebtedness for Borrowed Money”
shall have the same meaning herein as such term is defined in the Credit Agreement.
“Insurance Subsidiary”
shall have the same meaning herein as such term is defined in the Credit Agreement.
“Investment Property”
shall have the meaning specified in Section 2.5.
“Lenders”
shall have the same meaning herein as such term is defined in the Credit Agreement.
“Lien”
shall have the same meaning herein as such term is defined in the Credit Agreement.
“Moody’s”
shall mean Moody’s Investors Service, Inc.
“Partnership Interests”
shall have the meaning specified in Section 2.7.
“Person”
shall have the same meaning herein as such term is defined in the Credit Agreement.
“Pledged Collateral”
shall mean and include:
(a) the Pledged Shares;
(b) all shares, Securities, moneys, or other property distributed as a dividend on any shares of capital stock or other Pledged Collateral (including the Pledged Shares) at any time pledged hereunder or a distribution or return of capital upon or in respect of any such capital stock or other Pledged Collateral or any part thereof, or resulting from a split-up, revision, reclassification or other like change of any such capital stock or other Pledged Collateral, and any subscription warrants, rights or options issued to the holders of, or otherwise in respect of, any such capital stock or other Pledged Collateral; and
(c) in the event of any consolidation or merger in which the issuer of any Pledged Collateral is not the surviving entity, or in the event of any sale, lease, transfer or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of such issuer;
(i) all shares of each class of the capital stock or other Security of the successor entity formed by or resulting from such consolidation or merger, or of the corporation to which such sale, lease, transfer or other disposition shall have been made, and
(ii) all other Securities, money or property,
distributed or distributable in any such event in respect of any of the Pledged Collateral in connection with such consideration, merger, sale, lease, transfer or other disposition.
“Pledged Shares”
shall mean all of the capital stock, partnership interests, membership interests and other equity interests owned by the Borrower (as more specifically set forth on Schedule I hereto) or hereafter acquired, including, without limitation, (a) all rights, authority, powers and privileges of the Borrower as a shareholder or holder of any partnership interest, membership interest or other equity interest of any entity, whether now existing or hereafter arising under the Governing Documents or at law or otherwise, and the rights of the Borrower under such Governing Documents to acquire additional shares of stock or partnership interests, membership interests or other equity interests or to acquire the shares of stock, partnership interest, membership interest or other equity interest of other shareholders, partners, members or other holders of equity interests, and (b) all other instruments owned or held by, or otherwise established in favor of, the Borrower in the nature of capital stock of, partnership interest, membership interest or any other equity interest in any entity, of any and every type, class and series.
“Receivable”
shall have the same meaning herein as such term is defined in the Credit Agreement.
“Required Lenders”
shall have the same meaning herein as such term is defined in the Credit Agreement.
“Restricted Subsidiary”
shall have the same meaning herein as such term is defined in the Credit Agreement.
“S&P”
shall mean Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services Group, a division of The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
“Secured Indebtedness”
shall mean the “Obligations,” as such term is defined in the Credit Agreement, in each case whether now existing or hereafter arising, due or to become due, direct or indirect, absolute or contingent, and howsoever evidenced, held or acquired.
“Security”
shall have the same meaning as in Section 2(a)(1) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
“subsidiary”
shall mean, as to any particular parent entity, any corporation, partnership, limited liability company or other entity of which more than 50% (by number of votes or other decision making authority) of the Voting Stock shall be owned by such parent and/or one or more corporations, partnerships, limited liability companies or other entities which are themselves subsidiaries of such parent entity. The term
“Subsidiary”
shall mean a subsidiary, directly or indirectly, of the Borrower.
“Subsidiary Guaranty Agreement”
shall mean the Amended and Restated Guaranty Agreement dated as of June 7, 2019 of each Restricted Subsidiary existing on such date and each other Restricted Subsidiary which has executed a Guaranty Supplement in the form of Exhibit A thereto pursuant to the terms thereof and Section 3.9 (or in such other form agreed to by the Administrative Agent), in each case, for the benefit of the Collateral Agent and the Guaranteed Creditors (as defined therein), as the same may from time to time be amended, restated, modified, supplemented or waived pursuant to the terms thereof.
“Subsidiary Security Agreement”
shall mean the Amended and Restated Security Agreement, Pledge and Indenture of Trust dated as of June 7, 2019 between each Restricted Subsidiary existing on the Closing Date and the Collateral Agent, as supplemented from time to time by a security agreement supplement between a Restricted Subsidiary and the Collateral Agent delivered pursuant to the terms thereof and Section 3.9, in each such case, substantially in the form of Exhibit A to the Subsidiary Security Agreement, as the same may from time to time be amended, restated, modified, supplemented or waived pursuant to the terms thereof.
“Underlying Collateral”
shall mean, with respect to any Receivable of the Borrower, all of its rights with respect to any collateral granted by the Account Debtor in connection with any Receivable owing by it to the Borrower.
“Uniform Commercial Code”
as used herein with reference to any collateral shall mean the Uniform Commercial Code as enacted in the jurisdiction applicable to such Collateral, as amended from time to time, and any successor statute(s) thereto.
“Voting Stock”
shall mean Securities or other equity interests of any class or classes, the holders of which are ordinarily, in the absence of contingencies, entitled to elect a majority of the corporate directors (or Persons performing similar functions).
Section 1.2. Accounting Principles
. Where the character or amount of any asset or liability or item of income or expense is required to be determined or any consolidation or other accounting computation is required to be made for the purposes of this Agreement, the same shall be done in accordance with GAAP, to the extent applicable, except where such principles are inconsistent with the requirements of this Agreement.
Section 1.3. Directly or Indirectly
. Where any provision in this Agreement refers to action to be taken by any Person, or which such Person is prohibited from taking, such provision shall be applicable whether the action in question is taken directly or indirectly by such Person.
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SECTION 2.
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GRANTING CLAUSES .
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The Borrower in consideration of the premises and other good and valuable consideration, receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged, and intending to be legally bound, and in order to secure the payment of all Secured Indebtedness and the performance and observance of all the covenants and conditions contained in this Agreement, the Credit Agreement, the Subsidiary Guaranty Agreements, the Subsidiary Security Agreement, and the other Loan Documents entered into from time to time in connection therewith and any agreements entered into in connection with any Hedging Liability, does hereby mortgage, grant, convey, warrant, assign, pledge and hypothecate unto the Collateral Agent, its successors in trust and assigns, forever, and grants to the Collateral Agent, its successors in trust and assigns, forever, a continuing security interest in, all and singular the following described properties, rights, interests and privileges, together with the proceeds thereof, now or hereafter owned by the Borrower (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the
“Collateral”
):
Section 2.1. Equipment
.
All building materials, building equipment, machinery, fixtures, apparatus, furniture and equipment and other personal property (other than motor vehicles and accessions to motor vehicles) of every kind and nature whatsoever located, including without limitation: all air conditioning, ventilating, plumbing, heating, lighting and electrical systems and apparatus; all communications equipment and intercom systems and apparatus; all typewriters, computers and other office machines and equipment, furniture, furnishings; all sprinkler equipment and apparatus, all elevators and escalators; and all machinery, equipment, engines, boilers, tools, fixtures, furniture, carpeting, tables and chairs, together with all accessories, parts and appurtenances appertaining or attached thereto, whether now owned or hereafter acquired, and all substitutions, renewals, or replacements of and additions, improvements, accessions and accumulations to any and all thereof, together with all the rents, income, revenues, issues, proceeds, profits and avails arising therefrom or in connection therewith;
Section 2.2.
Receivables
. All Receivables, whether now existing or hereafter arising, and however evidenced or acquired, or in which the Borrower now has or hereafter acquires any rights and all rights of the Borrower to any Underlying Collateral granted by an Account Debtor in connection with any Receivable owing by it to the Borrower;
Section 2.3. Pledged Collateral
. All Pledged Collateral;
Section 2.4. General Intangibles
. All General intangibles of the Borrower, including, without limitation, tax refunds, rights with respect to trademarks, service marks, trade names, patents, copyrights, trade-secrets information and rights to prevent others from doing acts that constitute unfair competition with or misappropriation of property of the Borrower including, without limitation, any sums (net of expenses) that the Borrower may receive arising out of any claim for infringement of its rights in any patent, copyright, trademark, trade name, trade secret or other proprietary right and all rights of the Borrower under contracts to enjoy performance by others or to be entitled to enjoy rights granted by others, including, without limitation, any licenses (to the extent permitted by law);
Section 2.5. Investment Property
. All Investment Property, whether now owned or existing or hereafter created, acquired or arising, or in which the Borrower now has or hereafter acquires any rights (the term
“Investment Property”
means and includes all investment property and any other securities (whether certificated or uncertificated), security entitlements, securities accounts, commodity contracts and commodity accounts, including all substitutions and additions thereto, all dividends, distributions and sums distributable or payable from, upon, or in respect of such property, and all rights and privileges incident to such property, but excludes the Pledged Collateral);
Section 2.6. Records and Cabinets
. All supporting evidence and documents relating to any of the above-described property, including without limitation, written applications, credit information, account cards, payment records, correspondence, delivery and installation certificates, invoice copies, delivery receipts, notes and other evidences of indebtedness, insurance certificates and the like, together with all books of account, data processing records, computer software and licenses to use the same, ledgers and cabinets in which the same are reflected or maintained, all whether now existing or hereafter arising;
Section 2.7. Partnership Interests
. (i) All right, title and interest of the Borrower, whether now owned or hereafter acquired, in all partnerships or limited liability companies, including, but not limited to, those set forth on Schedule II hereto (collectively, the
“Partnerships”
), (ii) any and all payments or distributions of whatever kind or character and whether in cash or other property, at any time made, owing or payable to the Borrower in respect of or on account of its present or hereafter acquired interest in the Partnerships, whether due or to become due and whether representing profits, distributions pursuant to complete or partial liquidation or dissolution, repayment of capital contributions or otherwise, and the right to receive, receipt for, use and enjoy all such payments and distributions, and all proceeds thereof, in every case whether now arising or hereafter acquired or arising, and (iii) all proceeds of any of the foregoing (all of the foregoing rights, interests, properties and privileges assigned in and in which a security interest is granted pursuant to this Section 2.7 being hereafter collectively called the
“Partnership Interests”
);
Section 2.8. Additional Property
. All property and rights, if any, which are by the express provisions of this Agreement required to be subjected to the lien hereof and any additional property and rights that may from time to time hereafter, by writing of any kind, be subjected to the lien hereof by the Borrower or by anyone acting at the direction or as an agent of the Borrower; and
Section 2.9. Deposit Accounts
. All Deposit Accounts, as such term is defined in the Uniform Commercial Code; and
Section 2.10. Other Proceeds and Products
. All proceeds and products of the foregoing and all insurance of the foregoing and proceeds thereof, whether now existing or hereafter arising;
provided
that, in the case of a lien and security interest on the voting stock or other similar voting equity interests of a corporation, limited liability company, partnership or other entity which is a “controlled foreign corporation” as defined under Section 957 of the Internal Revenue Code (herein, a “
Foreign Company
”), if granting a security interest of more than 65% of the total combined voting stock or other voting equity interests of any such Foreign Company would cause adverse tax consequences to the Borrower, then such lien and security interest on the voting stock or other voting equity interests shall be limited to 65% of the total combined voting stock or other voting equity interests of such Foreign Company.
TO HAVE AND TO HOLD the Collateral, WITH POWER OF SALE and right of entry and possession, unto the Collateral Agent, its successors and assigns, forever; IN TRUST NEVERTHELESS, upon the terms and trust herein set forth, for the equal and proportionate benefit, security and protection of all present and future Secured Creditors;
provided always, however,
that these presents are upon the express condition that if the Borrower shall irrevocably pay or cause to be irrevocably paid all the Secured Indebtedness and all obligations to extend Secured Indebtedness have expired or otherwise terminated, then these presents and the estate hereby granted and conveyed shall cease and this Agreement shall become null and void; otherwise this Agreement shall remain in full force and effect.
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SECTION 3.
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COVENANTS, REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE BORROWER .
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The Borrower hereby covenants with, and represents and warrants to, the Collateral Agent and for the benefit of the Secured Creditors from time to time that:
Section 3.1. Location of Collateral
. The Collateral (other than the Underlying Collateral and the Pledged Collateral) and the books and records relating thereto are in the Borrower’s possession at the offices and facilities owned or leased by the Borrower set forth in Schedule III hereto. Not less than ten days before the opening of any additional business location which would require the filing of an additional financing statement in accordance with the Uniform Commercial Code in order to perfect the security interest of the Collateral Agent in the Collateral, any change in the business location where the Collateral and the books and records relating thereto are located and/or maintained which would require the filing of an additional financing statement in accordance with the Uniform Commercial Code in order to perfect the security interest of the Collateral Agent in the Receivables or any other Collateral, the Borrower will deliver to the Collateral Agent a supplement hereto amending Schedule III to include such business location, together with evidence of the filing of financing statements or other notices of the security interest hereof and an opinion of the Borrower’s counsel responsive to the requirements of Section 3.8 hereof. On the written request of the Collateral Agent or the Administrative Agent, the Borrower will deliver to the Collateral Agent a supplement hereto amending Schedule III to include any additional business locations not previously reflected in a supplement hereto.
Section 3.2. Warranty of Title
. The Borrower is the lawful owner of the Collateral (other than the Underlying Collateral) and has the sole right and lawful authority to deliver this Agreement. The Collateral (other than the Underlying Collateral) and every part thereof is, on the Closing Date, free and clear of all Liens, except the Lien of this Agreement and Liens permitted by clauses (e), (f) and (g) of Section 8.11 of the Credit Agreement and will be free and clear of all Liens, except the Lien of this Agreement and the other Liens of the character described in clauses (e), (f) and (g) of Section 8.11 of the Credit Agreement, and the Borrower will warrant and defend the Collateral (other than the Underlying Collateral) against any claims and demands of all Persons at any time claiming the same or any interest therein adverse to the Collateral Agent.
Section 3.3. No Alienation of Collateral
. Except as permitted by the provisions of Section 8.13 of the Credit Agreement, the Borrower will not, without the Collateral Agent’s prior written consent, sell, assign, mortgage, lease or otherwise dispose of the Collateral or any interest therein.
Section 3.4. Removal of Collateral
. The Borrower will not remove the Collateral and/or the books and records relating thereto from the locations set forth in Schedule III hereto (i) without complying with §3.1 hereof or (ii) without the Collateral Agent’s prior written consent (provided that the Borrower may move items of Collateral among such locations). The Borrower will at all times allow the Collateral Agent, the Lenders and their representatives free access to, and right of inspection of, the Collateral.
Section 3.5. Compliance with Leases
. The Borrower will comply with the terms and conditions of any leases covering the premises wherein the Collateral is located and any orders, ordinances, laws or statutes of any city, state or other governmental entity, department or agency having jurisdiction with respect to such premises or the conduct of business thereon unless the failure to so comply will not, individually or in the aggregate, have a material adverse effect on such Collateral or impair the rights or interests of the Borrower or the Collateral Agent therein.
Section 3.6. Protection of Collateral
. At any time and from time to time, any Secured Creditor may, at its option, or the Collateral Agent may, at the direction of the Administrative Agent, discharge any taxes, or other Liens at any time levied or placed on the Collateral which are due and unpaid and (A) which are not being contested
in good faith by appropriate actions or proceedings which will prevent the forfeiture or sale of the Collateral or any material interference with the use thereof or (B) for which the Borrower has not set aside on its books, reserves adequate in accordance with GAAP with respect thereto, and such parties may pay for the maintenance and preservation of the Collateral, including the purchasing of insurance therefor to the extent required to be maintained by the Borrower pursuant to Section 8.2 of the Credit Agreement and not so maintained, and the Borrower will immediately reimburse the Collateral Agent or such Secured Creditor on demand for any payment made or any expense incurred by the Collateral Agent or such Secured Creditor pursuant to the foregoing authority with interest at a rate per annum equal to the higher of (i) LIBOR Rate plus the Applicable Margin or (ii) 4.0%. All such expenses and payments shall have the benefit of and be secured by the security interest herein granted, and the Collateral Agent is authorized to charge any depository account of the Borrower maintained with the Collateral Agent or any Secured Creditor for the amount of such expenses and payments.
Section 3.7. Further Assurances
. The Borrower agrees to execute and deliver to the Collateral Agent such further agreements and assignments or other instruments and to do all such other things as the Collateral Agent may deem necessary or appropriate to assure the Collateral Agent its first priority security interest hereunder, including such financing statement or statements or amendments thereof or supplements thereto or other instruments as the Collateral Agent may from time to time reasonably require to perfect, and continue the perfection of, the security interest in the Collateral contemplated by this Agreement. The Borrower hereby agrees that, to the extent permitted by applicable law, a carbon, photographic or other reproduction of this Agreement or any such financing statement is sufficient for filing as a financing statement by the Collateral Agent without notice thereof to the Borrower wherever the Collateral Agent in its sole discretion desires to file the same. The Borrower hereby authorizes the Collateral Agent to file any and all financing statements covering the Collateral or any part thereof as the Collateral Agent may require. The Collateral Agent shall, when an Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, or at such other time pursuant to §4 or §5, have the right to take physical possession of any and all of the Collateral and to maintain such possession on the Borrower’s premises or, if possible, to remove the Collateral or any part thereof to such other places as the Collateral Agent may desire. If the Collateral Agent exercises its right to take possession of the Collateral, the Borrower shall, upon the Collateral Agent’s demand, if possible, assemble the Collateral and make it available to the Collateral Agent at a place designated by the Collateral Agent. The Borrower shall at its expense perform any and all other steps reasonably requested by the Collateral Agent to preserve and protect the first priority security interest hereby granted in the Collateral. If any Collateral is in the possession or control of any of the Borrower’s agents or processors while a Default or an Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, the Borrower agrees (i) to notify such agents or processors in writing of the Collateral Agent’s security interest therein, and (ii) upon the Collateral Agent’s request instruct them to hold all such Collateral for the Collateral Agent’s account and subject to the Collateral Agent’s instructions. The Borrower agrees to mark its books and records to reflect the security interest of the Collateral Agent in the Collateral.
Section 3.8. Maintenance of Lien; Recording; Opinions of Counsel
. (a) The Borrower will, at its expense, take all necessary action to maintain and preserve the first and prior perfected lien of this Agreement (including, without limitation, the filing of all financing statements or similar notices thereof if and to the extent permitted or required by applicable law) so long as the Secured Creditors have any commitment to extend Secured Indebtedness to the Borrower and thereafter so long as any Secured Indebtedness remains outstanding.
(b) The Borrower will, forthwith after the execution and delivery of this Agreement and thereafter from time to time, cause this Agreement (and all financing statements, continuation statements or similar notices thereof if and to the extent permitted or required by applicable law) to be filed, registered and recorded in such manner and in such places as may be required by law in order to publish notice of and fully to protect the first lien of the Collateral
Agent in and to the Collateral; and from time to time will perform or cause to be performed any other act as provided by law and will execute or cause to be executed any and all further instruments that may be required for such publication and protection or requested by the Administrative Agent. With respect to any Investment Property held by a securities intermediary, commodity intermediary, or other financial intermediary of any kind, at the Collateral Agent’s request, acting at the direction of the Administrative Agent, the Borrower shall execute and deliver, and shall cause any such intermediary to execute and deliver, an agreement among the Borrower, the Collateral Agent and such intermediary in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent which provides, among other things, for the intermediary’s agreement that, upon notice by the Collateral Agent that an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, it shall comply with entitlement orders, and apply any value distributed on account of any Investment Property maintained in an account with such intermediary, as directed by the Collateral Agent without further consent of the Borrower.
(c) The Borrower agrees at its own expense to furnish to the Collateral Agent promptly after the execution and delivery of any supplement or amendment hereto or any continuation statement, an opinion of counsel satisfactory to the Collateral Agent (who may be independent counsel to the Borrower) stating that in the opinion of such counsel, such supplement or amendment to this Agreement (or a financing statement, continuation statement or similar notice thereof if and to the extent required by applicable law) or such continuation statement, as the case may be, has been properly recorded or filed for record in all public offices in which such recording or filing is necessary to perfect the Lien provided by this Agreement as a valid Lien and security interest in the Collateral.
Section 3.9. Guaranty and Security Agreement Supplements
. The Borrower hereby covenants and agrees that, within 30 days after any Person becomes a Restricted Subsidiary, it will (i) deliver all of the certificates or other instruments evidencing the capital stock, partnership interests, membership interests or other equity interests of such Restricted Subsidiary (except the Borrower will transfer and deliver only 65% of the Voting Stock of any Foreign Company, including the Insurance Subsidiary) and all other items constituting Pledged Collateral, with all such certificates or other instruments duly endorsed in blank or accompanied by an assignment or assignments sufficient to transfer title thereto, to the Collateral Agent to be held in pledge pursuant to the terms hereof as part of the Pledged Collateral, together with an amended Schedule I and, if applicable, Schedule II, hereto or to the Subsidiary Security Agreement, as the case may be, describing such additional Pledged Shares and, if applicable, Partnership Interests, and (ii) cause such Restricted Subsidiary (other than the Insurance Subsidiary) to enter into a Guaranty Supplement to each Subsidiary Guaranty Agreement substantially in the form of Exhibit A thereto and a supplement to the Subsidiary Security Agreement substantially in the form of Exhibit A thereto, together with such items described in §3.8 hereof as the Collateral Agent or the Administrative Agent may reasonably request.
Section 3.10. Deposit Accounts
. The Borrower may maintain one or more local deposit accounts for the deposit of checks and the making of disbursements in the ordinary course of business (
“Local Accounts”
) and one or more concentration accounts into which the Borrower sweeps or periodically transfers collections from the Subsidiary Local Accounts in the ordinary course of business (
“Concentration Accounts”
). All Concentration Accounts of the Borrower as of June 7, 2019, are listed and identified (by account number and depository institution) on Schedule IV attached hereto and made a part hereof. The Borrower shall promptly notify the Collateral Agent of any other Concentration Account opened or maintained by the Borrower after the date hereof, and shall submit to the Collateral Agent a supplement to Schedule IV to reflect such additional accounts (provided the Borrower’s failure to do so shall not impair the Collateral Agent’s security interest therein). So long as no Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, the Collateral Agent’s security interest in the Local Accounts need not be perfected. With respect to any Concentration Account maintained by a depository institution other than the Collateral Agent, and as a condition to the establishment and maintenance of any such Concentration Account, the Borrower and such depository institution shall have executed
and delivered to the Collateral Agent an account control agreement in form and substance satisfactory to the Collateral Agent which provides, among other things, for the depository institution’s agreement that it will comply with instructions originated by the Collateral Agent directing the disposition of the funds in the Concentration Account(s) at such depository institution without further consent by the Borrower.
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SECTION 4.
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SPECIAL PROVISIONS RELATING TO RECEIVABLES .
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Section 4.1. Representations and Warranties
. The Borrower shall be deemed to have warranted as to each of its Receivables that:
(a) Such Receivable and all papers and documents relating thereto are genuine and in all respects what they purport to be;
(b) Such Receivable is legal, valid and subsisting;
(c) The amount of such Receivable represented as owing is the correct amount actually and unconditionally owing, is not disputed and is not subject to any set-offs, credits, deductions or countercharges;
(d) Such Receivable has been created, and is, in all respects in compliance with applicable state and federal lending laws and will continue to be in compliance with such laws;
(e) The Borrower has no knowledge or reason to know of any fact which would impair the collectibility of such Receivable;
(f) All of the Borrower’s procedures, requirements and conditions and all federal and state laws applicable to the making of the loans related to such Receivable and the creation of such Receivable have been complied with;
(g) To the best knowledge of the Borrower, the Account Debtor on such Receivable and other obligors had legal capacity to enter into the transactions related to such Receivable;
(h) The form and content of each document related to such Receivable, the security related thereto, and the transactions from which it arose comply fully with any and all applicable laws, ordinances, rules and regulations, federal, state and/or local, with respect to the extension of credit and charging of interest, including without limitation, as applicable, the Federal Consumer Credit Protection Act, the Federal Fair Credit Reporting Act, the Federal Trade Commission Act, the Federal Equal Credit Opportunity Act and all federal, state and local laws related to licensing, usury, truth in lending, real estate settlement procedures, consumer protection, equal credit opportunity, fair debt collection, unfair and deceptive trade practices, rescission rights and disclosures, and with all rules and regulations thereunder, all as amended, and any disclosures required with respect to such Receivable were and will continue to be made properly and in a timely manner;
(i) To the best knowledge of the Borrower, such Receivable and all facts, statements or obligations contained or implicit in any application for credit or financial statement of the Account Debtor or other obligor submitted to the Borrower, including without limitation, the description of any Underlying Collateral securing such Receivable and the amount owing from the Account Debtor or other obligor, and the signatures of the parties are genuine, correct, true and complete;
(j) The Borrower has extended no credit of any kind or in any manner to the Account Debtor or other obligors in connection with the transactions from which such Receivable arose other than as indicated on and evidenced by the Borrower’s files related to such Receivable;
(k) To the best knowledge of the Borrower, each security agreement, UCC filing, title retention instruments and other document and instrument, if any, which is security for such Receivable contains a correct and sufficient description of any Underlying Collateral covered thereby and each lien or security interest which secures such Receivable is and will continue to be valid;
(l) Before extending credit to the Account Debtor or other obligor on such Receivable, the Borrower has made an adequate credit investigation of the Account Debtor or other obligor and has determined that the risk of extending such credit is satisfactory and in accordance with the standards historically observed by the Borrower in the conduct of its business;
(m) Any and all policies of insurance related to the property securing any obligation of the Account Debtor in connection with such Receivable and any credit life insurance, credit disability insurance, or credit unemployment insurance are in full force and effect in accordance with the terms of all agreements between the Borrower and the Account Debtor; and
(n) As to such Receivable, the Borrower was duly authorized to do business and in good standing in the jurisdiction in which such Receivable was originated and was duly licensed to originate such Receivable in such jurisdiction.
Section 4.2. Receivable Schedules
.
The Borrower shall provide the Collateral Agent with such other relevant information as the Collateral Agent may request from time to time.
Section 4.3. Collection of Receivables
. (a) Unless and until a Default or an Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing and the Borrower shall have received written notice from the Collateral Agent not to collect the Receivables, the Borrower shall make collection of all Receivables of the Borrower and may use the same to carry on its business in accordance with sound business practice and otherwise subject to the terms hereof.
(b) At any time while a Default or an Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, in the event the Collateral Agent requests the Borrower to do so:
(i) All instruments and chattel paper at any time constituting part of the Receivables of the Borrower (including any postdated checks) shall, upon receipt by the Borrower and to the extent permitted by law, be immediately endorsed to and deposited with the Collateral Agent in the same form as received by the Borrower; and/or
(ii) The Borrower shall, to the extent permitted by law, instruct all account debtors to remit all payments in respect of Receivables of the Borrower to a lockbox to be maintained at the main post office, Chicago, Illinois, or such other single location as the Collateral Agent may reasonably designate, under the sole custody and control of the Collateral Agent.
(c) Except as otherwise directed by the Collateral Agent, the Borrower shall place the following legend conspicuously, on the face of each document, instrument, chattel paper and other writing evidencing the Receivables
created on or after the Closing Date (provided the legend called for by the Prior Security Agreement appearing on the Borrower’s existing stock of unexecuted contacts may continue to be used until reordered): “A SECURITY INTEREST IN THIS DOCUMENT HAS BEEN GRANTED TO WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS SECURED PARTY, PURSUANT TO A SECURITY AGREEMENT, PLEDGE AND INDENTURE OF TRUST.” At any time while a Default or an Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, the Collateral Agent or its designee may notify the Borrower’s customers or account debtors at any time that Receivables of the Borrower have been assigned to the Collateral Agent or of the Collateral Agent’s security interest therein and either in its own name, that of the Borrower or both, demand, collect (including without limitation through a lockbox analogous to that described in Section 4.3(b)(ii) hereof), receive, receipt for, sue for, compound and give acquittance for any or all amounts due or to become due on such Receivables, and in the Collateral Agent’s discretion file any claim or take any other action or proceeding which the Collateral Agent may deem necessary or appropriate to protect and realize upon the security interest of the Collateral Agent in such Receivables.
(d) In the event the Collateral Agent has exercised any or all of its rights under Sections 4.3(b) or (c) hereof, the Collateral Agent may, at any time while a Default or an Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, cause all instruments, chattel paper, moneys or other proceeds received by the Collateral Agent to be deposited, handled and administered in and through a remittance account. If a Default or an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing to the knowledge of the Collateral Agent, all amounts received by the Collateral Agent pursuant to the Granting Clauses hereof and all amounts held in any remittance account referred to above in this paragraph shall be held by the Collateral Agent for application in the manner provided for in Section 7 in respect of proceeds and avails of the Collateral.
Section 4.4. Power of Attorney
.
Upon the occurrence and during the continuance of a Default or an Event of Default, in addition to any other powers of attorney granted herein, the Borrower appoints the Collateral Agent, its nominee, or any other Person whom the Collateral Agent may designate as the Borrower’s attorney-in-fact, with full power at any time and from time to time to endorse the Borrower’s name on any checks, notes, acceptances, money orders, drafts or other forms of payment or security that may come into the Collateral Agent’s possession, upon the occurrence and during the continuance of a Default or an Event of Default, to sign the Borrower’s name on any invoice or bill of lading relating to any Collateral of the Borrower, on drafts against customers, on schedules and assignments of Collateral of the Borrower, on notices of assignment, and other public records, on verification of accounts and on notices to customers, to notify the post office authorities to change the address for delivery of the Borrower’s mail to an address designated by the Collateral Agent, to receive, open and dispose of all mail addressed to the Borrower, to send requests for verification of Receivables of the Borrower to customers or account debtors, and to do all things necessary to carry out this Agreement. The Borrower ratifies and approves all acts of any such attorney and agrees that neither the Collateral Agent nor any such attorney will be liable for any acts or omissions nor for any error of judgment or mistake of fact or law other than their willful misconduct or gross negligence. The foregoing power of attorney, being coupled with an interest, is irrevocable until the Secured Indebtedness is fully and irrevocably paid and satisfied and all obligations to extend credit under the Credit Agreement have expired or otherwise terminated. The Collateral Agent may file one or more financing statements disclosing its security interest in any or all of the Collateral without the Borrower’s signature appearing thereon. The Borrower also hereby grants the Collateral Agent a power of attorney to execute any such financing statement, or amendments and supplements to financing statements on behalf of the Borrower with notice thereof to the Borrower, which power of attorney is coupled with an interest and irrevocable until the Secured Indebtedness is fully paid and satisfied.
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SECTION 5.
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SPECIAL PROVISIONS RELATING TO PLEDGED COLLATERAL .
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Section 5.1. Delivery of Pledged Collateral; Transfer to Collateral Agent
.
All instruments and certificates representing or evidencing the Pledged Collateral shall be delivered to and held by or on behalf of the Collateral Agent for the ratable benefit of the Secured Lenders pursuant hereto and shall be in suitable form for transfer by delivery, or shall be accompanied by duly executed instruments of transfer or assignment in blank and undated, all in form and substance satisfactory to the Collateral Agent. The Collateral Agent shall have the right, subject to applicable law, at any time in its discretion after the occurrence of an Event of Default, to transfer to or to register in the name of the Collateral Agent or any of its nominees any or all of such Pledged Collateral. Promptly after any such transfer or registration, the Collateral Agent shall give notice thereof to the Borrower, but the failure to give such notice shall not affect any of the rights or remedies of the Collateral Agent hereunder. The Collateral Agent shall have the right at any time to exchange instruments or certificates representing or evidencing such Pledged Collateral for instruments or certificates of smaller or larger denominations, subject to the terms thereof.
Section 5.2. Voting Power; Payments
.
(a)
Voting Power.
So long as an Event of Default shall not have occurred and be continuing, the Borrower shall have the right to exercise any and all voting or other consensual rights pertaining to the Pledged Collateral or any part thereof for all purposes not inconsistent with the terms of this Agreement and the Credit Agreement, and the Borrower agrees that it will not exercise any such rights in any manner which is inconsistent with the terms of this Agreement and the Credit Agreement;
provided, however,
that the Borrower shall not exercise or shall refrain from exercising any such right if such action would have a material adverse affect on the value of the Pledged Collateral or any part thereof; the Collateral Agent (1) shall have no right to exercise such voting rights as are reserved in this Section 5.2(a) to the Borrower and (2) shall execute and deliver to the Borrower or cause to be executed and delivered to the Borrower all such proxies, powers of attorney, and other orders, and all such instruments, without recourse, as the Borrower may reasonably request in writing for the purpose of enabling the Borrower to exercise the voting rights which it is entitled to exercise under this Section 5.2(a).
(b)
Payments on Default.
So long as no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, the Borrower shall have the right to receive and retain all cash distributions and payments made in respect of the Pledged Collateral to the extent such payments (i) may be legally declared and paid under applicable law and (ii) are not prohibited by the applicable provisions hereof and of the Credit Agreement;
provided, however,
that any and all
(1) dividends and distributions paid or payable other than in cash in respect of, and instruments and other property received, receivable or otherwise distributed in respect of, or in exchange for, any Pledged Collateral,
(2) dividends and other distributions paid or payable in cash in respect of any Pledged Collateral in connection with a partial or total liquidation or dissolution or in connection with a reduction of capital, capital surplus or paid-in-surplus, and
(3) cash paid, payable or otherwise distributed in redemption of, or in exchange for, any Pledged Collateral;
shall be forthwith delivered to the Collateral Agent to hold as, and such amounts so delivered shall be, Pledged Collateral and shall, if received by the Collateral Agent, be received in trust for the benefit of the Collateral Agent, be segregated from the other property or funds of the Borrower and be forthwith delivered to the Collateral Agent as Pledged Collateral in the same form as so received (with all appropriate powers, authorizations, orders and documents).
(c)
Voting Rights after an Event of Default and Receipt of Distributions after a Default or an Event of Default.
Upon the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default, all rights of the Borrower to exercise or refrain from exercising the voting and other consensual rights that it would otherwise be entitled to exercise pursuant to clause (a) above and, upon the occurrence and during the continuance of a Default or an Event of Default, all rights of the Borrower to receive the dividends and other distributions which it would otherwise be entitled to receive and retain pursuant to clause (b) above, in each such case, shall cease during the period and continuance of such Default or Event of Default, as the case may be, and all such rights shall thereupon become vested in the Collateral Agent, which shall thereupon have the sole right to exercise or refrain from exercising such voting and other consensual rights, as directed in writing by the Administrative Agent pursuant to Section 8.1 hereof, and to receive and hold as Pledged Collateral such distributions and dividends.
Section 5.3. Covenants of the Borrower
.
The Borrower hereby covenants and agrees as follows:
(a)
Issuance of Additional Shares of Stock.
The Borrower will not vote to enable or otherwise cause any Restricted Subsidiary to issue any shares of stock or other Securities in addition to, or to issue other securities of any nature in exchange or substitution for, the Pledged Collateral (except to qualify directors) unless such stock or other securities may be issued under the relevant provisions hereof, are pledged to the Collateral Agent for the ratable benefit of the Secured Creditors as part of the Pledged Collateral and the Borrower represents to the Collateral Agent and the Secured Creditors that (i) the Borrower has good and marketable title to such stock or other Security, free and clear of any Lien other than the Lien hereof and Liens permitted by clause (i) of Section 8.11 of the Credit Agreement and (ii) such stock or other Security has been duly authorized, validly issued and is fully paid and non-assessable.
(b)
Regulatory Consent.
The Borrower will use its best efforts to obtain consent of any regulatory authority, Federal, state or local, if any, having jurisdiction over any license, franchise or other authorization granted by any governmental unit or authority, which consent may be required in connection with the transfer of the Pledged Collateral, and will cooperate fully with the Collateral Agent in effecting any such transfer, including, without limitation, the execution and delivery of all applications, certificates and other documents that may be required to obtain the consent and approval or authorization of or registration or qualification with, any governmental authority, and specifically, without limitation, any application for consent to assignment of license or transfer of control necessary or appropriate under the rules and regulations of any governmental authority for approval of (i) any sale or sales of property constituting Pledged Collateral by or on behalf of the Collateral Agent or (ii) any assumption by the Collateral Agent of voting rights or management rights in the Pledged Collateral, effected in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.
(c)
Additional Pledged Collateral
. If any of the Pledged Collateral, including, without limitation, any shares, notes, obligations, Securities, instruments, property or (except to the extent otherwise provided in clauses (b) and (c) in the definition of Pledged Collateral) moneys, distributions or other payments of every kind and variety referred to in clauses (a) through (c) in the definition of Pledged Collateral are received by the Borrower, the Borrower agrees forthwith to transfer and deliver the same (with the certificates or other instruments or documents evidencing or documenting any such shares, notes, obligations, interests, instruments, or other Securities duly endorsed in blank or accompanied by an assignment or assignments sufficient to transfer title thereto), to the Collateral Agent to be held in pledge pursuant to the terms of this Agreement, as part of the Pledged Collateral.
(d)
Schedule of Pledged Collateral.
The Borrower will furnish to the Collateral Agent from time to time statements and schedules further identifying and describing the Pledged Collateral and such other reports in connection with the Pledged Collateral as the Collateral Agent may reasonably request, all in reasonable detail.
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SECTION 6.
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APPLICATION OF CERTAIN MONEYS.
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Section 6.1. Application if no Default or Event of Default Exists.
So long as no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, subject to the Borrower’s contractual obligations to other parties (including, without limitation, the Credit Agreement), the Borrower shall be allowed to receive and apply the Collateral and to carry on its business in accordance with sound business practices.
Section 6.2. Application if a Default or an Event of Default Exists.
If a Default or an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, all amounts which constitute Collateral shall be paid over to the Collateral Agent for application in the manner provided in Section 7 in respect of proceeds and avails of the Collateral.
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SECTION 7.
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DEFAULTS AND REMEDIES .
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Section 7.1. Events of Default
. An “Event of Default” under the Credit Agreement shall constitute an Event of Default hereunder.
Section 7.2. Collateral Agent’s Rights
. The Borrower agrees that when any Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, the Collateral Agent may, subject to the provisions of Section 8.1, without limitation of all other rights and remedies available herein, in the Subsidiary Security Agreement, at law or in equity in such event, exercise any one or more or all, and in any order, of the remedies hereinafter set forth, it being expressly understood that no remedy herein conferred is intended to be exclusive of any other remedy or remedies; but each and every remedy shall be cumulative and shall be in addition to every other remedy given herein or now or hereafter existing at law or in equity or by statute:
(a) The Collateral Agent personally, or by agents or attorneys, shall have the right (subject to compliance with any applicable mandatory legal requirements) to enter into and upon the premises of the Borrower and take possession of all or any part of the Collateral and to exclude the Borrower wholly therefrom, and having and holding the same may use, operate, manage and control the Collateral and collect and receive all earnings, revenues, issues, proceeds and income of the Collateral and every part thereof and may maintain, repair and renew the Collateral and make replacements, alterations, additions and improvements thereto or remove and dispose of any portion of the Collateral and may otherwise exercise any and all of the rights and powers of the Borrower in respect thereof.
(b) The Collateral Agent may, if at the time such action may be lawful and always subject to compliance with any mandatory legal requirements, either with or without taking possession, and either before or after taking possession, and without instituting any legal proceedings whatsoever, and having first given notice of such sale by registered mail to the Borrower, the Administrative Agent and each Lender once at least ten days prior to the date of such sale, and any other notice which may be required by law, sell and dispose of the Collateral, or any part thereof, or interest therein, at public auction to the highest bidder, in one lot as an entirety or in separate lots, and either for cash or on credit and on such terms as the Collateral Agent may determine, and at any place (whether or not it be the location of the Collateral or any part thereof) designated
in the notice above referred to. Any such sale or sales may be adjourned from time to time by announcement at the time and place appointed for such sale or sales, or for any such adjourned sale or sales, without further notice, and the Collateral Agent or any Secured Creditor, or of any interest therein, may bid and become the purchaser at any such sale.
(c) The Collateral Agent may proceed to protect and enforce this Agreement and the Secured Indebtedness or any part thereof by suit or suits or proceedings in equity, at law or in bankruptcy, and whether for the specific performance of any covenant or agreement herein contained or in execution or aid of any power herein granted; or for foreclosure hereunder, or for the appointment of a receiver or receivers for the Collateral or any part thereof, or for the recovery of judgment for the Secured Indebtedness or for the enforcement of any other proper, legal or equitable remedy available under applicable law.
Section 7.3. Waiver by Borrower
. To the extent now or at any time hereafter enforceable under applicable law, the Borrower covenants that it will not at any time insist upon or plead, or in any manner whatsoever claim or take any benefit or advantage of, any stay or extension law now or at any time hereafter in force, nor claim, take nor insist upon any benefit or advantage of or from any law now or hereafter in force providing for the valuation or appraisement of the Collateral or any part thereof, prior to any sale or sales thereof to be made pursuant to any provision herein contained, or to the decree, judgment or order of any court of competent jurisdiction; nor, after such sale or sales, claim or exercise any right under any statute now or hereafter made or enacted by any state or otherwise to redeem the property so sold or any part thereof, and hereby expressly waives for itself and on behalf of each and every Person, except decree or judgment creditors of the Borrower acquiring any interest in or title to the Collateral or any part thereof subsequent to the date of this Agreement, all benefit and advantage of any such law or laws, and covenants that it will not invoke or utilize any such law or laws or otherwise hinder, delay or impede the execution of any power herein granted and delegated to the Collateral Agent, but will suffer and permit the execution of every such power as though no such law or laws had been made or enacted.
Section 7.4. Effect of Sale
. Any sale, whether under any power of sale hereby given or by virtue of judicial proceedings, shall operate to divest all right, title, interest, claim and demand whatsoever, either at law or in equity, of the Borrower in and to the property sold and shall be a perpetual bar, both at law and in equity, against the Borrower, its successors and assigns, and against any and all persons claiming the property sold or any part thereof under, by or through the Borrower, its successors or assigns.
Section 7.5. Application of Sale and Other Proceeds
. The Collateral Agent shall give at least one (1) day prior written notice to the Administrative Agent of each date (the
“Application Date”
) on which the proceeds and/or avails of any sale of the Collateral, or any part thereof, shall be applied, and on such Application Date, or as soon thereafter as may be practical. The proceeds and avails of the Collateral at any time received by the Collateral Agent during the existence of any Event of Default shall, when received by the Collateral Agent in cash or its equivalent, be paid over to the Administrative Agent to be applied in reduction of, or held as collateral security for, the Secured Indebtedness in accordance with the terms of the Credit Agreement. The Borrower shall remain liable to the Secured Creditors for any deficiency. Any surplus remaining after the full payment and satisfaction of the Secured Indebtedness shall be returned to the Borrower or to whomsoever the Collateral Agent reasonably determines is lawfully entitled thereto
The proceeds and/or avails of the Collateral shall be applied as set forth above notwithstanding the time or order of advance of any funds secured by any such Collateral or any other priority provided by law or otherwise. By accepting the benefits of this Agreement, each of the Secured Creditors agrees that it will not initiate or prosecute, or
encourage any other person to initiate or prosecute, any claim, action or other proceeding challenging the enforceability of the claims of the Secured Creditors or challenging the enforceability of any liens or security interests in assets securing the Secured Indebtedness or any part thereof and the other obligations and liabilities relating thereto, in each case, created or incurred in accordance with the terms of this Agreement and the Subsidiary Security Agreement.
Section 7.6.
Discontinuance of Remedies
. In case the Collateral Agent shall have proceeded to enforce any right under this Agreement by foreclosure, sale, entry or otherwise, and such proceedings shall have been discontinued or abandoned for any reason or shall have been determined adversely, then and in every such case the Borrower, the Collateral Agent and the Secured Creditors shall be restored to their former positions and rights hereunder with respect to the property subject to the lien and security interest created under this Agreement.
Section 7.7. Cumulative Remedies
. No delay or omission of the Collateral Agent or of any Secured Creditor to exercise any right or power arising from any default, shall exhaust or impair any such right or power or prevent its exercise during the continuance of such default. No waiver by the Collateral Agent or of any Secured Creditor of any such default, whether such waiver be full or partial, shall extend to or be taken to affect any subsequent default, or to impair the rights resulting therefrom except as may be otherwise provided therein. No remedy hereunder is intended to be exclusive of any other remedy but each and every remedy shall be cumulative and in addition to any and every other remedy given hereunder or otherwise existing; nor shall the giving, taking or enforcement of any other or additional security, collateral or guaranty for the payment of the Secured Indebtedness operate to prejudice, waive or affect the security of this Agreement or any rights, powers or remedies hereunder, nor shall the Collateral Agent or of any Secured Creditor be required to first look to, enforce or exhaust such other or additional security, collateral or guaranties.
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SECTION 8.
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THE COLLATERAL AGENT .
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The Collateral Agent accepts the trusts hereunder and agrees to perform the same, but only upon the terms and conditions hereof, including the following, to all of which the Borrower and the respective Secured Creditors at any time outstanding by their acceptance thereof agree:
Section 8.1. Duties of Collateral Agent
. (a) The Collateral Agent undertakes (i) except while an Event of Default actually known to the Collateral Agent shall have occurred and be continuing, to perform such duties and only such duties as are specifically set forth in this Agreement, or in any direction given pursuant to this Agreement, and (ii) while an Event of Default actually known to the Collateral Agent shall have occurred and be continuing, subject to Section 8.1(b), to exercise such of the rights and powers as are vested in it by this Agreement and permitted by applicable law.
The Collateral Agent upon receipt of instruments or notices furnished to the Collateral Agent pursuant to the provisions of this Agreement shall furnish copies of the same to the Administrative Agent for distribution to the Lenders.
(b) In the event that the Collateral Agent shall have actual knowledge of an Event of Default, the Collateral Agent shall give prompt written notice of such Event of Default to the Administrative Agent. Subject to the terms of Section 8.2(h), in accordance with written instructions received from the Administrative Agent, the Collateral Agent shall take such action or refrain from taking such action as the Collateral Agent shall be directed in writing by the Administrative Agent. If the Collateral Agent shall not have received written instructions as above provided within twenty (20) days after mailing notice of such Event of Default to the Lenders, the Collateral Agent may, subject to instructions received pursuant to the preceding sentence, take such action, or refrain from taking such action, but shall
be under no duty to take or refrain from taking any action, with respect to such Event of Default, as it shall determine advisable in the best interests of the Secured Creditors.
(c) The Collateral Agent shall not have any duty or obligation to manage, control, use, sell, dispose of or otherwise deal with the Collateral, or, to otherwise take or refrain from taking any action under, or in connection with, this Agreement, except as expressly provided by the terms of this Agreement or expressly provided in written instructions received pursuant to this Agreement.
(d) Except if it is herein otherwise expressly provided that no such request is required, the Collateral Agent shall not be under any obligation to take any action which is discretionary with the Collateral Agent or otherwise requires judgment to be made by the Collateral Agent under the provisions hereof, except on written request by the Administrative Agent.
Section 8.2. Collateral Agent’s Liability
. No provision of this Agreement (except to the extent provided in Section 8.13 hereof) shall be construed to relieve the Collateral Agent from liability for its own gross negligence or willful misconduct, except that:
(a) unless an Event of Default actually known to the Collateral Agent shall have occurred and be continuing, the Collateral Agent shall not be liable except for the performance of such duties as are specifically set forth in this Agreement and no implied covenants or obligations shall be read into this Agreement against the Collateral Agent but the duties and obligations of the Collateral Agent shall be determined solely by the express provisions of this Agreement; and
(b) in the absence of bad faith on the part of the Collateral Agent, the Collateral Agent may rely upon the authenticity of, and the truth of the statements and the correctness of the opinions expressed in, and shall be protected in acting upon, any resolution, officer’s certificate, opinion of counsel (which counsel shall be independent of the Borrower, any Affiliate thereof and the Secured Creditors), Note, request, notice, consent, waiver, order, signature guaranty, notarial seal, stamp, acknowledgment, verification, appraisal, report, stock certificate, or other paper or document believed by the Collateral Agent to be genuine and to have been signed, affixed or presented by the proper party or parties; and
(c) in the absence of bad faith on the part of the Collateral Agent, whenever the Collateral Agent, or any of its agents, representatives, experts or counsel (which counsel shall be independent of the Borrower, any Affiliate thereof and the Secured Creditors), shall consider it necessary or desirable that any matter be proved or established, such matter (unless other evidence in respect thereof be herein specifically prescribed) may be deemed to be conclusively proved and established by an officer’s certificate; provided, however, that the Collateral Agent, or such agent, representative, expert or counsel, may require such further and additional evidence and make such further investigation as it or they may consider reasonable; and
(d) the Collateral Agent may consult with counsel (which counsel shall be independent of the Borrower, any Affiliate thereof and the Secured Creditors) and the advice or opinion of such counsel shall be full and complete authorization and protection in respect of any action taken or suffered hereunder in good faith and in accordance with such advice or opinion of counsel; and
(e) the Collateral Agent shall not be liable with respect to any action taken or omitted to be taken by it in good faith in accordance with any direction or request of the Lenders or the requisite portion thereof as expressly provided herein; and
(f) the Collateral Agent shall not be liable for any error of judgment made in good faith by an officer of the Collateral Agent; and
(g) the Collateral Agent shall not be deemed to have knowledge of any Default or Event of Default unless and until an officer of the Corporate Trust Department of the Collateral Agent who customarily handles corporate trusts or such other Person employed by the Collateral Agent who has primary responsibility for the transactions contemplated hereby shall have actual knowledge thereof or the Collateral Agent shall have received written advice thereof from the Administrative Agent or any Lender; and
(h) whether or not an Event of Default shall have occurred, the Collateral Agent shall not be under any obligation to take or refrain from taking any action under this Agreement which may tend to involve it in any expense or liability, the payment of which within a reasonable time is not, in its reasonable opinion, assured to it by the security afforded to it by the terms of this Agreement, unless and until it is requested in writing so to do by one or more Secured Creditors hereunder and furnished, from time to time as it may require, with reasonable security and indemnity.
Section 8.3. No Responsibility of Collateral Agent for Recitals
. The recitals and statements contained herein and in the Loan Documents shall be taken as the recitals and statements of the Borrower, and the Collateral Agent assumes no responsibility for the correctness of the same, nor shall the Collateral Agent have any responsibility for or any liability with respect to any disclosure, warranty, representation or concealment or failure to disclose in connection with the offering, solicitation, sale or distribution of the Secured Indebtedness by the Borrower or by any other Person.
The Collateral Agent makes no representation as to the validity or sufficiency of this Agreement, the security hereby or thereby afforded, the title of the Borrower to or the existence of the Collateral or the descriptions thereof, or the filing or recording or registering of this Agreement or any other document.
The Collateral Agent shall not be concerned with or accountable to any Person for the use or application of any deposited moneys which shall be released or withdrawn in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement or of any property or Securities or the proceeds thereof which shall be released from the lien and security interest hereof in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement.
Section 8.4. Certain Limitations on Collateral Agent’s Rights to Compensation and Indemnification
.
Except to the extent otherwise expressly provided herein and in the Credit Agreement, the Collateral Agent shall have no right against any Secured Creditor for the payment of compensation for its services hereunder or any expenses or disbursements incurred in connection with the exercise and performance of its powers and duties hereunder or any indemnification against liabilities which it may incur in the exercise and performance of such powers and duties but on the contrary, shall look solely to the Borrower for such payment and indemnification which the Borrower hereby agrees to make, and the Collateral Agent shall have no lien on or security interest in the Collateral as security for such compensation, expenses, disbursements and indemnification except to the extent provided for in Section 9.5 of the Credit Agreement.
Section 8.5. Status of Moneys Received
. (a) All moneys received by the Collateral Agent shall, together with any interest thereon, until used or applied as herein provided, be held in trust for the purposes for which they were received, but (except as herein otherwise provided with respect to the funds referred to in paragraph (b) of this Section) need not be segregated in any manner from any other moneys, except to the extent required by law, and may be deposited by the Collateral Agent under such general conditions as may be prescribed by law in the Collateral Agent’s general banking department, and the Collateral Agent shall be under no liability for interest (other than any interest accrued pursuant to clause (b) of this Section 8.5) on any moneys received by it hereunder.
(b) At the Borrower’s written request, so long as no Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, the Collateral Agent shall invest and reinvest any funds from time to time held by the Collateral Agent in direct obligations of the United States of America or obligations for which the full faith and credit of the United States is pledged to provide for the payment of principal and interest, maturing not more than ninety (90) days from the date of such investment.
Section 8.6. Resignation of Collateral Agent
. The Collateral Agent may resign without cause and be discharged from the trusts created hereby by delivering notice thereof, by registered or certified mail postage prepaid to the Borrower and the Administrative Agent. Such resignation shall take effect immediately upon the appointment of a successor Collateral Agent as provided in Sections 8.8 and 8.9.
Section 8.7. Removal of Collateral Agent
. The Collateral Agent may be removed at any time, for or without cause, by an instrument or instruments in writing executed by the Administrative Agent and delivered to the Collateral Agent with a copy to the Borrower, specifying the removal and the date when it shall take effect provided, however, that no such removal shall be effective hereunder unless and until a successor Collateral Agent shall have been appointed and shall have accepted such appointment as provided in Sections 8.8 and 8.9.
Section 8.8. Appointment of Successor Collateral Agent
. In case at any time the Collateral Agent shall resign or be removed or become incapable of acting, a successor Collateral Agent may be appointed by the Administrative Agent (acting at the request or with the consent of the Required Lenders), by an instrument or instruments in writing executed by the Administrative Agent and filed with such successor Collateral Agent and the Borrower.
Until a successor Collateral Agent shall be so appointed by the Administrative Agent, the Borrower shall appoint a successor Collateral Agent to fill such vacancy, by an instrument in writing executed by the Borrower and delivered to the successor Collateral Agent. If all or substantially all of the Collateral shall be in the possession of one or more receivers, trustees, liquidators or assignees for the benefit of creditors, then such receivers, trustees, custodians, liquidators or assignees may, by an instrument in writing delivered to the successor Collateral Agent, appoint a successor Collateral Agent. Promptly after any such appointment, the Borrower, or any such receivers, trustees, custodians, liquidators or assignees, as the case may be, shall give notice thereof by first class mail postage prepaid to the Administrative Agent.
Any successor Collateral Agent so appointed by the Borrower, or such receivers, trustees, custodians, liquidators or assignees, shall immediately and without further act be superseded by a successor Collateral Agent appointed by the Administrative Agent.
If a successor Collateral Agent shall not be appointed pursuant to this Section within thirty (30) days after notice of the resignation or removal of the retiring Collateral Agent, the Administrative Agent or such retiring Collateral Agent (unless the retiring Collateral Agent is being removed) may apply to any court of competent jurisdiction to
appoint a successor Collateral Agent, and such court may thereupon, after such notice, if any, as it may consider proper, appoint a successor Collateral Agent.
Section 8.9. Succession of Successor Collateral Agent
. Any successor Collateral Agent appointed hereunder shall execute, acknowledge and deliver to the Borrower, the Administrative Agent, and the predecessor Collateral Agent an instrument accepting such appointment, and thereupon such successor Collateral Agent, without any further act, deed, conveyance or transfer, shall become vested with the title to the Collateral, and with all the rights, powers, trusts, duties and obligations of the predecessor Collateral Agent in the trust hereunder, with like effect as if originally named as Collateral Agent herein.
Upon the request of any such successor Collateral Agent, however, the Borrower and the predecessor Collateral Agent shall execute and deliver such instruments of conveyance and further assurance and do such other things as may reasonably be required for more fully and certainly vesting and confirming in such successor Collateral Agent its interest in the Collateral and all such rights, powers, trusts, duties and obligations of the predecessor Collateral Agent hereunder, and the predecessor Collateral Agent shall also assign and deliver to the successor Collateral Agent any property subject to the lien and security interest of this Agreement which may then be in its possession.
Section 8.10. Eligibility of Collateral Agent
. The Collateral Agent shall be a state or national bank or trust company in good standing, organized under the laws of the United States of America or of any state thereof, having a capital, surplus and undivided profits aggregating at least $500,000,000 and whose certificates of deposit are accorded a rating of A or better by S&P and Moody’s or, if S&P and Moody’s are no longer rating such banks, then by any other nationally recognized credit rating agency of similar standing or a guaranty of its obligations hereunder from such a bank or trust company or holding company in good standing, organized under the laws of the United States of America or of any State thereof, having a capital, surplus and undivided profits aggregating at least $500,000,000 and whose certificates of deposit are accorded a rating of A or better by S&P and Moody’s or, if S&P and Moody’s are no longer rating such banks, then by any other nationally recognized credit rating agency of similar standing, if there be such a bank or trust company willing and able to accept such trust upon reasonable and customary terms.
In case the Collateral Agent shall cease to be eligible in accordance with the provisions of this Section, the Collateral Agent shall resign immediately in the manner and with the effect specified in Section 8.6.
Section 8.11. Successor Collateral Agent by Merger
. Any corporation into which the Collateral Agent may be merged or with which it may be consolidated, or any corporation resulting from any merger or consolidation to which the Collateral Agent shall be a party, or any state or national bank or trust company in any manner succeeding to the corporate trust business of the Collateral Agent as a whole or substantially as a whole, if eligible as provided in Section 8.10, shall be the successor of the Collateral Agent hereunder without the execution or filing of any paper or any further act on the part of any of the parties hereto, anything to the contrary contained herein notwithstanding.
Section 8.12. Co-Trustees
. At any time, for the purpose of meeting any legal requirements of any jurisdiction in which any part of the Collateral may at the time be located, the Borrower and the Collateral Agent jointly shall have power and shall execute and deliver all instruments, to appoint one or more persons approved by the Collateral Agent, to act as co-trustee, or co-trustees, jointly with the Collateral Agent, or separate trustee or separate trustees, of all or any part of the Collateral, and to vest in such person or persons in such capacity, such interest in the Collateral or any part thereof, and such rights, powers, duties, trusts or obligations as the Borrower and the Collateral Agent may consider necessary or desirable. If the Borrower shall not have joined in such appointment within fifteen (15) days after
the receipt by it of a request so to do, or in case an Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, the Collateral Agent alone shall have power to make such appointment if the Collateral Agent reasonably believes such appointment is necessary or desirable to carry out the transactions contemplated hereby.
Section 8.13. Compensation and Reimbursement
. The Borrower agrees:
(a) to pay to the Collateral Agent all of its out-of-pocket expenses in connection with the preparation, execution and delivery of this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby, including but not limited to the reasonable charges and disbursements of its special counsel;
(b) to pay to the Collateral Agent from time to time reasonable compensation for all services rendered by it hereunder;
(c) except as otherwise expressly provided herein, to reimburse the Collateral Agent upon its request for all reasonable expenses, disbursements and advances incurred or made by the Collateral Agent in accordance with any provision of this Agreement (including the reasonable compensation and the expenses and disbursements of its agents and counsel), except any such expense, disbursement or advance as may be attributable to its gross negligence or willful misconduct; and
(d) to indemnify the Collateral Agent for, and to hold it harmless against, any loss, liability or expense incurred without gross negligence or willful misconduct on its part, arising out of or in connection with the acceptance or administration of the Agreement, including, but not limited to, the costs and expenses of defending itself against any claim or liability in connection with the exercise or performance of any of its powers or duties hereunder, and any loss, liability, expense or claim arising out of its possession, management, control, use or operation of the Collateral.
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SECTION 9.
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SUPPLEMENTS; WAIVERS.
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Section 9.1. Supplemental Security Agreements Without Secured Creditor Consent
. The Borrower and the Collateral Agent from time to time and at any time, subject to the restrictions in this Agreement contained, may enter into an agreement or agreements supplemental hereto, which thereafter shall form a part hereof, for any one or more or all of the following purposes:
(a) to add to the covenants and agreements to be observed by, and to surrender any right or power reserved to or conferred upon the Borrower;
(b) to subject to the lien and security interest of this Agreement additional property hereafter acquired by the Borrower and intended to be subjected to the lien and security interest of this Agreement and to correct and amplify the description of any property subject to the lien and security interest of this Agreement; and
(c) to permit the qualification of this Agreement under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended, or any similar Federal statute hereafter in effect, except that nothing herein contained shall permit or authorize the inclusion of the provisions referred to in Section 316(a)(2) of said Trust Indenture Act of 1939 or any corresponding provision in any similar Federal statute hereafter in effect;
and the Borrower covenants to perform all requirements of any such supplemental agreement. No restriction or obligation imposed upon the Borrower may, except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, be waived or modified by any such supplemental agreement.
Section 9.2. Waivers and Consents by Secured Creditors; Supplemental Security Agreements with Secured Creditors’ Consent
. Upon the waiver or consent of the Administrative Agent (acting at the direction or with the consent of the Required Lenders under the Credit Agreement), the Borrower and the Collateral Agent may enter into an agreement or agreements supplemental hereto for the purpose of waiving, adding, changing or eliminating any provisions of this Agreement or of any agreement supplemental hereto or modifying in any manner the rights and obligations of the Secured Creditors and the Borrower.
Section 9.3. Notice of Supplements
. Promptly after the execution by the Borrower and the Collateral Agent of any supplemental agreement pursuant to the provisions of Section 9.1 or Section 9.2 the Borrower shall deliver a conformed copy thereof, mailed first-class postage prepaid, to the Administrative Agent at its address set forth in the Credit Agreement. Any failure of the Borrower to give such notice, or any defect therein, shall not, however, in any way impair or affect the validity of any such supplemental agreement.
Section 9.4. Opinion of Counsel Conclusive as to Supplements
. The Collateral Agent is hereby authorized to join with the Borrower in the execution of any such supplemental indenture or agreement authorized or permitted by the terms of this Agreement and to make the further agreements and stipulations which may be therein contained, and the Collateral Agent may receive an opinion of independent counsel selected by the Collateral Agent as conclusive evidence that any supplemental agreement executed pursuant to the provisions of this Section 9 complies with the requirements of this Section 9.
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SECTION 10.
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MISCELLANEOUS .
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Section 10.1. Successors and Assigns
. Whenever any of the parties hereto is referred to such reference shall be deemed to include the successors and assigns of such party; and all the covenants, promises and agreements in this Agreement contained by or on behalf of the Borrower or by or on behalf of the Collateral Agent shall bind and inure to the benefit of the respective successors and assigns of such parties whether so expressed or not.
Section 10.2. Severability
. Any provision of this Agreement which is prohibited or unenforceable in any jurisdiction shall, as to such jurisdiction, be ineffective to the extent of such prohibition or unenforceability without invalidating the remaining provisions hereof, and any such prohibition or unenforceability in any jurisdiction shall not invalidate or render unenforceable such provision in any other jurisdiction.
Section 10.3. Communications
. All communications provided for herein shall be in writing. Communications to the Borrower or the Collateral Agent shall be deemed to have been given (unless otherwise required by the specific provisions hereof in respect of any matter) when addressed and delivered in person, or five days after being deposited in the U.S. mail, postage prepaid, by registered or certified mail, by courier, or by overnight express mail, as follows:
If to the Borrower:
World Acceptance Corporation
108 Frederick Street
Greenville, South Carolina 29607-2532
Attention:
If to the Collateral Agent:
Wells Fargo Bank, National Association
123 South Broad Street, 5
th
floor
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 1909
Attention:
or to the Borrower or the Collateral Agent at such other address as the Borrower or the Collateral Agent may designate by notice duly given in accordance with this Section to the other. Communications to any Secured Creditor shall be deemed to have been given (unless otherwise provided for by the specific provisions hereof in respect of any matter) when delivered personally or five (5) days after being deposited in the U.S. mail, postage prepaid by registered or certified mail or by courier or by overnight express mail, addressed to such Secured Creditor at its address set forth in the Credit Agreement.
Section 10.4. Release
. The Collateral Agent shall release fully or partially, as the case may be, the Lien granted by this Agreement under and only under the following circumstances:
(a) Upon the written request of the Borrower and the presentation of satisfactory evidence that all Secured Indebtedness has been irrevocably fully paid or discharged and all obligations of the Secured Creditors to extend Secured Indebtedness to the Borrower have terminated or otherwise expired, the Collateral Agent shall release the Lien and security interest of this Agreement by proper instrument or instruments;
(b) So long as no Default or Event of Default then exists, upon the sale or other disposition of any assets of the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries which the Chief Financial Officer of the Borrower certifies to the Collateral Agent, the Administrative Agent, and the Lenders in writing does not constitute a “substantial part” of the assets of the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries (as defined in Section 8.13 of the Credit Agreement), the Collateral Agent shall, upon the written direction of the Borrower and without the consent of the Secured Creditors (unless the Collateral Agent has been notified in writing by the Administrative Agent or any Lender prior to such release that the Administrative Agent or such Lender in good faith believes that the conditions set forth above have not been satisfied, in which case no such release shall be issued), release the Lien of this Agreement on such assets by proper instrument or instruments. If any such sale or other disposition of assets constituting less than a “substantial part” of the assets of the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries pursuant to this Section 10.4(b) results in the sale or other disposition of the capital stock or other equity interest in a Restricted Subsidiary, the Subsidiary Guaranty Agreement with respect to,
and only with respect to, such Restricted Subsidiary shall automatically be released and the Collateral Agent, the Administrative Agent, and the Lenders agree to execute and deliver such further instruments and do such further acts as the Borrower may deem necessary or proper to carry out more effectively the foregoing;
(c) Upon the sale or other disposition by the Borrower of a “substantial part” of the assets of the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries (as defined in the Credit Agreement) after the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default, the Collateral Agent shall, upon the written direction of the Borrower and the written consent of the Administrative Agent, release the Lien of this Agreement on such assets by proper instrument or instruments,
provided,
that, (i) such sale or other disposition is not to an Affiliate, (ii) the sale price for such assets is determined by the Borrower in good faith to be reasonable, as evidenced by a resolution of the board of directors of the Borrower, (iii) the proceeds of any such sale or other disposition are applied to the satisfaction of Secured Indebtedness and, if such application results in the prepayment of any obligations under the Credit Agreement, such application permanently reduces the amount of the commitment under the Credit Agreement (unless the Administrative Agent agree otherwise), (iv) the Administrative Agent and the Lenders shall have received written notice of such sale or other disposition at least ten (10) days prior to the date of such sale or other disposition and (v) the Collateral Agent, the Administrative Agent, and the Lenders receive a certificate of the Chief Financial Officer of the Borrower certifying to each of the foregoing. If any such sale or other disposition of assets of the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries pursuant to this Section 10.4(c) results in the sale or other disposition of the capital stock or other equity interest in a Restricted Subsidiary, the Subsidiary Guaranty Agreement with respect to, and only with respect to, such Restricted Subsidiary shall automatically be released and the Collateral Agent, the Administrative Agent, and the Lenders agree to execute and deliver such further instruments and do such further acts as the Borrower may deem necessary or proper to carry out more effectively the foregoing;
(d) Upon the sale or other disposition of the Collateral or any part thereof pursuant to and in accordance with Section 7.2, the Collateral Agent shall release the Lien of this Agreement on the Collateral or such part, as the case may be, by proper instrument or instruments; and
(e) With the prior written consent of the Administrative Agent and each Lender, the Collateral Agent shall release the Lien of this Agreement or on any assets covered by this Agreement by proper instrument or instruments.
Section 10.5. Counterparts
. This Agreement may be executed, acknowledged and delivered in any number of counterparts, each of such counterparts constituting an original but all together only one Agreement.
Section 10.6. Governing Law
. THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH AND GOVERNED BY THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
Section 10.7. Headings
. Any headings or captions preceding the text of the several sections hereof are intended solely for convenience of reference and shall not constitute a part of this Agreement nor shall they affect its meaning, construction or effect.
Section 10.8. Prior Liens
. Upon the execution and delivery of this Agreement by the Borrower and the Collateral Agent, this Agreement shall supersede all provisions of the Original Security Agreement as of the date of such execution and delivery. The Borrower hereby agrees that, notwithstanding the execution and delivery of this Agreement, the liens and security interests created and provided for under the Original Security Agreement continue
in effect under and pursuant to the terms of this Agreement for the benefit of all of the Secured Indebtedness. Nothing herein shall in any manner affect or impair the priority of the liens and security interests created and provided for by the Original Security Agreement as to the indebtedness and obligations which would otherwise be secured thereby prior to giving effect to this Agreement.
Section 10.9. Amendment and Restatement
. Upon the execution and delivery of this Agreement by the Borrower and the Collateral Agent, this Agreement shall supersede all provisions of that certain Amended and Restated Security Agreement, Pledge and Indenture of Trust dated as of September 17, 2010, as amended (the
“Prior Security Agreement”
), as of such date. The Borrower hereby agrees that, notwithstanding the execution and delivery of this Agreement, the liens and security interests created and provided for under the Prior Security Agreement continue in effect under and pursuant to the terms of this Agreement for the benefit of all of the Secured Indebtedness as defined herein. Nothing herein contained shall in any manner affect or impair the priority of the liens and security interests created and provided for by the Prior Security Agreement as to the indebtedness and obligations which would otherwise be secured thereby prior to giving effect to this Agreement.
[SIGNATURE PAGE FOLLOWS]
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Borrower and the Collateral Agent have caused this Amended and Restated Security Agreement, Pledge and Indenture of Trust to be executed as of the day and year first above written.
WORLD ACCEPTANCE CORPORATION
By
Name: ________________________________
Title: _________________________________
[SIGNATURES CONTINUED ON FOLLOWING PAGE]
WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, as Collateral Agent
By
Name:
Title:
SCHEDULE I
DESCRIPTION OF PLEDGED SHARES
SCHEDULE II
PARTNERSHIP INTERESTS
SCHEDULE III
LOCATION OF OFFICES
WORLD ACCEPTANCE CORPORATION
SCHEDULE IV
CONCENTRATION ACCOUNTS
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Account Number
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Depository Institution
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AMENDED AND RESTATED SECURITY AGREEMENT,
PLEDGE AND INDENTURE OF TRUST
Dated as of June 7, 2019
among
WORLD ACCEPTANCE CORPORATION OF ALABAMA
WORLD ACCEPTANCE CORPORATION OF MISSOURI
WORLD FINANCE CORPORATION OF GEORGIA
WORLD FINANCE CORPORATION OF LOUISIANA
WORLD ACCEPTANCE CORPORATION OF OKLAHOMA, INC.
WORLD FINANCE COMPANY OF SOUTH CAROLINA, LLC
WORLD FINANCE CORPORATION OF TENNESSEE
WORLD FINANCE CORPORATION OF TEXAS
WFC LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
WFC OF SOUTH CAROLINA, INC.
WORLD FINANCE CORPORATION OF ILLINOIS
WORLD FINANCE CORPORATION OF NEW MEXICO
WORLD FINANCE COMPANY OF KENTUCKY, LLC
WORLD FINANCE CORPORATION OF COLORADO
WORLD FINANCE CORPORATION OF WISCONSIN
WFC SERVICES, INC.
WORLD FINANCE COMPANY OF INDIANA, LLC
WORLD FINANCE COMPANY OF MISSISSIPPI, LLC
WORLD FINANCE COMPANY OF IDAHO, LLC
AND
WORLD FINANCE COMPANY OF UTAH, LLC
and
WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS COLLATERAL AGENT
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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SECTION
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HEADING
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PAGE
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Parties
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1
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Recitals
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1
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SECTION 1.
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INTERPRETATION OF AGREEMENT; DEFINITIONS
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2
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Section 1.1.
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Definitions
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2
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Section 1.2.
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Accounting Principles
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6
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Section 1.3.
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Directly or Indirectly
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6
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SECTION 2.
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GRANTING CLAUSES
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7
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Section 2.1.
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Equipment
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7
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Section 2.3.
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Pledged Collateral
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7
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Section 2.4.
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General Intangibles
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7
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Section 2.5.
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Investment Property
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8
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Section 2.6.
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Records and Cabinets
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8
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Section 2.7.
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Partnership Interests
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8
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Section 2.8.
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Additional Property
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8
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Section 2.9.
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Deposit Accounts
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8
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Section 2.10.
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Other Proceeds and Products
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8
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SECTION 3.
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COVENANTS, REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE COMPANIES
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9
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Section 3.1.
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Location of Collateral
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9
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Section 3.2.
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Warranty of Title
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9
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Section 3.3.
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No Alienation of Collateral
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10
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Section 3.4.
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Removal of Collateral
|
10
|
Section 3.5.
|
Compliance with Leases
|
10
|
Section 3.6.
|
Protection of Collateral
|
10
|
Section 3.7.
|
Further Assurances
|
10
|
Section 3.8.
|
Maintenance of Lien; Recording; Opinions of Counsel
|
11
|
Section 3.9.
|
Consent to World Security Agreement, Etc
|
12
|
Section 3.10.
|
Names under which Each Company Conducts its Business
|
12
|
Section 3.11.
|
Deposit Accounts
|
12
|
SECTION 4.
|
SPECIAL PROVISIONS RELATING TO RECEIVABLES
|
13
|
Section 4.1.
|
Representations and Warranties
|
13
|
Section 4.2.
|
Receivable Schedules
|
15
|
Section 4.3.
|
Collection of Receivables
|
15
|
Section 4.4.
|
Power of Attorney
|
16
|
SECTION 5.
|
SPECIAL PROVISIONS RELATING TO PLEDGED COLLATERAL
|
16
|
|
|
|
|
Section 5.1.
|
Delivery of Pledged Collateral; Transfer to Collateral Agent
|
16
|
Section 5.2.
|
Voting Power; Payments
|
17
|
Section 5.3.
|
Covenants of Each Company
|
18
|
SECTION 6.
|
APPLICATION OF CERTAIN MONEYS
|
19
|
Section 6.1.
|
Application if no Default or Event of Default Exists
|
19
|
Section 6.2.
|
Application if a Default or an Event of Default Exists
|
19
|
SECTION 7.
|
DEFAULTS AND REMEDIES
|
19
|
Section 7.1.
|
Events of Default
|
19
|
Section 7.2.
|
Collateral Agent’s Rights
|
19
|
Section 7.3.
|
Waiver by Each Company
|
20
|
Section 7.4.
|
Effect of Sale
|
20
|
Section 7.5.
|
Application of Sale and Other Proceeds
|
21
|
Section 7.6.
|
Discontinuance of Remedies
|
21
|
Section 7.7.
|
Cumulative Remedies
|
21
|
SECTION 8.
|
THE COLLATERAL AGENT
|
22
|
Section 8.1.
|
Duties of Collateral Agent
|
22
|
Section 8.2.
|
Collateral Agent’s Liability
|
23
|
Section 8.3.
|
No Responsibility of Collateral Agent for Recitals
|
24
|
Section 8.4.
|
Certain Limitations on Collateral Agent’s Rights to Compensation and Indemnification
|
24
|
Section 8.5.
|
Status of Moneys Received
|
24
|
Section 8.6.
|
Resignation of Collateral Agent
|
25
|
Section 8.7.
|
Removal of Collateral Agent
|
25
|
Section 8.8.
|
Appointment of Successor Collateral Agent
|
25
|
Section 8.9.
|
Succession of Successor Collateral Agent
|
26
|
Section 8.10.
|
Eligibility of Collateral Agent
|
26
|
Section 8.11.
|
Successor Collateral Agent by Merger
|
26
|
Section 8.12.
|
Co‑Trustees
|
27
|
Section 8.13.
|
Compensation and Reimbursement
|
27
|
SECTION 9.
|
SUPPLEMENTS; WAIVERS
|
27
|
Section 9.1.
|
Supplemental Security Agreements Without Secured Creditor Consent
|
27
|
Section 9.2.
|
Waivers and Consents by Secured Creditors; Supplemental Security Agreements with Secured Creditors’ Consent
|
28
|
Section 9.3.
|
Notice of Supplements
|
28
|
Section 9.4.
|
Opinion of Counsel Conclusive as to Supplements
|
28
|
SECTION 10.
|
MISCELLANEOUS
|
29
|
Section 10.1.
|
Successors and Assigns
|
29
|
|
|
|
|
Section 10.2.
|
Severability
|
29
|
Section 10.3.
|
Communications
|
29
|
Section 10.4.
|
Release
|
29
|
Section 10.5.
|
Counterparts
|
31
|
Section 10.6.
|
Governing Law
|
31
|
Section 10.7.
|
Headings
|
31
|
Section 10.8.
|
Prior Liens
|
31
|
Signature Page
|
|
|
ATTACHMENTS TO SECURITY AGREEMENT, PLEDGE AGREEMENT AND INDENTURE OF TRUST:
Schedule I — Description of Pledged Collateral
Schedule II — Partnership Interests
Schedule III — Locations of Each Company’s Offices and Facilities
Schedule IV — List of Names Under Which Each Company Does Business
Schedule V — Concentration Accounts
Exhibit A — Form of Security Agreement Supplement
AMENDED AND RESTATED SECURITY AGREEMENT, PLEDGE
AND INDENTURE OF TRUST
THIS AMENDED AND RESTATED SECURITY AGREEMENT, PLEDGE AND INDENTURE OF TRUST (this
“Agreement”
) dated as of June 7, 2019, among WORLD ACCEPTANCE CORPORATION OF ALABAMA, an Alabama corporation, WORLD ACCEPTANCE CORPORATION OF MISSOURI, a Missouri corporation, WORLD FINANCE CORPORATION OF GEORGIA, a Georgia corporation, WORLD FINANCE CORPORATION OF LOUISIANA, a Louisiana corporation, WORLD ACCEPTANCE CORPORATION OF OKLAHOMA, INC., an Oklahoma corporation, WORLD FINANCE COMPANY OF SOUTH CAROLINA, LLC, a South Carolina limited liability company, WORLD FINANCE CORPORATION OF TENNESSEE, a Tennessee corporation, WORLD FINANCE CORPORATION OF TEXAS, a Texas corporation, WFC LIMITED PARTNERSHIP, a Texas limited partnership, WFC OF SOUTH CAROLINA, INC., a South Carolina corporation, WORLD FINANCE CORPORATION OF ILLINOIS, an Illinois corporation, WORLD FINANCE CORPORATION OF NEW MEXICO, a New Mexico corporation, WORLD FINANCE COMPANY OF KENTUCKY, LLC, a Kentucky limited liability company, WORLD FINANCE CORPORATION OF COLORADO, a Colorado corporation, WORLD FINANCE CORPORATION OF WISCONSIN, a Wisconsin corporation, WFC SERVICES, INC., a South Carolina corporation, WORLD FINANCE COMPANY OF INDIANA, LLC, an Indiana limited liability company, WORLD FINANCE COMPANY OF MISSISSIPPI, LLC, a Mississippi limited liability company, WORLD FINANCE COMPANY OF IDAHO, LLC, an Idaho limited liability company and WORLD FINANCE COMPANY OF UTAH, LLC, a Utah limited liability company (collectively, the
“Companies”
and individually a
“Company”
), and WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, as collateral agent (the
“Collateral Agent”
), as amended, modified, supplemented or waived from time to time and as supplemented from time to time by a security agreement supplement substantially in the form of Exhibit A hereto between a Restricted Subsidiary and the Collateral Agent delivered pursuant to Section 3.9 of the World Security Agreement (as hereinafter defined). This Agreement amends and restates the Original Subsidiary Security Agreement (as hereinafter defined). The post office addresses of the Companies and the Collateral Agent are set forth in Section 10.3.
RECITALS:
A. The capitalized terms used in this Agreement shall have the respective meanings specified in Section 1.1 unless otherwise herein defined or the context hereof shall otherwise require.
B. World Acceptance Corporation, a South Carolina corporation (
“World”
) and parent, directly or indirectly, of the Companies, has previously entered into that certain Amended and Restated Revolving Credit Agreement dated as of September 17, 2010, as heretofore amended (the
“Original Revolving Credit Agreement”
), with Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as agent and the other banks and financial institutions which are signatories thereto providing for certain borrowings and other extensions of credit thereunder
.
C. As a condition to entering into the Original Revolving Credit Agreement, the Companies entered into that certain Amended and Restated Security Agreement, Pledge and Indenture of Trust dated as of September 17, 2010, as heretofore amended (the
“Original Subsidiary Security Agreement”
).
D. Concurrently herewith, World is entering into the Credit Agreement (as hereinafter defined), which Credit Agreement amends and restated the Original Revolving Credit Agreement and provides for borrowings and other extensions of credit thereunder.
E. In addition, World and the Companies (collectively, the
“Loan Parties”
and each individually, a
“Loan Party”
) may from time to time be liable to the Lenders and their affiliates with respect to Hedging Liability, as such term is defined in the Credit Agreement (the Collateral Agent, the Administrative Agent and the Lenders, together with any affiliates of the Lenders to whom any Hedging Liability is owed, being hereinafter referred to collectively as the
“Secured Creditors”
and individually as a
“Secured Creditor”
).
F. As a condition to the above‑described transactions, the Secured Creditors require, among other things, that each Company enter into this Agreement for purposes of,
inter alia
, securing the obligations of World under the Credit Agreement. The World Security Agreement requires that, upon formation or acquisition of any new Restricted Subsidiary, World cause such subsidiary to enter into a Security Agreement Supplement on the terms set forth herein.
G. The Companies desire that World comply with the provisions of the World Security Agreement and the Credit Agreement. By entering into the Credit Agreement, the Secured Creditors have conferred financial and other benefits on the Companies.
H. Each Company agrees to amend and restate the Original Subsidiary Security Agreement on the terms set forth herein for purposes of securing the obligations (i) of World under the Credit Agreement and (ii) of each other Company under the Subsidiary Guaranty Agreement.
I. Each Company is authorized by law, and deems it necessary to secure the Credit Agreement, as hereinafter provided, and to that end, in the exercise of said authority, has duly authorized the execution and delivery of this Agreement providing for the securing of certain obligations of World and each other Company, all as hereinafter provided.
J. All acts and proceedings required by law and by the respective Governing Documents of each Company necessary to constitute this Agreement a valid and binding agreement for the uses and purposes herein set forth, in accordance with its terms, have been done and taken, and the execution and delivery of this Agreement has been in all respects duly authorized.
|
|
SECTION 1.
|
INTERPRETATION OF AGREEMENT; DEFINITIONS .
|
Section 1.1. Definitions
.
Except as otherwise provided in this Section 1, all capitalized terms used herein without definition shall have the same meanings herein as such terms have in the Credit Agreement. Unless the context otherwise requires, the terms hereinafter set forth when used herein shall have the following meanings and the following definitions shall be equally applicable to both the singular and plural forms of any of the terms herein defined:
“Account Debtor”
shall mean any Person who is or may become obligated to any Company under or on account of a Receivable.
“Administrative Agent”
shall have the same meaning herein as such term is defined in the Credit Agreement.
“Affiliate”
shall have the same meaning herein as such term is defined in the Credit Agreement.
“Closing Date”
shall mean June 7, 2019.
“Collateral”
as used herein shall mean any and all property from time to time subject to the security interest granted hereby.
“Collateral Agent”
means the Person named above as the
“Collateral Agent”
in the first paragraph of this Agreement until a successor Collateral Agent shall have become such pursuant to the applicable provisions of this Agreement, and thereafter
“Collateral Agent”
shall mean such successor Collateral Agent.
“Company”
shall mean each of World Acceptance Corporation of Alabama, an Alabama corporation, World Acceptance Corporation of Missouri, a Missouri corporation, World Finance Corporation of Georgia, a Georgia corporation, World Finance Corporation of Louisiana, a Louisiana corporation, World Acceptance Corporation of Oklahoma, Inc., an Oklahoma corporation, World Finance Company of South Carolina, LLC, a South Carolina limited liability company, World Finance Corporation of Tennessee, a Tennessee corporation, World Finance Corporation of Texas, a Texas corporation, WFC Limited Partnership, a Texas limited partnership, WFC of South Carolina, Inc., a South Carolina corporation, World Finance Corporation of Illinois, an Illinois corporation, World Finance Corporation of New Mexico, a New Mexico corporation, World Finance Company of Kentucky, LLC, a Kentucky limited liability company, World Finance Corporation of Colorado, a Colorado corporation, World Finance Corporation of Wisconsin, a Wisconsin corporation, WFC Services, Inc., a South Carolina corporation, World Finance Company of Indiana, LLC, an Indiana limited liability company, World Finance Company of Mississippi, LLC, a Mississippi limited liability company, World Finance Company of Idaho, LLC, an Idaho limited liability company, World Finance Company of Utah, LLC, a Utah limited liability company and any entity that executes and delivers a Security Agreement Supplement in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A (or in such other form approved by the Collateral Agent and the Administrative Agent), and any Person which succeeds to all, or substantially all of the assets and business of any such entity.
“Credit Agreement”
shall mean that certain Amended and Restated Revolving Credit Agreement dated as of June 7, 2019 among World, the Administrative Agent and the Lenders, as the same may from time to time be amended, restated, modified, supplemented or waived pursuant to the terms thereof.
“Default”
shall mean any event or condition, the occurrence of which would, with the lapse of time or the giving of notice, or both, constitute an Event of Default.
“Event of Default”
shall have the meaning specified in Section 7.1.
“Environmental Legal Requirement”
shall have the same meaning herein as such term is defined in the Credit Agreement.
“GAAP”
shall have the same meaning herein as such term is defined in the Credit Agreement.
“Governing Documents”
shall mean collectively the charter instruments, by‑laws, partnership agreements, operating agreements and other similar documents prescribing the internal governance of each Restricted Subsidiary.
“Indebtedness for Borrowed Money”
shall have the same meaning herein as such term is defined in the Credit Agreement.
“Insurance Subsidiary”
shall have the same meaning herein as such term is defined in the Credit Agreement.
“Investment Property”
shall have the meaning specified in Section 2.5.
“Lenders”
shall have the same meaning herein as such term is defined in the Credit Agreement.
“Lien”
shall have the same meaning herein as such term is defined in the Credit Agreement.
“Moody’s”
shall mean Moody’s Investors Service, Inc.
“Partnership Interests”
shall have the meaning specified in Section 2.7.
“Person”
shall have the same meaning herein as such term is defined in the Credit Agreement.
“Pledged Collateral”
shall mean and include:
(a) the Pledged Shares;
(b) all shares, Securities, moneys, or other property distributed as a dividend on any shares of capital stock or other Pledged Collateral (including the Pledged Shares) at any time pledged hereunder or a distribution or return of capital upon or in respect of any such capital stock or other Pledged Collateral or any part thereof, or resulting from a split‑up, revision, reclassification or other like change of any such capital stock or other Pledged Collateral, and any subscription warrants, rights or options issued to the holders of, or otherwise in respect of, any such capital stock or other Pledged Collateral; and
(c) in the event of any consolidation or merger in which the issuer of any Pledged Collateral is not the surviving entity, or in the event of any sale, lease, transfer or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of such issuer;
(i) all shares of each class of the capital stock or other Security of the successor entity formed by or resulting from such consolidation or merger, or of the corporation to which such sale, lease, transfer or other disposition shall have been made, and
(ii) all other Securities, money or property, distributed or distributable in any such event in respect of any of the Pledged Collateral in connection with such consideration, merger, sale, lease, transfer or other disposition.
“Pledged Shares”
shall mean all of the capital stock, partnership interests, membership interests and other equity interests owned by any Company or hereafter acquired, including, without limitation, (a) all rights, authority, powers and privileges of such Company as a shareholder or holder of any partnership interest, membership interest or other equity interest of any entity, whether now existing or hereafter arising under the Governing Documents, or at law or otherwise, and the rights of such Company under such Governing Documents to acquire additional shares of stock or to acquire the shares of stock of other shareholders or the partnership interest, membership interest or other equity interest from any such other holder, and (b) all other instruments owned or held by, or otherwise established in favor of, such Company in the nature of capital stock of, partnership interest, membership interest or any other equity interest in any entity, of any and every type, class and series.
“Receivable”
shall have the same meaning herein as such term is defined in the Credit Agreement.
“Required Lenders”
shall have the same meaning herein as such term is defined in the Credit Agreement.
“Restricted Subsidiary”
shall have the same meaning herein as such term is defined in the Credit Agreement.
“S&P”
shall mean Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services Group, a division of The McGraw‑Hill Companies, Inc.
“Secured Indebtedness”
shall mean the “Obligations,” as such term is defined in the Credit Agreement, in each case whether now existing or hereafter arising, due or to become due, direct or indirect, absolute or contingent, and howsoever evidenced, held or acquired.
“Security”
shall have the same meaning as in Section 2(a)(1) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
“subsidiary”
shall mean, as to any particular parent entity, any corporation, partnership, limited liability company, or other entity of which more than 50% (by number of votes or other decision‑making authority) of the Voting Stock shall be owned by such parent corporation and/or one or more corporations, partnerships, limited liability companies or other entities which are themselves subsidiaries of such parent entity. The term
“Subsidiary”
shall mean a subsidiary, directly or indirectly, of World.
“Subsidiary Guaranty Agreement”
shall mean the Amended and Restated Guaranty Agreement dated as of June 7, 2019, of each Restricted Subsidiary existing on such date and each other Restricted Subsidiary which has executed a Guaranty Supplement in the form of Exhibit A thereto pursuant to the terms thereof and Section 3.9 of the World Security Agreement (or in such other form agreed to by the Collateral Agent and the Administrative Agent), in each case, for the benefit of the Collateral Agent and the Guaranteed Creditors (as defined therein), as the same may from time to time be amended, restated, modified, supplemented or waived pursuant to the terms thereof.
“Underlying Collateral”
shall mean, with respect to any Receivable of any Company, all of its rights with respect to any collateral granted by the Account Debtor in connection with any loan.
“Uniform Commercial Code”
as used herein with reference to any collateral shall mean the Uniform Commercial Code as enacted in the jurisdiction applicable to such Collateral, as amended from time to time, and any successor statute(s) thereto.
“Unsecured Receivables”
shall mean Receivables which are not secured by Underlying Collateral or otherwise.
“Voting Stock”
shall mean Securities or other equity interests of any class or classes, the holders of which are ordinarily, in the absence of contingencies, entitled to elect a majority of the corporate directors (or Persons performing similar functions).
“World Security Agreement”
shall mean that certain Amended and Restated Security Agreement, Pledge and Indenture of Trust dated as of June 7, 2019 between World and the Collateral Agent, as the same may be amended, restated, supplemented or waived from time to time by any amendments and supplements thereto entered into in accordance with the terms thereof.
Section 1.2. Accounting Principles
. Where the character or amount of any asset or liability or item of income or expense is required to be determined or any consolidation or other accounting computation is required to be made for the purposes of this Agreement, the same shall be done in accordance with GAAP, to the extent applicable, except where such principles are inconsistent with the requirements of this Agreement.
Section 1.3. Directly or Indirectly
. Where any provision in this Agreement refers to action to be taken by any Person, or which such Person is prohibited from taking, such provision shall be applicable whether the action in question is taken directly or indirectly by such Person.
|
|
SECTION 2.
|
GRANTING CLAUSES .
|
Each Company in consideration of the premises and other good and valuable consideration, receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged, and intending to be legally bound, and in order to secure the payment of all Secured Indebtedness and the performance and observance of all the covenants and conditions contained in this Agreement, the World Security Agreement, the Credit Agreement, the Subsidiary Guaranty Agreements and the other Loan Documents entered into from time to time in connection therewith and any agreements entered into in connection with any Hedging Liability, in each case, subject to the terms thereof and of Section 7.5, does hereby mortgage, grant, convey, warrant, assign, pledge and hypothecate unto the Collateral Agent, its successors in trust and assigns, forever, and grants to the Collateral Agent, its successors in trust and assigns, forever, a continuing security interest in, all and singular the following described properties, rights, interests and privileges, together with the proceeds thereof, now or hereafter owned by such Company (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the
“Collateral”
):
Section 2.1. Equipment
. All building materials, building equipment, machinery, apparatus, furniture and equipment and other personal property (other than motor vehicles and accessions to motor vehicles) of every kind and nature whatsoever located, including without limitation: all air conditioning, ventilating, plumbing, heating, lighting and electrical systems and apparatus; all communications equipment and intercom systems and apparatus; all typewriters, computers and other office machines and equipment, furniture, furnishings; all sprinkler equipment and apparatus, all elevators and escalators; and all machinery, equipment, engines, boilers, tools, furniture, carpeting, tables and chairs, together with all accessories, parts and appurtenances appertaining or attached thereto, whether now owned or hereafter acquired, and all substitutions, renewals, or replacements of and additions, improvements, accessions and accumulations to any and all thereof, together with all the rents, income, revenues, issues, proceeds, profits and avails arising therefrom or in connection therewith and excluding, in all cases, any of the foregoing items of property which are deemed fixtures;
Section 2.2.
Receivables
. All Receivables, whether now existing or hereafter arising, and however evidenced or acquired, or in which such Company now has or hereafter acquires any rights and all rights of such Company to any Underlying Collateral granted by an Account Debtor in connection with any Receivable owing by it to such Company;
Section 2.3. Pledged Collateral
. All Pledged Collateral;
Section 2.4. General Intangibles
. All General intangibles of such Company, including, without limitation, tax refunds, rights with respect to trademarks, service marks, trade names, patents, copyrights, trade‑secrets information and rights to prevent others from doing acts that constitute unfair competition with or misappropriation of property of such Company including, without limitation, any sums (net of expenses) that such Company may receive arising out of any claim for infringement of its rights in any patent, copyright, trademark, trade name, trade secret or other proprietary right and all rights of such Company under contracts to enjoy performance by others or to be entitled to enjoy rights granted by others, including, without limitation, any licenses (to the extent permitted by law);
Section 2.5. Investment Property
. All Investment Property, whether now owned or existing or hereafter created, acquired or arising, or in which such Company now has or hereafter acquires any rights (the term
“Investment Property”
means and includes all investment property and any other securities (whether certificated or uncertificated), security entitlements, securities accounts, commodity contracts and commodity accounts, including all substitutions and additions thereto, all dividends, distributions and sums distributable or payable from, upon, or in respect of such property, and all rights and privileges incident to such property, but excludes the Pledged Collateral);
Section 2.6. Records and Cabinets
. All supporting evidence and documents relating to any of the above‑described property, including without limitation, written applications, credit information, account cards, payment records, correspondence, delivery and installation certificates, invoice copies, delivery receipts, notes and other evidences of indebtedness, insurance certificates and the like, together with all books of account, data processing records, computer software and licenses to use the same, ledgers and cabinets in which the same are reflected or maintained, all whether now existing or hereafter arising;
Section 2.7. Partnership Interests
. (i) All right, title and interest of such Company, whether now owned or hereafter acquired, in all partnerships or limited liability companies, including, but not limited to, those set forth on Schedule II hereto (collectively, the
“Partnerships”
), (ii) any and all payments or distributions of whatever kind or character and whether in cash or other property, at any time made, owing or payable to such Company in respect of or on account of its present or hereafter acquired interest in the Partnerships, whether due or to become due and whether representing profits, distributions pursuant to complete or partial liquidation or dissolution, repayment of capital contributions or otherwise, and the right to receive, receipt for, use and enjoy all such payments and distributions, and all proceeds thereof, in every case whether now arising or hereafter acquired or arising, and (iii) all proceeds of any of the foregoing (all of the foregoing rights, interests, properties and privileges assigned in and in which a security interest is granted pursuant to this Section 2.7 being hereafter collectively called the
“Partnership Interests”
);
Section 2.8. Additional Property
. All property and rights, if any, which are by the express provisions of this Agreement required to be subjected to the lien hereof and any additional property and rights that may from time to time hereafter, by writing of any kind, be subjected to the lien hereof by such Company or by anyone acting at the direction or as an agent of such Company; and
Section 2.9. Deposit Accounts
. All Deposit Accounts, as such term is defined in the Uniform Commercial Code, of such Company; and
Section 2.10. Other Proceeds and Products
. All proceeds and products of the foregoing and all insurance of the foregoing and proceeds thereof, whether now existing or hereafter arising;
provided
that, in the case of a lien and security interest on the voting stock or other similar voting equity interests of a corporation, limited liability company, partnership or other entity which is a “controlled foreign corporation” as defined under Section 957 of the Internal Revenue Code (herein, a “
Foreign Company
”), if granting a security interest of more than 65% of the total combined voting stock or other voting equity interests of any such Foreign Company would cause adverse tax consequences to such Company, then such lien and security interest on the voting stock or other voting equity interests shall be limited to 65% of the total combined voting stock or other voting equity interests of such Foreign Company.
TO HAVE AND TO HOLD the Collateral, WITH POWER OF SALE and right of entry and possession, unto the Collateral Agent, its successors and assigns, forever; IN TRUST NEVERTHELESS, upon the terms and trust herein set forth, for the equal and proportionate benefit, security and protection of all present and future Secured Creditors;
provided always, however,
that these presents are upon the express condition that if the Companies shall irrevocably pay or cause to be irrevocably paid all the Secured Indebtedness and all obligations to extend Secured Indebtedness
have expired or otherwise terminated, then these presents and the estate hereby granted and conveyed shall cease and this Agreement shall become null and void; otherwise this Agreement shall remain in full force and effect.
|
|
SECTION 3.
|
COVENANTS, REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE COMPANIES .
|
Each Company hereby covenants with, and represents and warrants to, the Collateral Agent and for the benefit of the Secured Creditors from time to time that:
Section 3.1. Location of Collateral
. The Collateral (other than the Underlying Collateral and the Pledged Collateral) relating to such Company and the books and records relating thereto are in such Company’s possession at the offices and facilities owned or leased by such Company or World set forth in Schedule III hereto. Not less than ten days before the opening of any additional business location which would require the filing of an additional financing statement in accordance with the Uniform Commercial Code in order to perfect the security interest of the Collateral Agent in the Collateral relating to such Company and the books and records relating thereto or any change in the business location where the Collateral relating to such Company and the books and records relating thereto are located and/or maintained which would require the filing of an additional financing statement in accordance with the Uniform Commercial Code in order to perfect the security interest of the Collateral Agent in the Collateral relating to such Company, such Company will deliver to the Collateral Agent a supplement hereto amending Schedule III to include such business location, together with evidence of the filing of financing statements or other notices of the security interest hereof and an opinion of such Company’s counsel responsive to the requirements of Section 3.8 hereof. On the written request of the Collateral Agent or the Administrative Agent, such Company will deliver to the Collateral Agent a supplement hereto amending Schedule III to include any additional business locations not previously reflected in a supplement hereto.
Section 3.2. Warranty of Title
. Such Company is the lawful owner of the Collateral relating to such Company and has the sole right and lawful authority to deliver this Agreement. The Collateral relating to such Company and every part thereof is, on the Closing Date, free and clear of all Liens, except the Lien of this Agreement and Liens permitted by clauses (e), (f) and (g) of Section 8.11 of the Credit Agreement, and will be free and clear of all Liens, except the Lien of this Agreement and the other Liens of the character described in clauses (e), (f) and (g) of Section 8.11 of the Credit Agreement, and such Company will warrant and defend the Collateral relating to such Company, against any claims and demands of all Persons at any time claiming the same or any interest therein adverse to the Collateral Agent.
Section 3.3. No Alienation of Collateral
. Except as permitted by the provisions of Section 8.13 of the Credit Agreement, such Company will not, without the Collateral Agent’s prior written consent, sell, assign, mortgage, lease or otherwise dispose of the Collateral relating to such Company or any interest therein.
Section 3.4. Removal of Collateral
. Such Company will not remove the Collateral relating to such Company and/or the books and records relating thereto from the locations relating to such Company set forth in Schedule III hereto (i) without complying with Section 3.1 hereof or (ii) without the Collateral Agent’s prior written consent (provided that such Company may move items of Collateral relating to such Company among such locations). Such Company will at all times allow the Collateral Agent, the Lenders and their representatives free access to, and right of inspection of, the Collateral relating to such Company.
Section 3.5. Compliance with Leases
. Such Company will comply with the terms and conditions of any leases covering the premises wherein the Collateral relating to such Company is located and any orders, ordinances,
laws or statutes of any city, state or other governmental entity, department or agency having jurisdiction with respect to such premises or the conduct of business thereon unless the failure to so comply will not, individually or in the aggregate, have a material adverse effect on such Collateral or impair the rights or interests of World, such Company, any other Restricted Subsidiary or the Collateral Agent therein.
Section 3.6. Protection of Collateral
. At any time and from time to time, any Secured Creditor may, at its option, or the Collateral Agent may, at the direction of the Administrative Agent, discharge any taxes, or other Liens at any time levied or placed on the Collateral relating to such Company which are due and unpaid and (A) which are not being contested in good faith by appropriate actions or proceedings which will prevent the forfeiture or sale of the Collateral relating to such Company or any material interference with the use thereof or (B) for which such Company has not set aside on its books, reserves adequate in accordance with GAAP with respect thereto, and such parties may pay for the maintenance and preservation of the Collateral relating to such Company, including the purchasing of insurance therefor to the extent required to be maintained by World or such Company pursuant to Section 8.2 of the Credit Agreement and not so maintained, and such Company will immediately reimburse the Collateral Agent or such Secured Creditor on demand for any payment made or any expense incurred by the Collateral Agent or such Secured Creditor pursuant to the foregoing authority with interest at a rate per annum equal to the higher of (i) LIBOR Rate plus the Applicable Margin or (ii) 4.0%. All such expenses and payments shall have the benefit of and be secured by the security interest herein granted, and the Collateral Agent is authorized to charge any depository account of such Company maintained with the Collateral Agent or any Secured Creditor for the amount of such expenses and payments.
Section 3.7. Further Assurances
. Such Company agrees to execute and deliver to the Collateral Agent such further agreements and assignments or other instruments and to do all such other things as the Collateral Agent may deem necessary or appropriate to assure the Collateral Agent its first priority security interest hereunder (provided, that the Companies shall be required to deliver to the Collateral Agent possession of promissory notes evidencing the Unsecured Receivables only upon the request of the Collateral Agent during the existence of a Default or Event of Default hereunder), including such financing statement or statements or amendments thereof or supplements thereto or other instruments as the Collateral Agent may from time to time reasonably require to perfect, and continue the perfection of, the security interest in the Collateral contemplated by this Agreement. Such Company hereby agrees that, to the extent permitted by applicable law, a carbon, photographic or other reproduction of this Agreement or any such financing statement is sufficient for filing as a financing statement by the Collateral Agent without notice thereof to such Company wherever the Collateral Agent in its sole discretion desires to file the same. Each Company hereby authorizes the Collateral Agent to file any and all financing statements covering the Collateral or any part thereof as the Collateral Agent may require. The Collateral Agent shall, when an Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, or at such other time pursuant to §4 or §5, have the right to take physical possession of any and all of the Collateral relating to such Company and to maintain such possession on such Company’s premises or, if possible, to remove the Collateral relating to such Company or any part thereof to such other places as the Collateral Agent may desire. If the Collateral Agent exercises its right to take possession of the Collateral relating to such Company, such Company shall, upon the Collateral Agent’s demand, if possible, assemble the Collateral relating to such Company and make it available to the Collateral Agent at a place designated by the Collateral Agent. Such Company shall at its expense perform any and all other steps reasonably requested by the Collateral Agent to preserve and protect the first priority security interest hereby granted in the Collateral. If any Collateral relating to such Company is in the possession or control of any of such Company’s agents or processors while a Default or an Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, such Company agrees (i) to notify such agents or processors in writing of the Collateral Agent’s security interest therein, and (ii) upon the Collateral Agent’s request instruct them to hold all such Collateral relating to such Company for the Collateral Agent’s account and subject to the Collateral Agent’s instructions. Such Company
agrees to mark its books and records to reflect the security interest of the Collateral Agent in the Collateral relating to such Company.
Section 3.8. Maintenance of Lien; Recording; Opinions of Counsel
. (a) Such Company will, at its expense, take all necessary action to maintain and preserve the first and prior perfected lien of this Agreement (including, without limitation, the filing of all financing statements or similar notices thereof if and to the extent permitted or required by applicable law) so long as the Secured Creditors have any commitment to extend Secured Indebtedness to World and thereafter so long as any Secured Indebtedness remains outstanding (provided, that the Companies shall be required to deliver to the Collateral Agent possession of promissory notes evidencing the Unsecured Receivables only upon the request of the Collateral Agent during the existence of a Default or Event of Default hereunder).
(b) Such Company will, forthwith after the execution and delivery of this Agreement and thereafter from time to time, cause this Agreement (and all financing statements, continuation statements or similar notices thereof if and to the extent permitted or required by applicable law) to be filed, registered and recorded in such manner and in such places as may be required by law in order to publish notice of and fully to protect the first lien of the Collateral Agent in and to the Collateral relating to such Company (provided, that the Companies shall be required to deliver to the Collateral Agent possession of promissory notes evidencing the Unsecured Receivables only upon the request of the Collateral Agent during the existence of a Default or Event of Default hereunder); and from time to time will perform or cause to be performed any other acts as provided by law and will execute or cause to be executed any and all further instruments that may be required for such publication and protection or requested by the Administrative Agent. With respect to any Investment Property held by a securities intermediary, commodity intermediary, or other financial intermediary of any kind, at the Collateral Agent’s request, acting at the direction of the Administrative Agent, such Company shall execute and deliver, and shall cause any such intermediary to execute and deliver, an agreement among such Company, the Collateral Agent and such intermediary in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent which provides, among other things, for the intermediary’s agreement that, upon notice by the Collateral Agent that an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, it shall comply with entitlement orders, and apply any value distributed on account of any Investment Property maintained in an account with such intermediary, as directed by the Collateral Agent without further consent of such Company.
(c) Such Company agrees at its own expense to furnish to the Collateral Agent promptly after the execution and delivery of any supplement or amendment hereto or any continuation statement, an opinion of counsel satisfactory to the Collateral Agent (who may be independent counsel to such Company) stating that in the opinion of such counsel, such supplement or amendment to this Agreement (or a financing statement, continuation statement or similar notice thereof if and to the extent required by applicable law) or such continuation statement, as the case may be, has been properly recorded or filed for record in all public offices in which such recording or filing is necessary to perfect the Lien provided by this Agreement as a valid Lien and security interest in the Collateral relating to such Company.
Section 3.9. Consent to World Security Agreement, Etc
.
Such Company hereby consents to, and agrees to comply with, the terms and provisions of the World Security Agreement and the Credit Agreement.
Section 3.10. Names under which Each Company Conducts its Business
. No Company conducts its business under any other name(s) other than as set forth opposite its name on Schedule IV hereto and such Company will not conduct business under any other name(s) (other than the names set forth opposite its name on Schedule IV hereto) without (i) providing the Collateral Agent and the Administrative Agent with thirty (30) days’ prior written notice of such name and the location of where such business will be conducted under such name and (ii) complying with any and all requests made by the Collateral Agent pursuant to §3.7 hereof.
Section 3.11. Deposit Accounts
.
Each Company maintains one or more local deposit accounts for the deposit of checks and the making of disbursements in the ordinary course of business (
“Local Accounts”
) and World maintains one or more concentration accounts into which each such Company sweeps collections from the Local Accounts in the ordinary course of business (
“Concentration Accounts”
). All Concentration Accounts used by each Company as of June 7, 2019, are listed and identified (by account number and depository institution) on Schedule V attached hereto and made a part hereof. World and each Company shall promptly notify the Collateral Agent of any Concentration Account opened, maintained or used by such Company after the date hereof, and shall submit to the Collateral Agent a supplement to Schedule V to reflect such additional accounts (provided such Company’s failure to do so shall not impair the Collateral Agent’s security interest therein). So long as no Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, the Collateral Agent’s security interest in the Local Accounts need not be perfected. With respect to any Concentration Account maintained by a depository institution other than the Collateral Agent, and as a condition to the establishment and maintenance of any such Concentration Account, the relevant Company and such depository institution shall have executed and delivered to the Collateral Agent an account control agreement in form and substance satisfactory to the Collateral Agent which provides, among other things, for the depository institution’s agreement that it will comply with instructions originated by the Collateral Agent directing the disposition of the funds in the Concentration Account(s) held at such depositary institution without further consent by such Company. Each Company shall cause all proceeds of Collateral to be deposited into or transferred to a deposit account subject to a deposit account control agreement in favor the Administrative Agent as soon as possible but in any event within two (2) Business Days of receipt.
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SECTION 4.
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SPECIAL PROVISIONS RELATING TO RECEIVABLES .
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Section 4.1. Representations and Warranties
. As of the time any Receivable of any Company becomes subject to the security interest provided for hereby, such Company shall be deemed to have warranted as to such Receivables that:
(a) Such Receivable and all papers and documents relating thereto are genuine and in all respects what they purport to be;
(b) Such Receivable is legal, valid and subsisting;
(c) The amount of such Receivable represented as owing is the correct amount actually and unconditionally owing, is not disputed and is not subject to any set‑offs, credits, deductions or countercharges;
(d) Such Receivable has been created, and is, in all respects in compliance with applicable state and federal lending laws and will continue to be in compliance with such laws, any Secured Receivable is secured by Underlying Collateral and, to the best knowledge of such Company, there is no violation of any Environmental Legal Requirement with respect to such Underlying Collateral;
(e) Such Company has no knowledge or reason to know of any fact which would impair the collectibility of such Receivable;
(f) All of such Company’s procedures, requirements and conditions and all federal and state laws applicable to the making of the loans related to such Receivable and the creation of such Receivable have been complied with;
(g) To the best knowledge of such Company, the Account Debtor on such Receivable and other obligors had legal capacity to enter into the transactions related to such Receivable;
(h) The form and content of each document related to such Receivable, the security related thereto, and the transactions from which it arose comply fully with any and all applicable laws, ordinances, rules and regulations, federal, state and/or local, with respect to the extension of credit and charging of interest, including without limitation, as applicable, the Federal Consumer Credit Protection Act, the Federal Fair Credit Reporting Act, the Federal Trade Commission Act, the Federal Equal Credit Opportunity Act and all federal, state and local laws related to licensing, usury, truth in lending, real estate settlement procedures, consumer protection, equal credit opportunity, fair debt collection, unfair and deceptive trade practices, rescission rights and disclosures, and with all rules and regulations thereunder, all as amended, and any disclosures required with respect to such Receivable were and will continue to be made properly and in a timely manner;
(i) To the best knowledge of such Company, such Receivable and all facts, statements or obligations contained or implicit in any application for credit or financial statement of the Account Debtor or other obligor submitted to such Company, including without limitation, the description of any Underlying Collateral securing such Receivable and the amount owing from the Account Debtor or other obligor, and the signatures of the parties are genuine, correct, true and complete;
(j) Such Company has extended no credit of any kind or in any manner to the Account Debtor or other obligors in connection with the transactions from which such Receivable arose other than as indicated on and evidenced by such Company’s files related to such Receivable;
(k) To the best knowledge of such Company, each security agreement, UCC filing, title retention instruments and other document and instrument, if any, which is security for such Receivable contains a correct and sufficient description of any Underlying Collateral covered thereby and each lien or security interest which secures such Receivable is and will continue to be valid;
(l) Before extending credit to the Account Debtor or other obligor on such Receivable, such Company has made an adequate credit investigation of the Account Debtor or other obligor and has determined that the risk of extending such credit is satisfactory and in accordance with the standards historically observed by such Company in the conduct of its business;
(m) Any and all policies of insurance related to the property securing any obligation of the Account Debtor in connection with such Receivable and any credit life insurance, credit disability insurance, or credit unemployment insurance are in full force and effect in accordance with the terms of all agreements between such Company and the Account Debtor; and
(n) As to such Receivable, such Company was duly authorized to do business and in good standing in the jurisdiction in which such Receivable was originated and was duly licensed to originate such Receivable in such jurisdiction.
Section 4.2. Receivable Schedules
.
Each Company shall provide the Collateral Agent with such other relevant information as the Collateral Agent may request from time to time.
Section 4.3. Collection of Receivables
. (a) Unless and until a Default or an Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing and such Company shall have received written notice from the Collateral Agent not to collect the Receivables, such Company shall make collection of all Receivables of such Company and may use the same to carry on its business in accordance with sound business practice and otherwise subject to the terms hereof.
(b) At any time while a Default or an Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, in the event the Collateral Agent requests such Company to do so:
(i) All instruments and chattel paper at any time constituting part of the Receivables of such Company (including any postdated checks) shall, upon receipt by such Company and to the extent permitted by law, be immediately endorsed to and deposited with the Collateral Agent in the same form as received by such Company; and/or
(ii) Such Company shall, to the extent permitted by law, instruct all account debtors to remit all payments in respect of Receivables of such Company to a lockbox to be maintained at the main post office, Chicago, Illinois, or such other single location as the Collateral Agent may reasonably designate, under the sole custody and control of the Collateral Agent.
(c) Except as otherwise directed by the Collateral Agent, each Company shall place the following legend conspicuously, on the face of each document, instrument, chattel paper and other writing evidencing the Receivables created on or after the Closing Date (provided the legend called for by the Prior Security Agreement appearing on the Borrower’s existing stock of unexecuted contacts may continue to be used until reordered): “A SECURITY INTEREST IN THIS DOCUMENT HAS BEEN GRANTED TO WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS SECURED PARTY, PURSUANT TO A SECURITY AGREEMENT, PLEDGE AND INDENTURE OF TRUST.” At any time while a Default or an Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, the Collateral Agent or its designee may notify such Company’s customers or account debtors at any time that Receivables of such Company have been assigned to the Collateral Agent or of the Collateral Agent’s security interest therein and either in its own name, that of such Company or both, demand, collect (including without limitation through a lockbox analogous to that described in Section 4.3(b)(ii) hereof), receive, receipt for, sue for, compound and give acquittance for any or all amounts due or to become due on such Receivables, and in the Collateral Agent’s discretion file any claim or take any other action or proceeding which the Collateral Agent may deem necessary or appropriate to protect and realize upon the security interest of the Collateral Agent in such Receivables.
(d) In the event the Collateral Agent has exercised any or all of its rights under Sections 4.3(b) or (c) hereof, the Collateral Agent may, at any time while a Default or an Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, cause all instruments, chattel paper, moneys or other proceeds received by the Collateral Agent to be deposited, handled and administered in and through a remittance account. If a Default or an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing to the knowledge of the Collateral Agent, all amounts received by the Collateral Agent pursuant to the Granting Clauses hereof and all amounts held in any remittance account referred to above in this paragraph shall be held by the Collateral Agent for application in the manner provided for in Section 7 in respect of proceeds and avails of the Collateral.
Section 4.4. Power of Attorney
.
Upon the occurrence and during the continuance of a Default or an Event of Default, in addition to any other powers of attorney granted herein, each Company appoints the Collateral Agent, its nominee, or any other Person whom the Collateral Agent may designate as such Company’s attorney‑in‑fact, with full power at any time and from time to time to endorse such Company’s name on any checks, notes, acceptances, money orders, drafts or other forms of payment or security that may come into the Collateral Agent’s possession, upon the occurrence and during the continuance of a Default or an Event of Default, to sign such Company’s name on any
invoice or bill of lading relating to any Collateral of such Company, on drafts against customers, on schedules and assignments of Collateral of such Company, on notices of assignment, and other public records, on verification of accounts and on notices to customers, to notify the post office authorities to change the address for delivery of such Company’s mail to an address designated by the Collateral Agent, to receive, open and dispose of all mail addressed to such Company, to send requests for verification of Receivables of such Company to customers or account debtors, and to do all things necessary to carry out this Agreement. Such Company ratifies and approves all acts of any such attorney and agrees that neither the Collateral Agent nor any such attorney will be liable for any acts or omissions nor for any error of judgment or mistake of fact or law other than their willful misconduct or gross negligence. The foregoing power of attorney, being coupled with an interest, is irrevocable until the Secured Indebtedness is fully and irrevocably paid and satisfied and all obligations to extend credit under the Credit Agreement have expired or otherwise terminated. The Collateral Agent may file one or more financing statements disclosing its security interest in any or all of the Collateral without such Company’s signature appearing thereon. Such Company also hereby grants the Collateral Agent a power of attorney to execute any such financing statement, or amendments and supplements to financing statements on behalf of such Company with notice thereof to such Company, which power of attorney is coupled with an interest and irrevocable until the Secured Indebtedness is fully paid and satisfied.
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SECTION 5.
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SPECIAL PROVISIONS RELATING TO PLEDGED COLLATERAL .
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Section 5.1. Delivery of Pledged Collateral; Transfer to Collateral Agent
. All instruments and certificates representing or evidencing the Pledged Collateral shall be delivered to and held by or on behalf of the Collateral Agent for the ratable benefit of the Secured Creditors pursuant hereto and shall be in suitable form for transfer by delivery, or shall be accompanied by duly executed instruments of transfer or assignment in blank and undated, all in form and substance satisfactory to the Collateral Agent. The Collateral Agent shall have the right, subject to applicable law, at any time in its discretion after the occurrence of an Event of Default, to transfer to or to register in the name of the Collateral Agent or any of its nominees any or all of such Pledged Collateral. Promptly after any such transfer or registration, the Collateral Agent shall give notice thereof to the Company that owns such Pledged Collateral, but the failure to give such notice shall not affect any of the rights or remedies of the Collateral Agent hereunder. The Collateral Agent shall have the right at any time to exchange instruments or certificates representing or evidencing such Pledged Collateral for instruments or certificates of smaller or larger denominations, subject to the terms thereof.
Section 5.2. Voting Power; Payments
.
(a)
Voting Power
. So long as an Event of Default shall not have occurred and be continuing, each Company shall have the right to exercise any and all voting or other consensual rights pertaining to the Pledged Collateral relating to such Company or any part thereof for all purposes not inconsistent with the terms of this Agreement and the Credit Agreement, and such Company agrees that it will not exercise any such rights in any manner which is inconsistent with the terms of this Agreement and the Credit Agreement;
provided, however,
that such Company shall not exercise or shall refrain from exercising any such right if such action would have a material adverse affect on the value of the Pledged Collateral relating to such Company or any part thereof; the Collateral Agent (1) shall have no right to exercise such voting rights as are reserved in this Section 5.2(a) to such Company and (2) shall execute and deliver to such Company or cause to be executed and delivered to such Company all such proxies, powers of attorney, and other orders, and all such instruments, without recourse, as such Company may reasonably request in writing for the purpose of enabling such Company to exercise the voting rights which it is entitled to exercise under this Section 5.2(a).
(b)
Payments on Default
. So long as no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, each Company shall have the right to receive and retain all cash distributions and payments made in respect of the
Pledged Collateral relating to such Company to the extent such payments (i) may be legally declared and paid under applicable law and (ii) are not prohibited by the applicable provisions hereof and of the Credit Agreement;
provided, however,
that any and all
(1) dividends and distributions paid or payable other than in cash in respect of, and instruments and other property received, receivable or otherwise distributed in respect of, or in exchange for, any Pledged Collateral relating to such Company,
(2) dividends and other distributions paid or payable in cash in respect of any Pledged Collateral relating to such Company in connection with a partial or total liquidation or dissolution or in connection with a reduction of capital, capital surplus or paid‑in‑surplus, and
(3) cash paid, payable or otherwise distributed in redemption of, or in exchange for, any Pledged Collateral relating to such Company;
shall be forthwith delivered to the Collateral Agent to hold as, and such amounts so delivered shall be, Pledged Collateral and shall, if received by the Collateral Agent, be received in trust for the benefit of the Collateral Agent, be segregated from the other property or funds of such Company and be forthwith delivered to the Collateral Agent as Pledged Collateral in the same form as so received (with all appropriate powers, authorizations, orders and documents).
(c)
Voting Rights after an Event of Default and Receipt of Distributions after a Default or an Event of Default
. Upon the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default, all rights of each Company to exercise or refrain from exercising the voting and other consensual rights that it would otherwise be entitled to exercise pursuant to clause (a) above and, upon the occurrence and during the continuance of a Default or an Event of Default, all rights of each Company to receive the dividends and other distributions which it would otherwise be entitled to receive and retain pursuant to clause (b) above, in each such case, shall cease during the period and continuance of such Default or Event of Default, as the case may be, and all such rights shall thereupon become vested in the Collateral Agent, which shall thereupon have the sole right to exercise or refrain from exercising such voting and other consensual rights, as directed in writing by the Administrative Agent pursuant to Section 8.1 hereof, and to receive and hold as Pledged Collateral such distributions and dividends.
Section 5.3. Covenants of Each Company
. Each Company hereby covenants and agrees as follows:
(a)
Issuance of Additional Securities
. Such Company will not vote to enable or otherwise cause any issuer of Pledged Collateral relating to such Company to issue any shares of stock or other Securities in addition to, or to issue other securities of any nature in exchange or substitution for, the Pledged Collateral (except to qualify directors) unless such stock or other securities may be issued under the relevant provisions hereof, are pledged to the Collateral Agent for the ratable benefit of the Secured Creditors as part of the Pledged Collateral and such Company represents to the Collateral Agent and the Secured Creditors that (i) such Company has good and marketable title to such stock or other Security, free and clear of any Lien other than the Lien hereof and Liens permitted by clause (i) of Section 8.11 of the Credit Agreement and (ii) such stock or other Security has been duly authorized, validly issued and is fully paid and non‑assessable.
(b)
Regulatory Consent
. Such Company will use its best efforts to obtain consent of any regulatory authority, Federal, state or local, if any, having jurisdiction over any license, franchise or other
authorization granted by any governmental unit or authority, which consent may be required in connection with the transfer of the Pledged Collateral relating to such Company, and will cooperate fully with the Collateral Agent in effecting any such transfer, including, without limitation, the execution and delivery of all applications, certificates and other documents that may be required to obtain the consent and approval or authorization of or registration or qualification with, any governmental authority, and specifically, without limitation, any application for consent to assignment of license or transfer of control necessary or appropriate under the rules and regulations of any governmental authority for approval of (i) any sale or sales of property constituting Pledged Collateral relating to such Company by or on behalf of the Collateral Agent or (ii) any assumption by the Collateral Agent of voting rights or management rights in the Pledged Collateral relating to such Company, effected in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.
(c)
Additional Pledged Collateral
. If any of the Pledged Collateral, including, without limitation, any shares, notes, obligations, Securities, instruments, property or (except to the extent otherwise provided in clauses (b) and (c) in the definition of Pledged Collateral) moneys, distributions or other payments of every kind and variety referred to in clauses (a) through (c) in the definition of Pledged Collateral are received by such Company, such Company agrees forthwith to transfer and deliver the same (with the certificates or other instruments or documents evidencing or documenting any such shares, notes, obligations, interests, instruments, or other Securities duly endorsed in blank or accompanied by an assignment or
assignments sufficient to transfer title thereto), to the Collateral Agent to be held in pledge pursuant to the terms of this Agreement, as part of the Pledged Collateral.
(d)
Schedule of Pledged Collateral
. Such Company will furnish to the Collateral Agent from time to time statements and schedules further identifying and describing the Pledged Collateral relating to such Company and such other reports in connection with the Pledged Collateral relating to such Company as the Collateral Agent may reasonably request, all in reasonable detail.
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SECTION 6.
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APPLICATION OF CERTAIN MONEYS .
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Section 6.1. Application if no Default or Event of Default Exists
. So long as no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, subject to each Company’s contractual obligations to other parties (including, without limitation, the Credit Agreement), such Company shall be allowed to receive and apply the Collateral relating to such Company and to carry on its business in accordance with sound business practices.
Section 6.2. Application if a Default or an Event of Default Exists
. If a Default or an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, all amounts which constitute Collateral shall be paid over to the Collateral Agent for application in the manner provided in Section 7 in respect of proceeds and avails of the Collateral.
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SECTION 7.
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DEFAULTS AND REMEDIES .
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Section 7.1. Events of Default
. An
“Event of Default”
under the Credit Agreement shall constitute an Event of Default hereunder.
Section 7.2. Collateral Agent’s Rights
. Each Company agrees that when any Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, the Collateral Agent may, subject to the provisions of Section 8.1, without limitation of all other rights and remedies available herein, in the World Security Agreement, at law or in equity in such event, exercise any one or more or all, and in any order, of the remedies hereinafter set forth, against one or more or all of the Companies, it being expressly understood that no remedy herein conferred is intended to be exclusive of any other remedy or remedies; but each and every remedy shall be cumulative and shall be in addition to every other remedy given herein or now or hereafter existing at law or in equity or by statute:
(a) The Collateral Agent personally, or by agents or attorneys, shall have the right (subject to compliance with any applicable mandatory legal requirements) to enter into and upon the premises of any Company and take possession of all or any part of the Collateral and to exclude such Company wholly therefrom, and having and holding the same may use, operate, manage and control the Collateral and collect and receive all earnings, revenues, issues, proceeds and income of the Collateral and every part thereof and may maintain, repair and renew the Collateral and make replacements, alterations, additions and improvements thereto or remove and dispose of any portion of the Collateral and may otherwise exercise any and all of the rights and powers of such Company in respect thereof.
(b) The Collateral Agent may, if at the time such action may be lawful and always subject to compliance with any mandatory legal requirements, either with or without taking possession, and either before or after taking possession, and without instituting any legal proceedings whatsoever, and having first given notice of such sale by registered mail to any affected Company, the Administrative Agent and each Lender once at least ten days prior to the date of such sale, and any other notice which may be required by law, sell
and dispose of the Collateral, or any part thereof, or interest therein, at public auction to the highest bidder, in one lot as an entirety or in separate lots, and either for cash or on credit and on such terms as the Collateral Agent may determine, and at any place (whether or not it be the location of the Collateral or any part thereof) designated in the notice above referred to. Any such sale or sales may be adjourned from time to time by announcement at the time and place appointed for such sale or sales, or for any such adjourned sale or sales, without further notice, and the Collateral Agent or any Secured Creditor, or of any interest therein, may bid and become the purchaser at any such sale.
(c) The Collateral Agent may proceed to protect and enforce this Agreement and the Secured Indebtedness or any part thereof by suit or suits or proceedings in equity, at law or in bankruptcy, and whether for the specific performance of any covenant or agreement herein contained or in execution or aid of any power herein granted; or for foreclosure hereunder, or for the appointment of a receiver or receivers for the Collateral or any part thereof, or for the recovery of judgment for the Secured Indebtedness or for the enforcement of any other proper, legal or equitable remedy available under applicable law.
Section 7.3. Waiver by Each Company
. To the extent now or at any time hereafter enforceable under applicable law, each Company covenants that it will not at any time insist upon or plead, or in any manner whatsoever claim or take any benefit or advantage of, any stay or extension law now or at any time hereafter in force, nor claim, take nor insist upon any benefit or advantage of or from any law now or hereafter in force providing for the valuation or appraisement of the Collateral or any part thereof, prior to any sale or sales thereof to be made pursuant to any provision herein contained, or to the decree, judgment or order of any court of competent jurisdiction; nor, after such sale or sales, claim or exercise any right under any statute now or hereafter made or enacted by any state or otherwise to redeem the property so sold or any part thereof, and hereby expressly waives for itself and on behalf of each and every Person, except decree or judgment creditors of such Company acquiring any interest in or title to the Collateral relating to such Company or any part thereof subsequent to the date of this Agreement, all benefit and advantage of any such law or laws, and covenants that it will not invoke or utilize any such law or laws or otherwise hinder, delay or impede the execution of any power herein granted and delegated to the Collateral Agent, but will suffer and permit the execution of every such power as though no such law or laws had been made or enacted.
Section 7.4. Effect of Sale
. Any sale, whether under any power of sale hereby given or by virtue of judicial proceedings, shall operate to divest all right, title, interest, claim and demand whatsoever, either at law or in equity, of any affected Company in and to the property sold and shall be a perpetual bar, both at law and in equity, against such Company, its successors and assigns, and against any and all persons claiming the property sold or any part thereof under, by or through such Company, its successors or assigns.
Section 7.5. Application of Sale and Other Proceeds
. The Collateral Agent shall give at least one (1) day prior written notice to the Administrative Agent of each date (the
“Application Date”
) on which the proceeds and/or avails of any sale of the Collateral, or any part thereof, shall be applied, and on such Application Date, or as soon thereafter as may be practical. The proceeds and avails of the Collateral at any time received by the Collateral Agent during the existence of any Event of Default shall, when received by the Collateral Agent in cash or its equivalent, be paid over to the Administrative Agent to be applied in reduction of, or held as collateral security for, the Secured Indebtedness in accordance with the terms of the Credit Agreement. Each Company shall remain liable to the Secured Creditors for any deficiency. Any surplus remaining after the full payment and satisfaction of the Secured Indebtedness shall be returned to the applicable Company or to whomsoever the Collateral Agent reasonably determines is lawfully entitled thereto.
The proceeds and/or avails of the Collateral shall be applied as set forth above notwithstanding the time or order of advance of any funds secured by any such Collateral or any other priority provided by law or otherwise. By accepting the benefits of this Agreement, each of the Secured Creditors agrees that it will not initiate or prosecute, or encourage any other person to initiate or prosecute, any claim, action or other proceeding challenging the enforceability of the claims of the Secured Creditors or challenging the enforceability of any liens or security interests in assets securing the Secured Indebtedness and the other obligations and liabilities relating thereto, in each case, created or incurred in accordance with the terms of this Agreement and the World Security Agreement.
Section 7.6. Discontinuance of Remedies
. In case the Collateral Agent shall have proceeded to enforce any right under this Agreement by foreclosure, sale, entry or otherwise, and such proceedings shall have been discontinued or abandoned for any reason or shall have been determined adversely, then and in every such case the Companies, the Collateral Agent and the Secured Creditors shall be restored to their former positions and rights hereunder with respect to the property subject to the lien and security interest created under this Agreement.
Section 7.7. Cumulative Remedies
. No delay or omission of the Collateral Agent or any Secured Creditor to exercise any right or power arising from any default, shall exhaust or impair any such right or power or prevent its exercise during the continuance of such default. No waiver by the Collateral Agent or any Secured Creditor of any such default, whether such waiver be full or partial, shall extend to or be taken to affect any subsequent default, or to impair the rights resulting therefrom except as may be otherwise provided therein. No remedy hereunder is intended to be exclusive of any other remedy but each and every remedy shall be cumulative and in addition to any and every other remedy given hereunder or otherwise existing; nor shall the giving, taking or enforcement of any other or additional security, collateral or guaranty for the payment of the Secured Indebtedness operate to prejudice, waive or affect the security of this Agreement or any rights, powers or remedies hereunder, nor shall the Collateral Agent or any Secured Creditor be required to first look to, enforce or exhaust such other or additional security, collateral or guaranties.
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SECTION 8.
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THE COLLATERAL AGENT .
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The Collateral Agent accepts the trusts hereunder and agrees to perform the same, but only upon the terms and conditions hereof, including the following, to all of which each Company and the respective Secured Creditors at any time outstanding by their acceptance thereof agree:
Section 8.1. Duties of Collateral Agent
. (a) The Collateral Agent undertakes (i) except while an Event of Default actually known to the Collateral Agent shall have occurred and be continuing, to perform such duties and only such duties as are specifically set forth in this Agreement, or in any direction given pursuant to this Agreement and (ii) while an Event of Default actually known to the Collateral Agent shall have occurred and be continuing, subject to Section 8.1(b), to exercise such of the rights and powers as are vested in it by this Agreement and permitted by applicable law.
The Collateral Agent upon receipt of instruments or notices furnished to the Collateral Agent pursuant to the provisions of this Agreement shall furnish copies of the same to the Administrative Agent for distribution to the Lenders.
(b) In the event that the Collateral Agent shall have actual knowledge of an Event of Default, the Collateral Agent shall give prompt written notice of such Event of Default to the Administrative Agent. Subject to the terms of Section 8.2(h), in accordance with written instructions received from the Administrative Agent, the Collateral Agent shall take such action or refrain from taking such action as the Collateral Agent shall be directed in writing by the
Administrative Agent. If the Collateral Agent shall not have received written instructions as above provided within twenty (20) days after mailing notice of such Event of Default to the Administrative Agent, the Collateral Agent may, subject to instructions received pursuant to the preceding sentence, take such action, or refrain from taking such action, but shall be under no duty to take or refrain from taking any action, with respect to such Event of Default, as it shall determine advisable in the best interests of the Secured Creditors.
(c) The Collateral Agent shall not have any duty or obligation to manage, control, use, sell, dispose of or otherwise deal with the Collateral, or, to otherwise take or refrain from taking any action under, or in connection with, this Agreement, except as expressly provided by the terms of this Agreement or expressly provided in written instructions received pursuant to this Agreement.
(d) Except if it is herein otherwise expressly provided that no such request is required, the Collateral Agent shall not be under any obligation to take any action which is discretionary with the Collateral Agent or otherwise requires judgment to be made by the Collateral Agent under the provisions hereof, except on written request by the Administrative Agent.
Section 8.2. Collateral Agent’s Liability
. No provision of this Agreement (except to the extent provided in Section 8.13 hereof) shall be construed to relieve the Collateral Agent from liability for its own gross negligence or willful misconduct, except that:
(a) unless an Event of Default actually known to the Collateral Agent shall have occurred and be continuing, the Collateral Agent shall not be liable except for the performance of such duties as are specifically set forth in this Agreement and no implied covenants or obligations shall be read into this Agreement against the Collateral Agent but the duties and obligations of the Collateral Agent shall be determined solely by the express provisions of this Agreement; and
(b) in the absence of bad faith on the part of the Collateral Agent, the Collateral Agent may rely upon the authenticity of, and the truth of the statements and the correctness of the opinions expressed in, and shall be protected in acting upon, any resolution, officer’s certificate, opinion of counsel (which counsel shall be independent of the Companies, any Affiliate thereof and the Secured Creditors), Note, request, notice, consent, waiver, order, signature guaranty, notarial seal, stamp, acknowledgment, verification, appraisal, report, stock certificate, or other paper or document believed by the Collateral Agent to be genuine and to have been signed, affixed or presented by the proper party or parties; and
(c) in the absence of bad faith on the part of the Collateral Agent, whenever the Collateral Agent, or any of its agents, representatives, experts or counsel (which counsel shall be independent of the Companies, any Affiliate thereof and the Secured Creditors), shall consider it necessary or desirable that any matter be proved or established, such matter (unless other evidence in respect thereof be herein specifically prescribed) may be deemed to be conclusively proved and established by an officer’s certificate;
provided, however,
that the Collateral Agent, or such agent, representative, expert or counsel, may require such further and additional evidence and make such further investigation as it or they may consider reasonable; and
(d) the Collateral Agent may consult with counsel (which counsel shall be independent of the Companies, any Affiliate thereof and the Secured Creditors) and the advice or opinion of such counsel shall be full and complete authorization and protection in respect of any action taken or suffered hereunder in good faith and in accordance with such advice or opinion of counsel; and
(e) the Collateral Agent shall not be liable with respect to any action taken or omitted to be taken by it in good faith in accordance with any direction or request of the Administrative Agent, the Lenders or the requisite portion thereof as expressly provided herein; and
(f) the Collateral Agent shall not be liable for any error of judgment made in good faith by an officer of the Collateral Agent; and
(g) the Collateral Agent shall not be deemed to have knowledge of any Default or Event of Default unless and until an officer of the Corporate Trust Department of the Collateral Agent who customarily handles corporate trusts or such other Person employed by the Collateral Agent who has primary responsibility for the transactions contemplated hereby shall have actual knowledge thereof or the Collateral Agent shall have received written advice thereof from the Administrative Agent or any Lender; and
(h) whether or not an Event of Default shall have occurred, the Collateral Agent shall not be under any obligation to take or refrain from taking any action under this Agreement which may tend to involve it in any expense or liability, the payment of which within a reasonable time is not, in its reasonable opinion, assured to it by the security afforded to it by the terms of this Agreement, unless and until it is requested in writing so to do by one or more Secured Creditors outstanding hereunder and furnished, from time to time as it may require, with reasonable security and indemnity.
Section 8.3. No Responsibility of Collateral Agent for Recitals
. The recitals and statements contained herein and in the Loan Documents shall be taken as the recitals and statements of the Companies, and the Collateral Agent assumes no responsibility for the correctness of the same, nor shall the Collateral Agent have any responsibility for or any liability with respect to any disclosure, warranty, representation or concealment or failure to disclose in connection with the offering, solicitation, sale or distribution of the Secured Indebtedness by the Companies or by any other Person.
The Collateral Agent makes no representation as to the validity or sufficiency of this Agreement, the security hereby or thereby afforded, the title of the Companies to or the existence of the Collateral or the descriptions thereof, or the filing or recording or registering of this Agreement or any other document.
The Collateral Agent shall not be concerned with or accountable to any Person for the use or application of any deposited moneys which shall be released or withdrawn in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement or of any property or Securities or the proceeds thereof which shall be released from the lien and security interest hereof in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement.
Section 8.4. Certain Limitations on Collateral Agent’s Rights to Compensation and Indemnification
. Except to the extent otherwise expressly provided herein and in the Credit Agreement, the Collateral Agent shall have no right against any Secured Creditor for the payment of compensation for its services hereunder or any expenses or disbursements incurred in connection with the exercise and performance of its powers and duties hereunder or any indemnification against liabilities which it may incur in the exercise and performance of such powers and duties but on the contrary, shall look solely to the Companies for such payment and indemnification which each Company hereby agrees to make, and the Collateral Agent shall have no lien on or security interest in the Collateral as security for such compensation, expenses, disbursements and indemnification except to the extent provided for in Section 9.5 of the Credit Agreement.
Section 8.5. Status of Moneys Received
. (a) All moneys received by the Collateral Agent shall, together with any interest thereon, until used or applied as herein provided, be held in trust for the purposes for which they were received, but (except as herein otherwise provided with respect to the funds referred to in paragraph (b) of this Section) need not be segregated in any manner from any other moneys, except to the extent required by law, and may be deposited by the Collateral Agent under such general conditions as may be prescribed by law in the Collateral Agent’s general banking department, and the Collateral Agent shall be under no liability for interest (other than any interest accrued pursuant to clause (b) of this Section 8.5) on any moneys received by it hereunder.
(b) At the Companies’ request, so long as no Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, the Collateral Agent shall invest and reinvest any funds from time to time held by the Collateral Agent in direct obligations of the United States of America or obligations for which the full faith and credit of the United States is pledged to provide for the payment of principal and interest, maturing not more than ninety (90) days from the date of such investment.
Section 8.6. Resignation of Collateral Agent
. The Collateral Agent may resign without cause and be discharged from the trusts created hereby by delivering notice thereof, by registered or certified mail postage prepaid to each Company and the Administrative Agent. Such resignation shall take effect immediately upon the appointment of a successor Collateral Agent as provided in Sections 8.8 and 8.9.
Section 8.7. Removal of Collateral Agent
. The Collateral Agent may be removed at any time, for or without cause, by an instrument or instruments in writing executed by the Administrative Agent and delivered to the Collateral Agent with a copy to each Company, specifying the removal and the date when it shall take effect;
provided, however,
that no such removal shall be effective hereunder unless and until a successor Collateral Agent shall have been appointed and shall have accepted such appointment as provided in Sections 8.8 and 8.9.
Section 8.8. Appointment of Successor Collateral Agent
. In case at any time the Collateral Agent shall resign or be removed or become incapable of acting, a successor Collateral Agent may be appointed by the Administrative Agent (acting at the request or with the consent of the Required Lenders), by an instrument or instruments in writing executed by the Administrative Agent and filed with such successor Collateral Agent and each Company.
Until a successor Collateral Agent shall be so appointed by the Administrative Agent, the Companies shall appoint a successor Collateral Agent to fill such vacancy, by an instrument in writing executed by the Companies and delivered to the successor Collateral Agent. If all or substantially all of the Collateral shall be in the possession of one or more receivers, trustees, liquidators or assignees for the benefit of creditors, then such receivers, trustees, custodians, liquidators or assignees may, by an instrument in writing delivered to the successor Collateral Agent, appoint a successor Collateral Agent. Promptly after any such appointment, the Companies, or any such receivers, trustees, custodians, liquidators or assignees, as the case may be, shall give notice thereof by first class mail postage prepaid to the Administrative Agent.
Any successor Collateral Agent so appointed by the Companies, or such receivers, trustees, custodians, liquidators or assignees, shall immediately and without further act be superseded by a successor Collateral Agent appointed by the Administrative Agent.
If a successor Collateral Agent shall not be appointed pursuant to this Section within thirty (30) days after notice of the resignation or removal of the retiring Collateral Agent, the Administrative Agent or such retiring Collateral Agent (unless the retiring Collateral Agent is being removed) may apply to any court of competent jurisdiction to
appoint a successor Collateral Agent, and such court may thereupon, after such notice, if any, as it may consider proper, appoint a successor Collateral Agent.
Section 8.9. Succession of Successor Collateral Agent
. Any successor Collateral Agent appointed hereunder shall execute, acknowledge and deliver to each Company, the Administrative Agent, and the predecessor Collateral Agent an instrument accepting such appointment, and thereupon such successor Collateral Agent, without any further act, deed, conveyance or transfer, shall become vested with the title to the Collateral, and with all the rights, powers, trusts, duties and obligations of the predecessor Collateral Agent in the trust hereunder, with like effect as if originally named as Collateral Agent herein.
Upon the request of any such successor Collateral Agent, however, each Company and the predecessor Collateral Agent shall execute and deliver such instruments of conveyance and further assurance and do such other things as may reasonably be required for more fully and certainly vesting and confirming in such successor Collateral Agent its interest in the Collateral and all such rights, powers, trusts, duties and obligations of the predecessor Collateral Agent hereunder, and the predecessor Collateral Agent shall also assign and deliver to the successor Collateral Agent any property subject to the lien and security interest of this Agreement which may then be in its possession.
Section 8.10. Eligibility of Collateral Agent
. The Collateral Agent shall be a state or national bank or trust company in good standing, organized under the laws of the United States of America or of any state thereof, having a capital, surplus and undivided profits aggregating at least $500,000,000 and whose certificates of deposit are accorded a rating of A or better by S&P and Moody’s or, if S&P and Moody’s are no longer rating such banks, then by any other nationally recognized credit rating agency of similar standing or a guaranty of its obligations hereunder from such a bank or trust company or holding company in good standing, organized under the laws of the United States of America or of any State thereof, having a capital, surplus and undivided profits aggregating at least $500,000,000 and whose certificates of deposit are accorded a rating of A or better by S&P and Moody’s or, if S&P and Moody’s are no longer rating such banks, then by any other nationally recognized credit rating agency of similar standing, if there be such a bank or trust company willing and able to accept such trust upon reasonable and customary terms.
In case the Collateral Agent shall cease to be eligible in accordance with the provisions of this Section, the Collateral Agent shall resign immediately in the manner and with the effect specified in Section 8.6.
Section 8.11. Successor Collateral Agent by Merger
. Any corporation into which the Collateral Agent may be merged or with which it may be consolidated, or any corporation resulting from any merger or consolidation to which the Collateral Agent shall be a party, or any state or national bank or trust company in any manner succeeding to the corporate trust business of the Collateral Agent as a whole or substantially as a whole, if eligible as provided in Section 8.10, shall be the successor of the Collateral Agent hereunder without the execution or filing of any paper or any further act on the part of any of the parties hereto, anything to the contrary contained herein notwithstanding.
Section 8.12. Co‑Trustees
‑. At any time, for the purpose of meeting any legal requirements of any jurisdiction in which any part of the Collateral may at the time be located, the Companies and the Collateral Agent jointly shall have power and shall execute and deliver all instruments, to appoint one or more persons approved by the Collateral Agent, to act as co‑trustee, or co‑trustees, jointly with the Collateral Agent, or separate trustee or separate trustees, of all or any part of the Collateral, and to vest in such person or persons in such capacity, such interest in the Collateral or any part thereof, and such rights, powers, duties, trusts or obligations as the Companies and the Collateral Agent may consider necessary or desirable. If the Companies shall not have joined in such appointment within fifteen
(15) days after the receipt by it of a request so to do, or in case an Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, the Collateral Agent alone shall have power to make such appointment if the Collateral Agent reasonably believes such appointment is necessary or desirable to carry out the transactions contemplated hereby.
Section 8.13. Compensation and Reimbursement
. Each Company agrees:
(a) to pay to the Collateral Agent all of its out‑of‑pocket expenses in connection with the preparation, execution and delivery of this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby, including but not limited to the reasonable charges and disbursements of its special counsel;
(b) to pay to the Collateral Agent from time to time reasonable compensation for all services rendered by it hereunder;
(c) except as otherwise expressly provided herein, to reimburse the Collateral Agent upon its request for all reasonable expenses, disbursements and advances incurred or made by the Collateral Agent in accordance with any provision of this Agreement (including the reasonable compensation and the expenses and disbursements of its agents and counsel), except any such expense, disbursement or advance as may be attributable to its gross negligence or willful misconduct; and
(d) to indemnify the Collateral Agent for, and to hold it harmless against, any loss, liability or expense incurred without gross negligence or willful misconduct on its part, arising out of or in connection with the acceptance or administration of the Agreement, including, but not limited to, the costs and expenses of defending itself against any claim or liability in connection with the exercise or performance of any of its powers or duties hereunder, and any loss, liability, expense or claim arising out of its possession, management, control, use or operation of the Collateral.
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SECTION 9.
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SUPPLEMENTS; WAIVERS .
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Section 9.1. Supplemental Security Agreements Without Secured Creditor Consent
. The Companies and the Collateral Agent from time to time and at any time, subject to the restrictions in this Agreement contained, may enter into an agreement or agreements supplemental hereto, which thereafter shall form a part hereof, for any one or more or all of the following purposes:
(a) to add to the covenants and agreements to be observed by, and to surrender any right or power reserved to or conferred upon the Companies;
(b) to subject to the lien and security interest of this Agreement additional property hereafter acquired by any Company and intended to be subjected to the lien and security interest of this Agreement and to correct and amplify the description of any property subject to the lien and security interest of this Agreement;
(c) to permit the qualification of this Agreement under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended, or any similar Federal statute hereafter in effect, except that nothing herein contained shall permit or authorize the inclusion of the provisions referred to in Section 316(a)(2) of said Trust Indenture Act of 1939 or any corresponding provision in any similar Federal statute hereafter in effect; and
(d) to enter into a Security Agreement Supplement in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A;
and each Company covenants to perform all requirements of any such supplemental agreement. No restriction or obligation imposed upon any Company may, except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, be waived or modified by any such supplemental agreement.
Section 9.2. Waivers and Consents by Secured Creditors; Supplemental Security Agreements with Secured Creditors’ Consent
. Upon the waiver or consent of the Administrative Agent (acting at the direction or with the consent of the Required Lenders under the Credit Agreement), the Company and the Collateral Agent may enter into an agreement or agreements supplemental hereto for the purpose of waiving, adding, changing or eliminating any provisions of this Agreement or of any agreement supplemental hereto or modifying in any manner the rights and obligations of the Secured Creditors and the Company.
Section 9.3. Notice of Supplements
. Promptly after the execution by the Companies and the Collateral Agent of any supplemental agreement pursuant to the provisions of Section 9.1 or Section 9.2, the Companies shall deliver a conformed copy thereof, mailed first‑class postage prepaid, to the Administrative Agent at its address set forth in the Credit Agreement. Any failure of the Companies to give such notice, or any defect therein, shall not, however, in any way impair or affect the validity of any such supplemental agreement.
Section 9.4. Opinion of Counsel Conclusive as to Supplements
. The Collateral Agent is hereby authorized to join with the Companies in the execution of any such supplemental indenture or agreement authorized or permitted by the terms of this Agreement and to make the further agreements and stipulations which may be therein contained, and the Collateral Agent may receive an opinion of independent counsel selected by the Collateral Agent as conclusive evidence that any supplemental agreement executed pursuant to the provisions of this Section 9 complies with the requirements of this Section 9.
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SECTION 10.
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MISCELLANEOUS .
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Section 10.1. Successors and Assigns
. Whenever any of the parties hereto is referred to such reference shall be deemed to include the successors and assigns of such party; and all the covenants, promises and agreements in this Agreement contained by or on behalf of each Company or by or on behalf of the Collateral Agent shall bind and inure to the benefit of the respective successors and assigns of such parties whether so expressed or not.
Section 10.2. Severability
. Any provision of this Agreement which is prohibited or unenforceable in any jurisdiction shall, as to such jurisdiction, be ineffective to the extent of such prohibition or unenforceability without invalidating the remaining provisions hereof, and any such prohibition or unenforceability in any jurisdiction shall not invalidate or render unenforceable such provision in any other jurisdiction.
Section 10.3. Communications
. All communications provided for herein shall be in writing. Communications to the Companies or the Collateral Agent shall be deemed to have been given (unless otherwise required by the specific provisions hereof in respect of any matter) when addressed and delivered in person, or five days after being deposited in the U.S. mail, postage prepaid, by registered or certified mail, by courier, or by overnight express mail, as follows:
If to the Companies:
c/o World Acceptance Corporation
108 Frederick Street
Greenville, South Carolina 29607‑2532
Attention:
If to the Collateral Agent:
Wells Fargo Bank, National Association
123 South Broad Street, 5
th
floor
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19109
Attention:
or to such Company or the Collateral Agent at such other address as such Company or the Collateral Agent may designate by notice duly given in accordance with this Section to the other. Communications to any Secured Creditor shall be deemed to have been given (unless otherwise provided for by the specific provisions hereof in respect of any matter) when delivered personally or five (5) days after being deposited in the U.S. mail, postage prepaid by registered or certified mail or by courier or by overnight express mail, addressed to such Secured Creditor at its address set forth in Credit Agreement.
Section 10.4. Release
. The Collateral Agent shall release fully or partially, as the case may be, the Lien granted by this Agreement under and only under the following circumstances:
(a) Upon the written request of the Companies and presentation of satisfactory evidence that all Secured Indebtedness has been irrevocably fully paid or discharged and all obligations of the Secured Creditors to extend Secured Indebtedness to World have terminated or otherwise expired, the Collateral Agent shall release the Lien and security interest of this Agreement by proper instrument or instruments;
(b) So long as no Default or Event of Default then exists, upon the sale or other disposition of any assets of World and its Restricted Subsidiaries which the Chief Financial Officer of World certifies to the Collateral Agent, the Administrative Agent and the Lenders in writing does not constitute a “substantial part” of the assets of World and its Restricted Subsidiaries (as defined in the Credit Agreement), the Collateral Agent shall, upon the written direction of World and without the consent of the Secured Creditors (unless the Collateral Agent has been notified in writing by a the Administrative Agent or any Lender prior to such release that such Lender in good faith believes that the conditions set forth above have not been satisfied, in which case no such release shall be issued), release the Lien of this Agreement on such assets by proper instrument or instruments. If any such sale or other disposition of assets constituting less than a “substantial part” of the assets of World and its Restricted Subsidiaries pursuant to this Section 10.4(b) results in the sale or other disposition of the capital stock or other equity interest in a Restricted Subsidiary, the Subsidiary Guaranty Agreement with respect to, and only with respect to, such Restricted Subsidiary shall automatically be released and the Collateral Agent, the Administrative Agent and the Lenders agree to execute and deliver such further instruments and do such further acts as World may deem necessary or proper to carry out more effectively the foregoing;
(c) Upon the sale or other disposition by World of a “substantial part” of the assets of World and its Restricted Subsidiaries after the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default, the Collateral Agent shall, upon the written direction of the Companies and the written consent of the
Administrative Agent, release the Lien of this Agreement on such assets by proper instrument or instruments,
provided,
that, (i) such sale or other disposition is not to an Affiliate, (ii) the sale price for such assets is determined by World in good faith to be reasonable, as evidenced by a resolution of the board of directors of World, (iii) the proceeds of any such sale or other disposition are applied to the satisfaction of Secured Indebtedness and, if such application results in the prepayment of any obligations under the Credit Agreement, such application permanently reduces the amount of the commitment under the Credit Agreement (unless the Administrative Agent agrees otherwise), (iv) the Administrative Agent and the Lenders shall have received written notice of such sale or other disposition at least ten (10) days prior to the date of such sale or other disposition and (v) the Collateral Agent, the Administrative Agent and the Lenders receive a certificate of the Chief Financial Officer of World certifying to each of the foregoing. If any such sale or other disposition of assets of World and its Restricted Subsidiaries pursuant to this Section 10.4(c) results in the sale or other disposition of the capital stock or other equity interest in a Restricted Subsidiary, the Subsidiary Guaranty Agreement with respect to, and only with respect to, such Restricted Subsidiary shall automatically be released and the Collateral Agent, the Administrative Agent and the Lenders agree to execute and deliver such further instruments and do such further acts as World may deem necessary or proper to carry out more effectively the foregoing;
(d) Upon the sale or other disposition of the Collateral or any part thereof pursuant to and in accordance with Section 7.2, the Collateral Agent shall release the Lien of this Agreement on the Collateral or such part, as the case may be, by proper instrument or instruments; and
(e) With the prior written consent of the Administrative Agent and each Lender, the Collateral Agent shall release the Lien of this Agreement or on any assets covered by this Agreement by proper instrument or instruments.
Section 10.5. Counterparts
. This Agreement may be executed, acknowledged and delivered in any number of counterparts, each of such counterparts constituting an original but all together only one Agreement.
Section 10.6. Governing Law
. This Agreement shall be construed in accordance with and governed by the laws of the State New York.
Section 10.7. Headings
. Any headings or captions preceding the text of the several sections hereof are intended solely for convenience of reference and shall not constitute a part of this Agreement nor shall they affect its meaning, construction or effect.
Section 10.8. Prior Liens
. Upon the execution and delivery of this Agreement by the Companies and the Collateral Agent, this Agreement shall supersede all provisions of the Original Subsidiary Security Agreements and Additional Subsidiary Security Agreements as of the date of such execution and delivery. The Companies hereby agree that, notwithstanding the execution and delivery of this Agreement, the liens and security interests created and provided for under the Original Subsidiary Security Agreements and Additional Subsidiary Security Agreements continue in effect under and pursuant to the terms of this Agreement for the benefit of all of the Secured Indebtedness. Nothing herein shall in any manner affect or impair the priority of the liens and security interests created and provided for by the Original Subsidiary Security Agreements and Additional Subsidiary Security Agreements as to the indebtedness and obligations which would otherwise be secured thereby prior to giving effect to this Agreement.
Section 10.9. Amendment and Restatement
. Upon the execution and delivery of this Agreement by the Companies and the Collateral Agent, this Agreement shall supersede all provisions of that certain Amended and Restated Security Agreement, Pledge and Indenture of Trust dated as of September 17, 2010, as amended (the
“Prior Security Agreement”
), as of such date. The Companies hereby agree that, notwithstanding the execution and delivery of this Agreement, the liens and security interests created and provided for under the Prior Security Agreement continue in effect under and pursuant to the terms of this Agreement for the benefit of all of the Secured Indebtedness as defined herein. Nothing herein contained shall in any manner affect or impair the priority of the liens and security interests created and provided for by the Prior Security Agreement as to the indebtedness and obligations which would otherwise be secured thereby prior to giving effect to this Agreement.
[SIGNATURE PAGE FOLLOWS]
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each Company and the Collateral Agent have caused this Amended and Restated Security Agreement, Pledge and Indenture of Trust to be duly executed as of the date and year first above written.
WORLD ACCEPTANCE CORPORATION OF ALABAMA
WORLD ACCEPTANCE CORPORATION OF MISSOURI
WORLD FINANCE CORPORATION OF GEORGIA
WORLD FINANCE CORPORATION OF LOUISIANA
WORLD ACCEPTANCE CORPORATION OF OKLAHOMA, INC.
WORLD FINANCE COMPANY OF SOUTH CAROLINA, LLC
WORLD FINANCE CORPORATION OF TENNESSEE
WFC OF SOUTH CAROLINA, INC.
WORLD FINANCE CORPORATION OF ILLINOIS
WORLD FINANCE CORPORATION OF NEW MEXICO
WORLD FINANCE COMPANY OF KENTUCKY, LLC
WORLD FINANCE CORPORATION OF COLORADO
WORLD FINANCE CORPORATION OF WISCONSIN
WFC SERVICES, INC.
WORLD FINANCE CORPORATION OF TEXAS
WORLD FINANCE COMPANY OF INDIANA, LLC
WORLD FINANCE COMPANY OF MISSISSIPPI, LLC
WORLD FINANCE COMPANY OF IDAHO, LLC
WORLD FINANCE COMPANY OF UTAH, LLC
By:
Name: _____________________________
Its: _____________________________
[SIGNATURES CONTINUED ON FOLLOWING PAGES]
WFC LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
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By
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WFC of South Carolina, Inc.,
as sole general partner
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By:
Name: _____________________________
Its: _____________________________
[SIGNATURES CONTINUED ON FOLLOWING PAGES]
[Signature Page to A&R Security Agreement]
116549.01049/119714846v.4
WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION,
AS COLLATERAL AGENT
By:
Name:
Title:
[Signature Page to A&R Security Agreement]
116549.01049/119714846v.4
SCHEDULE I
PLEDGED SECURITIES
SCHEDULE II
PARTNERSHIP INTERESTS
SCHEDULE III
LOCATION OF OFFICES
SCHEDULE IV
LIST OF NAMES UNDER WHICH EACH COMPANY DOES BUSINESS
SCHEDULE V
CONCENTRATION ACCOUNTS
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Account Number
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Depository Institution
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EXHIBIT A
SECURITY AGREEMENT SUPPLEMENT
THIS SECURITY AGREEMENT SUPPLEMENT (this
“Supplement”
), dated __________, 20__, between _______________________ (the
“Company”
), and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Collateral Agent (the “
Collateral Agent
”) under the Amended and Restated Security Agreement, Pledge and Indenture of Trust dated as of June 7, 2019 among World Acceptance Corporation of Alabama, an Alabama corporation, World Acceptance Corporation of Missouri, a Missouri corporation, World Finance Corporation of Georgia, a Georgia corporation, World Finance Corporation of Louisiana, a Louisiana corporation, World Acceptance Corporation of Oklahoma, Inc., an Oklahoma corporation, World Finance Company of South Carolina, LLC, a South Carolina limited liability company, World Finance Corporation of Tennessee, a Tennessee corporation, World Finance Corporation of Texas, a Texas corporation, WFC Limited Partnership, a Texas limited partnership, WFC of South Carolina, Inc., a South Carolina corporation, World Finance Corporation of Illinois, an Illinois corporation, World Finance Corporation of New Mexico, a New Mexico corporation, World Finance Company of Kentucky, LLC, a Kentucky limited liability company, World Finance Corporation of Colorado, a Colorado corporation, World Finance Corporation of Wisconsin, a Wisconsin corporation, WFC Services, Inc., a South Carolina corporation, World Finance Company of Indiana, LLC, an Indiana limited liability company, World Finance Company of Mississippi, LLC, a Mississippi limited liability company, World Finance Company of Idaho, LLC, an Idaho limited liability company, World Finance Company of Utah, LLC, a Utah limited liability company, each other Restricted Subsidiary which has previously executed a Security Agreement Supplement, and the Collateral Agent (as amended, restated, modified or supplemented from time to time, the
“Security
Agreement
”). All capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings forth in the Security Agreement.
WITNESSETH:
WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 3.9 of the World Security Agreement, the Security Agreement provides for the execution and delivery from time to time of Security Agreement Supplements substantially in the form hereof each of which shall particularly describe the Collateral subject to the security interest of the Security Agreement;
NOW, THEREFORE, TO SECURE the payment of all Secured Indebtedness and the performance and observance of all the covenants and conditions contained in this Agreement, the World Security Agreement, the Credit Agreement, the Subsidiary Guaranty Agreements and the other Loan Documents entered into from time to time in connection therewith and any agreements entered into in connection with any Hedging Liability, in each case, subject to the terms thereof and of Section 7.5 of the Security Agreement, the Company does hereby mortgage, grant, convey, warrant, assign, pledge and hypothecate unto the Collateral Agent, its successors in trust and assigns, forever, and grants to the Collateral Agent, its successors in trust and assigns, forever, a continuing security interest in, all and singular the
following described properties, rights, interests and privileges, together with the proceeds thereof, now or hereafter owned by the Company:
(a) All building materials, building equipment, machinery, apparatus, furniture and equipment and other personal property (other than motor vehicles and accessions to motor vehicles) of every kind and nature whatsoever located, including without limitation: all air conditioning, ventilating, plumbing, heating, lighting and electrical systems and apparatus; all communications equipment and intercom systems and apparatus; all typewriters, computers and other office machines and equipment, furniture, furnishings; all sprinkler equipment and apparatus, all elevators and escalators; and all machinery, equipment, engines, boilers, tools, furniture, carpeting, tables and chairs, together with all accessories, parts and appurtenances appertaining or attached thereto, whether now owned or hereafter acquired, and all substitutions, renewals, or replacements of and additions, improvements, accessions and accumulations to any and all thereof, together with all the rents, income, revenues, issues, proceeds, profits and avails arising therefrom or in connection therewith and excluding, in all cases, any of the foregoing items of property which are deemed fixtures;
(b) All Receivables, whether now existing or hereafter arising, and however evidenced or acquired, or in which the Company now has or hereafter acquires any rights and all rights of the Company to any Underlying Collateral granted by an Account Debtor in connection with any Receivable owing by it to the Company;
(c) All Pledged Collateral, if any, including the Pledged Shares, if any, described on Schedule I hereto;
(d) All General intangibles of the Company, including, without limitation, tax refunds, rights with respect to trademarks, service marks, trade names, patents, copyrights, trade‑secrets information and rights to prevent others from doing acts that constitute unfair competition with or misappropriation of property of the Company including, without limitation, any sums (net of expenses) that the Company may receive arising out of any claim for infringement of its rights in any patent, copyright, trademark, trade name, trade secret or other proprietary right and all rights of the Company under contracts to enjoy performance by others or to be entitled to enjoy rights granted by others, including, without limitation, any licenses (to the extent permitted by law);
(e) All Investment Property, whether now owned or existing or hereafter created, acquired or arising, or in which the Company now has or hereafter acquires any rights (the term
“Investment Property”
means and includes all investment property and any other securities (whether certificated or uncertificated), security entitlements, securities accounts, commodity contracts and commodity accounts, including all substitutions and additions thereto, all dividends, distributions and sums distributable or payable from, upon, or in respect of such property, and all rights privileges incident to such property, but excludes the Pledged Collateral);
(f) All supporting evidence and documents relating to any of the above‑described property, including without limitation, written applications, credit information, account cards, payment records, correspondence, delivery and installation certificates, invoice copies, delivery receipts, notes and other evidences of indebtedness, insurance certificates and the like, together with all books of account, data processing records, computer software and licenses to use the same, ledgers and cabinets in which the same are reflected or maintained, all whether now existing or hereafter arising;
(g) (i) All right, title and interest of the Company, whether now owned or hereafter acquired, in all partnerships or limited liability companies, including, without limitation, those set forth on Schedule II hereto (collectively, the
“Partnerships”
), (ii) any and all payments or distributions of whatever kind or character and whether in cash or other property, at any time made, owing or payable to the Company in respect of or on account of its present or hereafter acquired interest in the Partnerships, whether due or to become due and whether representing profits, distributions pursuant to complete or partial liquidation or dissolution, repayment of capital contributions or otherwise, and the right to receive, receipt for, use and enjoy all such payments and distributions, and all proceeds thereof, in every case whether now arising or hereafter acquired or arising, and (iii) all proceeds of any of the foregoing;
(h) All property and rights, if any, which are by the express provisions of this Agreement required to be subjected to the lien hereof and any additional property and rights that may from time to time hereafter, by writing of any kind, be subjected to the lien hereof by the Company or by anyone acting at the direction or as an agent of the Company;
(i) All Deposit Accounts, as such term is defined in the Uniform Commercial Code, of such Company; and
(j) All proceeds and products of the foregoing and all insurance of the foregoing and proceeds thereof, whether now existing or hereafter arising;
provided
that, in the case of a lien and security interest on the voting stock or other similar voting equity interests of a corporation, limited liability company, partnership or other entity which is a “controlled foreign corporation” as defined under Section 957 of the Internal Revenue Code (herein, a “
Foreign Company
”), if granting a security interest of more than 65% of the total combined voting stock or other voting equity interests of any such Foreign Company would cause adverse tax consequences to such Company, then such lien and security interest on the voting stock or other voting equity interests shall be limited to 65% of the total combined voting stock or other voting equity interests of such Foreign Company.
TO HAVE AND TO HOLD the Collateral, WITH POWER OF SALE and right of entry and possession, unto the Collateral Agent, its successors and assigns, forever; IN TRUST NEVERTHELESS, upon the terms and trust herein set forth, for the equal and proportionate benefit, security and protection of all present and future Secured Creditors;
provided always, however,
that these presents are upon the express condition that if the Companies shall irrevocably pay or cause to be irrevocably paid all the Secured Indebtedness and all obligations to extend Secured Indebtedness have expired or otherwise terminated, then these presents and the estate hereby granted and conveyed shall cease and the Secured Agreement shall become null and void; otherwise the Security Agreement shall remain in full force and effect.
The Company hereby binds itself, its successors and assigns, to warrant and forever defend to the Collateral Agent and its successors and assigns the security interest hereby created and granted.
The Company hereby agrees that it is a “Company” for all purposes of the Security Agreement and hereby (A) agrees to be bound by all of the terms of and perform all of the covenants contained in the Security Agreement and (B) makes all of the representations and warranties contained in the Security Agreement.
The Company hereby represents that the Collateral (other than the Underlying Collateral and the Pledged Collateral) relating to the Company and the books and records relating thereto are in the Company’s possession at the offices and facilities owned or leased by the Company or World set forth on Schedule III hereto.
This Supplement shall be construed as supplemental to the Security Agreement and shall form a part of it and the Security Agreement is hereby incorporated by reference herein and is hereby ratified, approved and confirmed.
This Supplement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.
This Supplement shall in all respects be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of South Carolina, including all matters of construction, validity and performance.
[SIGNATURE PAGE FOLLOWS]
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company and the Collateral Agent have caused this Supplement to be executed, as of the day and year first above written.
[INSERT NAME OF COMPANY]
By:
Name:
Its:
WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, as Collateral Agent
By:
Name:
Its:
SCHEDULE I TO
SECURITY AGREEMENT SUPPLEMENT
DESCRIPTION OF PLEDGED COLLATERAL
SCHEDULE II TO
SECURITY AGREEMENT SUPPLEMENT
PARTNERSHIP INTERESTS
SCHEDULE III TO
SECURITY AGREEMENT SUPPLEMENT
LOCATIONS OF OFFICES AND FACILITIES
SCHEDULE IV TO
SECURITY AGREEMENT SUPPLEMENT
LIST OF NAMES UNDER WHICH COMPANY DOES BUSINESS
SCHEDULE V TO
SECURITY AGREEMENT SUPPLEMENT
CONCENTRATION ACCOUNTS
AMENDED AND RESTATED
GUARANTY AGREEMENT
Dated as of June 7, 2019
of
WORLD ACCEPTANCE CORPORATION OF ALABAMA
WORLD ACCEPTANCE CORPORATION OF MISSOURI
WORLD FINANCE CORPORATION OF GEORGIA
WORLD FINANCE CORPORATION OF LOUISIANA
WORLD ACCEPTANCE CORPORATION OF OKLAHOMA, INC.
WORLD FINANCE COMPANY OF SOUTH CAROLINA, LLC
WORLD FINANCE CORPORATION OF TENNESSEE
WORLD FINANCE CORPORATION OF TEXAS
WFC LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
WFC OF SOUTH CAROLINA, INC.
WORLD FINANCE CORPORATION OF ILLINOIS
WORLD FINANCE CORPORATION OF NEW MEXICO
WORLD FINANCE COMPANY OF KENTUCKY, LLC
WORLD FINANCE CORPORATION OF COLORADO
WORLD FINANCE CORPORATION OF WISCONSIN
WFC SERVICES, INC.
WORLD FINANCE COMPANY OF INDIANA, LLC
WORLD FINANCE COMPANY OF MISSISSIPPI, LLC
WORLD FINANCE COMPANY OF IDAHO, LLC
AND
WORLD FINANCE COMPANY OF UTAH, LLC
in favor of
WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS COLLATERAL AGENT
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SECTION HEADING PAGE
SECTION 1. GUARANTEE .........................................................................................….......3
SECTION 2. PAYMENT UPON CERTAIN EVENTS .....................................................….......3
SECTION 3. WAIVERS; OBLIGATION UNCONDITIONAL .........................................….......4
SECTION 4. COLLECTION EXPENSES ....................................................................….........6
SECTION 5. NO SUBROGATION UNTIL PAYMENT IN FULL;
CONTINUATION OF GUARANTY ..................................................……………......….........6
SECTION 6. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES ..............................................…........7
SECTION 7. EXISTENCE ............................................................................................…......7
SECTION 8. LIMITATION ON CONSOLIDATION, MERGER, SALE, LEASE
OR OTHER DISPOSITION BY GUARANTORS .................................………………...............7
SECTION 9. JURISDICTION AND SERVICE IN RESPECT OF GUARANTORS ..................…...8
SECTION 10. SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS .........................................................................8
SECTION 11. NOTICES .......................................................................................................8
SECTION 12. LIMITATION ON MAXIMUM LIABILITY .......................................................8
SECTION 13. GOVERNING LAW ........................................................................................8
SECTION 14. GUARANTY SUPPLEMENTS. .........................................................................9
SECTION 15. MISCELLANEOUS .........................................................................................9
SECTION 16. REPLACEMENT GUARANTY .........................................................................9
SIGNATURE .........................................................….......................……..........................10
ATTACHMENTS TO AMENDED AND RESTATED GUARANTY AGREEMENT:
EXHIBIT A — Form of Guaranty Supplement
AMENDED AND RESTATED GUARANTY AGREEMENT
THIS AMENDED AND RESTATED GUARANTY AGREEMENT (this
“Guaranty”
) is dated as of June 7, 2019 among WORLD ACCEPTANCE CORPORATION OF ALABAMA, an Alabama corporation, WORLD ACCEPTANCE CORPORATION OF MISSOURI, a Missouri corporation, WORLD FINANCE CORPORATION OF GEORGIA, a Georgia corporation, WORLD FINANCE CORPORATION OF LOUISIANA, a Louisiana corporation, WORLD ACCEPTANCE CORPORATION OF OKLAHOMA, INC., an Oklahoma corporation, WORLD FINANCE COMPANY OF SOUTH CAROLINA, LLC, a South Carolina limited liability company, WORLD FINANCE CORPORATION OF TENNESSEE, a Tennessee corporation, WORLD FINANCE CORPORATION OF TEXAS, a Texas corporation, WFC LIMITED PARTNERSHIP, a Texas limited partnership, WFC OF SOUTH CAROLINA, INC., a South Carolina corporation, WORLD FINANCE CORPORATION OF ILLINOIS, an Illinois corporation, WORLD FINANCE CORPORATION OF NEW MEXICO, a New Mexico corporation, WORLD FINANCE COMPANY OF KENTUCKY, LLC, a Kentucky limited liability company, WORLD FINANCE CORPORATION OF COLORADO, a Colorado corporation, WORLD FINANCE CORPORATION OF WISCONSIN, a Wisconsin corporation, WFC SERVICES, INC., a South Carolina corporation, WORLD FINANCE COMPANY OF INDIANA, LLC, an Indiana limited liability company, WORLD FINANCE COMPANY OF MISSISSIPPI, LLC, a Mississippi limited liability company, WORLD FINANCE COMPANY OF IDAHO, LLC, an Idaho limited liability company and WORLD FINANCE COMPANY OF UTAH, LLC, a Utah limited liability company (collectively, the
“Guarantors”
and individually a
“Guarantor”
), in favor of WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION (
“Wells Fargo”
), as collateral agent hereunder for the Guaranteed Creditors hereinafter identified and defined (Wells Fargo, acting as such collateral agent and any successor or successors to Wells Fargo acting in such capacity being hereinafter referred to as the
“Collateral Agent”
), which amends and restates the Original Guaranty (as hereinafter defined).
RECITALS OF THE GUARANTORS
A. Each Guarantor is, directly or indirectly a subsidiary of World Acceptance Corporation, a South Carolina corporation (the
“Borrower”
).
B. The Borrower previously entered into that certain Amended and Restated Revolving Credit Agreement, dated as of September 12, 2010, as amended (the
“Original Credit Agreement”
), among the Borrower, the lenders party thereto (the
“Original Lenders”
), and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as administrative agent for the Original Lenders (the
“Administrative Agent”
), pursuant to which such Original Lenders agreed, subject to certain terms and conditions, to extend credit and make certain other financial accommodations available to the Borrower.
C. Indebtedness, obligations, and liabilities owed to the Original Lenders under the Original Credit Agreement are currently guaranteed by the Guarantors pursuant to, among other things, that certain Amended and Restated Guaranty Agreement, dated as of September 17, 2010 from the Guarantors in favor of Wells Fargo Bank, National Association (such Amended and Restated Guaranty, as heretofore amended and supplemented, the
“Original Guaranty”
).
D. The Borrower has requested that the Administrative Agent and certain Original Lenders amend and restate the Original Credit Agreement by entering into an Amended and Restated Revolving Credit Agreement dated as of the date hereof (such Amended and Restated Revolving Credit Agreement, as the same may be amended or modified from time to time, including further amendments and restatements thereof in its entirety, being hereinafter referred to as the
“Credit Agreement”
), pursuant to which the lenders party thereto (such lenders now or from time to time hereafter party to the Credit Agreement being hereinafter referred to collectively as the
“Lenders”
and individually
as a
“Lender”
) agree, subject to certain terms and conditions, to extend credit and make certain other financial accommodations available to the Borrower. In addition, the Borrower and the Guarantors (collectively, the
“Loan Parties”
and each individually, a
“Loan Party”
) may from time to time be liable to the Lenders and their affiliates with respect to Hedging Liability, as such term is defined in the Credit Agreement (the Collateral Agent, the Administrative Agent, and the Lenders, together with any affiliates of the Lenders to whom any Hedging Liability is owed, being hereinafter referred to collectively as the
“Guaranteed Creditors”
and individually as a
“Guaranteed Creditor”
). All capitalized terms used herein without definition shall have the same meanings herein as such terms have in the Credit Agreement.
E. As a condition to extending the credit facilities to the Borrower under the Credit Agreement or maintaining and/or entering into any hedging agreement, the Guaranteed Creditors have required, among other things, that the Guarantors execute and deliver this Guaranty and, in connection therewith, that the Original Guaranty be amended and restated in its entirety to read as set forth in this Guaranty.
F. The Borrower shall also concurrently herewith enter into that certain Amended and Restated Security Agreement, Pledge and Indenture of Trust dated as of the date hereof, as the same may from time to time be amended or restated pursuant to the terms thereof (the
“Company Security Agreement”
) with the Collateral Agent whereby the Borrower grants to the Collateral Agent,
inter alia,
for the benefit of the secured creditors party thereto, all of its right, title and interest in the Collateral (as defined therein) as security for the Secured Indebtedness as defined therein.
G. Each of the Guarantors shall also concurrently herewith into that certain Amended and Restated Security Agreement, Pledge and Indenture of Trust, dated as of the date hereof, as the same may from time to time be amended or restated pursuant to the terms thereof (the
“Subsidiary Security Agreement”
) with the Collateral Agent whereby each of the Guarantors grants to the Collateral Agent,
inter alia
, for the benefit of the secured creditors party thereto, all of its right, title and interest in the Collateral (as defined therein) as security for the obligations of the Guarantors hereunder and all other Secured Indebtedness as defined therein. The Company Security Agreement and the Subsidiary Security Agreement are collectively referred to herein as the
“Security Agreements,”
and the Credit Agreement, the Security Agreements, the other Loan Documents entered into in connection therewith (including this Guaranty), and the agreements entered into in connection with any Hedging Liability being referred to herein collectively as the
“Credit Documents”
.
I. The Guarantors and the Borrower are engaged in related and mutually dependent businesses and the Guarantors will benefit, directly or indirectly, from credit and other financial accommodations extended by the Guaranteed Creditors to the Borrower.
NOW, THEREFORE, for value received, and in consideration of advances made or to be made, or credit accommodations given or to be given, to the Borrower by the Guaranteed Creditors from time to time, the Guarantors hereby jointly and severally covenant and agree as follows:
The Guarantors hereby jointly and severally unconditionally guarantee to the Collateral Agent for the benefit of each and every Guaranteed Creditor (1) the due and punctual payment at maturity, whether at stated maturity, by acceleration, by notice of prepayment or otherwise, of the principal of and premium, if any, and interest on the Obligations (as such term is defined in the Credit Agreement) in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Credit Agreement and the other Credit Documents, (2) the prompt performance and compliance by the Borrower with each of its other
obligations under the Credit Documents to which it is a party, (3) the prompt performance and compliance by each Guarantor of each of its obligations under the Credit Documents to which it is a party, (4) the due and punctual payment of any other amounts due under the Credit Agreement and the other Credit Documents, and (5) any and all expenses and charges, legal or otherwise, suffered or incurred by the Guaranteed Creditors, and any of them individually, in collecting or enforcing any of such indebtedness, obligations, and liabilities or in realizing on or protecting or preserving any security or guarantees therefore, in each case whether now existing or hereafter arising (and whether arising before or after the filing of a petition in bankruptcy and including all interest, costs, fees, and charges after the entry of an order for relief against any Loan Party in a case under Title 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code or any similar proceeding, whether or not such interest, costs, fees and charges would be an allowed claim against such Loan Party in such proceeding), due or to become due, direct or indirect, absolute or contingent, and howsoever evidenced, held or acquired. The indebtedness, obligations and liabilities described in the immediately preceding clauses (1) through (5) are hereinafter referred to as the
“Guaranteed Indebtedness”
. Such guaranty is an absolute, unconditional, present and continuing guaranty of payment and not of collectability and is in no way conditioned or contingent upon any attempt to collect from the Borrower or from any other Guarantor or upon any other condition or contingency. If the Borrower shall fail to pay punctually any Guaranteed Indebtedness, when and as the same shall become due and payable, the Guarantors will upon demand immediately pay the same to the Guaranteed Creditors to whom such payment is payable.
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SECTION 2.
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PAYMENT UPON CERTAIN EVENTS .
|
Each Guarantor agrees that, if any of the following events occurs,
i.e.,
(a) the entry of a decree or order by a court having jurisdiction in the premises for relief in respect of such Guarantor, or adjudging such Guarantor a bankrupt or insolvent, or approving as properly filed a petition seeking reorganization, adjustment or composition of or in respect of such Guarantor under the Federal Bankruptcy Code or any other applicable Federal or state law, or appointing a custodian, receiver, liquidator, assignee, trustee, sequestrator (or other similar official) of or for such Guarantor or any substantial part of its property, or ordering the winding up or liquidation of its affairs, and the continuance of any such decree or order unstayed and in effect for a period of 60 consecutive days; or
(b) the commencement by such Guarantor of a voluntary case, or the institution by it of proceedings to be adjudicated a bankrupt or insolvent, or the consent by it to the institution of bankruptcy or insolvency proceedings against it, or the filing by it of a petition or answer or consent seeking reorganization, arrangement or relief under the Federal Bankruptcy Code or any other applicable Federal or state law, or the consent or acquiescence by it to the filing of any such petition or to the appointment of or taking possession by a custodian, receiver, liquidator, assignee, trustee, sequestrator (or other similar official) of such Guarantor or any substantial part of its property, or the making by it of an assignment for the benefit of creditors, or the admission by it in writing of its inability or its failure to pay its debts generally as they become due, or the taking of corporate action by such Guarantor in furtherance of any such action;
such Guarantor will forthwith pay to the Collateral Agent (to be applied in accordance with Section 7.5 of the Company Security Agreement), without demand or notice and whether or not there has been any other default under any Credit Document, all of the Guaranteed Indebtedness which is then existing, including, without limitation, the whole amount of the principal of the Loans then outstanding under the Credit Agreement and any unpaid interest thereon and fees owing thereunder.
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SECTION 3.
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WAIVERS; OBLIGATION UNCONDITIONAL .
|
Each Guarantor assents to all the terms, covenants and conditions of the Credit Documents, and irrevocably waives presentation, demand for payment, or protest, of any of the Guaranteed Indebtedness, any and all notice of any such presentation, demand or protest, notice of any Default or Event of Default under any Credit Document, notice of acceptance of this Guaranty or of the terms and provisions thereof by any Guaranteed Creditor or the Collateral Agent, any requirement of diligence or promptness on the part of any Guaranteed Creditor or the Collateral Agent in the enforcement of rights under the provisions hereof or any Credit Document, or any right to require any Guaranteed Creditor or the Collateral Agent to proceed first against the Borrower or any other Guarantor. The obligations of each Guarantor hereunder shall be unconditional irrespective of the genuineness, validity, regularity or enforceability of any Credit Document or of any other circumstance which might otherwise constitute a legal or equitable discharge of a surety or guarantor. The obligations of each Guarantor hereunder shall not be affected by:
(a) the recovery of any judgment against the Borrower or any other Guarantor, or by the levy of any writ or process of execution under any such judgment, or by any action or proceeding taken by the Collateral Agent or any Guaranteed Creditor, under any Credit Document for the enforcement thereof, or hereof, or in the exercise of any right or power given or conferred thereby, or hereby, or
(b) any delay, failure or omission upon the part of the Collateral Agent or any Guaranteed Creditor to enforce any of the rights or powers given or conferred hereby or by any Credit Document, or by any delay, failure or omission upon the part of the Collateral Agent or any Guaranteed Creditor to enforce any right of the Collateral Agent or any Guaranteed Creditor against the Borrower or any other Guarantor, or by any action by the Collateral Agent or any Guaranteed Creditor in granting indulgence to the Borrower or any other Guarantor, or in waiving or acquiescing in any Default or Event of Default upon the part of the Borrower or any other Guarantor under any Credit Document, or
(c) the consolidation or merger of the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries with or into any other corporation or corporations or any sale, lease or other disposition of the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries properties as an entirety or substantially as an entirety to any other corporation, or
(d) the acceptance of any additional security or other guaranty, the advance of additional money to the Borrower or any other Person, the renewal or extension of any Guaranteed Indebtedness, or the sale, release, substitution or exchange of any security for the Guaranteed Indebtedness, or
(e) any defense (other than the full and indefeasible payment and performance by the Loan Parties of their obligations under the Credit Documents) whatsoever that the Borrower, any other Guarantor or any other Person might have to the payment of any of the Guaranteed Indebtedness or to the performance or observance of any of the provisions of any Credit Document, whether through the satisfaction or purported satisfaction by the Borrower, any other Guarantor or any other Person of its debts due to any cause such as bankruptcy, insolvency, receivership, merger, consolidation, reorganization, dissolution, liquidation, winding-up or otherwise, or
(f) impossibility or illegality of performance on the part of the Borrower, any other Guarantor or any other Person of its obligations under any Credit Document or this Guaranty, or
(g) any renewal, extension, refunding, amendment or modification of or addition or supplement to or deletion from any of the terms of any Credit Document, or any other agreement which may be made relating to any such instruments which does not specifically amend or specifically modify the terms of this Guaranty, or
(h) any amendment, compromise, release or consent or other action or inaction in respect of any of the terms of any Credit Document (other than any such amendment, compromise, release or consent or other action which, by its terms, expressly modifies the terms and provisions hereof), or
(i) any bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, arrangement, adjustment, composition, liquidation, or the like of the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries, or
(j) absence of any notice to, or knowledge by, such Guarantor of the existence or occurrence of any of the matters or events set forth in the foregoing subdivisions (a) through (i), or
(k) any other act or delay or failure to act, or by any other thing, which may or might in any manner or to any extent vary the risk of such Guarantor hereunder;
it being the purpose and intent of the parties hereto that the obligations of each Guarantor hereunder shall be absolute and unconditional under any and all circumstances, and shall not be discharged except by payment and performance as herein provided, and then only to the extent of such payment or performance.
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SECTION 4.
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COLLECTION EXPENSES .
|
In the event that any Guarantor shall be required to make any payment to the Collateral Agent or any Guaranteed Creditor pursuant to this Guaranty, each such Guarantor, jointly and severally, agrees that it shall, in addition to such payment, pay to the Collateral Agent or such Guaranteed Creditor, as the case may be, such further amount as shall be sufficient to cover the costs and expenses of collection, including a reasonable compensation to attorneys, and any expenses or liabilities incurred by the Collateral Agent or any Guaranteed Creditor hereunder. The covenants contained in this Guaranty may be enforced by the Collateral Agent for the benefit of the Guaranteed Creditors.
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SECTION 5.
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NO SUBROGATION UNTIL PAYMENT IN FULL; CONTINUATION OF GUARANTY .
|
No payment by any Guarantor pursuant to the provisions hereof to the Collateral Agent or any Guaranteed Creditor shall entitle such Guarantor, by subrogation to the rights of the Collateral Agent or the Guaranteed Creditors in respect of which such payment is made or otherwise, to any payment by the Borrower or any other Guarantor or out of the property of the Borrower or any other Guarantor, except after irrevocable payment in full of the entire principal of and premium, if any, and interest on the Guaranteed Indebtedness, or provision for such payment satisfactory to the Guaranteed Creditors.
The obligations of each Guarantor shall continue to be effective, or be reinstated, as the case may be, if at any time any payment of any Guaranteed Indebtedness is rescinded or must otherwise be restored or returned by the Collateral Agent or any Guaranteed Creditor upon the bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, arrangement, adjustment, composition, liquidation or the like of the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries, or upon or as a result of the appointment
of a receiver, intervenor or conservator of, or trustee or similar officer for, the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries or any substantial part of the property thereof, or otherwise, all as though such payments had not been made.
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SECTION 6.
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REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES .
|
Each Guarantor represents and warrants:
(a) Such Guarantor and the Borrower are engaged in related and mutually dependent business and such Guarantor has received a direct financial benefit from the transactions contemplated by the Credit Agreement and the other Credit Documents; and
(b) As of the date hereof and after giving effect to the execution and delivery of this Guaranty by such Guarantor, (a) the aggregate value of such Guarantor, whether valued as a going concern, at fair valuation or at its fair present salable value, exceeds the aggregate amount of all debts and liabilities (including contingent, subordinated, unmatured and unliquidated liabilities) of such Guarantor, (b) such Guarantor has and shall have sufficient assets or cash flow to pay its existing obligations and liabilities and all other currently contemplated obligations and liabilities when due, and (c) such Guarantor’s assets, property and capital are reasonably adequate for the business in which such Guarantor is engaged or proposes to engage. The obligations incurred by such Guarantor under or pursuant to this Guaranty are not being incurred with actual intent to hinder, delay or defraud existing or future creditors of the Borrower or such Guarantor.
Each Guarantor will do all things necessary to preserve and keep in full force and effect its legal existence, rights and franchises; provided, however, that nothing in this Section shall prevent the withdrawal by such Guarantor from any State or jurisdiction of its qualification as a foreign corporation or limited partnership, as the case may be, and its authorization to do business in such State or jurisdiction or a consolidation or merger permitted by Section 8 hereof.
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SECTION 8.
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LIMITATION ON CONSOLIDATION, MERGER, SALE, LEASE OR OTHER DISPOSITION BY GUARANTORS .
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No Guarantor will consolidate with, merge into, or sell, lease or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all its property as an entirety to, any other person or entity (other than as permitted by Section 10.4 of the Subsidiary Security Agreement and Section 8.13 of the Credit Agreement) unless the person or entity (if other than such Guarantor, the Borrower or another Restricted Subsidiary which is a party to this Guaranty) resulting from any such consolidation or merger or to which such sale, lease or other disposition shall have been made, shall, immediately upon such consolidation, merger, sale, lease or other disposition,
(a) expressly assume in writing the due and punctual performance and observance of all the terms, covenants, agreements and conditions of this Guaranty and the Subsidiary Security Agreement and other Credit Documents to be performed or observed by such Guarantor to the same extent as if such successor person or entity instead of such Guarantor had been the original party hereto and thereto; and
(b) furnish a true and complete copy of the assumption to each Guaranteed Creditor, together with an opinion of counsel opining favorably as to the due authorization, execution and enforceability of the assumption;
provided, however
, that no such merger, sale, lease or other disposition shall be permitted hereunder if in violation of the provisions of the Credit Agreement or any other Credit Document.
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SECTION 9.
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JURISDICTION AND SERVICE IN RESPECT OF GUARANTORS .
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Each Guarantor hereby irrevocably submits to the jurisdiction of the courts of the State of New York and of the courts of the United States of America having jurisdiction in the State of New York for the purpose of any legal action or proceeding in any such court with respect to, or arising out of, this Agreement.
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SECTION 10.
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SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS .
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All covenants and agreements contained in this Guaranty by or on behalf of each Guarantor shall be binding upon such Guarantor and its successors and assigns and shall inure to the benefit of the Collateral Agent and each and every Guaranteed Creditor.
All notices, requests, demands, waivers or other communications required or contemplated hereby, except as otherwise provided in Section 9 hereof, shall be given or made as provided in the Credit Agreement.
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SECTION 12.
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LIMITATION ON MAXIMUM LIABILITY .
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Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, the maximum liability of any Guarantor under this Agreement shall in no event exceed such Guarantor’s Maximum Guaranteed Amount.
“Maximum Guaranteed Amount”
of any Guarantor shall mean the sum of (i) any Valuable Transfer (as hereinafter defined), plus (to the extent not included in (i) above) (ii) $1.00 less than the lowest amount which would render this Agreement void or voidable under applicable law. The term
“Valuable Transfer”
shall mean all proceeds of any loans made or notes issued pursuant to the Credit Agreement which are directly or indirectly advanced by the Borrower to such Guarantor in any form whatsoever (including, without limitation, loans, advances or capital contributions) or used, directly or indirectly, to enable the Borrower or such Guarantor to carry any such advance.
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SECTION 13.
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GOVERNING LAW .
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THIS AGREEMENT AND ALL RIGHTS ARISING HEREUNDER SHALL BE CONSTRUED AND DETERMINED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK AND THE PERFORMANCE THEREOF SHALL BE GOVERNED AND ENFORCED IN ACCORDANCE WITH SUCH LAWS.
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SECTION 14.
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GUARANTY SUPPLEMENTS.
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Any Subsidiary of the Borrower which becomes a party hereto after the date hereof pursuant to Section 3.9 of the Company Security Agreement and a Guaranty Supplement (substantially in the form attached as Exhibit A hereto) shall be bound by all of the terms and provisions of this Agreement, and shall be a “Guarantor” for all purposes of this Agreement, the Credit Agreement, and the other Credit Documents.
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SECTION 15.
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MISCELLANEOUS .
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This Guaranty may only be amended and/or modified by (i) a Guaranty Supplement pursuant to Section 14 hereof or (ii) any other instrument in writing signed by the Guarantors and the Collateral Agent. This Guaranty shall become effective upon execution of this Guaranty by the Guarantors and the Guarantors hereby waive notice of acceptance of this Guaranty by the Collateral Agent. This Guaranty may be executed simultaneously in several counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, and all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.
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SECTION 16.
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REPLACEMENT GUARANTY.
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This Guaranty is issued in substitution and replacement for the Original Guaranty and, upon the execution and delivery of this Guaranty by the Guarantors, this Guaranty shall supersede all provisions of the Original Guaranty as of such date. The Guarantors hereby agree that, notwithstanding the execution and delivery of this Guaranty, the obligations of the Guarantors created and provided for under the Original Guaranty continue in effect under and pursuant to the terms of this Guaranty for the benefit of all of the Guaranteed Indebtedness referred to herein.
[SIGNATURE PAGE FOLLOWS]
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each Guarantor and the Collateral Agent caused this Amended and Restated Guaranty Agreement to be duly executed as of the day and year first above written.
WORLD ACCEPTANCE CORPORATION OF ALABAMA
WORLD ACCEPTANCE CORPORATION OF MISSOURI
WORLD FINANCE CORPORATION OF GEORGIA
WORLD FINANCE CORPORATION OF LOUISIANA
WORLD ACCEPTANCE CORPORATION OF OKLAHOMA, INC.
WORLD FINANCE COMPANY OF SOUTH CAROLINA, LLC
WORLD FINANCE CORPORATION OF TENNESSEE
WFC OF SOUTH CAROLINA, INC.
WORLD FINANCE CORPORATION OF ILLINOIS
WORLD FINANCE CORPORATION OF NEW MEXICO
WORLD FINANCE COMPANY OF KENTUCKY, LLC
WORLD FINANCE CORPORATION OF COLORADO
WORLD FINANCE CORPORATION OF WISCONSIN
WFC SERVICES, INC.
WORLD FINANCE CORPORATION OF TEXAS
WORLD FINANCE COMPANY OF INDIANA, LLC
WORLD FINANCE COMPANY OF MISSISSIPPI, LLC
WORLD FINANCE COMPANY OF IDAHO, LLC
WORLD FINANCE COMPANY OF UTAH, LLC
By:
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Name:
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_____________________________
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Title:
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_____________________________
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[SIGNATURES CONTINUED ON FOLLOWING PAGES]
[Signature Page to A&R Guaranty Agreement]
116549.01049/119714854v.3
WFC LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
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By
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WFC of South Carolina, Inc.,
as sole general partner
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By:
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Name:
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_____________________________
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Title:
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_____________________________
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[SIGNATURES CONTINUED ON FOLLOWING PAGES]
[Signature Page to A&R Guaranty Agreement]
116549.01049/119714854v.3
WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION,
AS COLLATERAL AGENT
By:
Name:
Title:
[Signature Page to A&R Guaranty Agreement]
116549.01049/119714854v.3
EXHIBIT A
GUARANTY SUPPLEMENT
To Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Collateral Agent,
and the Guaranteed Creditors
_________ ___, 20__
Ladies and Gentlemen:
On June 7, 2019, the Borrower entered into that certain the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of June 7, 2019 (the
“Credit Agreement”
) with Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as administrative agent and the other lenders which are signatories thereto
.
The Borrower also entered into that certain Amended and Restated Security Agreement, Pledge and Indenture of Trust dated as of June 7, 2019 (the
“Company Security Agreement”
). As a condition to the transactions contemplated by the Credit Agreement, the Borrower agreed that, subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the Guaranty (as defined below), certain Restricted Subsidiaries (as defined in the Credit Agreement) would guaranty the obligations of (i) the Borrower under the Credit Agreement and other Credit Documents to which it is a party and (ii) each other Restricted Subsidiary under the Subsidiary Security Agreement and other Credit Documents to which they are a party, in each case, pursuant to the Amended and Restated Guaranty Agreement dated as of June 7, 2019 (the
“Guaranty”
). In accordance with the requirements of the Guaranty, the undersigned, _______________, a [corporation/limited liability company/partnership] organized under the laws of ____________ (the
“Additional Guarantor”
) desires to amend the definition of Guarantor (as the same may have been heretofore amended) set forth in the Guaranty attached hereto so that at all times from and after the date hereof, the Additional Guarantor shall be jointly and severally liable as set forth in the Guaranty for Guaranteed Indebtedness, whether now existing or hereafter arising, to the extent and in the manner set forth in the Guaranty. Unless otherwise defined herein, all capitalized terms used herein shall have the meaning provided for in the Guaranty.
The undersigned is the duly elected ____________ of the Additional Guarantor, a Restricted Subsidiary of the Borrower, and is duly authorized to execute and deliver this Guaranty Supplement to each of you. The execution by the undersigned of this Guaranty Supplement shall evidence his or her consent to and acknowledgment and approval of the terms set forth herein and in the Guaranty. The Additional Guarantor represents and warrants that the representations and warranties set forth in Section 6 of the Guaranty as to the Additional Guarantor are true and correct on and as of the date hereof.
Upon execution of this Guaranty Supplement, the Guaranty shall be deemed to be amended as set forth above. Except as amended herein, the terms and provisions of the Guaranty, the Credit Agreement, and the other Credit Documents are hereby ratified, confirmed and approved in all respects.
Any and all notices, requests, certificates and other instruments may refer to the Guaranty and the other Credit Documents without making specific reference to this Guaranty Supplement, but nevertheless all such references shall be deemed to include this Guaranty Supplement unless the context shall otherwise require.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Additional Guarantor caused this Guaranty Supplement to be duly executed as of the day and year first above written.
[NAME OF ADDITIONAL GUARANTOR]
By
Name:
Title:
[Signature Page to Guaranty Supplement]
116549.01049/119714854V.3