UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, DC 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)
December 17, 2010
 
 
DARLING INTERNATIONAL INC.
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)
 
     
Delaware
001-13323
36-2495346
(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation)
(Commission File Number)
(IRS Employer Identification No.)
 
 
251 O’CONNOR RIDGE BLVD., SUITE 300, IRVING, TEXAS 75038
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)                                                                           (Zip Code)
 
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code:
(972) 717-0300
 
Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions ( see General Instruction A.2. below):
 
 
o
Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)
     
 
o
Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)
     
 
o
Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))
     
 
o
Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

 

 
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Item 1.01.                      Entry into a Material Definitive Agreement.
 
Credit Agreement
 
On December 17, 2010 (the “ Closing Date ”), Darling International Inc. (“ Darling ”) entered into a Credit Agreement (the “ Credit Agreement ”) with the lenders party thereto, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent, Bank of Montreal acting under its trade name BMO Capital Markets, as Syndication Agent, and PNC Bank, N.A. and Goldman Sachs Bank USA, as Documentation Agents.
 
The Credit Agreement provides for senior secured credit facilities (the “ Senior Secured Facilities ”) in the aggregate principal amount of $625 million comprised of a five-year revolving loan facility of $325 million (approximately $75 million of which will be available for a letter of credit sub-facility and $15 million of which will be available for a swingline sub-facility) and a six-year term loan facility of $300 million.  The Company used the proceeds of the term loan facility and a portion of the revolving loan facility to pay a portion of the consideration of its acquisition of Griffin Industries, Inc. (“ Griffin ”), a provider of value-added rendering, bakery waste and cooking oil recycling services in the southeast United States, as described in Item 2.01 of this Current Report on Form 8-K (this “ Current Report ”), to pay related fees and expenses, to refinance certain existing indebtedness and to provide for working capital needs and general corporate purposes. Immediately following the Closing Date, the amount outstanding under the loans made under the Credit Agreement was approximately $480 million.
 
Interest Rate. The interest rate for any borrowings under the (a) term loan facility is LIBOR plus 3.50% or base rate plus 2.50% and (b) the revolving facility is variable based upon Darling’s consolidated total leverage ratio and range from LIBOR plus 2.25% to 3.50% or base rate plus 1.25% to 2.50%.
 
Repayment. Commencing on the last day of the first full fiscal quarter ended after the Closing Date, the term loan is repayable in equal quarterly installments in an aggregate annual amount equal to 1% of the original principal amount of the term loan facility.  The balance of the term loan will be repayable at its maturity.
 
Representations; Covenants; Events of Default. The Credit Agreement contains various customary representations and warranties by Darling and its subsidiaries, which include customary use of materiality, material adverse effect and knowledge qualifiers.  The Credit Agreement also contains (a) certain affirmative covenants that impose certain reporting and/or performance obligations on Darling and its subsidiaries, (b) certain negative covenants that generally prohibit, subject to various exceptions, Darling and its subsidiaries from taking certain actions, including, without limitation, incurring indebtedness, making investments, incurring liens, paying dividends, and engaging in mergers and consolidations, sale leasebacks and sales of assets, (c) financial covenants such as a maximum total leverage ratio and a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio and (d) customary events of default (including a change of control). Obligations under the Senior Secured Facilities may be declared due and payable upon the occurrence of such customary events of default.
 
Security Agreement . Pursuant to that certain Security Agreement, dated as of December 17, 2010 (the “ Security Agreement ”), by and among Darling, its subsidiaries signatory thereto and any other subsidiary who may become a party thereto and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent, the Senior Secured Facilities are secured, subject to certain exceptions, by a perfected first priority security interest in all tangible and intangible assets of Darling and certain of its subsidiaries and a pledge of 100% of the stock of all material domestic subsidiaries and 65% of the capital stock of certain foreign subsidiaries.
 
 
 
 
 
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Guaranty . Pursuant to a Guaranty Agreement, dated as of December 17, 2010 (the “ Guaranty Agreement ”), the Senior Secured Facilities are guaranteed by Darling National LLC (“ Darling National ”), Griffin, and its subsidiary, Craig Protein Division, Inc (“ Craig Protein ”).
 
The summary set forth above is not intended to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the Credit Agreement, Security Agreement and Guaranty Agreement, attached hereto as Exhibits 10.1, 10.2 and 10.3, respectively.
 
Indenture and 8.5% Senior Notes Due 2018
 
On the Closing Date, Darling issued $250 million aggregate principal amount of its 8.5% Senior Notes due 2018 (the “ Notes ”) under an indenture, dated as of December 17, 2010 (the “ Original Indenture ”), among Darling, Darling National, and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee (the “ Trustee ”). After the Merger (as defined below), Griffin and its subsidiary, Craig Protein (collectively with Griffin and Darling National, the “ Guarantors ”), entered into a supplemental indenture with the Trustee (the “ Supplemental Indenture ,” and together with the Original Indenture, the “ Indenture ”), to provide for the guarantee of the Notes by Griffin and its subsidiary. The Notes were sold pursuant to a purchase agreement dated December 3, 2010 among the Company, the guarantors named therein and the initial purchasers named therein (the “ Initial Purchasers ”), at an issue price of 100.0%. Darling used the net proceeds from the sale of the Notes to finance in part the cash portion of the purchase price to be paid in connection with Darling’s previously announced acquisition of Griffin.
 
The Notes will mature on December 15, 2018. Darling will pay interest on the Notes on June 15 and December 15 of each year, commencing on June 15, 2011. Interest on the Notes will accrue at a rate of 8.5% per annum and be payable in cash.
 
Guarantees . The Notes are guaranteed on an unsecured senior basis by Darling’s existing restricted subsidiaries, including Griffin and all of its subsidiaries, other than Darling’s foreign subsidiaries, its captive insurance subsidiary and any inactive subsidiary with nominal assets.
 
Ranking . The Notes rank equally in right of payment to any existing and future senior debt of Darling. The Notes will be effectively junior to existing and future secured debt of Darling and the guarantors, including debt under the Credit Agreement, to the extent of the value of the assets securing such debt. The Notes will be structurally subordinated to all of the existing and future liabilities (including trade payables) of each of the subsidiaries of Darling that do not guarantee the Notes.
 
The guarantees by the Guarantors (the “ Guarantees ”) rank equally in right of payment to any existing and future senior Indebtedness of the guarantors. The Guarantees will be effectively junior to existing and future secured debt of the Guarantors including debt under the Credit Agreement, to the extent of the value of the assets securing such debt. The Guarantees will be structurally subordinated to all of the existing and future liabilities (including trade payables) of each of the subsidiaries of each Guarantor that do not guarantee the Notes.
 
Offer to Purchase; Open Market Purchases . Darling is not required to make any mandatory redemption or sinking fund payments with respect to the Notes. However, under certain circumstances, Darling may be required to offer to purchase Notes as described under “Change of Control” and “Asset Sale Proceeds” below. The Company may at any time and from time to time purchase Notes in the open market or otherwise.
 
Optional Redemption . Darling may redeem some or all of the Notes at any time prior to December 15, 2014, at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the Notes redeemed,
 
 
 
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plus accrued and unpaid interest to the redemption date and an Applicable Premium (as defined below) as of the date of redemption, subject to the rights of holders on the relevant record date to receive interest due on the relevant interest payment date.  The “Applicable Premium” means, with respect to any Note on any redemption date, the greater of: (a) 1.0% of the principal amount of such Note; and (b) the excess, if any, of (i) the present value at such redemption date of (A) the redemption price of such Note at December 15, 2014 (such redemption price being set forth in the table below), plus (B) all required interest payments due on such Note through December 15, 2014 (excluding accrued but unpaid interest to the redemption date), computed using a discount rate equal to the applicable treasury rate as of such redemption date plus 50 basis points; over (ii) the principal amount of such Note.
 
On and after December 15, 2014, Darling may redeem all or, from time to time, a part of the Notes (including any additional Notes) upon not less than 30 nor more than 60 days’ notice, at the following redemption prices (expressed as a percentage of principal amount), plus accrued and unpaid interest on the Notes, if any, to the applicable redemption date (subject to the right of holders of record on the relevant record date to receive interest due on the relevant interest payment date), if redeemed during the twelve-month period beginning on December 15 of the years indicated below:
 
 
Year
 
Percentage
 
 
2014
 
104.250%
 
 
2015
 
102.125%
 
 
2016 and thereafter
 
100.000%
 
 
In addition, until December 15, 2013, Darling may, at its option, redeem up to 35% of the original principal amount of the Notes and any issuance of additional Notes with the net cash proceeds of one or more equity offerings at a redemption price equal to 108.5% of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the redemption date, subject to the right of holders of record on the relevant record date to receive interest due on the relevant interest payment date; provided that at least 65% of the original principal amount of the Notes and any issuance of additional Notes remains outstanding immediately after each such redemption; provided further that the redemption occurs within 90 days after the closing of such equity offering.
 
Change of Control . If a Change of Control (as defined in the Indenture) occurs, unless Darling has exercised its right to redeem all the Notes as described above under “Optional Redemption,” each holder will have the right to require Darling to repurchase all or any part (equal to $1,000 or an integral multiple thereof) of such holder’s Notes at a purchase price in cash equal to 101% of the principal amount of the Notes, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the date of purchase, subject to the right of holders of record on the relevant record date to receive interest due on the relevant interest payment date.
 
Asset Sale Proceeds . If Darling or its subsidiaries engage in certain Asset Dispositions (as defined in the Indenture), Darling generally must, within specific periods of time, either prepay, repay or repurchase certain of its or its Restricted Subsidiaries’ indebtedness or make an offer to purchase a principal amount of the Notes and certain other debt equal to the excess net cash proceeds, or invest the net cash proceeds from such sales in additional assets. The purchase price of the Notes will be 100% of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the date of purchase.
 
Covenants . The Indenture contains covenants limiting Darling’s ability and the ability of its restricted subsidiaries to, among other things:
 
  
incur additional indebtedness or issue preferred stock;
 
 
 
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pay dividends on or make other distributions or repurchase of Darling’s capital stock or make other restricted payments;
 
  
create restrictions on the payment of dividends or other amounts from Darling’s restricted subsidiaries to Darling or Darling’s other restricted subsidiaries;
 
  
make loans or investments;
 
  
enter into certain transactions with affiliates;
 
  
create liens;
 
  
designate Darling’s subsidiaries as unrestricted subsidiaries; and
 
  
sell certain assets or merge with or into other companies or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of Darling’s assets.
 
Registration Rights . Holders of the Notes have the benefit of registration rights, as described below.
 
Events of Default . The Indenture also provides for customary events of default, including, without limitation, payment defaults, covenant defaults, cross acceleration defaults to certain other indebtedness in excess of specified amounts, certain events of bankruptcy and insolvency and judgment defaults in excess of specified amounts. If any such event of default occurs and is continuing under the Indenture, the Trustee or the holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the total outstanding Notes may declare the principal, premium, if any, interest and any other monetary obligations on all the then outstanding Notes issued under the Indenture to be due and payable immediately.
 
The summary set forth above is not intended to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the Original Indenture attached hereto as Exhibit 4.1 and the Supplemental Indenture attached hereto as Exhibit 4.2.
 
Notes Registration Rights Agreement
 
In connection with the issuance of the Notes, on the Closing Date, Darling and the Guarantors entered into a registration rights agreement (the “ Notes Registration Rights Agreement ”) with the representative of the Initial Purchasers. Darling and the Guarantors have agreed to consummate a registered exchange offer for the Notes within 270 days after the date of the Merger. Darling and the Guarantors have agreed to file and keep effective for a certain time period a shelf registration statement for the resale of the Notes if an exchange offer cannot be effected and under certain other circumstances. Darling will be required to pay additional interest on the Notes if it fails to timely comply with its obligations under the Notes Registration Rights Agreement until such time as it complies.
 
The summary set forth above is not intended to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the Notes Registration Rights Agreement attached hereto as Exhibit 10.4.
 
Rollover Registration Rights Agreement
 
On the Closing Date, Darling entered into a Registration Rights Agreement (the “ Rollover Registration Rights Agreement ”) with certain former shareholders of Griffin who received shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share, of Darling (the “ Darling Common Stock ”) pursuant to the Rollover Agreement (the “ Rollover Shareholders ”) (as described in Item 3.02 of this Current Report). The Rollover Registration Rights Agreement allows the Rollover Shareholders that hold a majority of the Darling Common Stock issued pursuant to the Rollover Agreement, at any time after August 14, 2011, to
 
 
 
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request up to three times that Darling register such Rollover Shareholders’ Darling Common Stock under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “ Securities Act ”). The Rollover Registration Rights Agreement also provides the Rollover Shareholders with customary piggyback rights and permits the Rollover Shareholders to participate in any underwriter over-allotment option associated with an underwritten offering.
 
The summary set forth above is not intended to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the Rollover Registration Rights Agreement attached hereto as Exhibit 10.5.
 
Lease Agreements
 
On the Closing Date, Griffin, as lessee, entered into lease agreements (the “ Ground Leases ”) with Martom Properties, LLC (“ Martom ”), an entity owned by certain former shareholders of Griffin, as lessor, with respect to properties located in each of Butler, Kentucky and Henderson, Kentucky. Both properties are used by Griffin as bakery by-products processing plants. One of the owners of Martom is Martin W. Griffin who was appointed Executive Vice President, Chief Operations Officer of Griffin on the Closing Date. The lease term for the Butler property is thirty years, and Griffin has the right to renew such lease for two additional terms of ten years. The annual rental payment for the Butler property will be $30,000 for the first five years of the lease term and increased by the increase in the consumer price index every five years thereafter. The lease term for the Henderson property will be ten years, and Griffin will have the right to renew such lease for four additional terms of five years each. The annual rental payment for the Henderson property will be $60,000 for the first five years of the lease term and increased by the increase in the consumer price index every five years thereafter. Under the terms of each lease, Griffin has a right of first offer and right of first refusal for each of the properties. Darling believes that the lease terms for each of the Butler and Henderson properties approximate fair market value in areas where such properties are located.
 
The summary set forth above is not intended to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the Ground Leases for the Butler and Henderson properties, attached hereto as Exhibits 10.6 and 10.7, respectively.
 
Item 1.02.                      Termination of a Material Definitive Agreement.
 
On December 17, 2010, in connection with the Company’s entry into the Senior Secured Facilities discussed in Item 1.01 of this Current Report, the Company terminated that certain Credit Agreement, dated as of April 7, 2006 (as amended, restated, amended and restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time), among the Company, as borrower, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent, the lending institutions party thereo and the other agents party thereto.
 
Item 2.01.                      Completion of Acquisition or Disposition of Assets.
 
On the Closing Date, Darling issued a press release announcing the completion of its acquisition of Griffin pursuant to the Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of November 9, 2009 (the “ Merger Agreement ”), by and among Darling, DG Acquisition Corp., a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company (“ Merger Sub ”), Griffin and Robert A. Griffin, as the Shareholders’ Representative. Merger Sub was merged with and into Griffin (the “ Merger ”), and Griffin survived the Merger as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Darling.
 
 
 
 
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Darling paid Griffin’s shareholders an aggregate purchase price of approximately $840 million (the “ Transaction Consideration ”), of which $740 million was paid in cash (the “ Cash Consideration ”). The Cash Consideration was funded through borrowings under the Credit Agreement, the sale of the Notes as discussed in Item 1.01 of this Current Report, and cash on hand. The remaining approximately $100 million of Transaction Consideration was paid in Darling Common Stock (valued at the volume weighted average price during the 20 business days immediately prior to the signing date of the Merger Agreement), pursuant to the terms and conditions of the Rollover Agreement (as described in Item 3.02 of this Current Report).  The purchase price is subject to a potential working capital and other adjustments.
 
 
The summary set forth above is not intended to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the Merger Agreement referenced herein as Exhibit 2.1.
 
A copy of the press release announcing the completion of the Merger is attached hereto as Exhibit 99.1.
 
Item 2.03                      Creation of a Direct Financial Obligation or an Obligation under an Off-Balance Sheet Arrangement of a Registrant.
 
The information set forth in Item 1.01 of this Current Report under the heading “Credit Agreement” and “Indenture and 8.5% Senior Notes Due 2018” is hereby incorporated by reference into this Item 2.03.
 
Item 3.02.                      Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities.
 
As discussed in Darling’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 9, 2010, On the Closing Date, in connection with the closing of the Merger described in Item 2.01 of this Current Report, Darling issued 9,998,017 shares of Darling Common Stock to the Rollover Shareholders on the terms set forth in the Rollover Agreement, dated as of November 9, 2010, by and among Darling, the Rollover Shareholders and Robert A. Griffin, as the Investors’ Representative (the “ Rollover Agreement ”). The shares of Darling Common Stock issued to the Rollover Shareholders represent approximately $100.0 million of the Transaction Consideration. The shares of Darling Common Stock  (valued at the volume weighted average price during the 20 business days immediately prior to the signing date of the Merger Agreement) issued to the Rollover Shareholders have not been registered under the Securities Act or any state securities laws. Darling is relying upon the exemptions from registration provided by Section 4(2) of the Securities Act and Regulation D promulgated thereunder. Each Rollover Shareholder has represented that it is an “accredited investor,” as such term is defined in Rule 501(a) of Regulation D promulgated under the Securities Act, and that it acquired the Darling Common Stock for its own account and not with a view to or for sale in connection with any distribution thereof.
 
The summary set forth above is not intended to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the Rollover Agreement referenced herein as Exhibit 10.8.
 
Item 5.02.                      Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers; Compensatory Arrangements of Certain Officers.
 
Appointment of New Officers
 
As of the Closing Date and in connection with the Merger, (a) Robert A. Griffin was appointed President of Griffin, pursuant to that certain Employment Agreement, dated as of December 17, 2010 (the “ R. Griffin Employment Agreement ”), by and among Darling, Griffin and Robert A. Griffin and (b) Martin W. Griffin was appointed Executive Vice President, Chief Operations Officer
 
 
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of Griffin pursuant to that certain Employment Agreement, dated as of December 17, 2010 (the “ M. Griffin Employment Agreement ” and together with the R. Griffin Employment Agreement, the “ Employment Agreements ”), by and among Darling, Griffin and Martin W. Griffin.  Robert A. Griffin and Martin W. Griffin are collectively referred to herein as the “ New Officers .”
 
Prior to the Closing Date, Robert A. Griffin (age 58) served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Griffin since 2006 and Martin W. Griffin (age 51) served as Chief Operations Officer of Griffin since 2006. As discussed in Item 2.01 of this Current Report, Griffin became a wholly-owned subsidiary of Darling as of the Closing Date. The New Officers are brothers and former shareholders of Griffin. The New Officers also received shares of Darling Common Stock pursuant to the Rollover Agreement, as discussed in Item 3.02 of this Current Report.
 
Pursuant to the Employment Agreements, the New Officers’ employment commenced on the Closing Date and will continue until December 17, 2013, subject to termination as provided in the Employment Agreements. During the term of the Employment Agreements, the base salary of each of the New Officers will be the same as such offier s base salary at Griffin immediately prior to the Closing Date, subject to annual increases at the discretion of the Compensation Committee of the Board. The Employment Agreements also provide that each New Officer will receive a two to four week bonus for fiscal year 2011 and will participate in Darling’s 2004 Omnibus Incentive Plan for the remainder of such New Officer’s employment, as more fully described in the Employment Agreements. The Employment Agreements also provide for the New Officers to receive certain benefits, including, without limitation, participation in health and welfare and 401(k) plans, reimbursement for motor vehicle and travel expenses, vacation, eligibility to participate in Darling’s long term incentive program and participation in Darling’s salary continuation program for sickness and disabilities, as more fully described in the Employment Agreements.
 
The summary set forth above is not intended to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the R. Griffin Employment Agreement and M. Griffin Employment Agreement, attached hereto as Exhibits 10.9 and 10.10, respectively.
 
Item 8.01.                      Other Events.
 
This Current Report, including Exhibit 99.1, includes “forward-looking” statements regarding the business operations of Darling and the industry in which it operates. These statements are identified by words such as “may,” “will,” “begin,” “look forward,” “expect,” “believe,” “intend,” “anticipate,” “should,” “could,” “estimate,” “continue,”, “momentum” and other words referring to events to occur in the future. These statements reflect Darling’s current view of future events and are based on its assessment of, and are subject to, a variety of risks and uncertainties beyond its control, including the continuing turmoil existing in world financial, credit, commodities and stock markets, a decline in consumer confidence and discretionary spending, the general performance of the United States economy and global demands for bio-fuels and grain and oilseed commodities, which have exhibited volatility, each of which could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in such forward-looking statements. Other risks and uncertainties regarding Darling, its business and the industry in which it operates are referenced in Darling’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Darling is under no obligation to (and expressly disclaims any such obligation to) update or alter its forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
 
 
 
 
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Item 9.01.
Financial Statements and Exhibits.
 
(a) Financial Statements of Businesses Acquired.
 
1.  
The audited consolidated balance sheets of Griffin as of December 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008, and the consolidated statements of operations, stockholders’ equity and cash flows for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2009, December 31, 2008 and December 31, 2007, and the notes related thereto, are filed as Exhibit 99.2 to this Current Report and are incorporated herein by reference.
 
2.  
The consolidated balance sheets of Griffin as of September 30, 2010 (unaudited) and December 31, 2009 (audited), and the unaudited consolidated statements of operations and cash flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and September 30, 2009, and the notes related thereto, are filed as Exhibit 99.3 to this Current Report and are incorporated herein by reference.
 
(b) Pro Forma Financial Information.
 
The unaudited pro forma condensed combined balance sheet of Darling and Griffin as of October 2, 2010, and the unaudited pro forma condensed combined statements of operations of Darling and Griffin for the fiscal year ended January 2, 2010, and for the nine months ended October 2, 2010 and October 3, 2009, and the notes related thereto, are filed as Exhibit 99.4 to this Current Report and are incorporated herein by reference.
 
(d)            Exhibits .
 
2.1
Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of November 9, 2010, by and among Darling International Inc., DG Acquisition Corp., Griffin Industries, Inc. and Robert A. Griffin, in his capacity as the Shareholders’ Representative.(1)
 
4.1
Indenture, dated as of December 17, 2010, by and among Darling International Inc., Darling National LLC, and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee.(3)
 
4.2
Supplemental Indenture, dated as of December 17, 2010, by and among Griffin Industries, Inc., Craig Protein Division, Inc. and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee.(3)
 
10.1
Credit Agreement, dated as of December 17, 2010, by and among, Darling International Inc., the lenders party thereto, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent, Bank of Montreal, as Syndication Agent, and PNC Bank, N.A. and Goldman Sachs Bank USA, as Documentation Agents.(3)
 
10.2
Security Agreement, dated as of December 17, 2010, by and among Darling International Inc., its subsidiaries signatory thereto and any other subsidiary who may become a party thereto and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent.(3)
 
10.3
Guaranty Agreement, dated as of December 17, 2010, by Griffin Industries, Inc., Darling National LLC and Craig Protein Division, Inc.(3)
 
10.4
Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of December 17, 2010, by and among Darling International Inc., the guarantors listed in Schedule 1 thereto, and J.P. Morgan Securities LLC,, as representative of the several initial purchasers named therein.(3)
 
 
 
 
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10.5
Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of December 17, 2010, by and among Darling International Inc. and each of the stockholders named therein.(3)
 
10.6
Ground Lease, dated as of December 17, 2010, by and between Martom Properties, LLC and Griffin Industries, Inc. (Butler, Kentucky).(3)
 
10.7
Ground Lease, dated as of December 17, 2010, by and between Martom Properties, LLC and Griffin Industries, Inc. (Henderson, Kentucky).(3)
 
10.8
Rollover Agreement, dated as of November 9, 2010, by and among Darling International Inc., certain investors named therein and Robert A. Griffin, in his capacity as the Investors’ Representative.(1)
 
10.9
Employment Agreement, dated as of December 17, 2010, by and among Darling International Inc., Griffin Industries, Inc. and Robert A. Griffin.(3)
 
10.10
Employment Agreement, dated as of December 17, 2010, by and among Darling International Inc., Griffin Industries, Inc. and Martin W. Griffin.(3)
 
99.1
Press Release dated December 17, 2010.(3)
 
99.2
The audited consolidated balance sheets of Griffin as of December 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008, and the consolidated statements of operations, stockholders’ equity and cash flows for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2009, December 31, 2008 and December 31, 2007, and the notes related thereto.(2)
 
99.3
The consolidated balance sheets of Griffin as of September 30, 2010 (unaudited) and December 31, 2009, and the unaudited consolidated statements of operations and cash flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and September 30, 2009, and the notes related thereto.(2)
 
99.4
The unaudited pro forma condensed combined balance sheet of Darling and Griffin as of October 2, 2010, and the unaudited pro forma condensed combined statements of operations of Darling and Griffin for the fiscal year ended January 2, 2010, and for the nine months ended October 2, 2010 and October 3, 2009, and the notes related thereto.(3)
 
(1)
Incorporated by reference to the Form 8-K of Darling filed on November 9, 2010.
 
(2)
Incorporated by reference to the Form 8-K of Darling filed on November 29, 2010.
 
(3)
Filed herewith.
 
 

 
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SIGNATURES
 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.
 
 
 
  DARLING INTERNATIONAL INC.  
       
Date:  December 20, 2010
By:
/s/      John F. Sterling  
    Name:  John F. Sterling  
    Title: 
Executive Vice President and
General Counsel
 
       
       

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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EXHIBIT LIST
 
2.1
Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of November 9, 2010, by and among Darling International Inc., DG Acquisition Corp., Griffin Industries, Inc. and Robert A. Griffin, in his capacity as the Shareholders’ Representative.(1)
 
4.1
Indenture, dated as of December 17, 2010, by and among Darling International Inc., Darling National LLC, and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee.(3)
 
4.2
Supplemental Indenture, dated as of December 17, 2010, by and among Griffin Industries, Inc., Craig Protein Division, Inc. and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee.(3)
 
10.1
Credit Agreement, dated as of December 17, 2010, by and among, Darling International Inc., the lenders party thereto, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent, Bank of Montreal, as Syndication Agent, and PNC Bank, N.A. and Goldman Sachs Bank USA, as Documentation Agents.(3)
 
10.2
Security Agreement, dated as of December 17, 2010, by and among Darling International Inc., its subsidiaries signatory thereto and any other subsidiary who may become a party thereto and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent.(3)
 
10.3
Guaranty Agreement, dated as of December 17, 2010, by Griffin Industries, Inc., Darling National LLC and Craig Protein Division, Inc.(3)
 
10.4
Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of December 17, 2010, by and among Darling International Inc., the guarantors listed in Schedule 1 thereto, and J.P. Morgan Securities LLC,, as representative of the several initial purchasers named therein.(3)
 
10.5
Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of December 17, 2010, by and among Darling International Inc. and each of the stockholders named therein.(3)
 
10.6
Ground Lease, dated as of December 17, 2010, by and between Martom Properties, LLC and Griffin Industries, Inc. (Butler, Kentucky).(3)
 
10.7
Ground Lease, dated as of December 17, 2010, by and between Martom Properties, LLC and Griffin Industries, Inc. (Henderson, Kentucky).(3)
 
10.8
Rollover Agreement, dated as of November 9, 2010, by and among Darling International Inc., certain investors named therein and Robert A. Griffin, in his capacity as the Investors’ Representative.(1)
 
10.9
Employment Agreement, dated as of December 17, 2010, by and among Darling International Inc., Griffin Industries, Inc. and Robert A. Griffin.(3)
 
10.10
Employment Agreement, dated as of December 17, 2010, by and among Darling International Inc., Griffin Industries, Inc. and Martin W. Griffin.(3)
 
99.1
Press Release dated December 17, 2010.(3)
 
99.2
The audited consolidated balance sheets of Griffin as of December 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008, and the consolidated statements of operations, stockholders’ equity and cash flows for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2009, December 31, 2008 and December 31, 2007, and the notes related thereto.(2)
 
 
 
 
12

 
 
 
 
99.3
The consolidated balance sheets of Griffin as of September 30, 2010 (unaudited) and December 31, 2009, and the unaudited consolidated statements of operations and cash flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and September 30, 2009, and the notes related thereto.(2)
 
99.4
The unaudited pro forma condensed combined balance sheet of Darling and Griffin as of October 2, 2010, and the unaudited pro forma condensed combined statements of operations of Darling and Griffin for the fiscal year ended January 2, 2010, and for the nine months ended October 2, 2010 and October 3, 2009, and the notes related thereto.(3)
 
(1)
Incorporated by reference to the Form 8-K of Darling filed on November 9, 2010.
 
(2)
Incorporated by reference to the Form 8-K of Darling filed on November 29, 2010.
 
(3)
Filed herewith.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
13
 

EXHIBIT 4.1
 
 
 

 
SENIOR NOTES INDENTURE
 
Dated as of December 17, 2010
 
Among
 
DARLING INTERNATIONAL INC.,
 
THE GUARANTORS AS SET FORTH HEREIN
 
and
 
U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION,
as Trustee
 
8.5% SENIOR NOTES DUE 2018
 

 

 
 

 
 
CROSS-REFERENCE TABLE*

Trust Indenture Act Section
 
Indenture Section
       
310
(a)(1)
 
7.10
 
(a)(2)
 
7.10
 
(a)(3)
 
N.A.
 
(a)(4)
 
N.A.
 
(a)(5)
 
7.10
 
(b)
 
7.10
 
(c)
 
N.A.
311
(a)
 
7.11
 
(b)
 
7.11
 
(c)
 
N.A.
312
(a)
 
2.05
 
(b)
 
12.03
 
(c)
 
12.03
313
(a)
 
7.06
 
(b)(1)
 
N.A.
 
(b)(2)
 
7.06;7.07
 
(c)
 
7.06;12.02
 
(d)
 
7.06
314
(a)
 
4.03;12.02; 12.05
 
(b)
 
N.A.
 
(c)(1)
 
12.04
 
(c)(2)
 
12.04
 
(c)(3)
 
N.A.
 
(d)
 
N.A.
 
(e)
 
12.05
 
(f)
 
N.A.
315
(a)
 
7.01
 
(b)
 
7.05;12.02
 
(c)
 
7.01
 
(d)
 
7.01
 
(e)
 
6.14
316
(a)(last sentence)
 
2.09
 
(a)(1)(A)
 
6.05
 
(a)(1)(B)
 
6.04
 
(a)(2)
 
N.A.
 
(b)
 
6.07
 
(c)
 
2.12;9.04
317
(a)(1)
 
6.08
 
(a)(2)
 
6.12
 
(b)
 
2.04
318
(a)
 
12.01
 
(b)
 
N.A.
 
(c)
 
12.01
N.A. means not applicable.
*  This Cross-Reference Table is not part of this Indenture.

 
 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
   
Page
     
ARTICLE 1 DEFINITIONS AND INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE
1
     
Section 1.01
Definitions.
1
Section 1.02
Other Definitions.
32
Section 1.03
Rules of Construction.
33
Section 1.04
Incorporation by Reference of Trust Indenture Act.
34
Section 1.05
Acts of Holders.
34
     
ARTICLE 2 THE NOTES
37
     
Section 2.01
Form and Dating; Terms.
37
Section 2.02
Execution and Authentication.
37
Section 2.03
Registrar and Paying Agent.
38
Section 2.04
Paying Agent to Hold Money in Trust.
38
Section 2.05
Holder Lists.
38
Section 2.06
Transfer and Exchange.
39
Section 2.07
Replacement Notes.
40
Section 2.08
Outstanding Notes.
40
Section 2.09
Treasury Notes.
41
Section 2.10
Temporary Notes.
41
Section 2.11
Cancellation.
41
Section 2.12
Defaulted Interest.
41
Section 2.13
CUSIP and ISIN Numbers
42
     
ARTICLE 3 REDEMPTION
42
     
Section 3.01
Notices to Trustee.
42
Section 3.02
Selection of Notes to Be Redeemed or Purchased.
42
Section 3.03
Notice of Redemption.
43
Section 3.04
Effect of Notice of Redemption.
44
Section 3.05
Deposit of Redemption or Purchase Price.
44
Section 3.06
Notes Redeemed or Purchased in Part.
44
Section 3.07
Optional Redemption.
45
Section 3.08
Mandatory Redemption.
45
Section 3.09
Offers to Repurchase by Application of Excess Proceeds.
46
     
ARTICLE 4 COVENANTS
48
     
Section 4.01
Payment of Notes.
48
Section 4.02
Maintenance of Office or Agency.
48
Section 4.03
Reports and Other Information.
48
Section 4.04
Compliance Certificate.
49
Section 4.05
Taxes.
50
Section 4.06
Stay, Extension and Usury Laws.
50
Section 4.07
Limitation on Restricted Payments.
50
Section 4.08
Limitation on Restrictions on Distribution From Restricted Subsidiaries.
55
Section 4.09
Limitation on Indebtedness.
57
 
 
-i-

 
 
   
Page
     
Section 4.10
Asset Sales.
61
Section 4.11
Transactions with Affiliates.
63
Section 4.12
Limitation on Liens.
65
Section 4.13
Corporate Existence.
66
Section 4.14
Offer to Repurchase Upon Change of Control.
66
Section 4.15
Additional Subsidiary Guarantees.
68
Section 4.16
Effectiveness of Covenants
68
Section 4.17
Limitation on Lines of Business
69
     
ARTICLE 5 SUCCESSORS
70
     
Section 5.01
Merger, Consolidation or Sale of All or Substantially All Assets.
70
Section 5.02
Successor Entity Substituted.
71
     
ARTICLE 6 DEFAULTS AND REMEDIES
72
     
Section 6.01
Events of Default.
72
Section 6.02
Acceleration.
74
Section 6.03
Other Remedies.
75
Section 6.04
Waiver of Past Defaults.
75
Section 6.05
Control by Majority.
75
Section 6.06
Limitation on Suits.
75
Section 6.07
Rights of Holders to Receive Payment.
76
Section 6.08
Collection Suit by Trustee.
76
Section 6.09
Restoration of Rights and Remedies.
76
Section 6.10
Rights and Remedies Cumulative.
76
Section 6.11
Delay or Omission Not Waiver.
77
Section 6.12
Trustee May File Proofs of Claim.
77
Section 6.13
Priorities.
77
Section 6.14
Undertaking for Costs.
78
     
ARTICLE 7 TRUSTEE
78
     
Section 7.01
Duties of Trustee.
78
Section 7.02
Rights of Trustee.
79
Section 7.03
Individual Rights of Trustee.
80
Section 7.04
Trustee’s Disclaimer.
80
Section 7.05
Notice of Defaults.
80
Section 7.06
Reports by Trustee to Holders of the Notes.
81
Section 7.07
Compensation and Indemnity.
81
Section 7.08
Replacement of Trustee.
82
Section 7.09
Successor Trustee by Merger, etc.
83
Section 7.10
Eligibility; Disqualification.
83
Section 7.11
Preferential Collection of Claims Against the Issuer.
83
     
ARTICLE 8 LEGAL DEFEASANCE AND COVENANT DEFEASANCE
83
     
Section 8.01
Option to Effect Legal Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance.
83
Section 8.02
Legal Defeasance and Discharge.
83
Section 8.03
Covenant Defeasance.
84
Section 8.04
Conditions to Legal or Covenant Defeasance.
84
 
 
-ii-

 
 
   
Page
     
Section 8.05
Deposited Money and U.S. Government Obligations to Be Held in Trust; Other Miscellaneous Provisions.
86
Section 8.06
Repayment to the Issuer.
86
Section 8.07
Reinstatement.
86
     
ARTICLE 9 AMENDMENT, SUPPLEMENT AND WAIVER
87
     
Section 9.01
Without Consent of Holders.
87
Section 9.02
With Consent of Holders.
88
Section 9.03
Compliance with Trust Indenture Act.
89
Section 9.04
Revocation and Effect of Consents.
89
Section 9.05
Notation on or Exchange of Notes.
90
Section 9.06
Trustee to Sign Amendments, etc.
90
Section 9.07
Payment for Consent.
90
     
ARTICLE 10 GUARANTEES
91
     
Section 10.01
Guarantee.
91
Section 10.02
Limitation on Subsidiary Guarantor Liability.
92
Section 10.03
Execution and Delivery.
92
Section 10.04
Subrogation.
93
Section 10.05
Benefits Acknowledged.
93
Section 10.06
Release of Subsidiary Guarantees.
93
     
ARTICLE 11 SATISFACTION AND DISCHARGE
94
     
Section 11.01
Satisfaction and Discharge.
94
Section 11.02
Application of Trust Money.
95
     
ARTICLE 12 MISCELLANEOUS
95
     
Section 12.01
Trust Indenture Act Controls.
95
Section 12.02
Notices.
95
Section 12.03
Communication by Holders with Other Holders.
97
Section 12.04
Certificate and Opinion as to Conditions Precedent.
97
Section 12.05
Statements Required in Certificate or Opinion.
98
Section 12.06
Rules by Trustee and Agents.
98
Section 12.07
No Personal Liability of Directors, Officers, Employees, Members, Partners and Stockholders.
98
Section 12.08
Governing Law.
98
Section 12.09
Waiver of Jury Trial.
98
Section 12.10
Force Majeure.
99
Section 12.11
No Adverse Interpretation of Other Agreements.
99
Section 12.12
Successors.
99
Section 12.13
Severability.
99
Section 12.14
Counterpart Originals.
99
Section 12.15
Table of Contents, Headings, etc.
99
Section 12.16
U.S.A. PATRIOT Act.
99
Section 12.17
Payments Due on Non-Business Days.
99
Section 12.18
Qualification of Indenture.
100
 
 
-iii-

 
 
   
Page
     
Appendix A
Provisions Relating to Initial Notes, Additional Notes and Exchange Notes
 
     
Exhibit A
Form of Note
 
Exhibit B
Form of Institutional Accredited Investor Transferee Letter of Representation
 
Exhibit C
Form of Supplemental Indenture to Be Delivered by Subsequent Guarantors
 
Schedule I
Payments Made in Connection with the Merger
 
Schedule II
Agreements with Affiliates
 
 
 
-iv-

 
 
INDENTURE, dated as of December 17, 2010, among Darling International Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “ Issuer ”), the Subsidiary Guarantors (as defined herein) and U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee.

W I T N E S S E T H

WHEREAS, the Issuer has duly authorized the creation and issue of $250,000,000 aggregate principal amount of 8.5% Senior Notes due 2018 (the “ Initial Notes ”); and

WHEREAS, each of the Subsidiary Guarantors has duly authorized the issuance of its guarantee pursuant to which each such Subsidiary Guarantor shall unconditionally Guarantee all of the Issuer’s Obligations under the Notes and this Indenture;

NOW, THEREFORE, the Issuer, the Subsidiary Guarantors and the Trustee agree as follows for the benefit of each other and for the equal and ratable benefit of the Holders of the Notes.

ARTICLE 1

DEFINITIONS AND INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

Section 1.01
Definitions .

Acquired Indebtedness ” means Indebtedness (i) of a Person or any of its Subsidiaries existing at the time such Person becomes a Restricted Subsidiary or (ii) assumed in connection with the acquisition of assets from such Person, in each case whether or not Incurred by such Person in connection with, or in anticipation or contemplation of, such Person becoming a Restricted Subsidiary or such acquisition. Acquired Indebtedness shall be deemed to have been Incurred, with respect to clause (i) of the preceding sentence, on the date such Person becomes a Restricted Subsidiary and, with respect to clause (ii) of the preceding sentence, on the date of consummation of such acquisition of assets.

Additional Assets ” means:

(1)           any property, plant, equipment or other assets (excluding assets that are qualified as current assets under GAAP) to be used by the Issuer or a Restricted Subsidiary in a Related Business or capital expenditures relating thereto;

(2)           the Capital Stock of a Person that becomes a Restricted Subsidiary as a result of the acquisition of such Capital Stock by the Issuer or a Restricted Subsidiary; or

(3)           Capital Stock constituting a minority interest in any Person that at such time is a Restricted Subsidiary;

provided , however , that, in the case of clauses (2) and (3), such Restricted Subsidiary is primarily engaged in a Related Business.

Additional Interest ” means all interest payable as a consequence of the failure to effectuate in a timely manner the exchange offer and/or shelf registration procedures set forth in the Registration Rights Agreement.

Additional Notes ” means additional Notes (other than the Initial Notes and Exchange Notes for such Initial Notes) issued from time to time under this Indenture in accordance with Sections 2.01 and 4.09.

 
 

 

Affiliate ” of any specified Person means any other Person, directly or indirectly, controlling or controlled by or under direct or indirect common control with such specified Person. For the purposes of this definition, “control” when used with respect to any Person means the power to direct the management and policies of such Person, directly or indirectly, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise; and the terms “controlling” and “controlled” have meanings correlative to the foregoing; provided that exclusively for purposes of Section 4.11, beneficial ownership of 10% or more of the Voting Stock of a Person shall be deemed to be control.

Agent ” means any Registrar or Paying Agent.

Applicable Premium ” means, with respect to a Note at any redemption date, the greater of (i) 1.0% of the principal amount of such Note and (ii) the excess, if any, of (A) the present value as of such redemption date of (1) the redemption price of such Note at December 15, 2014 (such redemption price being described under Section 3.07) plus (2) all required interest payments due on such Note through December 15, 2014 (excluding accrued but unpaid interest to the redemption date), computed using a discount rate equal to the Treasury Rate as of such redemption date plus 50 basis points, over (B) the principal amount of such Note.

Asset Disposition ” means any direct or indirect sale, lease (other than an operating lease entered into in the ordinary course of business), transfer, issuance or other disposition, or a series of related sales, leases, transfers, issuances or dispositions that are part of a common plan, of shares of Capital Stock of a Subsidiary (other than directors’ qualifying shares), property or other assets (each referred to for the purposes of this definition as a “disposition”) by the Issuer or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries, including any disposition by means of a merger, consolidation or similar transaction.

Notwithstanding the preceding, the following items shall not be deemed to be Asset Dispositions:

(1)           a disposition of assets by a Restricted Subsidiary to the Issuer or by the Issuer or a Restricted Subsidiary to a Restricted Subsidiary (other than a Receivables Entity); provided that in the case of a sale by a Restricted Subsidiary to another Restricted Subsidiary that is not a Subsidiary Guarantor, the Issuer directly or indirectly owns an equal or greater percentage of the Common Stock of the transferee than of the transferor;

(2)           the sale or other disposition of Cash Equivalents in the ordinary course of business;

(3)           a disposition of inventory or vehicles in the ordinary course of business;

(4)           a disposition of damaged, obsolete or worn out equipment or equipment that is no longer useful in the conduct of the business of the Issuer and its Restricted Subsidiaries and that is disposed of in each case in the ordinary course of business;

(5)           the disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Issuer in a manner permitted pursuant to Section 5.01 or any disposition that constitutes a Change of Control pursuant to this Indenture;

(6)           an issuance of Capital Stock by a Restricted Subsidiary to the Issuer or to a Wholly-Owned Subsidiary (other than a Receivables Entity);

 
-2-

 

(7)           for purposes of Section 4.10 only, the making of a Permitted Investment (other than a Permitted Investment to the extent such transaction results in the receipt of cash or Cash Equivalents by the Issuer or its Restricted Subsidiaries) or a disposition subject to Section 4.07;

(8)           an Asset Swap effected in compliance with Section 4.10;

(9)           sales of accounts receivable and related assets or an interest therein of the type specified in the definition of “Qualified Receivables Transaction” to a Receivables Entity;

(10)         dispositions of assets in a single transaction or series of related transactions with an aggregate fair market value in any calendar year of less than $10 million (with unused amounts in any calendar year being carried over to the next succeeding calendar year subject to a maximum of $20 million in such next succeeding fiscal year);

(11)         the creation of a Permitted Lien and dispositions in connection with Permitted Liens;

(12)         dispositions of Investments or receivables in connection with the compromise, settlement or collection thereof in the ordinary course of business or in bankruptcy or similar proceedings and exclusive of factoring or similar arrangements;

(13)         the issuance by a Restricted Subsidiary of Preferred Stock that is permitted under Section 4.09;

(14)         the licensing or sublicensing of intellectual property or other general intangibles and licenses, leases or subleases of other property in the ordinary course of business which do not materially interfere with the business of the Issuer and its Restricted Subsidiaries;

(15)         any surrender or waiver of contract rights pursuant to a settlement, release, recovery on or surrender of contract, tort or other claims of any kind;

(16)         the unwinding of any Hedging Obligations;

(17)         the sale of Permitted Investments (other than sales of Capital Stock of any Restricted Subsidiaries) made by the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary after the Issue Date, if such Permitted Investments were (a) received in exchange for, or purchased out of the Net Cash Proceeds of the substantially concurrent sale (other than to a Subsidiary of the Issuer) of, Capital Stock of the Issuer (other than Disqualified Stock) or (b) received in the form of, or were purchased from the proceeds of, a substantially concurrent contribution of cash or such Permitted Investment to the common equity capital of the Issuer; provided that any such proceeds, Permitted Investments or contributions in clauses (a) and (b) will be excluded from Section 4.07(a)(C)(ii);

(18)         the sale or other Investment of Capital Stock of, or any Investment in, any Unrestricted Subsidiary (other than the Renewable Diesel Joint Venture); provided that distributions from such Unrestricted Subsidiary have not been included in the calculation of Consolidated EBITDA for purposes of Incurring Indebtedness under Section 4.09(a)(1) for the period of the most recent four consecutive fiscal quarters ending prior to the date of such sale;

(19)         foreclosure on assets subject to Permitted Liens;

(20)         dispositions of Investments in joint ventures (including the Renewable Diesel Joint Venture) permitted under this Indenture to the extent required by, or made pursuant to, buy/sell arrangements between the joint venture parties set forth in the joint venture agreement or similar binding agreements entered into with respect to such Investment in such joint venture; provided that the Net Available Cash from any such disposition (as if such disposition were treated as an Asset Disposition) is applied in accordance with the provisions of Section 4.10; and

 
-3-

 

(21)         the expiration of any option agreement with respect to real or personal property.

Asset Swap ” means a concurrent purchase and sale or exchange of Related Business Assets between the Issuer or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries and another Person; provided that the Issuer or such Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be, receives consideration at least equal to the fair market value (such fair market value to be determined on the date of the contractually agreeing to such transaction) as determined in good faith by the Issuer and any cash received must be applied in accordance with Section 4.10.

Attributable Indebtedness ” in respect of a Sale/Leaseback Transaction means, as at the time of determination, the present value (discounted at the interest rate implicit in the transaction) of the total obligations of the lessee for rental payments during the remaining term of the lease included in such Sale/Leaseback Transaction (including any period for which such lease has been extended), determined in accordance with GAAP; provided , however , that if such Sale/Leaseback Transaction results in a Capitalized Lease Obligation, the amount of Indebtedness represented thereby will be determined in accordance with the definition of “Capitalized Lease Obligations.”

Average Life ” means, as of the date of determination, with respect to any Indebtedness or Preferred Stock, the quotient obtained by dividing (1) the sum of the products of the numbers of years from the date of determination to the dates of each successive scheduled principal payment of such Indebtedness or redemption or similar payment with respect to such Preferred Stock multiplied by the amount of such payment by (2) the sum of all such payments.

 “ Bankruptcy Law ” means Title 11, U.S. Code, as amended, or any similar federal, state or foreign law for the relief of debtors.

beneficial ownership ” has the meaning assigned to such term in Rule 13d-3 and Rule 13d-5 under the Exchange Act, and “beneficial owner” has a corresponding meaning.

Board of Directors ” means, as to any Person, the board of directors or managers, as applicable, of such Person (or, if such Person is a partnership, the board of directors or other governing body of the general partner of such Person) or any duly authorized committee thereof.

Business Day ” means each day that is not a Saturday, Sunday or other day on which banking institutions in New York, New York are authorized or required by law to close.

Capital Stock ” of any Person means any and all shares, interests, rights to purchase, warrants, options, participation or other equivalents of or interests in (however designated) equity of such Person, including any Preferred Stock and limited liability or partnership interests (whether general or limited), but excluding any debt securities convertible into such equity.

Capitalized Lease Obligations ” means an obligation that is required to be classified and accounted for as a capitalized lease for financial reporting purposes in accordance with GAAP, and the amount of Indebtedness represented by such obligation will be the capitalized amount of such obligation at the time any determination thereof is to be made as determined in accordance with GAAP, and the Stated Maturity thereof will be the date of the last payment of rent or any other amount due under such lease prior to the first date such lease may be terminated without penalty.

 
-4-

 

Cash Equivalents ” means:

(1)           U.S. dollars or the currency of any country having a credit rating of “A” or better from either Standard & Poor’s Ratings Group, Inc. or Moody’s Investors Service, Inc.;

(2)           securities issued or directly and fully guaranteed or insured by the United States Government or any agency or instrumentality of the United States ( provided that the full faith and credit of the United States is pledged in support thereof), having maturities of not more than one year from the date of acquisition;

(3)           marketable general obligations issued by any state of the United States of America or any political subdivision of any such state or any public instrumentality thereof maturing within one year from the date of acquisition of the United States ( provided that the full faith and credit of the United States is pledged in support thereof) and, at the time of acquisition, having a credit rating of “A” or better from either Standard & Poor’s Ratings Group, Inc. or Moody’s Investors Service, Inc.;

(4)           certificates of deposit, time deposits, Eurodollar time deposits, overnight bank deposits or bankers’ acceptances having maturities of not more than one year from the date of acquisition thereof issued by any commercial bank the long-term debt of which is rated at the time of acquisition thereof at least “A” or the equivalent thereof by Standard & Poor’s Ratings Group, Inc., or “A” or the equivalent thereof by Moody’s Investors Service, Inc., and having combined capital and surplus in excess of $500 million;

(5)           repurchase obligations with a term of not more than seven days for underlying securities of the types described in clauses (2), (3) and (4) entered into with any bank meeting the qualifications specified in clause (4) above;

(6)           commercial paper rated at the time of acquisition thereof at least “A-1” or the equivalent thereof by Standard & Poor’s Ratings Group, Inc. or “P-1” or the equivalent thereof by Moody’s Investors Service, Inc., or carrying an equivalent rating by a nationally recognized rating agency, if both of the two named rating agencies cease publishing ratings of investments, and in any case maturing within one year after the date of acquisition thereof; and

(7)           interests in any investment company or money market fund which invests 95% or more of its assets in instruments of the type specified in clauses (1) through (6) above.

Change of Control ” means:

(1)           any “person” or “group” of related persons (as such terms are used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Exchange Act) becomes the beneficial owner (as defined in Rules 13d-3 and 13d-5 under the Exchange Act, except that such person or group shall be deemed to have “beneficial ownership” of all shares that any such person or group has the right to acquire, whether such right is exercisable immediately or only after the passage of time), directly or indirectly, of more than 50% of the total voting power of the Voting Stock of the Issuer (or its successor by merger, consolidation or purchase of all or substantially all of its assets) (for the purposes of this clause, such person or group shall be deemed to beneficially own any Voting Stock of the Issuer held by a parent entity, if such person or group “beneficially owns” (as defined above), directly or indirectly, more than 50% of the voting power of the Voting Stock of such parent entity); or

(2)           the first day on which a majority of the members of the Board of Directors of the Issuer are not Continuing Directors; or

 
-5-

 

(3)           the sale, lease, transfer, conveyance or other disposition (other than by way of merger or consolidation), in one or a series of related transactions, of all or substantially all of the assets of the Issuer and its Restricted Subsidiaries taken as a whole to any “person” (as such term is used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Exchange Act); or

(4)           the adoption by the stockholders of the Issuer of a plan or proposal for the liquidation or dissolution of the Issuer.

Code ” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

Commodity Agreement ” means any commodity futures contract, commodity swap, commodity option or other similar agreement or arrangement entered into by the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary designed to protect the Issuer or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries against fluctuations in the price of commodities actually used in the ordinary course of business of the Issuer and its Restricted Subsidiaries.

Common Stock ” means with respect to any Person, any and all shares, interest or other participations in, and other equivalents (however designated and whether voting or nonvoting) of such Person’s common stock whether or not outstanding on the Issue Date, and includes, without limitation, all series and classes of such common stock.

Consolidated Coverage Ratio ” means as of any date of determination, with respect to any Person, the ratio of (x) the aggregate amount of Consolidated EBITDA of such Person for the period of the most recent four consecutive fiscal quarters ending prior to the date of such determination for which financial statements are in existence to (y) Consolidated Interest Expense for such four fiscal quarters, provided , however , that:

(1)           if the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary:

(a)           has Incurred any Indebtedness since the beginning of such period that remains outstanding on such date of determination or if the transaction giving rise to the need to calculate the Consolidated Coverage Ratio is an Incurrence of Indebtedness, Consolidated EBITDA and Consolidated Interest Expense for such period will be calculated after giving effect on a pro forma basis to such Indebtedness as if such Indebtedness had been Incurred on the first day of such period (except that in making such computation, the amount of Indebtedness under any revolving credit facility outstanding on the date of such calculation will be deemed to be (i) the average daily balance of such Indebtedness during such four fiscal quarters or such shorter period for which such facility was outstanding or (ii) if such facility was created after the end of such four fiscal quarters, the average daily balance of such Indebtedness during the period from the date of creation of such facility to the date of such calculation) and the discharge of any other Indebtedness repaid, repurchased, defeased or otherwise discharged with the proceeds of such new Indebtedness as if such discharge had occurred on the first day of such period; or

(b)           has repaid, repurchased, defeased or otherwise discharged any Indebtedness since the beginning of the period that is no longer outstanding on such date of determination or if the transaction giving rise to the need to calculate the Consolidated Coverage Ratio involves a discharge of Indebtedness (in each case other than Indebtedness Incurred under any revolving credit facility unless such Indebtedness has been permanently repaid and the related commitment terminated), Consolidated EBITDA and Consolidated Interest Expense for such period will be calculated after giving effect on a pro forma basis to such discharge of such Indebtedness, including with the proceeds of such new Indebtedness, as if such discharge had occurred on the first day of such period;

 
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(2)           if since the beginning of such period the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary will have made any Asset Disposition or disposed of any company, division, operating unit, segment, business, group of related assets or line of business or if the transaction giving rise to the need to calculate the Consolidated Coverage Ratio is such an Asset Disposition:

(a)           the Consolidated EBITDA for such period will be reduced by an amount equal to the Consolidated EBITDA (if positive) directly attributable to the assets which are the subject of such disposition for such period or increased by an amount equal to the Consolidated EBITDA (if negative) directly attributable thereto for such period; and

(b)           Consolidated Interest Expense for such period will be reduced by an amount equal to the Consolidated Interest Expense directly attributable to any Indebtedness of the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary repaid, repurchased, defeased or otherwise discharged (including, but not limited to, through the assumption of such Indebtedness by another Person if the Issuer and its Restricted Subsidiaries are no longer liable for such Indebtedness after the assumption thereof) with respect to the Issuer and its continuing Restricted Subsidiaries in connection with such disposition for such period (or, if the Capital Stock of any Restricted Subsidiary is sold, the Consolidated Interest Expense for such period directly attributable to the Indebtedness of such Restricted Subsidiary to the extent the Issuer and its continuing Restricted Subsidiaries are no longer liable for such Indebtedness after such sale);

(3)           if since the beginning of such period the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary (by merger or otherwise) will have made an Investment in any Restricted Subsidiary (or any Person which becomes a Restricted Subsidiary or is merged with or into the Issuer) or an acquisition of assets, including any acquisition of assets occurring in connection with a transaction causing a calculation to be made hereunder, which constitutes all or substantially all of a company, division, operating unit, segment, business, group of related assets or line of business, Consolidated EBITDA and Consolidated Interest Expense for such period will be calculated after giving pro forma effect thereto (including the Incurrence of any Indebtedness) as if such Investment or acquisition occurred on the first day of such period; and

(4)           if since the beginning of such period any Person (that subsequently became a Restricted Subsidiary or was merged with or into the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary since the beginning of such period) will have Incurred any Indebtedness or discharged any Indebtedness, made any disposition or any Investment or acquisition of assets that would have required an adjustment pursuant to clause (1), (2) or (3) above if made by the Issuer or a Restricted Subsidiary during such period, Consolidated EBITDA and Consolidated Interest Expense for such period will be calculated after giving pro forma effect thereto as if such transaction occurred on the first day of such period.

 
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For purposes of this definition, whenever pro forma effect is to be given to any calculation under this definition, the pro forma calculations will be determined in good faith by a responsible financial or accounting officer of the Issuer (including pro forma expense and cost reductions calculated on a basis consistent with Regulation S-X under the Securities Act plus adjustments for pro forma cost savings which will only include annualized cost savings achievable within 180 days and which shall be itemized in an Officer’s Certificate delivered to the Trustee by the chief financial officer of the Issuer; provided that such adjustments in the aggregate shall not exceed 5% of the Consolidated EBITDA of the acquired business or assets). If any Indebtedness bears a floating rate of interest and is being given pro forma effect, the interest expense on such Indebtedness will be calculated as if the rate in effect on the date of determination had been the applicable rate for the entire period (taking into account any Interest Rate Agreement applicable to such Indebtedness if such Interest Rate Agreement has a remaining term in excess of 12 months). If any Indebtedness that is being given pro forma effect bears an interest rate at the option of the Issuer, the interest rate shall be calculated by applying such optional rate chosen by the Issuer.

Consolidated EBITDA ” for any period means, without duplication, the Consolidated Net Income for such period, plus the following to the extent deducted in calculating such Consolidated Net Income:

(1)           Consolidated Interest Expense; plus

(2)           Consolidated Income Taxes; plus

(3)           consolidated depreciation expense; plus

(4)           consolidated amortization expense or impairment charges recorded in connection with the application of Financial Accounting Standard No. 142 “Goodwill and Other Intangibles” and Financial Accounting Standard No. 144 “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long Lived Assets;” plus

(5)           any non-recurring or extraordinary loss; plus

(6)           other non-cash charges reducing Consolidated Net Income (excluding any such non-cash charge to the extent it represents an accrual of or reserve for cash charges in any future period or amortization of a prepaid cash expense that was paid in a prior period not included in the calculation); less

(7)           non-cash items increasing Consolidated Net Income of such Person for such period (excluding any items which represent the reversal of any accrual of, or reserve for, anticipated cash charges made in any prior period); less

(8)           any non-recurring or extraordinary gain.

Notwithstanding the preceding sentence, clauses (2) through (6) relating to amounts of a Restricted Subsidiary of a Person will be added to Consolidated Net Income to compute Consolidated EBITDA of such Person only to the extent (and in the same proportion) that the net income (loss) of such Restricted Subsidiary was included in calculating the Consolidated Net Income of such Person and, to the extent the amounts set forth in clauses (2) through (6) are in excess of those necessary to offset a net loss of such Restricted Subsidiary or if such Restricted Subsidiary has net income for such period included in Consolidated Net Income, only if a corresponding amount would be permitted at the date of determination to be dividended to the Issuer by such Restricted Subsidiary without prior approval (that has not been obtained), pursuant to the terms of its charter and all agreements, instruments, judgments, decrees, orders, statutes, rules and governmental regulations applicable to that Restricted Subsidiary or its stockholders.

 
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Consolidated Income Taxes ” means, with respect to any Person for any period, taxes imposed upon such Person or other payments required to be made by such Person by any governmental authority which taxes or other payments are calculated by reference to the income or profits of such Person or such Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries (to the extent such income or profits were included in computing Consolidated Net Income for such period), regardless of whether such taxes or payments are required to be remitted to any governmental authority.

Consolidated Interest Expense ” means, for any period, the total interest expense of the Issuer and its consolidated Restricted Subsidiaries, whether paid or accrued, plus, to the extent not included in such interest expense:

(1)           interest expense attributable to Capitalized Lease Obligations and the interest portion of rent expense associated with Attributable Indebtedness in respect of the relevant lease giving rise thereto, determined as if such lease were a capitalized lease in accordance with GAAP and the interest component of any deferred payment obligations;

(2)           amortization of debt discount and debt issuance cost; provided , however , that any amortization of bond premium will be credited to reduce Consolidated Interest Expense unless, pursuant to GAAP, such amortization of bond premium has otherwise reduced Consolidated Interest Expense;

(3)           non-cash interest expense;

(4)           commissions, discounts and other fees and charges owed with respect to letters of credit and bankers’ acceptance financing;

(5)           the interest expense on Indebtedness of another Person that is Guaranteed by such Person or one of its Restricted Subsidiaries or secured by a Lien on assets of such Person or one of its Restricted Subsidiaries; provided that, with respect to the Renewable Diesel Joint Venture Indebtedness, interest expense pursuant to this clause (5) shall include only interest actually paid by the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary (including through the exercise of remedies under any Lien permitted in respect thereof);

(6)           costs associated with Hedging Obligations (including amortization of fees) provided , however , that if Hedging Obligations result in net benefits rather than costs, such benefits shall be credited to reduce Consolidated Interest Expense unless, pursuant to GAAP, such net benefits are otherwise reflected in Consolidated Net Income;

(7)           the consolidated interest expense of such Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries that was capitalized during such period;

(8)           the product of (a) all dividends paid or payable, in cash, Cash Equivalents or Indebtedness or accrued during such period on any series of Disqualified Stock of such Person or on Preferred Stock of its Restricted Subsidiaries that are not Subsidiary Guarantors payable to a party other than the Issuer or a Wholly-Owned Subsidiary, times (b) a fraction, the numerator of which is one and the denominator of which is one minus the then current combined federal, state, provincial and local statutory tax rate of such Person, expressed as a decimal, in each case, on a consolidated basis and in accordance with GAAP;

 
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(9)           Receivables Fees; and

(10)         the cash contributions to any employee stock ownership plan or similar trust to the extent such contributions are used by such plan or trust to pay interest or fees to any Person (other than the Issuer and its Restricted Subsidiaries) in connection with Indebtedness Incurred by such plan or trust.

For the purpose of calculating the Consolidated Coverage Ratio, the calculation of Consolidated Interest Expense shall include all interest expense (including any amounts described in clauses (1) through (10) above) relating to any Indebtedness of the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary described in the final paragraph of the definition of “Indebtedness.”

For purposes of the foregoing, total interest expense will be determined (i) after giving effect to any net payments made or received by the Issuer and its Subsidiaries with respect to Interest Rate Agreements and (ii) exclusive of amounts classified as other comprehensive income in the balance sheet of the Issuer. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, commissions, discounts, yield and other fees and charges Incurred in connection with any transaction pursuant to which the Issuer or its Restricted Subsidiaries may sell, convey or otherwise transfer or grant a security interest in any accounts receivable or related assets shall be included in Consolidated Interest Expense.

Consolidated Net Income ” means, for any period, the net income (loss) of the Issuer and its consolidated Restricted Subsidiaries determined in accordance with GAAP; provided , however , that there will not be included in such Consolidated Net Income on an after tax basis:

(1)           any net income (loss) of any Person if such Person is not a Restricted Subsidiary, except that:

(a)           subject to the limitations contained in clauses (3), (4) and (5) of this definition, the Issuer’s equity in the net income of any such Person for such period will be included in such Consolidated Net Income up to the aggregate amount of cash actually distributed by such Person during such period to the Issuer or a Restricted Subsidiary as a dividend or other distribution (subject, in the case of a dividend or other distribution to a Restricted Subsidiary, to the limitations contained in clause (2) of this definition); and

(b)           the Issuer’s equity in a net loss of any such Person (other than an Unrestricted Subsidiary except the Renewable Diesel Joint Venture) for such period will be included in determining such Consolidated Net Income to the extent such loss has been funded with cash (other than with a Permitted Renewable Joint Venture Investment) from the Issuer or a Restricted Subsidiary;

(2)           any net income (but not loss) of any Restricted Subsidiary if such Subsidiary is subject to restrictions, directly or indirectly, on the payment of dividends or the making of distributions by such Restricted Subsidiary, directly or indirectly, to the Issuer, except that:

(a)           subject to the limitations contained in clauses (3), (4) and (5) of this definition, the Issuer’s equity in the net income of any such Restricted Subsidiary for such period will be included in such Consolidated Net Income up to the aggregate amount of cash that could have been distributed by such Restricted Subsidiary during such period to the Issuer or another Restricted Subsidiary as a dividend (subject, in the case of a dividend to another Restricted Subsidiary, to the limitation contained in this clause); and

 
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(b)           the Issuer’s equity in a net loss of any such Restricted Subsidiary for such period will be included in determining such Consolidated Net Income;

(3)           any gain (loss) realized upon the sale or other disposition of any property, plant or equipment of the Issuer or its consolidated Restricted Subsidiaries (including pursuant to any Sale/Leaseback Transaction) which is not sold or otherwise disposed of in the ordinary course of business and any gain (loss) realized upon the sale or other disposition of any Capital Stock of any Person;

(4)           any extraordinary gain or loss;

(5)           the cumulative effect of a change in accounting principles;

(6)           any after-tax effect of income (loss) from the early extinguishment of Indebtedness or Hedging Obligations or other derivative instruments;

(7)           any non-cash compensation expense recorded from grants of stock appreciation or similar rights, stock options, restricted stock or other rights to officers, directors or employees;

(8)           any fees, expenses and charges Incurred in connection with the consummation of the Merger and related financing (other than any Consolidated Interest Expense relating thereto), including any expenses relating to the extinguishment of debt; and

(9)           effects of adjustments (including the effects of such adjustments pushed down to any Restricted Subsidiary) in the property and equipment, software and other intangible assets, deferred revenue and debt line items in such Person’s consolidated financial statements pursuant to GAAP resulting from the application of purchase accounting in relation to the Merger or any consummated acquisition or the amortization or write-off of any amounts thereof in accordance with GAAP, net of taxes.

For purposes of the foregoing, Consolidated Net Income shall not include the Consolidated Net Income of Griffin until the consummation of the Merger.

Consolidated Net Tangible Assets ” means Consolidated Total Assets after deducting:

(1)            all current liabilities;

(2)            any item representing investments in Unrestricted Subsidiaries; and

(3)            all goodwill, trade names, trademarks, patents, unamortized debt discount and expense and other intangibles.

Consolidated Total Assets ” as of any date of determination, means the total amount of assets which would appear on a consolidated balance sheet of the Issuer and its Restricted Subsidiaries, determined on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP.

Continuing Directors ” means, as of any date of determination, any member of the Board of Directors of the Issuer who: (1) was a member of such Board of Directors on the Issue Date; or (2) was nominated for election or elected to such Board of Directors with the approval of a majority of the Continuing Directors who were members of such Board at the time of such nomination or election.

 
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Corporate Trust Office of the Trustee ” shall be at the address of the Trustee specified in Section 12.02 or such other address as to which the Trustee may give notice to the Holders and the Issuer.

Credit Facility ” means, with respect to the Issuer or any Subsidiary Guarantor, one or more debt facilities (which may be outstanding at the same time and including, without limitation, the Senior Secured Credit Agreement) or commercial paper facilities, in each case, with banks or other lenders or investors or indentures or other agreements providing for revolving credit loans, term loans, debt securities, receivables financing (including through the sale of receivables to such lenders or to special purpose entities formed to borrow from such lenders against such receivables) or letters of credit or other indebtedness, in each case, as amended, restated, amended and restated, supplemented, modified, renewed, refunded, replaced in any matter (whether upon or after termination or otherwise) or refinanced (including by means of sales of debt securities to investors) in whole or in part from time to time (including successive renewals, extensions, substitutions, refinancings, restructurings, replacements, supplementations or other modifications of the foregoing, including into one or more debt facilities, commercial paper facilities or other debt instruments, indentures or agreements (including by means of sales of debt securities to investors), and whether or not with the original administrative agent and lenders or another administrative agent or agents or other lenders and whether provided under the original Senior Secured Credit Agreement or any other credit or other agreement or indenture and whether any Credit Facility exists at any time).

Currency Agreement ” means in respect of a Person any foreign exchange contract, currency swap agreement, futures contract, option contract or other similar agreement as to which such Person is a party or a beneficiary.

Custodian ” means the Trustee, as custodian with respect to the Notes in global form, or any successor entity thereto.

Default ” means any event which is, or after notice or passage of time or both would be, an Event of Default.

Definitive Note ” means a certificated Initial Note, Additional Note or Exchange Note (bearing the Restricted Notes Legend if the transfer of such Note is restricted by applicable law) that does not include the Global Notes Legend.

Depositary ” means, with respect to the Notes issuable or issued in whole or in part in global form, the Person specified in Section 2.03 as the Depositary with respect to the Notes, and any and all successors thereto appointed as Depositary hereunder and having become such pursuant to the applicable provision of this Indenture.

Disqualified Stock ” means, with respect to any Person, any Capital Stock of such Person which by its terms (or by the terms of any security into which it is convertible or for which it is exchangeable) or upon the happening of any event:

(1)           matures or is mandatorily redeemable pursuant to a sinking fund obligation or otherwise;

(2)           is convertible or exchangeable for Indebtedness or Disqualified Stock (excluding Capital Stock which is convertible or exchangeable solely at the option of the Issuer or a Restricted Subsidiary, until converted or exchanged); or

 
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(3)           is redeemable at the option of the holder of the Capital Stock in whole or in part, in each case on or prior to the date that is 91 days after the earlier of the date (a) of the Stated Maturity of the Notes or (b) on which there are no Notes outstanding, provided that only the portion of Capital Stock which so matures or is mandatorily redeemable, is so convertible or exchangeable or is so redeemable at the option of the holder thereof prior to such date will be deemed to be Disqualified Stock; provided , further that any Capital Stock that would constitute Disqualified Stock solely because the holders thereof have the right to require the Issuer to repurchase such Capital Stock upon the occurrence of a change of control or asset sale (each defined in a substantially identical manner to the corresponding definitions in this Indenture) shall not constitute Disqualified Stock if the terms of such Capital Stock (and all such securities into which it is convertible or for which it is redeemable or exchangeable) provide that the Issuer may not repurchase or redeem any such Capital Stock (and all such securities into which it is convertible or for which it is redeemable or exchangeable) pursuant to such provision prior to compliance by the Issuer with Section 4.10 and Section 4.14 and such repurchase or redemption complies with Section 4.07.

DTC ” means the Depository Trust Company.

Equity Offering ” means an offering for cash by the Issuer of its Common Stock, or options, warrants or rights with respect to its Common Stock, other than (w) public offerings with respect to the Issuer’s Common Stock, or options, warrants or rights, registered on Form S-4 or S-8, (x) an issuance to any Subsidiary, (y) any offering of Common Stock issued in connection with a transaction that constitutes a Change of Control or (z) any offering giving rise to Excluded Contributions.

Exchange Act ” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules and regulations of the SEC promulgated thereunder.

Exchange Notes ” means the Notes issued in exchange for the Initial Notes or initial Additional Notes pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement.

Exchange Offer ” has the meaning set forth in the Registration Rights Agreement.

Exchange Offer Registration Statement ” has the meaning set forth in the Registration Rights Agreement.

Excluded Contributions ” means the Net Cash Proceeds or the fair market value of the assets (as determined conclusively by the Board of Directors of the Issuer) received by the Issuer after the Issue Date from:

(1)           capital contributions to its common equity capital; and

(2)           the sale (other than to a Subsidiary of the Issuer or an employee stock ownership plan, option plan or similar trust to the extent such sale to an employee stock ownership plan or similar trust is financed by loans from or Guaranteed by the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary unless such loans have been repaid with cash on or prior to the date of determination) of Capital Stock (other than Disqualified Stock) of the Issuer,

in each case designated as Excluded Contributions pursuant to an Officer’s Certificate on or promptly after the date such capital contributions are made or the date such Capital Stock is sold, as the case may be.

 
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Foreign Subsidiary ” means any Restricted Subsidiary that is not organized under the laws of the United States of America or any state thereof or the District of Columbia and any Subsidiary of such Restricted Subsidiary.

GAAP ” means generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America as in effect as of the Issue Date, including those set forth in the opinions and pronouncements of the Accounting Principles Board of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and statements and pronouncements of the Financial Accounting Standards Board or in such other statements by such other entity as approved by a significant segment of the accounting profession. All ratios and computations based on GAAP contained in this Indenture will be computed in conformity with GAAP, except that in the event the Issuer is acquired in a transaction that is accounted for using purchase accounting, the effects of the application of purchase accounting shall be disregarded in the calculation of such ratios and other computations contained in this Indenture.

Global Notes Legend ” means the legend set forth under that caption in Exhibit A.

Griffin ” means Griffin Industries, Inc., a Kentucky corporation.

 “ Guarantee ” means any obligation, contingent or otherwise, of any Person directly or indirectly Guaranteeing any Indebtedness of any other Person and any obligation, direct or indirect, contingent or otherwise, of such Person:

(1)           to purchase or pay (or advance or supply funds for the purchase or payment of) such Indebtedness of such other Person (whether arising by virtue of partnership arrangements, or by agreement to keep-well, to purchase assets, goods, securities or services, to take-or-pay, to maintain financial statement conditions or otherwise); or

(2)           entered into for purposes of assuring in any other manner the obligee of such Indebtedness of the payment thereof or to protect such obligee against loss in respect thereof (in whole or in part); provided , however , that the term “Guarantee” will not include endorsements for collection or deposit in the ordinary course of business. The term “Guarantee” used as a verb has a corresponding meaning.

Guarantor ” means each Subsidiary Guarantor.

Guarantor Pari Passu Indebtedness ” means Indebtedness of a Subsidiary Guarantor that ranks equally in right of payment to its Subsidiary Guarantee.

Guarantor Subordinated Obligation ” means, with respect to a Subsidiary Guarantor, any Indebtedness of such Subsidiary Guarantor (whether outstanding on the Issue Date or thereafter Incurred) which is expressly subordinate or junior in right of payment to the obligations of such Subsidiary Guarantor under its Subsidiary Guarantee pursuant to a written agreement.

Hedging Obligations ” of any Person means the obligations of such Person pursuant to any Interest Rate Agreement, Currency Agreement or Commodity Agreement.

Holder ” means a Person in whose name a Note is registered on the Registrar’s books.

Incur ” means issue, create, assume, Guarantee, incur or otherwise become liable for; provided , however , that any Indebtedness or Capital Stock of a Person existing at the time such Person becomes a Restricted Subsidiary (whether by merger, consolidation, acquisition or otherwise) will be deemed to be Incurred by such Restricted Subsidiary at the time it becomes a Restricted Subsidiary; and the terms “Incurred” and “Incurrence” have meanings correlative to the foregoing.

 
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Indebtedness ” means, with respect to any Person on any date of determination (without duplication):

(1)           the principal of and premium (if any) in respect of indebtedness of such Person for borrowed money;

(2)           the principal of and premium (if any) in respect of obligations of such Person evidenced by bonds, debentures, notes or other similar instruments;

(3)           the principal component of all obligations of such Person in respect of letters of credit, bankers’ acceptances or other similar instruments (including reimbursement obligations with respect thereto except to the extent such reimbursement obligation relates to a trade payable and such obligation is satisfied within 30 days of Incurrence);

(4)           the principal component of all obligations of such Person to pay the deferred and unpaid purchase price of property (except trade payables), which purchase price is due more than six months after the date of placing such property in service or taking delivery and title thereto;

(5)           Capitalized Lease Obligations and all Attributable Indebtedness of such Person;

(6)           the principal component or liquidation preference of all obligations of such Person with respect to the redemption, repayment or other repurchase of any Disqualified Stock or, with respect to any Subsidiary that is not a Subsidiary Guarantor, any Preferred Stock (but excluding, in each case, any accrued dividends);

(7)           the principal component of all Indebtedness of other Persons secured by a Lien on any asset of such Person, whether or not such Indebtedness is assumed by such Person; provided , however , that the amount of such Indebtedness will be the lesser of (a) the fair market value of such asset at such date of determination and (b) the amount of such Indebtedness of such other Persons;

(8)           the principal component of Indebtedness of other Persons to the extent Guaranteed by such Person;

(9)           to the extent not otherwise included in this definition, net obligations of such Person under Hedging Obligations (the amount of any such obligations to be equal at any time to the termination value of such agreement or arrangement giving rise to such obligation that would be payable by such Person at such time); and

(10)         to the extent not otherwise included in this definition, the Receivables Transaction Amount outstanding relating to Qualified Receivables Transaction.

The amount of Indebtedness of any Person at any date will be the outstanding balance at such date of all unconditional obligations as described above and the maximum liability, upon the occurrence of the contingency giving rise to the obligation, of any contingent obligations at such date. Notwithstanding the foregoing, money borrowed and set aside at the time of the Incurrence of any Indebtedness in order to pre-fund the payment of interest on such Indebtedness shall not be deemed to be “Indebtedness” provided that such money is held to secure the payment of such interest.

 
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In addition, “Indebtedness” of any Person shall include Indebtedness described in the preceding paragraph that would not appear as a liability on the balance sheet of such Person if:

(1)           such Indebtedness is the obligation of a partnership or joint venture that is not a Restricted Subsidiary (a “Joint Venture”);

(2)           such Person or a Restricted Subsidiary of such Person is a general partner of the Joint Venture (a “General Partner”); and

(3)           there is recourse, by contract or operation of law, with respect to the payment of such Indebtedness to property or assets of such Person or a Restricted Subsidiary of such Person; and then such Indebtedness shall be included in an amount not to exceed:

(a)           the lesser of (i) the net assets of the General Partner and (ii) the amount of such obligations to the extent that there is recourse, by contract or operation of law, to the property or assets of such Person or a Restricted Subsidiary of such Person; or

(b)           if less than the amount determined pursuant to clause (a) immediately above, the actual amount of such Indebtedness that is recourse to such Person or a Restricted Subsidiary of such Person, if the Indebtedness is evidenced by a writing and is for a determinable amount.

Indenture ” means this Indenture, as amended or supplemented from time to time.

Initial Notes ” has the meaning set forth in the recitals hereto.

Initial Purchasers ” means J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, Goldman, Sachs & Co., BMO Capital Markets Corp. and PNC Capital Markets LLC.

interest ” with respect to the Notes means interest with respect thereto and Additional Interest, if any.

Interest Payment Date ” means June 15 and December 15 of each year.

Interest Rate Agreement ” means with respect to any Person any interest rate protection agreement, interest rate future agreement, interest rate option agreement, interest rate swap agreement, interest rate cap agreement, interest rate collar agreement, interest rate hedge agreement or other similar agreement or arrangement as to which such Person is party or a beneficiary.

Investment ” means, with respect to any Person, all investments by such Person in other Persons (including Affiliates) in the form of any direct or indirect advance, loan (other than advances or extensions of credit to customers in the ordinary course of business) or other extensions of credit (including by way of Guarantee or similar arrangement, but excluding any debt or extension of credit represented by a bank deposit other than a time deposit) or capital contribution to (by means of any transfer of cash or other property to others or any payment for property or services for the account or use of others), or any purchase or acquisition of Capital Stock, Indebtedness or other similar instruments issued by, such Person and all other items that are or would be classified as investments on a balance sheet prepared in accordance with GAAP; provided that none of the following will be deemed to be an Investment:

 
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(1)           Hedging Obligations entered into in the ordinary course of business and in compliance with this Indenture;

(2)           endorsements of negotiable instruments and documents in the ordinary course of business; and

(3)           an acquisition of assets, Capital Stock or other securities by the Issuer or a Subsidiary for consideration to the extent such consideration consists of Common Stock of the Issuer.

For purposes of Section 4.07,

(1)           “Investment” will include the portion (proportionate to the Issuer’s equity interest in a Restricted Subsidiary to be designated as an Unrestricted Subsidiary) of the fair market value of the net assets of such Restricted Subsidiary at the time that such Restricted Subsidiary is designated an Unrestricted Subsidiary; provided , however , that upon a redesignation of such Subsidiary as a Restricted Subsidiary, the Issuer will be deemed to continue to have a permanent “Investment” in an Unrestricted Subsidiary in an amount (if positive) equal to (a) the Issuer’s “Investment” in such Subsidiary at the time of such redesignation less (b) the portion (proportionate to the Issuer’s equity interest in such Subsidiary) of the fair market value of the net assets (as conclusively determined in good faith by the Board of Directors of the Issuer) of such Subsidiary at the time that such Subsidiary is so re-designated a Restricted Subsidiary;

(2)           any property transferred to or from an Unrestricted Subsidiary will be valued at its fair market value at the time of such transfer, in each case as determined in good faith by the Board of Directors of the Issuer; and

(3)           “Investment” will include in connection with the sale or other disposition of any Voting Stock of any Restricted Subsidiary where, after giving effect to any such sale or disposition, such entity will no longer be a Subsidiary of the Issuer, an amount, calculated on the date of any such sale or disposition, equal to the fair market value (as conclusively determined in good faith by the Board of Directors of the Issuer) of the Capital Stock of such Subsidiary not being sold or disposed of.

Investment Grade Rating ” means a rating equal to or higher than Baa3 (or the equivalent) by Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. and BBB- (or the equivalent) by Standard & Poor’s Ratings Group, Inc. (or, in each case, if such Rating Agency ceases to rate the Notes for reasons outside the Issuer’s control, any equivalent investment grade rating by any Rating Agency selected by the Issuer as a replacement Rating Agency), in each case, with a stable or better outlook.

Issue Date ” means December 17, 2010.

Issuer ” means the party named as such in the first paragraph of this Indenture or any successor obligor to its Obligations under this Indenture and the Notes pursuant to Article 5.

 “ Lien ” means any mortgage, pledge, security interest, encumbrance, lien or charge of any kind (including any conditional sale or other title retention agreement or lease in the nature thereof); provided that in no event shall an operating lease be deemed to constitute a Lien.

 
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Merger ” means the merger of DG Acquisition Corp., a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Issuer, with and into Griffin pursuant to the Merger Agreement.

Merger Agreement ” means the agreement and plan of merger, dated November 9, 2010, by and among the Issuer, DG Acquisition Corp., Griffin Industries, Inc. and Robert A. Griffin, as shareholders’ representative (the “Shareholders’ Representative), and the rollover agreement, dated November 9, 2010, by and among the Issuer, the Shareholders’ Representative and the other parties thereto.

Moody’s ” means Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. and any successor to its rating agency business.

Net Available Cash ” from an Asset Disposition means cash payments received (including any cash payments received by way of deferred payment of principal pursuant to a note or installment receivable or otherwise and net proceeds from the sale or other disposition of any securities received as consideration, but only as and when received, but excluding any other consideration received in the form of assumption by the acquiring person of Indebtedness or other obligations relating to the properties or assets that are the subject of such Asset Disposition or received in any other non-cash form) therefrom, in each case net of:

(1)           all legal, accounting, investment banking, title and recording tax expenses, commissions and other fees and expenses Incurred, and all Federal, state, provincial, foreign and local taxes required to be paid or accrued as a liability under GAAP (after taking into account any available tax credits or deductions and any tax sharing agreements), as a consequence of such Asset Disposition;

(2)           all payments made on any Indebtedness which is secured by any assets subject to such Asset Disposition, in accordance with the terms of any Lien upon such assets, or which must by its terms, or in order to obtain a necessary consent to such Asset Disposition, or by applicable law be repaid out of the proceeds from such Asset Disposition;

(3)           all distributions and other payments required to be made to minority interest Holders in Subsidiaries or joint ventures as a result of such Asset Disposition;

(4)           the deduction of appropriate amounts to be provided by the seller as a reserve, in accordance with GAAP, against any liabilities associated with the assets disposed of in such Asset Disposition and retained by the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary after such Asset Disposition; and

(5)           any portion of the purchase price from an Asset Disposition placed in escrow (whether as a reserve for adjustment of the purchase price, or for satisfaction of indemnities in respect of such Asset Disposition); provided , however , that upon the termination of such escrow, Net Available Cash shall be increased by any portion of funds therein released to the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary;

Net Cash Proceeds ,” with respect to any issuance or sale of Capital Stock, means the cash proceeds of such issuance or sale net of attorneys’ fees, accountants’ fees, underwriters’ or placement agents’ fees, listing fees, discounts or commissions and brokerage, consultant and other fees and charges actually Incurred in connection with such issuance or sale and net of taxes paid or payable as a result of such issuance or sale (after taking into account any available tax credit or deductions and any tax sharing arrangements).

 
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Non-Guarantor Restricted Subsidiary ” means a Restricted Subsidiary that is not a Subsidiary Guarantor.

Non-Recourse Debt ” means Indebtedness of a Person:

(1)           as to which neither the Issuer nor any Restricted Subsidiary (a) provides any Guarantee or credit support of any kind (including any undertaking, Guarantee, indemnity, agreement or instrument that would constitute Indebtedness) or (b) is directly or indirectly liable (as a guarantor or otherwise);

(2)           no default with respect to which (including any rights that the holders thereof may have to take enforcement action against an Unrestricted Subsidiary) would permit (upon notice, lapse of time or both) any holder of any other Indebtedness of the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary to declare a default under such other Indebtedness or cause the payment thereof to be accelerated or payable prior to its Stated Maturity; and

(3)           the explicit terms of which provide there is no recourse against any of the assets of the Issuer or its Restricted Subsidiaries.

Notes ” means any Note authenticated and delivered under this Indenture, including the Initial Notes.  For all purposes of this Indenture, the term “Notes” shall also include any Additional Notes that may be issued under a supplemental indenture and Notes to be issued or authenticated upon transfer, replacement or exchange of Notes, including, without limitation, the Exchange Notes.

Obligations ” means any principal (including any accretion), interest (including any interest accruing subsequent to the filing of a petition in bankruptcy, reorganization or similar proceeding at the rate provided for in the documentation with respect thereto, whether or not such interest is an allowed claim under applicable state, federal or foreign law), other monetary obligations, penalties, fees, indemnifications, reimbursements (including reimbursement obligations with respect to letters of credit and banker’s acceptances), damages and other liabilities, and Guarantees of payment of such principal (including any accretion), interest, penalties, fees, indemnifications, reimbursements, damages and other liabilities, payable under the documentation governing any Indebtedness.

Offering Memorandum ” means the offering memorandum, dated December 3, 2010, relating to the sale of the Initial Notes.

Offer to Purchase ” means an Asset Disposition Offer or a Change of Control Offer.

Officer ” means the Chairman of the Board, the Chief Executive Officer, the President, any Executive Vice President, any Vice President, the Treasurer or the Secretary of the Issuer or, in the event that the Issuer is a partnership or a limited liability company that has no such officers, a person duly authorized under applicable law by the general partner, managers, members or a similar body to act on behalf of the Issuer.

Officers’ Certificate ” means a certificate signed by two Officers or by an Officer and either an Assistant Treasurer or an Assistant Secretary of the Issuer.

Opinion of Counsel ” means a written opinion from legal counsel who is acceptable to the Trustee. The counsel may be an employee of or counsel to the Issuer or the Trustee.

Pari Passu Indebtedness ” means Indebtedness that ranks equally in right of payment to the Notes.

 
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Permitted Investment ” means an Investment by the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary in:

(1)           a Restricted Subsidiary (other than a Receivables Entity) or a Person which will, upon the making of such Investment, become a Restricted Subsidiary (other than a Receivables Entity); provided , however , that the primary business of such Restricted Subsidiary is a Related Business;

(2)           another Person if as a result of such Investment such other Person is merged or consolidated with or into, or transfers or conveys all or substantially all its assets to, the Issuer or a Restricted Subsidiary (other than a Receivables Entity); provided , however , that such Person’s primary business is a Related Business;

(3)           cash and Cash Equivalents and Investments that were Cash Equivalents when made;

(4)           receivables owing to the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary created or acquired in the ordinary course of business and payable or dischargeable in accordance with customary trade terms; provided , however , that such trade terms may include such concessionary trade terms as the Issuer or any such Restricted Subsidiary deems reasonable under the circumstances;

(5)           payroll, travel and similar advances to cover matters that are expected at the time of such advances ultimately to be treated as expenses for accounting purposes and that are made in the ordinary course of business;

(6)           to the extent permitted by law, loans or advances to employees, officers or directors of the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary of the Issuer in the ordinary course of business in an aggregate amount not in excess of $5.0 million outstanding at any one time (without giving effect to the forgiveness of any such loan);

(7)           extension of trade credit, loans or advances to customers, clients or suppliers in the ordinary course of business, provided that any such trade credit, loan or advance is not outstanding for more than six months;

(8)           Capital Stock, obligations or securities received in settlement of debts created in the ordinary course of business and owing to the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary or in satisfaction of judgments or pursuant to any plan of reorganization or similar arrangement upon the bankruptcy or insolvency of a debtor or upon foreclosure or deed in lieu of foreclosure;

(9)           Investments made as a result of the receipt of non-cash consideration from an Asset Disposition that was made pursuant to and in compliance with Section 4.10;

(10)           Investments in existence, or made pursuant to binding commitments existing, on the Issue Date (other than Investments in the Renewable Diesel Joint Venture which will be subject to clause (23) of this definition);

(11)           Currency Agreements, Interest Rate Agreements, Commodity Agreements and related Hedging Obligations, which transactions or obligations are Incurred in compliance with Section 4.09;

 
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(12)           Investments by the Issuer or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries, together with all other Investments pursuant to this clause (12), in an aggregate amount at the time of such Investment not to exceed $25 million outstanding at any one time (with the fair market value of such Investment being measured at the time made and without giving effect to subsequent changes in value);

(13)           Guarantees issued in accordance with Section 4.09 (including payments thereunder);

(14)           Investments by the Issuer or a Restricted Subsidiary in a Receivables Entity or any Investment by a Receivables Entity in any other Person, in each case, in connection with a Qualified Receivables Transaction, provided , however , that any Investment in any such Person is in the form of a Purchase Money Note, or any equity interest or interests in Receivables and related assets generated by the Issuer or a Restricted Subsidiary and transferred to any Person in connection with a Qualified Receivables Transaction or any such Person owning such Receivables;

(15)           any Asset Swap made in accordance with Section 4.10;

(16)           Investments consisting of the licensing or contribution of intellectual property pursuant to joint marketing arrangements with other Persons;

(17)           Investments in inventory in the ordinary course of business;

(18)           Investments of a Restricted Subsidiary acquired after the Issue Date or of an entity merged into, amalgamated with, or consolidated with the Issuer or a Restricted Subsidiary in a transaction that is not prohibited by Section 5.01 after the Issue Date to the extent that such Investments were not made in contemplation of such acquisition, merger, amalgamation or consolidation and were in existence on the date of such acquisition, merger, amalgamation or consolidation and do not constitute a material portion of the assets of the entity so acquired and in the case of the Merger, such Investment was permitted by the terms of the Merger Agreement in effect on the Issue Date;

(19)           any acquisition of assets or Capital Stock solely in exchange for, or out of the Net Cash Proceeds received from, the substantially contemporaneous issuance of Capital Stock (other than Disqualified Stock) of the Issuer; provided that the amount of any such Net Cash Proceeds that are utilized for any such Investment pursuant to this clause (19) will be excluded from Section 4.07(a)(C)(ii);

(20)           endorsements of negotiable instruments and documents or for collection or deposits in the ordinary course of business;

(21)           pledges or deposits permitted under clauses (2), (5), (26) and (27) of the definition of Permitted Liens;

(22)           Investments made in connection with the funding of contributions under any non-qualified retirement plan or similar employee compensation plan in an amount not to exceed the amount of compensation expense recognized by the Issuer and its Restricted Subsidiaries in connection with such plans;

 
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(23)           Investments of up to $115 million in the Renewable Diesel Joint Venture; and

(24)           to the extent constituting an Investment, Liens described in clause (24) of the definition of “Permitted Liens.”

Permitted Liens ” means, with respect to any Person:

(1)           Liens securing Indebtedness and other obligations under the Senior Secured Credit Agreement and Hedging Obligations and cash management arrangements with Persons or Affiliates of Persons party to the Senior Secured Credit Agreement permitted to be secured by such Liens by the Senior Secured Credit Agreement and Liens securing Guarantees of Restricted Subsidiaries of Indebtedness and other obligations of the Issuer under the Senior Secured Credit Agreement, in each case permitted to be Incurred under Section 4.09(b)(1);

(2)           pledges or deposits by such Person under workers’ compensation laws, unemployment insurance laws or similar legislation or regulations, or good faith deposits in connection with bids, tenders, contracts (other than for the payment of Indebtedness) or leases to which such Person is a party, or deposits to secure public or statutory obligations of such Person or deposits of cash or Cash Equivalents to secure surety or stay and appeal bonds and other obligations of a like nature to which such Person is a party, or deposits as security for contested taxes or import or customs duties or for the payment of rent, in each case Incurred in the ordinary course of business;

(3)           Liens imposed by law, including carriers’, warehousemen’s, mechanics’, materialmen’s and repairmen’s, landlord’s and other like Liens incurred in the ordinary course of business;

(4)           Liens for taxes, assessments or other governmental charges overdue by more than thirty days or which are being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings provided appropriate reserves required pursuant to GAAP have been made in respect thereof;

(5)           Liens in favor of issuers of surety or performance bonds or letters of credit or bankers’ acceptances issued pursuant to the request of and for the account of such Person in the ordinary course of its business; provided , however , that such letters of credit do not constitute Indebtedness;

(6)           encumbrances, ground leases, easements or reservations of, or rights of others for, licenses, rights of way, sewers, electric lines, telegraph and telephone lines and other similar purposes, or zoning, building codes or other restrictions (including, without limitation, minor defects or irregularities in title and similar encumbrances) as to the use of real properties or liens incidental to the conduct of the business of such Person or to the ownership of its properties which do not in the aggregate materially adversely affect the value of said properties or materially impair their use in the operation of the business of such Person;

(7)           Liens securing Hedging Obligations so long as the related Indebtedness is, and is permitted to be under this Indenture, secured by a Lien on the same property securing such Hedging Obligation;

 
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(8)           Liens in favor of a commodity or security intermediary who holds a commodity, brokerage or, as applicable, a security account on behalf of the Issuer or a Restricted Subsidiary provided such Lien encumbers only the related account and the property held therein;

(9)           leases, licenses, subleases and sublicenses of assets (including, without limitation, real property and intellectual property rights) which do not materially interfere with the ordinary conduct of the business of the Issuer or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries;

(10)           judgment Liens not giving rise to an Event of Default;

(11)           Liens for the purpose of securing Indebtedness represented by Capitalized Lease Obligations, mortgage financings, purchase money obligations or other payments Incurred to finance all or any part of the purchase price or cost of construction or improvement of assets or property (other than Capital Stock or other Investments, except Capital Stock in a Person that becomes a Restricted Subsidiary whose sole assets consist of such assets or properties) acquired, constructed or improved in the ordinary course of business provided that:

(a)           the aggregate principal amount of Indebtedness secured by such Liens is otherwise permitted to be Incurred under Section 4.09(b)(9) and does not exceed the cost of the assets or property so acquired, constructed or improved; and

(b)           such Liens are created within 180 days of construction, acquisition or improvement of such assets or property and do not encumber any other assets or property of the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary other than such assets or property and assets affixed or appurtenant thereto, provided , further , that such Liens shall not apply to any other property or asset of the Issuer or a Restricted Subsidiary (other than the proceeds and products thereof and accessions thereto, except that individual financings provided by a Person or its Affiliates may be cross collateralized to other financings secured by Liens permitted under this clause (11) or clause (28) of this definition provided by such Person or its Affiliates);

(12)           Liens arising solely by virtue of any statutory or common law provisions relating to banker’s Liens, rights of set-off or similar rights and remedies as to deposit accounts or other funds maintained with a depositary institution; provided that:

(a)           such deposit account is not a dedicated cash collateral account and is not subject to restrictions against access by the Issuer in excess of those set forth by regulations promulgated by the Federal Reserve Board; and

(b)           such deposit account is not intended by the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary to provide collateral to the depository institution;

(13)           Liens arising from Uniform Commercial Code financing statement filings regarding operating leases and consignment or bailee arrangements entered into by the Issuer and its Restricted Subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business;

(14)           Liens existing on the Issue Date (other than Liens permitted under clause (1) of this definition), provided that such Lien shall not apply to any other property or asset of the Issuer or a Restricted Subsidiary (other than the proceeds and products thereof and accessions thereto, except that individual financings provided by a Person or its Affiliates may be cross collateralized to other financings secured by Liens permitted by clauses (19) or (28) of this definition provided by such Person or its Affiliates);

 
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(15)           Liens on property or shares of stock of a Person at the time such Person becomes a Restricted Subsidiary; provided , however , that such Liens are not created, Incurred or assumed in connection with, or in contemplation of, such other Person becoming a Restricted Subsidiary; provided further , however , that any such Lien may not extend to any other property owned by the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary;

(16)           Liens on property at the time the Issuer or a Restricted Subsidiary acquired the property, including any acquisition by means of a merger or consolidation with or into the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary; provided , however , that (x) such Liens are not created, Incurred or assumed in connection with, or in contemplation of, such acquisition; provided further , however , that such Liens may not extend to any other property owned by the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary (except that individual financings provided by a Person or its Affiliates may be cross collateralized to other financings secured by Liens permitted by this clause (16) and clauses (19) or (28) of this definition provided by such Person or its Affiliates) and (y) in the case of the Merger, such Liens were permitted by the terms of the Merger Agreement in effect on the Issue Date;

(17)           Liens securing Indebtedness or other obligations of a Restricted Subsidiary owing to the Issuer or another Restricted Subsidiary that is a Subsidiary Guarantor (or if such Restricted Subsidiary is not a Subsidiary Guarantor, to the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary);

(18)           Liens securing the Notes and Subsidiary Guarantees and any exchange notes and related guarantees issued in an exchange offer under the Registration Rights Agreement;

(19)           Liens securing Refinancing Indebtedness Incurred to refinance, refund, replace, amend, extend or modify, as a whole or in part, Indebtedness that was previously so secured pursuant to clauses (11), (14), (15), (16), (18) and (19) of this definition, provided that any such Lien is limited to all or part of the same property or assets (plus improvements, accessions, proceeds or dividends or distributions in respect thereof) that secured (or, under the written arrangements under which the original Lien arose, could secure) the Indebtedness being refinanced or is in respect of property that is the security for a Permitted Lien thereunder (except that individual financings provided by a Person or its Affiliates may be cross collateralized to other financings secured by Liens permitted by this clause (19) or clause (28) of this definition provided by such Person or its Affiliates);

(20)           Liens representing the interest of a purchaser of goods sold by the Issuer or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business under conditional sale, title retention, consignment or similar arrangements; provided that such Liens arise only under the applicable conditional sale, title retention, consignment or similar arrangements and such Liens only encumber the good so sold hereunder;

(21)           Liens in favor of the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary that is a Guarantor;

 
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(22)           Liens under industrial revenue, municipal or similar bonds;

(23)           Liens on assets transferred to a Receivables Entity or on assets of a Receivables Entity, in either case Incurred in connection with a Qualified Receivables Transaction;

(24)           Liens on (a) the Capital Stock of the Renewable Diesel Joint Venture consisting of a Permitted Renewable Joint Venture Investment in favor of the Holder of (x) any Indebtedness of the Renewable Diesel Joint Venture, (y) any Guarantee of such Indebtedness otherwise permitted under Section 4.09(b)(15) or (z) any Guarantee of the commitment to make an Investment in the Renewable Diesel Joint Venture which Investment is otherwise permitted to be made under clauses (12) and (23) of the definition of “Permitted Investments” and under Section 4.07(b)(13) and (b) cash and cash equivalents to secure (x) obligations to make an Investment in the Renewable Diesel Joint Venture permitted under clauses (12) and (23) of the definition of “Permitted Investments” and under Section 4.07(b)(13) or (y) a letter of credit posted to secure obligations set forth in the foregoing clause (24)(b)(x);

(25)           Liens arising as a result of agreements to enter into a Sale/Leaseback Transaction and not securing Indebtedness; provided , that such Liens shall not extend beyond the property that is the subject of such Sale/Leaseback Transaction;

(26)           Liens solely on any cash earnest money deposits made by the Issuer or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries in connection with any letter of intent or purchase agreement in respect of any Investment permitted under this Indenture;

(27)           [intentionally omitted];

(28)           Liens securing Indebtedness (other than Subordinated Obligations and Guarantor Subordinated Obligations) in an aggregate principal amount outstanding at any one time not to exceed $50 million;

(29)           Liens granted in the ordinary course of business to secure (a) liabilities for premiums or reimbursement obligations to insurance carriers and (b) letters of credit, bank guarantees or similar instruments posted to support payment of items set forth in this clause (29); provided that such letters of credit, bank guarantees or similar instruments are issued in compliance with this Indenture;

(30)           Liens arising in connection with pooled deposit or sweep accounts of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary and consisting of the right to apply the funds held therein to satisfy overdraft obligations incurred in the ordinary course of business of such Person, in each case, which are within the general parameters customary in the banking industry;

(31)           Liens that are contractual rights of set-off relating to purchase orders and other similar agreements entered into in the ordinary course of business; and

(32)           Liens on Equity Interests in Unrestricted Subsidiaries (other than the Renewable Diesel Joint Venture); provided such Liens secure Indebtedness of such Unrestricted Subsidiaries.

 
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Permitted Renewable Joint Venture Investments ” means, without duplication, (i) any Investment in the Renewable Diesel Joint Venture made pursuant to clause (23) of the definition of “Permitted Investment” and (ii) the amount of any unreimbursed payments made pursuant to the Guarantee or the exercise of remedies under any Lien, in each case permitted under Section 4.09(b)(15).

Person ” means any individual, corporation, partnership, joint venture, association, joint-stock company, trust, unincorporated organization, limited liability company, government or any agency or political subdivision hereof or any other entity.

Preferred Stock ” as applied to the Capital Stock of any Person, means Capital Stock of any class or classes (however designated) which is preferred as to the payment of dividends, or as to the distribution of assets upon any voluntary or involuntary liquidation or dissolution of such corporation, over shares of Capital Stock of any other class of such corporation.

Purchase Money Note ” means a promissory note of a Receivables Entity evidencing the deferred purchase price of Receivables (and related assets) and a line of credit, which may be irrevocable, from the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary in connection with a Qualified Receivables Transaction with a Receivables Entity, which deferred purchase price or line is repayable from cash available to the Receivables Entity, other than amounts required to be established as reserves pursuant to agreements, amounts paid to investors in respect of interest, principal and other amounts owing to such investors and amounts owing to such investors and amounts paid in connection with the purchase of newly generated Receivables.

Qualified Receivables Transaction ” means any transaction or series of transactions that may be entered into by the Issuer or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries pursuant to which the Issuer or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries may sell, convey or otherwise transfer to (1) a Receivables Entity (in the case of a transfer by the Issuer or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries) and (2) any other Person (in the case of a transfer by a Receivables Entity), or may grant a security interest in, any Receivables (whether now existing or arising in the future) of the Issuer or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries, and any assets related thereto including, without limitation, all collateral securing such Receivables, all contracts and all guarantees or other obligations in respect of such accounts receivable, the proceeds of such Receivables and other assets which are customarily transferred, or in respect of which security interests are customarily granted, in connection with asset securitization involving Receivables.

Rating Agency ” means Standard & Poor’s Ratings Group, Inc. and Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. or if Standard & Poor’s Ratings Group, Inc. or Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. or both shall not make a rating on the Notes publicly available, a nationally recognized statistical rating agency or agencies, as the case may be, selected by the Issuer (as certified by a resolution of its Board of Directors) which shall be substituted for Standard & Poor’s Ratings Group, Inc. or Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. or both, as the case may be.

Receivable ” means a right to receive payment arising from a sale or lease of goods or the performance of services by a Person pursuant to an arrangement with another Person pursuant to which such other Person is obligated to pay for goods or services under terms that permit the purchase of such goods and services on credit and shall include, in any event, any items of property that would be classified as an “account,” “chattel paper,” “payment intangible” or “instrument” under the Uniform Commercial Code as in effect in the State of New York and any “supporting obligations” as so defined.

Receivables Entity ” means a Wholly-Owned Subsidiary (or another Person in which the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary makes an Investment and to which the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary transfers Receivables and related assets) which engages in no activities other than in connection with the financing of Receivables and which is designated by the Board of Directors of the Issuer (as provided in this definition) as a Receivables Entity:

 
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(1)           no portion of the Indebtedness or any other obligations (contingent or otherwise) of which:

(A)           is guaranteed by the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary (excluding guarantees of Obligations (other than the principal of, and interest on, Indebtedness) pursuant to Standard Securitization Undertakings);

(B)           is recourse to or obligates the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary in any way other than pursuant to Standard Securitization Undertakings; or

(C)           subjects any property or asset of the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary, directly or indirectly, contingently or otherwise, to the satisfaction thereof, other than pursuant to Standard Securitization Undertakings;

(2)           with which neither the Issuer nor any Restricted Subsidiary has any material contract, agreement, arrangement or understanding (except in connection with a Purchase Money Note or Qualified Receivables Transaction) other than on terms no less favorable to the Issuer or such Restricted Subsidiary than those that might be obtained at the time from Persons that are not Affiliates of the Issuer, other than fees payable in the ordinary course of business in connection with servicing Receivables; and

(3)           to which neither the Issuer nor any Restricted Subsidiary has any obligation to maintain or preserve such entity’s financial condition or cause such entity to achieve certain levels of operating results.

Any such designation by the Board of Directors of the Issuer shall be evidenced to the Trustee by filing with the Trustee a certified copy of the resolution of the Board of Directors of the Issuer giving effect to such designation and an Officers’ Certificate certifying that such designation complied with the foregoing conditions.

Receivables Fees ” means any fees or interest paid to purchasers or lenders providing the financing in connection with a Qualified Receivables Transaction, factoring agreement or other similar agreement, including any such amounts paid by discounting the face amount of Receivables or participations therein transferred in connection with a Qualified Receivables Transaction, factoring agreement or other similar arrangement, regardless of whether any such transaction is structured as on-balance sheet or off- balance sheet or through a Restricted Subsidiary or an Unrestricted Subsidiary.

Receivables Transaction Amount ” means the amount of obligations outstanding under the legal documents entered into as part of such Qualified Receivables Transaction on any date of determination that would be characterized as principal if such Qualified Receivables Transaction were structured as a secured lending transaction rather than as a purchase.

Record Date ” for the interest or Additional Interest, if any, payable on any applicable Interest Payment Date means June 1 or December 1 (whether or not a Business Day) next preceding such Interest Payment Date.

Refinancing Indebtedness ” means Indebtedness that is Incurred to refund, refinance, replace, exchange, renew, repay or extend (including pursuant to any defeasance or discharge mechanism) (collectively, “refinance,” “refinances” and “refinanced” shall each have a correlative meaning) any Indebtedness existing on the Issue Date or Incurred in compliance with this Indenture (including Indebtedness of the Issuer that refinances Indebtedness of any Restricted Subsidiary and Indebtedness of any Restricted Subsidiary that refinances Indebtedness of another Restricted Subsidiary) including Indebtedness that refinances Refinancing Indebtedness, provided , however , that:

 
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(1)           (a) if the Stated Maturity of the Indebtedness being refinanced is earlier than the Stated Maturity of the Notes, the Refinancing Indebtedness has a Stated Maturity no earlier than the Stated Maturity of the Indebtedness being refinanced or (b) if the Stated Maturity of the Indebtedness being refinanced is later than the Stated Maturity of the Notes, the Refinancing Indebtedness has a Stated Maturity at least 91 days later than the Stated Maturity of the Notes;

(2)           the Refinancing Indebtedness has an Average Life at the time such Refinancing Indebtedness is Incurred that is equal to or greater than the Average Life of the Indebtedness being refinanced;

(3)           such Refinancing Indebtedness is Incurred in an aggregate principal amount (or if issued with original issue discount, an aggregate issue price) that is equal to or less than the sum of the aggregate principal amount (or if issued with original issue discount, the aggregate accreted value) then outstanding of the Indebtedness being refinanced (plus, without duplication, any additional Indebtedness Incurred to pay interest or premiums required by the instruments governing such existing Indebtedness and fees Incurred in connection therewith); and

(4)           if the Indebtedness being refinanced is subordinated in right of payment to the Notes or the Subsidiary Guarantee, such Refinancing Indebtedness is subordinated in right of payment to the Notes or the Subsidiary Guarantee on terms at least as favorable to the Holders as those contained in the documentation governing the Indebtedness being refinanced.

Registration Rights Agreement ” means that certain registration rights agreement dated as of the Issue Date by and among the Issuer, the Subsidiary Guarantors and the Initial Purchasers and, with respect to any Additional Notes, one or more substantially similar registration rights agreements among the Issuer and the other parties thereto, as such agreements may be amended from time to time.

Related Business ” means any business which is the same as or related, ancillary or complementary to, or a reasonable extension or expansion of, any of the businesses of the Issuer and its Restricted Subsidiaries on the Issue Date or upon completion of the Merger, including, for the avoidance of doubt, the Renewable Diesel Joint Venture.

Related Business Assets ” means any property, plant, equipment or other assets (excluding assets that are qualified as current assets under GAAP) to be used or useful by the Issuer or a Restricted Subsidiary in a Related Business or capital expenditures relating thereto.

Renewable Diesel Joint Venture ” means one or more joint ventures formed with an Affiliate of Valero Energy Corporation in connection with the building of a renewable diesel facility on a site adjacent to Valero Energy Corporation’s St. Charles refinery near Norco, Louisiana, including any Subsidiary thereof.

Renewable Diesel Joint Venture Indebtedness ” means any Indebtedness specified in Section 4.09(b)(15); provided that the Renewable Diesel Joint Venture is not a Restricted Subsidiary of the Issuer.

 
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Responsible Officer ” means, when used with respect to the Trustee, any officer within the corporate trust department of the Trustee having direct responsibility for the administration of this Indenture, or any other officer to whom any corporate trust matter is referred because of such officer’s knowledge of and familiarity with the particular subject.

Restricted Investment ” means any Investment other than a Permitted Investment.

Restricted Notes Legend ” means the legend set forth in Section 2.3(e)(i) of Appendix A to this Indenture.

Restricted Subsidiary ” means any Subsidiary of the Issuer other than an Unrestricted Subsidiary.

Sale/Leaseback Transaction ” means an arrangement relating to property now owned or hereafter acquired whereby the Issuer or a Restricted Subsidiary transfers such property to a Person and the Issuer or a Restricted Subsidiary leases it from such Person.

SEC ” means the United States Securities and Exchange Commission.

Securities Act ” means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the rules and regulations of the SEC promulgated thereunder.

Senior Secured Credit Agreement ” means the Credit Agreement to be entered into among the Issuer, J.P. Morgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent, and the lenders parties thereto from time to time, as the same may be amended, restated, amended and restated, modified, renewed, refunded, replaced or refinanced in whole or in part from time to time (including increasing the amount loaned thereunder provided that such additional Indebtedness is Incurred in accordance with Section 4.09); provided that a Senior Secured Credit Agreement shall not (x) include Indebtedness issued, created or Incurred pursuant to a registered offering of securities under the Securities Act or a private placement of securities (including under Rule 144A or Regulation S) pursuant to an exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act or (y) relate to Indebtedness that does not consist exclusively of Pari Passu Indebtedness or Guarantor Pari Passu Indebtedness.

Shelf Registration Statement ” means the Shelf Registration Statement as defined in the Registration Rights Agreement.

Significant Subsidiary ” means any Restricted Subsidiary that would be a “Significant Subsidiary” of the Issuer within the meaning of Rule 1-02 under Regulation S-X promulgated by the SEC.

Standard Securitization Undertakings ” means representations, warranties, covenants and indemnities entered into by the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary which are reasonably customary in securitization of Receivables transactions.

Stated Maturity ” means, with respect to any security, the date specified in such security as the fixed date on which the payment of principal of such security is due and payable, including pursuant to any mandatory redemption provision, but shall not include any contingent obligations to repay, redeem or repurchase any such principal prior to the date originally scheduled for the payment thereof.

 
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Subordinated Obligation ” means any Indebtedness of the Issuer (whether outstanding on the Issue Date or thereafter Incurred) which is subordinate or junior in right of payment to the Notes pursuant to a written agreement.

Subsidiary ” of any Person means (a) any corporation, association or other business entity (other than a partnership, joint venture, limited liability company or similar entity) of which more than 50% of the total ordinary voting power of shares of Capital Stock entitled (without regard to the occurrence of any contingency) to vote in the election of directors, managers or trustees thereof (or persons performing similar functions) or (b) any partnership, joint venture, limited liability company or similar entity of which more than 50% of the capital accounts, distribution rights, total equity and voting interests or general or limited partnership interests, as applicable, is, in the case of clauses (a) and (b), at the time owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by (1) such Person, (2) such Person and one or more Subsidiaries of such Person or (3) one or more Subsidiaries of such Person. Unless otherwise specified herein, each reference to a Subsidiary will refer to a Subsidiary of the Issuer.

Subsidiary Guarantee ” means, individually, any Guarantee of the Issuer’s Obligations under the Notes and the Indenture by a Subsidiary Guarantor pursuant to the terms of this Indenture and any supplemental indenture thereto, and, collectively, all such Guarantees. Each such Subsidiary Guarantee will be in the form prescribed by this Indenture.

Subsidiary Guarantor ” means each Restricted Subsidiary in existence on the Issue Date that provides a Subsidiary Guarantee on the Issue Date and any other Restricted Subsidiary that provides a Subsidiary Guarantee in accordance with this Indenture; provided that upon release or discharge of such Restricted Subsidiary from its Subsidiary Guarantee in accordance with this Indenture, such Restricted Subsidiary shall cease to be a Subsidiary Guarantor

Transactions ” means the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement, the issuance of the Notes and borrowings under the Senior Secured Credit Agreement as in effect on the closing of the Merger.

Transfer Restricted Notes ” means any Notes that bear or are required to bear the Restricted Notes Legend.

Treasury Rate ” means the yield to maturity at the time of computation of United States Treasury securities with a constant maturity (as compiled and published in the most recent Federal Reserve Statistical Release H.15 (519) which has become publicly available at least two Business Days prior to any redemption date (or, if such Statistical Release is no longer published, any publicly available source or similar market data)) most nearly equal to the period from such redemption date to December 15, 2014; provided , however , that if the period from such redemption date to December 15, 2014 is not equal to the constant maturity of a United States Treasury security for which a weekly average yield is given, the Treasury Rate shall be obtained by linear interpolation (calculated to the nearest one-twelfth of a year) from the weekly average yields of United States Treasury securities for which such yields are given, except that if the period from such redemption date to December 15, 2014 is less than one year, the weekly average yield on actually traded United States Treasury securities adjusted to a constant maturity of one year shall be used.

Trust Indenture Act ” means the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended (15 U.S.C. §§ 77aaa-777bbbb).

Trustee ” means U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee, until a successor replaces it in accordance with the applicable provisions of this Indenture and thereafter means the successor trustee serving hereunder.

 
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Unrestricted Subsidiary ” means:

(1)           any Subsidiary of the Issuer that at the time of determination shall be designated an Unrestricted Subsidiary by the Board of Directors of the Issuer in the manner provided in this definition provided , that if the Renewable Diesel Joint Venture becomes a Subsidiary of the Issuer, the Renewable Diesel Joint Venture shall be an Unrestricted Subsidiary of the Issuer notwithstanding that it fails to satisfy the criteria set forth in this definition on the date it becomes a Subsidiary of the Issuer; and

(2)           any Subsidiary of an Unrestricted Subsidiary.

The Board of Directors of the Issuer may designate any Subsidiary of the Issuer (including any newly acquired or newly formed Subsidiary or a Person becoming a Subsidiary through merger or consolidation or Investment therein) to be an Unrestricted Subsidiary only if:

(1)           such Subsidiary or any of its Subsidiaries does not own any Capital Stock or Indebtedness of or have any Investment in, or own or hold any Lien on any property of, any other Subsidiary of the Issuer which is not a Subsidiary of the Subsidiary to be so designated or otherwise an Unrestricted Subsidiary;

(2)           all the Indebtedness of such Subsidiary and its Subsidiaries shall, at the date of designation, and will at all times thereafter, consist of Non-Recourse Debt;

(3)           such designation and the Investment of the Issuer in such Subsidiary complies with Section 4.07;

(4)           such Subsidiary, either alone or in the aggregate with all other Unrestricted Subsidiaries, does not operate, directly or indirectly, all or substantially all of the business of the Issuer and its Subsidiaries;

(5)           such Subsidiary is a Person with respect to which neither the Issuer nor any of its Restricted Subsidiaries has any direct or indirect obligation:

(a)           to subscribe for additional Capital Stock of such Person; or

(b)           to maintain or preserve such Person’s financial condition or to cause such Person to achieve any specified levels of operating results; and

(6)           on the date such Subsidiary is designated an Unrestricted Subsidiary, such Subsidiary is not a party to any agreement, contract, arrangement or understanding with the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary with terms substantially less favorable to the Issuer than those that might have been obtained from Persons who are not Affiliates of the Issuer.

Any such designation by the Board of Directors of the Issuer shall be evidenced to the Trustee by filing with the Trustee a resolution of the Board of Directors of the Issuer giving effect to such designation and an Officers’ Certificate certifying that such designation complies with the foregoing conditions. If, at any time, any Unrestricted Subsidiary (other than the Renewable Diesel Joint Venture, but without limiting the application of Article 4 to the Renewable Diesel Joint Venture) would fail to meet the foregoing requirements as an Unrestricted Subsidiary, it shall thereafter cease to be an Unrestricted Subsidiary for purposes of this Indenture and any Indebtedness of such Subsidiary shall be deemed to be Incurred as of such date.

 
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The Board of Directors of the Issuer may designate any Unrestricted Subsidiary to be a Restricted Subsidiary; provided that immediately after giving effect to such designation, no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing or would occur as a consequence thereof and the Issuer could Incur at least $1.00 of additional Indebtedness under Section 4.09(a) on a pro forma basis taking into account such designation.

U.S. ” means the United States of America.

U.S. Government Obligations ” means securities that are (a) direct obligations of the United States of America for the timely payment of which its full faith and credit is pledged or (b) obligations of a Person controlled or supervised by and acting as an agency or instrumentality of the United States of America the timely payment of which is unconditionally guaranteed as a full faith and credit obligation of the United States of America, which, in either case, are not callable or redeemable at the option of the issuer thereof, and shall also include a depositary receipt issued by a bank (as defined in Section 3(a)(2) of the Securities Act), as custodian with respect to any such U.S. Government Obligations or a specific payment of principal of or interest on any such U.S. Government Obligations held by such custodian for the account of the Holder of such depositary receipt; provided that (except as required by law) such custodian is not authorized to make any deduction from the amount payable to the Holder of such depositary receipt from any amount received by the custodian in respect of the U.S. Government Obligations or the specific payment of principal of or interest on the U.S. Government Obligations evidenced by such depositary receipt.

Voting Stock ” of a Person means all classes of Capital Stock of such Person then outstanding and normally entitled to vote in the election of directors, managers or trustees, as applicable.

Wholly-Owned Subsidiary ” means a Restricted Subsidiary, all of the Capital Stock of which (other than directors’ qualifying shares) is owned by the Issuer or another Wholly-Owned Subsidiary.

Section 1.02
Other Definitions .

Term
Defined in Section
   
“Agent Members”
2.1(c) of Appendix A
“Affiliate Transaction”
4.11(a)
“Applicable Procedures”
1.1(a) of Appendix A
“Asset Disposition Offer”
4.10(b)
“Asset Disposition Offer Amount”
4.10(c)
“Asset Disposition Offer Period”
3.09(b)
“Asset Disposition Purchase Date”
3.09(b)
“Authentication Order”
2.02(c)
“Automatic Exchange”
2.3(j) of Appendix A
“Automatic Exchange Date”
2.3(j) of Appendix A
“Automatic Exchange Notice”
2.3(j) of Appendix A
“Automatic Exchange Notice Date”
2.3(j) of Appendix A
“Change of Control Offer”
4.14(b)
“Change of Control Payment”
4.14(b)(1)
“Change of Control Payment Date”
4.14(b)(2)
“Clearstream”
1.1(a) of Appendix A
“Covenant Defeasance”
8.03
“cross acceleration”
6.01(a)(6)(A)
“Definitive Notes Legend”
2.3(e) of Appendix A

 
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Term
Defined in Section
   
“Event of Default”
6.01(a)
“Excess Proceeds”
4.10(b)
“Expiration Date”
1.05(j)
“Global Note”
2.1(b) of Appendix A
“Global Notes Legend”
2.3(e) of Appendix A
“IAI”
1.1(a) of Appendix A
“IAI Global Note”
2.1(b) of Appendix A
“Legal Defeasance”
8.02(a)
“Note Register”
2.03(a)
“Paying Agent”
2.03(a)
“payment default”
6.01(a)(6)(A)
“QIB”
1.1(a) of Appendix A
“Registrar”
2.03(a)
“Regulation S”
1.1(a) of Appendix A
“Regulation S Global Note”
2.1(b) of Appendix A
“Regulation S Notes”
2.1(a) of Appendix A
“Restricted Payments”
4.07(a)
“Restricted Notes Legend”
2.3(e) of Appendix A
“Rule 144”
1.1(a) of Appendix A
“Rule 144A”
1.1(a) of Appendix A
“Rule 144A Global Note”
2.1(b) of Appendix A
“Rule 144A Notes”
2.1(a) of Appendix A
“Rule 501”
1.1(a) of Appendix A
“Successor Company”
5.01(a)(1)
“Successor Guarantor”
5.01(e)(1)
“Suspended Covenants”
4.16(a)
“Suspension Period”
4.16(b)
 
 
Section 1.03
Rules of Construction .

Unless the context otherwise requires:

(1)           a term has the meaning assigned to it herein, and a term used herein that is defined in the Trust Indenture Act, either directly or by reference therein, shall have the meaning assigned to it therein;

(2)           an accounting term not otherwise defined has the meaning assigned to it in accordance with GAAP;

(3)           “or” is not exclusive;

(4)           words in the singular include the plural, and words in the plural include the singular;

(5)           unsecured Indebtedness shall not be deemed to be subordinate or junior to secured Indebtedness merely by virtue of its nature as unsecured Indebtedness;

(6)           “$” and “U.S. dollars” each refer to United States dollars, or such other money of the United States that at the time of payment is legal tender for payment of public and private debts;

 
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(7)           provisions apply to successive events and transactions;

(8)           unless the context otherwise requires, any reference to an “Appendix,” “Article,” “Section,” “clause,” “Schedule” or “Exhibit” refers to an Appendix, Article, Section, clause, Schedule or Exhibit, as the case may be, of this Indenture;

(9)           the words “herein,” “hereof” and other words of similar import refer to this Indenture as a whole and not any particular Article, Section, clause or other subdivision;

(10)           “including” means including without limitation;

(11)           references to sections of, or rules under, the Securities Act, the Exchange Act or the Trust Indenture Act shall be deemed to include substitute, replacement or successor sections or rules adopted by the SEC from time to time; and

(12)           unless otherwise provided, references to agreements and other instruments shall be deemed to include all amendments and other modifications to such agreements or instruments, but only to the extent such amendments and other modifications are not prohibited by the terms of this Indenture.

Section 1.04
Incorporation by Reference of Trust Indenture Act .

Whenever this Indenture refers to a provision of the Trust Indenture Act as applicable to this Indenture, the provision is incorporated by reference in and made a part of this Indenture.

The following Trust Indenture Act terms used in this Indenture have the following meanings:

Commission ” means the SEC;

indenture securities ” means the Notes and the Guarantees;

indenture security holder ” means a Holder of a Note;

indenture to be qualified ” means this Indenture;

“indenture trustee” or “institutional trustee” means the Trustee; and

obligor ” on the Notes and the Guarantees means the Issuer and the Subsidiary Guarantors, respectively, and any successor obligor upon the Notes and the Guarantees, respectively.

All other terms used in this Indenture that are defined by the Trust Indenture Act, defined by Trust Indenture Act reference to another statute or defined by SEC rule under the Trust Indenture Act have the meanings so assigned to them.

Section 1.05
Acts of Holders .

(a)           Any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other action provided by this Indenture to be given or taken by Holders may be embodied in and evidenced by one or more instruments of substantially similar tenor signed by such Holders in person or by an agent duly appointed in writing.  Except as herein otherwise expressly provided, such action shall become effective when such instrument or instruments or record or both are delivered to the Trustee and, where it is hereby expressly required, to the Issuer and the Subsidiary Guarantors.  Proof of execution of any such instrument or of a writing appointing any such agent, or the holding by any Person of a Note, shall be sufficient for any purpose of this Indenture and (subject to Section 7.01) conclusive in favor of the Trustee, the Issuer and the Subsidiary Guarantors, if made in the manner provided in this Section 1.05.

 
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(b)           The fact and date of the execution by any Person of any such instrument or writing may be proved (1) by the affidavit of a witness of such execution or by the certificate of any notary public or other officer authorized by law to take acknowledgments of deeds, certifying that the individual signing such instrument or writing acknowledged to him the execution thereof or (2) in any other manner deemed reasonably sufficient by the Trustee.  Where such execution is by or on behalf of any legal entity other than an individual, such certificate or affidavit shall also constitute proof of the authority of the Person executing the same.  The fact and date of the execution of any such instrument or writing, or the authority of the Person executing the same, may also be proved in any other manner that the Trustee deems sufficient.

(c)           The ownership of Notes shall be proved by the Note Register.

(d)           Any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other action by the Holder of any Note shall bind every future Holder of the same Note and the Holder of every Note issued upon the registration of transfer thereof or in exchange therefor or in lieu thereof, in respect of any action taken, suffered or omitted by the Trustee, the Issuer or the Subsidiary Guarantors in reliance thereon, whether or not notation of such action is made upon such Note.

(e)           The Issuer may set a record date for purposes of determining the identity of Holders entitled to make, give or take any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other action provided in this Indenture to be made, or to vote on or consent to any action authorized or permitted to be taken by Holders, but the Issuer shall have no obligation to do so; provided that the Issuer may not set a record date for, and the provisions of this paragraph shall not apply with respect to, the giving or making of any notice, declaration, request or direction referred to in clause (f) of this Section 1.05.  Unless otherwise specified, if not set by the Issuer prior to the first solicitation of a Holder made by any Person in respect of any such action, or in the case of any such vote, prior to such vote, any such record date shall be the later of 30 days prior to the first solicitation of such consent or vote or the date of the most recent list of Holders furnished to the Trustee prior to such solicitation or vote.  If any record date is set pursuant to this clause (e), the Holders on such record date, and only such Holders, shall be entitled to make, give or take such request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other action (including revocation of any action), whether or not such Holders remain Holders after such record date; provided that no such action shall be effective hereunder unless made, given or taken on or prior to the applicable Expiration Date by Holders of the requisite principal amount of Notes, or each affected Holder, as applicable, on such record date.  Promptly after any record date is set pursuant to this paragraph, the Issuer, at its own expense, shall cause notice of such record date, the proposed action by Holders and the applicable Expiration Date to be given to the Trustee in writing and to each Holder in the manner set forth in Section 12.02.

(f)           The Trustee may set any day as a record date for the purpose of determining the Holders entitled to join in the giving or making of (1) any notice of default under Section 6.01(a), (2) any declaration of acceleration referred to in Section 6.02, (3) any direction referred to in Section 6.05 or (4) any request to pursue a remedy referred to in Section 6.06(2).  If any record date is set pursuant to this paragraph, the Holders on such record date, and no other Holders, shall be entitled to join in such notice, declaration, request or direction, whether or not such Holders remain Holders after such record date; provided that no such action shall be effective hereunder unless made, given or taken on or prior to the applicable Expiration Date by Holders of the requisite principal amount of Notes or each affected Holder, as applicable, on such record date.  Promptly after any record date is set pursuant to this paragraph, the Trustee, at the Issuer’s expense, shall cause notice of such record date, the proposed action by Holders and the applicable Expiration Date to be given to the Issuer and to each Holder in the manner set forth in Section 12.02.

 
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(g)           Without limiting the foregoing, a Holder entitled to take any action hereunder with regard to any particular Note may do so with regard to all or any part of the principal amount of such Note or by one or more duly appointed agents, each of which may do so pursuant to such appointment with regard to all or any part of such principal amount.  Any notice given or action taken by a Holder or its agents with regard to different parts of such principal amount pursuant to this paragraph shall have the same effect as if given or taken by separate Holders of each such different part.

(h)           Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, a Holder, including a Depositary that is the Holder of a Global Note, may make, give or take, by a proxy or proxies duly appointed in writing, any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other action provided in this Indenture to be made, given or taken by Holders, and a Depositary, that is the Holder of a Global Note may provide its proxy or proxies to the beneficial owners of interests in any such Global Note through such Depositary’s standing instructions and customary practices.

(i)           The Issuer may fix a record date for the purpose of determining the Persons who are beneficial owners of interests in any Global Note held by a Depositary entitled under the procedures of such Depositary, if any, to make, give or take, by a proxy or proxies duly appointed in writing, any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other action provided in this Indenture to be made, given or taken by Holders; provided that if such a record date is fixed, only the beneficial owners of interests in such Global Note on such record date or their duly appointed proxy or proxies shall be entitled to make, give or take such request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other action, whether or not such beneficial owners remain beneficial owners of interests in such Global Note after such record date.  No such request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other action shall be effective hereunder unless made, given or taken on or prior to the applicable Expiration Date.

(j)           With respect to any record date set pursuant to this Section 1.05, the party hereto that sets such record date may designate any day as the “ Expiration Date ” and from time to time may change the Expiration Date to any earlier or later day; provided that no such change shall be effective unless notice of the proposed new Expiration Date is given to the other party hereto in writing, and to each Holder of Notes in the manner set forth in Section 12.02, on or prior to the existing Expiration Date.  If an Expiration Date is not designated with respect to any record date set pursuant to this Section 1.05, the party hereto which set such record date shall be deemed to have initially designated the 45th day after such record date as the Expiration Date with respect thereto, subject to its right to change the Expiration Date as provided in this clause (j).

 
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ARTICLE 2

THE NOTES

Section 2.01
Form and Dating; Terms .

(a)           Provisions relating to the Notes issued are set forth in Appendix A hereto, which is hereby incorporated in and expressly made a part of this Indenture.  The Notes and the Trustee’s certificate of authentication shall each be substantially in the form of Exhibit A hereto, which is hereby incorporated in and expressly made a part of this Indenture.  The Notes may have notations, legends or endorsements required by law, rules or agreements with national securities exchanges to which the Issuer or any Subsidiary Guarantor is subject, if any, or usage ( provided that any such notation, legend or endorsement is in a form acceptable to the Issuer).  Each Note shall be dated the date of its authentication.  The Notes shall be in denominations of $2,000 and integral multiples of $1,000 in excess thereof.

(b)           The aggregate principal amount of Notes that may be authenticated and delivered under this Indenture is unlimited.

The terms and provisions contained in the Notes shall constitute, and are hereby expressly made, a part of this Indenture and the Issuer, the Subsidiary Guarantors and the Trustee, by their execution and delivery of this Indenture, expressly agree to such terms and provisions and to be bound thereby.  However, to the extent any provision of any Note conflicts with the express provisions of this Indenture, the provisions of this Indenture shall govern and be controlling.

The Notes shall be subject to repurchase by the Issuer pursuant to an Asset Disposition Offer as provided in Section 4.10 or a Change of Control Offer as provided in Section 4.14.  The Notes shall not be redeemable, other than as provided in Article 3.

Additional Notes ranking pari passu with the Initial Notes may be created and issued from time to time by the Issuer without notice to or consent of the Holders and shall be consolidated with and form a single class with the Initial Notes and shall have the same terms as to status, redemption or otherwise (other than issue date, issue price and, if applicable, the first interest payment date and the initial interest accrual date) as the Initial Notes; provided that the Issuer’s ability to issue Additional Notes shall be subject to the Issuer’s compliance with Section 4.09.  Any Additional Notes shall be issued with the benefit of an indenture supplemental to this Indenture.

Section 2.02
Execution and Authentication .

(a)           At least one Officer shall execute the Notes on behalf of the Issuer by manual or facsimile signature.  If an Officer whose signature is on a Note no longer holds that office at the time a Note is authenticated, the Note shall nevertheless be valid.

(b)           A Note shall not be entitled to any benefit under this Indenture or be valid or obligatory for any purpose until authenticated substantially in the form of Exhibit A attached hereto by the manual signature of an authorized signatory of the Trustee.  The signature shall be conclusive evidence that the Note has been duly authenticated and delivered under this Indenture.

(c)           On the Issue Date, the Trustee shall, upon receipt of a written order of the Issuer signed by an Officer (an “ Authentication Order ”), authenticate and deliver the Initial Notes.  In addition, at any time and from time to time, the Trustee shall, upon receipt of an Authentication Order, authenticate and deliver any Additional Notes and Exchange Notes in an aggregate principal amount specified in such Authentication Order for such Additional Notes or Exchange Notes issued hereunder.

 
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(d)           The Trustee may appoint an authenticating agent acceptable to the Issuer to authenticate Notes.  An authenticating agent may authenticate Notes whenever the Trustee may do so.  Each reference in this Indenture to authentication by the Trustee includes authentication by such agent.  An authenticating agent has the same rights as an Agent to deal with Holders or an Affiliate of the Issuer.

Section 2.03
Registrar and Paying Agent .

(a)           The Issuer shall maintain an office or agency where Notes may be presented for registration of transfer or for exchange (“ Registrar ”) and at least one office or agency where Notes may be presented for payment (“ Paying Agent ”).  The Registrar shall keep a register of the Notes (“ Note Register ”) and of their transfer and exchange.  The Issuer may appoint one or more co-registrars and one or more additional paying agents.  The term “ Registrar ” includes any co-registrar, and the term “ Paying Agent ” includes any additional paying agent.  The Issuer may change any Paying Agent or Registrar without prior notice to any Holder.  The Issuer shall notify the Trustee in writing of the name and address of any Agent not a party to this Indenture.  If the Issuer fails to appoint or maintain another entity as Registrar or Paying Agent, the Trustee shall act as such.  The Issuer or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries may act as Paying Agent or Registrar.

(b)           The Issuer initially appoints DTC to act as Depositary with respect to the Global Notes.  The Issuer initially appoints the Trustee to act as Paying Agent and Registrar for the Notes and to act as Custodian with respect to the Global Notes.

Section 2.04
Paying Agent to Hold Money in Trust .

The Issuer shall, no later than 11:00 a.m. (New York City time) on each due date for the payment of principal, premium, if any, and interest on any of the Notes, deposit with a Paying Agent a sum sufficient to pay such amount, such sum to be held in trust for the Holders entitled to the same, and (unless such Paying Agent is the Trustee) the Issuer shall promptly notify the Trustee of its action or failure so to act.  The Issuer shall require each Paying Agent other than the Trustee to agree in writing that such Paying Agent shall hold in trust for the benefit of Holders or the Trustee all money held by such Paying Agent for the payment of principal, premium, if any, and interest on the Notes, and shall notify the Trustee of any default by the Issuer in making any such payment.  While any such default continues, the Trustee may require a Paying Agent to pay all money held by it to the Trustee.  The Issuer at any time may require a Paying Agent to pay all money held by it to the Trustee.  Upon payment over to the Trustee, a Paying Agent (if other than the Issuer or a Subsidiary) shall have no further liability for the money.  If the Issuer or a Subsidiary acts as Paying Agent, it shall segregate and hold in a separate trust fund for the benefit of the Holders all money held by it as Paying Agent.  Upon any bankruptcy or reorganization proceedings relating to the Issuer, the Trustee shall serve as Paying Agent for the Notes.

Section 2.05
Holder Lists .

The Trustee shall preserve in as current a form as is reasonably practicable the most recent list available to it of the names and addresses of all Holders and shall otherwise comply with Trust Indenture Act Section 312(a).  If the Trustee is not the Registrar, the Issuer shall furnish to the Trustee at least two Business Days before each Interest Payment Date and at such other times as the Trustee may request in writing, a list in such form and as of such date as the Trustee may reasonably require of the names and addresses of the Holders, and the Issuer shall otherwise comply with Trust Indenture Act Section 312(a).

 
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Section 2.06
Transfer and Exchange .

(a)           The Notes shall be issued in registered form and shall be transferable only upon the surrender of a Note for registration of transfer and in compliance with Appendix A.

(b)           To permit registrations of transfers and exchanges, the Issuer shall execute and the Trustee shall authenticate Global Notes and Definitive Notes upon receipt of an Authentication Order in accordance with Section 2.02 or at the Registrar’s request.

(c)           No service charge shall be made to a holder of a beneficial interest in a Global Note or to a Holder of a Definitive Note for any registration of transfer or exchange (other than pursuant to Section 2.07), but the Holders shall be required to pay any transfer tax or similar governmental charge payable in connection therewith (other than any such transfer taxes or similar governmental charge payable upon exchange or transfer pursuant to Sections 2.10, 3.06, 3.09, 4.10, 4.14 and 9.05).

(d)           All Global Notes and Definitive Notes issued upon any registration of transfer or exchange of Global Notes or Definitive Notes shall be the valid obligations of the Issuer, evidencing the same debt, and entitled to the same benefits under this Indenture, as the Global Notes or Definitive Notes surrendered upon such registration of transfer or exchange.

(e)           Neither the Issuer nor the Registrar shall be required (1) to issue, to register the transfer of or to exchange any Note during a period beginning at the opening of business 15 days before the day of any selection of Notes for redemption under Section 3.02 and ending at the close of business on the day of selection, (2) to register the transfer of or to exchange any Note so selected for redemption in whole or in part, except the unredeemed portion of any Note being redeemed in part or (3) to register the transfer of or to exchange any Note between a Record Date and the next succeeding Interest Payment Date.

(f)           Prior to due presentment for the registration of a transfer of any Note, the Trustee, any Agent and the Issuer may deem and treat the Person in whose name any Note is registered as the absolute owner of such Note for the purpose of receiving payment of principal, premium, if any, and (subject to the Record Date provisions of the Notes) interest on such Notes and for all other purposes, and none of the Trustee, any Agent or the Issuer shall be affected by notice to the contrary.

(g)           Upon surrender for registration of transfer of any Note at the office or agency of the Issuer designated pursuant to Section 4.02, the Issuer shall execute, and the Trustee shall authenticate and mail, in the name of the designated transferee or transferees, one or more replacement Notes of any authorized denomination or denominations of a like aggregate principal amount.

(h)           At the option of the Holder, Notes may be exchanged for other Notes of any authorized denomination or denominations of a like aggregate principal amount upon surrender of the Notes to be exchanged at such office or agency.  Whenever any Global Notes or Definitive Notes are so surrendered for exchange, the Issuer shall execute, and the Trustee shall authenticate and mail, the replacement Global Notes and Definitive Notes which the Holder making the exchange is entitled to in accordance with the provisions of Section 2.02.

(i)           All certifications, certificates and Opinions of Counsel required to be submitted to the Registrar pursuant to this Section 2.06 to effect a registration of transfer or exchange may be submitted by mail or by facsimile or electronic transmission.

 
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Section 2.07
Replacement Notes .

If a mutilated Note is surrendered to the Trustee or if a Holder claims that its Note has been lost, destroyed or wrongfully taken and the Trustee receives evidence to its satisfaction of the ownership and loss, destruction or theft of such Note, the Issuer shall issue and the Trustee, upon receipt of an Authentication Order, shall authenticate a replacement Note if the Trustee’s requirements are otherwise met.  If required by the Trustee or the Issuer, an indemnity bond must be provided by the Holder that is sufficient in the judgment of the Trustee and the Issuer to protect the Issuer, the Trustee, any Agent and any authenticating agent from any loss that any of them may suffer if a Note is replaced.  The Issuer may charge the Holder for the expenses of the Issuer and the Trustee in replacing a Note.  Every replacement Note is a contractual obligation of the Issuer and shall be entitled to all of the benefits of this Indenture equally and proportionately with all other Notes duly issued hereunder.  Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section 2.07, in case any mutilated, lost, destroyed or wrongfully taken Note has become or is about to become due and payable, the Issuer in its discretion may, instead of issuing a new Note, pay such Note.

Upon the issuance of any new Note under this Section, the Issuer may require the payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charge that may be imposed in relation thereto and any other expenses (including the fees and expenses of the Trustee) in connection therewith.

The provisions of this Section 2.07 are exclusive and shall preclude (to the extent lawful) all other rights and remedies with respect to the replacement or payment of mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Notes.

Section 2.08
Outstanding Notes .

(a)           The Notes outstanding at any time are all the Notes authenticated by the Trustee except for those canceled by it, those delivered to it for cancellation, those reductions in the interest in a Global Note effected by the Trustee in accordance with the provisions hereof, and those described in this Section 2.08 as not outstanding.  Except as set forth in Section 2.09, a Note does not cease to be outstanding because the Issuer or an Affiliate of the Issuer holds the Note; provided that Notes held by the Issuer or a Subsidiary of the Issuer will not be deemed to be outstanding for purposes of Section 3.07(b).

(b)           If a Note is replaced pursuant to Section 2.07, it ceases to be outstanding unless the Trustee receives proof satisfactory to it that the replaced Note is held by a protected purchaser, as such term is defined in Section 8-303 of the Uniform Commercial Code in effect in the State of New York.

(c)           If the principal amount of any Note is considered paid under Section 4.01, it ceases to be outstanding and interest on it ceases to accrue from and after the date of such payment.

(d)           If a Paying Agent (other than the Issuer, a Subsidiary or an Affiliate of any thereof) holds, on the maturity date, any redemption date or any date of purchase pursuant to an Offer to Purchase, money sufficient to pay Notes payable or to be redeemed or purchased on that date, then on and after that date such Notes shall be deemed to be no longer outstanding and shall cease to accrue interest.

 
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Section 2.09
Treasury Notes .

In determining whether the Holders of the requisite principal amount of Notes have concurred in any direction, waiver or consent, Notes beneficially owned by the Issuer, or by any Affiliate of the Issuer, shall be considered as though not outstanding, except that for the purposes of determining whether the Trustee shall be protected in relying on any such direction, waiver or consent, only Notes that a Responsible Officer of the Trustee knows are so owned shall be so disregarded.  Notes so owned which have been pledged in good faith shall not be disregarded if the pledgee establishes to the satisfaction of the Trustee the pledgee’s right to deliver any such direction, waiver or consent with respect to the Notes and that the pledgee is not the Issuer or any obligor upon the Notes or any Affiliate of the Issuer or of such other obligor.

Section 2.10
Temporary Notes .

Until definitive Notes are ready for delivery, the Issuer may prepare and the Trustee, upon receipt of an Authentication Order, shall authenticate temporary Notes.  Temporary Notes shall be substantially in the form of definitive Notes but may have variations that the Issuer considers appropriate for temporary Notes and as shall be reasonably acceptable to the Trustee.  Without unreasonable delay, the Issuer shall prepare and the Trustee shall authenticate definitive Notes in exchange for temporary Notes.  Holders and beneficial holders, as the case may be, of temporary Notes shall be entitled to all of the benefits accorded to Holders, or beneficial holders, respectively, of Notes under this Indenture.

Section 2.11
Cancellation .

The Issuer at any time may deliver Notes to the Trustee for cancellation.  The Registrar and Paying Agent shall forward to the Trustee any Notes surrendered to them for registration of transfer, exchange or payment.  The Trustee or, at the direction of the Trustee, the Registrar or the Paying Agent and no one else shall cancel all Notes surrendered for registration of transfer, exchange, payment, replacement or cancellation and shall destroy cancelled Notes in accordance with its customary procedures (subject to the record retention requirement of the Exchange Act).  Certification of the destruction of all cancelled Notes shall, upon the written request of the Issuer, be delivered to the Issuer.  The Issuer may not issue new Notes to replace Notes that it has paid or that have been delivered to the Trustee for cancellation.

Section 2.12
Defaulted Interest .

(a)           If the Issuer defaults in a payment of interest on the Notes, it shall pay the defaulted interest in any lawful manner plus, to the extent lawful, interest payable on the defaulted interest, to the Persons who are Holders on a subsequent special record date, in each case at the rate provided in the Notes and in Section 4.01.  The Issuer shall notify the Trustee in writing of the amount of defaulted interest proposed to be paid on each Note and the date of the proposed payment, and at the same time the Issuer shall deposit with the Trustee an amount of money equal to the aggregate amount proposed to be paid in respect of such defaulted interest or shall make arrangements satisfactory to the Trustee for such deposit prior to the date of the proposed payment, such money when deposited to be held in trust for the benefit of the Persons entitled to such defaulted interest as provided in this Section 2.12.  The Trustee shall fix or cause to be fixed each such special record date and payment date; provided that no such special record date shall be less than 10 days prior to the related payment date for such defaulted interest.  The Trustee shall promptly notify the Issuer of such special record date.  At least 15 days before the special record date, the Issuer (or, upon the written request of the Issuer, the Trustee in the name and at the expense of the Issuer) shall mail, or cause to be mailed to each Holder a notice that states the special record date, the related payment date and the amount of such interest to be paid.

 
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(b)           Subject to the foregoing provisions of this Section 2.12 and for greater certainty, each Note delivered under this Indenture upon registration of transfer of or in exchange for or in lieu of any other Note shall carry the rights to interest accrued and unpaid, and to accrue interest, which were carried by such other Note.

Section 2.13
CUSIP and ISIN Numbers

The Issuer in issuing the Notes may use CUSIP and/or ISIN numbers (if then generally in use) and, if so, the Trustee shall use CUSIP and/or ISIN numbers in notices of redemption or exchange or in Offers to Purchase as a convenience to Holders; provided that any such notice may state that no representation is made as to the correctness of such numbers either as printed on the Notes or as contained in any notice of redemption or exchange or in Offers to Purchase and that reliance may be placed only on the other identification numbers printed on the Notes, and any such redemption or exchange or Offer to Purchase shall not be affected by any defect in or omission of such numbers.  The Issuer shall as promptly as practicable notify the Trustee in writing of any change in the CUSIP or ISIN numbers.

ARTICLE 3

REDEMPTION

Section 3.01
Notices to Trustee .

If the Issuer elects to redeem the Notes pursuant to Section 3.07, it shall furnish to the Trustee, at least two Business Days before notice of redemption is required to be mailed or caused to be mailed to Holders pursuant to Section 3.03 (unless a shorter notice shall be agreed to by the Trustee) but not more than 60 days before a redemption date, an Officers’ Certificate setting forth (1) the paragraph or subparagraph of such Note and/or Section of this Indenture pursuant to which the redemption shall occur, (2) the redemption date, (3) the principal amount of the Notes to be redeemed and (4) the redemption price, if then ascertainable.  If any such redemption is subject to compliance with a condition permitted by this Indenture, such Officers’ Certificate shall certify that such condition has been complied with or shall certify, if such is the case, any conditions to be complied with, and the Issuer shall give the Trustee prompt notice of such non-compliance, after which the Trustee shall give notice to the Holders in the same manner as the related notice of redemption was given that such conditions have not been complied with and that the redemption shall not occur.

Section 3.02
Selection of Notes to Be Redeemed or Purchased .

(a)           If less than all of the Notes are to be redeemed pursuant to Section 3.07 or purchased in an Offer to Purchase at any time, the Trustee shall select the Notes to be redeemed or purchased (1) if the Notes are listed on any national securities exchange, in compliance with the requirements of the principal national securities exchange on which the Notes are listed or (2) if the Notes are not so listed, on a pro rata basis, by lot or by such other method as the Trustee shall deem fair and appropriate, and in accordance with the procedures of the Depositary in the case of Global Notes.  In the event of partial redemption or purchase by lot, the particular Notes to be redeemed or purchased shall be selected, unless otherwise provided herein, not less than 30 nor more than 60 days prior to the redemption date by the Trustee from the then outstanding Notes not previously called for redemption or purchase.

(b)           The Trustee shall promptly notify the Issuer in writing of the Notes selected for redemption or purchase and, in the case of any Note selected for partial redemption or purchase, the principal amount thereof to be redeemed or purchased.  Notes and portions of Notes selected shall be in amounts of $2,000 or whole multiples of $1,000 in excess thereof; no Notes of $2,000 or less shall be redeemed in part, except that if all of the Notes of a Holder are to be redeemed or purchased, the entire outstanding amount of Notes held by such Holder, even if not $2,000 or a multiple of $1,000 in excess thereof, shall be redeemed or purchased.  Except as provided in the preceding sentence, provisions of this Indenture that apply to Notes called for redemption or purchase also apply to portions of Notes called for redemption or purchase.

 
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(c)           After the redemption date, upon surrender of a Note to be redeemed in part only, a new Note or Notes in principal amount equal to the unredeemed portion of the original Note representing the same Indebtedness to the extent not redeemed shall be issued in the name of the Holder of the Notes upon cancellation of the original Note (or appropriate book entries shall be made to reflect such partial redemption).

Section 3.03
Notice of Redemption .

(a)           Subject to Section 3.09, the Issuer shall mail, or cause to be mailed (or, in the case of Notes held in book-entry form, by electronic transmission) notices of redemption of Notes at least 30 days but not more than 60 days before the redemption date to each Holder whose Notes are to be redeemed pursuant to this Article at such Holder’s registered address or otherwise in accordance with the procedures of the Depositary, except that redemption notices may be mailed more than 60 days prior to a redemption date if the notice is issued in connection with Article 8 or Article 11.

(b)           The notice shall identify the Notes (including CUSIP and/or ISIN number) to be redeemed and shall state:

(1)           the redemption date;

(2)           the redemption price if then ascertainable, including the portion thereof representing any accrued and unpaid interest; provided that in connection with a redemption under Section 3.07(a), the notice need not set forth the redemption price but only the manner of calculation thereof;

(3)           if any Note is to be redeemed in part only, the portion of the principal amount of that Note that is to be redeemed;

(4)           the name and address of the Paying Agent;

(5)           that Notes called for redemption must be surrendered to the Paying Agent to collect the redemption price;

(6)           that, unless the Issuer defaults in making such redemption payment or the Paying Agent is prohibited from making such payment pursuant to the terms of this Indenture, interest on Notes called for redemption ceases to accrue on and after the redemption date;

(7)           the paragraph or subparagraph of the Notes and/or Section of this Indenture pursuant to which the Notes called for redemption are being redeemed; and

(8)           that no representation is made as to the correctness or accuracy of the CUSIP or ISIN number, if any, listed in such notice or printed on the Notes.

(c)           At the Issuer’s request, the Trustee shall give the notice of redemption in the Issuer’s name and at the Issuer’s expense; provided that the Issuer shall have delivered to the Trustee, at least two Business Days before notice of redemption is required to be mailed or caused to be mailed to Holders pursuant to this Section 3.03 (unless a shorter notice shall be agreed to by the Trustee), an Officers’ Certificate requesting that the Trustee give such notice and setting forth the information to be stated in such notice as provided in Section 3.03(b).

 
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Section 3.04
Effect of Notice of Redemption .

Once notice of redemption is mailed in accordance with Section 3.03, Notes called for redemption become irrevocably due and payable on the redemption date at the redemption price.  The notice, if mailed in a manner herein provided, shall be conclusively presumed to have been given, whether or not the Holder receives such notice.  In any case, failure to give such notice or any defect in the notice to the Holder of any Note designated for redemption in whole or in part shall not affect the validity of the proceedings for the redemption of any other Note.  Subject to Section 3.05, on and after the redemption date, interest ceases to accrue on Notes or portions of Notes called for redemption.

Section 3.05
Deposit of Redemption or Purchase Price .

(a)           No later than 11:00 a.m. (New York City time) on the redemption or purchase date, the Issuer shall deposit with the Trustee or with the Paying Agent money sufficient to pay the redemption or purchase price of and accrued and unpaid interest on all Notes to be redeemed or purchased on that date, subject to the right of Holders of record on the relevant Record Date to receive interest due on an Interest Payment Date falling on or prior to the redemption or purchase date.  The Paying Agent shall promptly pay to each Holder whose Notes are to be redeemed or repurchased the applicable redemption or purchase price thereof and accrued and unpaid interest thereon.  The Trustee or the Paying Agent shall promptly return to the Issuer any money deposited with the Trustee or the Paying Agent by the Issuer in excess of the amounts necessary to pay the redemption or purchase price of, and accrued and unpaid interest on, all Notes to be redeemed or purchased.

(b)           If the Issuer complies with the provisions of Section 3.05(a), on and after the redemption or purchase date, interest shall cease to accrue on the Notes or the portions of Notes called for redemption or purchase, whether or not such Notes are presented for payment.  If a Note is redeemed or purchased on or after a Record Date but on or prior to the related Interest Payment Date, then any accrued and unpaid interest to the redemption or purchase date shall be paid on the relevant Interest Payment Date to the Person in whose name such Note was registered at the close of business on such Record Date.  If any Note called for redemption or purchase shall not be so paid upon surrender for redemption or purchase because of the failure of the Issuer to comply with Section 3.05(a), interest shall be paid on the unpaid principal, from the redemption or purchase date until such principal is paid, and to the extent lawful on any interest accrued to the redemption or purchase date not paid on such unpaid principal, in each case at the rate provided in the Notes and in Section 4.01.

Section 3.06
Notes Redeemed or Purchased in Part .

Upon surrender of a Note that is redeemed or purchased in part, the Issuer shall issue and, upon receipt of an Authentication Order, the Trustee shall promptly authenticate and mail to the Holder (or cause to be transferred by book entry) at the expense of the Issuer a new Note equal in principal amount to the unredeemed or unpurchased portion of the Note surrendered representing the same Indebtedness to the extent not redeemed or purchased; provided that each new Note shall be in a principal amount of $2,000 or an integral multiple of $1,000 in excess thereof.  It is understood that, notwithstanding anything in this Indenture to the contrary, only an Authentication Order and not an Opinion of Counsel or Officers’ Certificate is required for the Trustee to authenticate such new Note.

 
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Section 3.07
Optional Redemption .

(a)           At any time prior to December 15, 2014, the Issuer may redeem the Notes, in whole but not in part, upon not less than 30 nor more than 60 days’ prior notice mailed to each Holder or otherwise in accordance with the procedures of the Depositary, at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the Notes plus the Applicable Premium and accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the redemption date, subject to the right of Holders of record on the relevant Record Date to receive interest due on an Interest Payment Date falling on or prior to the redemption date.  Promptly after the determination thereof, the Issuer shall give the Trustee notice of the redemption price provided for in this Section 3.07(a), and the Trustee shall not be responsible for such calculation.

(b)           Until December 15, 2013, the Issuer may on any one or more occasions redeem up to 35% of the original aggregate principal amount of the Notes (calculated after giving effect to any issuance of Additional Notes) at a redemption price equal to 108.5% of the aggregate principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon, if any, to the applicable redemption date, subject to the right of Holders of record on the relevant Record Date to receive interest due on an Interest Payment Date falling on or prior to such redemption date, with the Net Cash Proceeds of one or more Equity Offerings; provided that (1) at least 65% of the sum of the original aggregate principal amount of the Notes (calculated after giving effect to any issuance of Additional Notes) remains outstanding immediately after the occurrence of each such redemption; and (2) such redemption occurs within 90 days of the date of closing of each such Equity Offering.

(c)           Except pursuant to Section 3.07(a) or (b), the Notes shall not be redeemable at the Issuer’s option prior to December 15, 2014.

(d)           On and after December 15, 2014, the Issuer may redeem the Notes, in whole or in part, upon notice pursuant to Section 3.03 at the redemption prices (expressed as percentages of principal amount of the Notes to be redeemed) set forth in this Section 3.07(d), plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon, if any, to the applicable redemption date, subject to the right of Holders of record on the relevant Record Date to receive interest due on an Interest Payment Date falling on or prior to such redemption date, if redeemed during the twelve-month period beginning on December 15 of the years indicated below:

Year
 
Percentage
 
2014
    104.250 %
2015
    102.125 %
2016 and thereafter
    100.000 %

(e)           Any redemption pursuant to this Section 3.07 shall be made pursuant to the provisions of Sections 3.01 through 3.06.

(f)           The Issuer or its Affiliates may acquire Notes by means other than a redemption, whether by tender offer, open market purchases, negotiated transactions or otherwise, in accordance with applicable securities laws, so long as such acquisition does not otherwise violate the terms of this Indenture.

Section 3.08
Mandatory Redemption .

The Issuer will not be required to make mandatory redemption or sinking fund payments with respect to the Notes.

 
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Section 3.09
Offers to Repurchase by Application of Excess Proceeds .

(a)           In the event that, pursuant to Section 4.10, the Issuer is required to commence an Asset Disposition Offer, the Issuer will follow the procedures specified in this Section 3.09.

(b)           The Asset Disposition Offer will remain open for a period of 20 Business Days following its commencement, except to the extent that a longer period is required by applicable law (the “ Asset Disposition Offer Period ”).  No later than five Business Days after the termination of the Asset Disposition Offer Period (the “ Asset Disposition Purchase Date ”), the Issuer will apply all Excess Proceeds to the purchase of the aggregate principal amount of Notes and, if applicable, Pari Passu Indebtedness required to be purchased pursuant to Section 4.10(c).

(c)           If the Asset Disposition Purchase Date is on or after a Record Date and on or before the related Interest Payment Date, any accrued and unpaid interest up to but excluding the Asset Disposition Purchase Date, shall be paid to the Person in whose name a Note is registered at the close of business on such Record Date and no additional interest will be payable on Notes tendered and purchased from Holders on the Asset Purchase Date.

(d)           Upon the commencement of an Asset Disposition Offer, the Issuer shall mail a notice (or, in the case of Global Notes, otherwise communicate in accordance with the procedures of DTC) to each of the Holders, with a copy to the Trustee.  The notice shall contain all instructions and materials necessary to enable such Holders to tender Notes pursuant to the Asset Disposition Offer.  The Asset Disposition Offer shall be made to all Holders and, if required, all holders of Pari Passu Indebtedness.  The notice, which shall govern the terms of the Asset Disposition Offer, shall state:

(1)           that the Asset Disposition Offer is being made pursuant to this Section 3.09 and Section 4.10 and the length of time the Asset Disposition Offer shall remain open;

(2)           the Asset Disposition Offer Amount, the purchase price, including the portion thereof representing any accrued and unpaid interest, and the Asset Disposition Purchase Date;

(3)           that any Note not properly tendered or accepted for payment shall continue to accrue interest;

(4)           that, unless the Issuer defaults in making such payment, any Note accepted for payment pursuant to the Asset Disposition Offer will cease to accrue interest on and after the Asset Disposition Purchase Date;

(5)           that Holders electing to have a Note purchased pursuant to an Asset Disposition Offer may elect to have Notes purchased in integral multiples of $1,000 only;

(6)           that Holders electing to have a Note purchased pursuant to any Asset Disposition Offer shall be required to surrender the Note, with the form entitled “Option of Holder to Elect Purchase” attached to the Note completed, or transfer by book-entry transfer, to the Issuer, the Depositary, if appointed by the Issuer, or a Paying Agent at the address specified in the notice prior to the close of business on the third Business Day preceding the Asset Disposition Purchase Date;

(7)           that Holders shall be entitled to withdraw their election if the Issuer, the Depositary or the Paying Agent, as the case may be, receives at the address specified in the notice, not later than the expiration of the Asset Disposition Offer Period, a telegram, facsimile transmission or letter setting forth the name of the Holder, the principal amount of the Notes the Holder tendered for purchase and a statement that such Holder is withdrawing its tendered Notes and its election to have such Note purchased;

 
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(8)           that, if the aggregate principal amount of Notes and Pari Passu Indebtedness surrendered by the holders thereof exceeds the Asset Disposition Offer Amount, then the Notes and such Pari Passu Indebtedness will be purchased on a pro rata basis based on the aggregate accreted value or principal amount, as applicable, of the Notes or such Pari Passu Indebtedness tendered and the selection of the Notes for purchase shall be made by the Trustee by such method as the Trustee in its sole discretion shall deem to be fair and appropriate, although no Note having a principal amount of $2,000 shall be purchased in part; and

(9)           that Holders whose Notes were purchased only in part shall be issued new Notes equal in principal amount to the unpurchased portion of the Notes surrendered (or transferred by book-entry transfer) representing the same Indebtedness to the extent not repurchased.

(e)           On or before the Asset Disposition Purchase Date, the Issuer will, to the extent lawful, accept for payment, on a pro rata basis to the extent necessary, the Asset Disposition Offer Amount of Notes and Pari Passu Notes or portions of Notes and Pari Passu Notes so validly tendered and not properly withdrawn pursuant to the Asset Disposition Offer, or if less than the Asset Disposition Offer Amount has been validly tendered and not properly withdrawn, all Notes and Pari Passu Notes so validly tendered and not properly withdrawn, in each case in integral multiples of $1,000. The Issuer will deliver to the Trustee an Officers’ Certificate stating that such Notes or portions thereof were accepted for payment by the Issuer in accordance with the terms of this covenant and, in addition, the Issuer will deliver all certificates and notes required, if any, by the agreements governing the Pari Passu Notes. The Issuer or the Paying Agent, as the case may be, will promptly (but in any case not later than five Business Days after the termination of the Asset Disposition Offer Period) mail or deliver to each tendering Holder of Notes or Holder or lender of Pari Passu Notes, as the case may be, an amount equal to the purchase price of the Notes or Pari Passu Notes so validly tendered and not properly withdrawn by such Holder or lender, as the case may be, and accepted by the Issuer for purchase, and the Issuer will promptly issue a new Note, and the Trustee, upon delivery of an Officers’ Certificate, will authenticate and mail or deliver such new Note to such Holder, in a principal amount equal to any unpurchased portion of the Note surrendered; provided that each such new Note will be in a principal amount of $2,000 or an integral multiple of $1,000 in excess thereof. In addition, the Issuer will take any and all other actions required by the agreements governing the Pari Passu Notes. Any Note not so accepted will be promptly mailed or delivered by the Issuer to the Holder thereof. The Issuer will publicly announce the results of the Asset Disposition Offer on the Asset Disposition Purchase Date.

(f)           The Issuer will comply, to the extent applicable, with the requirements of Rule 14e-1 under the Exchange Act and any other securities laws or regulations in connection with the repurchase of Notes pursuant to an Asset Disposition Offer.  To the extent that the provisions of any securities laws or regulations conflict with the provisions of this Section 3.09 or Section 4.10, the Issuer will comply with the applicable securities laws and regulations and will not be deemed to have breached its obligations under this Indenture by virtue of any conflict.

(g)           Other than as specifically provided in this Section 3.09 or Section 4.10, any purchase pursuant to this Section 3.09 shall be made pursuant to the applicable provisions of Sections 3.01 through 3.06.

 
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ARTICLE 4

COVENANTS

Section 4.01
Payment of Notes .

(a)           The Issuer will pay or cause to be paid the principal, premium, if any, and interest on the Notes on the dates and in the manner provided in the Notes. Principal, premium, if any, and interest shall be considered paid on the date due if the Paying Agent, if other than the Issuer or a Subsidiary, holds as of noon, New York City time, on the due date money deposited by the Issuer in immediately available funds and designated for and sufficient to pay the principal, premium, if any, and interest then due.

(b)           The Issuer shall pay all Additional Interest, if any, in the same manner as interest at the stated rate in the Notes and on the dates and in the amounts set forth in the Registration Rights Agreement.  In the event the Issuer is required to pay Additional Interest, the Issuer shall provide written notice to the Trustee of the Issuer’s obligation to pay Additional Interest no later than 15 days prior to the next Interest Payment Date, which notice shall set forth the amount of the Additional Interest to be paid by the Issuer.  The Trustee shall not at any time be under any duty or responsibility to any Holders to determine whether the Additional Interest is payable and the amount thereof.

(c)           The Issuer shall pay interest (including post-petition interest in any proceeding under any Bankruptcy Law) on overdue principal and premium, if any, at the rate equal to the then applicable interest rate on the Notes to the extent lawful; it shall pay interest (including post-petition interest in any proceeding under any Bankruptcy Law) on overdue installments of interest (without regard to any applicable grace period) at the same rate to the extent lawful.

Section 4.02
Maintenance of Office or Agency .

The Issuer shall maintain an office or agency (which may be an office of the Trustee or an affiliate of the Trustee, Registrar or co-registrar) where Notes may be surrendered for registration of transfer or for exchange and where notices and demands to or upon the Issuer and the Subsidiary Guarantors in respect of the Notes and this Indenture may be served. The Issuer shall give prompt written notice to the Trustee of the location, and any change in the location, of such office or agency. If at any time the Issuer shall fail to maintain any such required office or agency or shall fail to furnish the Trustee with the address thereof, such presentations, surrenders, notices and demands may be made or served at the Corporate Trust Office of the Trustee.

The Issuer may also from time to time designate additional offices or agencies where the Notes may be presented or surrendered for any or all such purposes and may from time to time rescind such designations. The Issuer shall give prompt written notice to the Trustee of any such designation or rescission and of any change in the location of any such other office or agency.

The Issuer hereby designates the Corporate Trust Office of the Trustee as one such office or agency of the Issuer in accordance with Section 2.03.

Section 4.03
Reports and Other Information.

(a)           Notwithstanding that the Issuer may not be subject to the reporting requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act or otherwise report on an annual and quarterly basis on forms provided for such annual and quarterly reporting pursuant to rules and regulations promulgated by the SEC, from and after the Issue Date, to the extent permitted by the Exchange Act, the Issuer will file with the SEC, and make available to the Trustee and the Holders, without cost to any Holder, the annual reports and the information, documents and other reports (or copies of such portions of any of the foregoing as the SEC may by rules and regulations prescribe) that are specified in Sections 13 and 15(d) of the Exchange Act with respect to U.S. issuers within the time periods specified therein or in the relevant forms. In the event that the Issuer is not permitted to file such reports, documents and information with the SEC pursuant to the Exchange Act, the Issuer will nevertheless make available such Exchange Act reports, documents and information to the Trustee and the Holders as if the Issuer were subject to the reporting requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act within the time periods specified therein or in the relevant forms.

 
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(b)           If the Issuer has designated any of its Subsidiaries as Unrestricted Subsidiaries and the Consolidated EBITDA of the Unrestricted Subsidiaries taken together exceeds 5% of the Consolidated EBITDA of the Issuer, then the quarterly and annual financial information required by Section 4.03(a) shall include a reasonably detailed presentation, either on the face of the financial statements or in the footnotes to the financial statements and in the “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Results of Operations and Financial Condition” section of the financial condition and results of operations of the Issuer and its Restricted Subsidiaries. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Issuer shall comply with the separate financial information requirements for Subsidiary Guarantors and non-guarantor subsidiaries (including any Unrestricted Subsidiaries) contemplated by Rule 3-10 of Regulation S-X promulgated by the SEC.

(c)           In addition, the Issuer and the Subsidiary Guarantors have agreed that they will make available to the Holders and to prospective investors, upon the request of such Holders, the information required to be delivered pursuant to Rule 144A(d)(4) under the Securities Act so long as the Notes are not freely transferable under the Securities Act. For purposes of this Section 4.03, the Issuer and the Subsidiary Guarantors will be deemed to have furnished the reports to the Trustee and the Holders as required by this Section 4.03 if it has filed such reports with the SEC via the EDGAR or IDEA filing system and such reports are publicly available.

(d)           The filing requirements set forth in this Section 4.03 for the applicable period may be satisfied by the Issuer prior to the commencement of the Exchange Offer or the effectiveness of the Shelf Registration Statement by the filing with the SEC of the Exchange Offer Registration Statement and/or Shelf Registration Statement, and any amendments thereto, with such financial information that satisfies Regulation S-X of the Securities Act; provided that this Section 4.03(d) shall not supersede or in any manner suspend or delay the Issuer’s reporting obligations set forth in paragraphs (a) through (c) of this Section 4.03.

Section 4.04
Compliance Certificate .

(a)           The Issuer and each Subsidiary Guarantor (to the extent that such Subsidiary Guarantor is so required under the Trust Indenture Act) will deliver to the Trustee, within 120 days after the end of each fiscal year ending after the Issue Date, a certificate from the principal executive officer, principal financial officer or principal accounting officer stating that a review of the activities of the Issuer and its Restricted Subsidiaries during the preceding fiscal year has been made under the supervision of the signing Officer with a view to determining whether the Issuer and each Subsidiary Guarantor have kept, observed, performed and fulfilled their obligations under this Indenture, and further stating, as to such Officer signing such certificate, that to the best of his or her knowledge, the Issuer and each Subsidiary Guarantor have kept, observed, performed and fulfilled each and every condition and covenant contained in this Indenture and is not in default in the performance or observance of any of the terms, provisions, covenants and conditions of this Indenture (or, if a Default shall have occurred, describing all such Defaults of which he or she may have knowledge and what action the Issuer and each Subsidiary Guarantor are taking or propose to take with respect thereto).

 
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(b)           When any Default has occurred and is continuing under this Indenture, or if the Trustee or the holder of any other evidence of Indebtedness of the Issuer or any Subsidiary gives any notice or takes any other action with respect to a claimed Default, the Issuer shall promptly (which shall be no more than thirty Business Days following the occurrence thereof) send to the Trustee an Officers’ Certificate specifying such event, its status and what action the Issuer is taking or proposes to take with respect thereto.

Section 4.05
Taxes .

The Issuer shall pay, and shall cause each of its Restricted Subsidiaries to pay, prior to delinquency, all material taxes, assessments and governmental levies except such as are contested in good faith and by appropriate negotiations or proceedings or where the failure to effect such payment is not adverse in any material respect to the Issuer and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole or to Holders.

Section 4.06
Stay, Extension and Usury Laws .

The Issuer and each Subsidiary Guarantor covenants (to the extent that it may lawfully do so) that it shall not at any time insist upon, plead, or in any manner whatsoever claim or take the benefit or advantage of, any stay, extension or usury law wherever enacted, now or at any time hereafter in force, that may affect the covenants or the performance of this Indenture; and the Issuer and each Subsidiary Guarantor (to the extent that it may lawfully do so) hereby expressly waives all benefit or advantage of any such law, and covenant that it shall not, by resort to any such law, hinder, delay or impede the execution of any power herein granted to the Trustee, but shall suffer and permit the execution of every such power as though no such law has been enacted.

Section 4.07
Limitation on Restricted Payments .

(a)           The Issuer will not, and will not permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries, directly or indirectly, to:

(1)           declare or pay any dividend or make any distribution (whether made in cash, securities or other property) on or in respect of the Issuer’s or its Restricted Subsidiaries’ Capital Stock (including any payment in connection with any merger or consolidation involving the Issuer or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries) except:

(A)           dividends or distributions payable in Capital Stock of the Issuer (other than Disqualified Stock) or in options, warrants or other rights to purchase such Capital Stock of the Issuer; and

(B)           dividends or distributions payable to the Issuer or a Restricted Subsidiary (and if such Restricted Subsidiary is not a Wholly-Owned Subsidiary, to its other Holders of Capital Stock (other than Disqualified Stock) on a pro rata basis, taking into account the relative preferences, if any, of the various classes of Capital Stock in such Restricted Subsidiaries);

(2)           purchase, redeem, retire or otherwise acquire for value, including in connection with any merger or consolidation, any Capital Stock of the Issuer or any direct or indirect parent of the Issuer held by Persons other than the Issuer or a Restricted Subsidiary (other than in exchange for Capital Stock of the Issuer (other than Disqualified Stock));

 
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(3)           make any principal payment on, or purchase, repurchase, redeem, defease or otherwise acquire or retire for value, prior to scheduled maturity, scheduled repayment or scheduled sinking fund payment, any Subordinated Obligations or Guarantor Subordinated Obligations (other than (x) Indebtedness of the Issuer owing to and held by any Subsidiary Guarantor or Indebtedness of a Subsidiary Guarantor owing to and held by the Issuer or any other Subsidiary Guarantor permitted under Section 4.09(b)(3) or (y) the payment, purchase, repurchase, redemption, defeasance or other acquisition or retirement of Subordinated Obligations or Guarantor Subordinated Obligations purchased in anticipation of satisfying a sinking fund obligation, principal installment or final maturity, in each case due within one year of the date of purchase, repurchase, redemption, defeasance or other acquisition or retirement); or

(4)           make any Restricted Investment in any Person,

(any such dividend, distribution, purchase, redemption, repurchase, defeasance, payments, other acquisition, retirement or Restricted Investment referred to in clauses (1) through (4) shall be referred to herein as a “ Restricted Payment ”), if at the time the Issuer or such Restricted Subsidiary makes such Restricted Payment:

 
(A)
a Default shall have occurred and be continuing (or would result therefrom);

 
(B)
the Issuer is not able to Incur $1.00 of additional Indebtedness pursuant to Section 4.09(a) after giving effect, on a pro forma basis, to such Restricted Payment; or

 
(C)
the aggregate amount of such Restricted Payment, all other Restricted Payments declared or made subsequent to the Issue Date (excluding Restricted Payments made pursuant to clauses (1), (2), (3), (4), (7) and (9) of Section 4.07(b) but including Restricted Payments made pursuant to all other clauses of Section 4.07(b)) and Permitted Renewable Joint Venture Investments would exceed the sum of:

(i)           50% of (i) Consolidated Net Income for the period (treated as one accounting period) from the end of the fiscal quarter preceding the Issue Date to the end of the most recent fiscal quarter ending prior to the date of such Restricted Payment for which financial statements are in existence (or, in case such Consolidated Net Income is a deficit, minus 100% of such deficit) and (ii) any dividends received by the Issuer or a Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of the Issuer that is a Subsidiary Guarantor after the Issue Date from an Unrestricted Subsidiary of the Issuer, to the extent that such dividends were not otherwise included in Consolidated Net Income for such periods or otherwise included in clause (iv) below;

(ii)           100% of the aggregate Net Cash Proceeds and/or, other than in connection with the Transactions, the fair market value (as determined in good faith by the Board of Directors of the Issuer and specified in an Officer’s Certificate delivered to the Trustee) of Related Business Assets or Capital Stock (other than Disqualified Stock) of a Person that becomes a Restricted Subsidiary engaged in a Related Business, in each case received by the Issuer from the issue or sale of its Capital Stock (other than Disqualified Stock) or other capital contributions subsequent to the Issue Date (in each case, other than an issuance or sale of such Capital Stock to a Subsidiary of the Issuer or an employee stock ownership plan, option plan or similar trust to the extent such sale to an employee stock ownership plan or similar trust is financed by loans from or Guaranteed by the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary unless such loans have been repaid with cash on or prior to the date of determination), excluding in any event Excluded Contributions and Net Cash Proceeds received by the Issuer from the issue and sale of its Capital Stock or capital contributions to the extent applied to redeem Notes in compliance with the provisions set forth under Section 3.07(b);

 
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(iii)           the amount by which Indebtedness of the Issuer or its Restricted Subsidiaries is reduced on the Issuer’s balance sheet upon the conversion or exchange (other than by a Subsidiary of the Issuer) subsequent to the Issue Date of any Indebtedness of the Issuer or its Restricted Subsidiaries convertible or exchangeable for Capital Stock (other than Disqualified Stock) of the Issuer (less the amount of any cash, or the fair market value of any other property, distributed by the Issuer upon such conversion or exchange);

(iv)           the amount equal to the net reduction in Restricted Investments made by the Issuer or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries in any Person resulting from:

 
(x)
repurchases or redemptions of such Restricted Investments by such Person, proceeds realized upon the sale of such Restricted Investment to an purchaser (other than the Issuer or a Restricted Subsidiary of the Issuer), repayments of loans or advances or other transfers of assets (including by way of dividend or distribution) by such Person to the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary (other than for reimbursement of tax payments); or

 
(y)
the (i) redesignation of Unrestricted Subsidiaries as Restricted Subsidiaries, (ii) merger or consolidation of Unrestricted Subsidiaries into the Issuer or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries or (iii) transfer (other than by lease) of all or substantially all of the Unrestricted Subsidiaries’ assets to the Issuer or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries after the Issue Date (valued in each case as provided in the definition of “Investment”), in each case not to exceed, in the case of any Unrestricted Subsidiary, the amount of Investments previously made by the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary in such Unrestricted Subsidiary,

which amount in each case under this clause (iv) was included in the calculation of the amount of Restricted Payments; provided , however , that no amount will be included under this clause (iv) to the extent it is already included in Consolidated Net Income.

(b)           The provisions of Section 4.07(a) will not prohibit:

(1)           any purchase, repurchase, redemption, defeasance or other acquisition or retirement of Capital Stock, Disqualified Stock or Subordinated Obligations of the Issuer or Guarantor Subordinated Obligations of any Subsidiary Guarantor made by exchange for, or out of the Net Cash Proceeds of (i) the substantially contemporaneous contribution to the common equity capital of the Issuer or (ii) the substantially concurrent sale of Capital Stock of the Issuer (other than Disqualified Stock and other than Capital Stock issued or sold to a Subsidiary or an employee stock ownership plan or similar trust to the extent such sale to an employee stock ownership plan or similar trust is financed by loans from or Guaranteed by the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary unless such loans have been repaid with cash on or prior to the date of determination); provided , however , that the Net Cash Proceeds from such sale of Capital Stock will be excluded from clause (C)(ii) of Section 4.07(a);

 
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(2)           any payment, purchase, repurchase, redemption, defeasance or other acquisition or retirement of Subordinated Obligations of the Issuer or Guarantor Subordinated Obligations of any Subsidiary Guarantor made by exchange for, or out of the proceeds of the substantially concurrent sale of, Subordinated Obligations of the Issuer or any purchase, repurchase, redemption, defeasance or other acquisition or retirement of Guarantor Subordinated Obligations made by exchange for or out of the proceeds of the substantially concurrent sale of Guarantor Subordinated Obligations that, in each case, is permitted to be Incurred pursuant to Section 4.09 and that in each case constitutes Refinancing Indebtedness;

(3)           any payment, purchase, repurchase, redemption, defeasance or other acquisition or retirement of Disqualified Stock of the Issuer or a Restricted Subsidiary made by exchange for or out of the proceeds of the substantially concurrent sale of Disqualified Stock of the Issuer or such Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be, that, in each case, is permitted to be Incurred pursuant to Section 4.09 and that in each case constitutes Refinancing Indebtedness;

(4)           so long as no Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, any purchase or redemption of Subordinated Obligations or Guarantor Subordinated Obligations of a Subsidiary Guarantor from Net Available Cash to the extent permitted under Section 4.10 below;

(5)           dividends paid within 60 days after the date of declaration if at such date of declaration such dividend would have complied with this provision;

(6)           so long as no Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing,

(A)           the purchase, redemption or other acquisition, cancellation or retirement for value of Capital Stock, or options, warrants, equity appreciation rights or other rights to purchase or acquire Capital Stock of the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary or any direct or indirect parent of the Issuer held by any existing or former director, officer, employees or management or consultant of the Issuer or any Subsidiary of the Issuer or their assigns, estates or heirs, in each case in connection with the repurchase provisions under employee stock option or stock purchase agreements or other agreements to compensate management employees; provided   that such Capital Stock, or options, warrants, equity appreciation rights or other rights to purchase or acquire Capital Stock, were received for services related to, or for the benefit of, the Issuer and its Restricted Subsidiaries; and provided further that such redemptions or repurchases pursuant to this clause will not exceed $3.0 million in the aggregate during any calendar year plus the excess, if any, of $3.0 million over the aggregate amount of such redemptions or repurchases in the prior calendar year and $12 million in the aggregate for all such redemptions and repurchases, plus the amount of any capital contributions to the Issuer as a result of sales of Capital Stock, or options, warrants, equity appreciation rights or other rights to purchase or acquire Capital Stock, of the Issuer or any direct or indirect parent of the Issuer to such persons ( provided , however , that the Net Cash Proceeds from such sale of Capital Stock will be excluded from clause (C)(ii) of Section 4.07(a); and

 
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(B)           to the extent permitted by law, loans or advances to employees, officers or directors of the Issuer or any Subsidiary of the Issuer the proceeds of which are used to purchase Capital Stock of the Issuer, in an aggregate amount not in excess of $5.0 million outstanding at any one time (without giving effect to the forgiveness of any such loan);

(7)           so long as no Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, the declaration and payment of dividends to holders of any class or series of Disqualified Stock of the Issuer or Preferred Stock of any Subsidiary Guarantor issued in accordance with the terms of this Indenture to the extent such dividends are included in the definition of “Consolidated Interest Expense”;

(8)           repurchases of Capital Stock deemed to occur upon the exercise of stock options, warrants or other convertible securities if such Capital Stock represents (i) a portion of the exercise price thereof or (ii) withholding incurred in connection with such exercise, provided that the amount of such withholding taxes shall reduce the amount set forth in clause (6) of this Section 4.07(b);

(9)           any payments made in connection with the Merger pursuant to the Merger Agreement and any other agreements or documents related to the Merger and set forth on Schedule I to this Indenture (without giving effect to subsequent amendments, waivers or other modifications to such agreements or documents) or as otherwise described in the Offering Memorandum;

(10)           the purchase, repurchase, redemption, defeasance or other acquisition or retirement for value of any Subordinated Obligation (i) at a purchase price not greater than 101% of the principal amount of such Subordinated Obligation in the event of a Change of Control in accordance with provisions similar to Section 4.14 or (ii) at a purchase price not greater than 100% of the principal amount thereof in accordance with provisions similar to Section 4.10; provided that, prior to or simultaneously with such purchase, repurchase, redemption, defeasance or other acquisition or retirement, the Issuer has made the Change of Control Offer or Asset Disposition Offer, as applicable, as provided in such covenant with respect to the Notes and has completed the repurchase or redemption of all Notes validly tendered for payment in connection with such Change of Control Offer or Asset Disposition Offer;

(11)           the distribution, by dividend or otherwise, of shares of Capital Stock of Unrestricted Subsidiaries (other than the Renewable Diesel Joint Venture or Unrestricted Subsidiaries the primary assets of which are cash and/or Cash Equivalents); provided   that distributions from such Unrestricted Subsidiaries have not been included in the calculation of Consolidated EBITDA for purposes of Incurring Indebtedness under Section 4.09(a)(1) for the period of the most recent four consecutive fiscal quarters ending prior to the date of such distribution;

(12)           Restricted Payments that are made with Excluded Contributions; and

(13)           so long as no Default has occurred and is continuing, Restricted Payments in an amount not to exceed $15 million;

 
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(c)           The amount of all Restricted Payments (other than cash) shall be the fair market value on the date of such Restricted Payment of the asset(s) or securities proposed to be paid, transferred or issued by the Issuer or such Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be, pursuant to such Restricted Payment. The fair market value of any cash Restricted Payment shall be its face amount and any non-cash Restricted Payment shall be determined conclusively in good faith by the Board of Directors of the Issuer whose resolution with respect thereto shall be delivered to the Trustee, such determination to be based upon an opinion or appraisal issued by an accounting, appraisal or investment banking firm of national standing, and addressed to the Trustee, if such fair market value is estimated in good faith by the Board of Directors of the Issuer to exceed $10 million.

Section 4.08
Limitation on Restrictions on Distribution From Restricted Subsidiaries .

(a)           The Issuer will not, and will not permit any Restricted Subsidiary to, create or otherwise cause or permit to exist or become effective any consensual encumbrance or consensual restriction on the ability of any Restricted Subsidiary to:

(1)           pay dividends or make any other distributions on its Capital Stock to the Issuer or its Restricted Subsidiaries, or pay any Indebtedness or other obligations owed to the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary (it being understood that the priority of any Preferred Stock in receiving dividends or liquidating distributions prior to dividends or liquidating distributions being paid on Common Stock shall not be deemed a restriction on the ability to make distributions on Capital Stock);

(2)           make any loans or advances to the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary (it being understood that the subordination of loans or advances made to the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary to other Indebtedness Incurred by the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary shall not be deemed a restriction on the ability to make loans or advances); or

(3)           transfer any of its property or assets to the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary (it being understood that such transfers shall not include any type of transfer described in clause (1) or (2) above).

(b)           The preceding provisions will not prohibit:

(1)           any encumbrance or restriction pursuant to an agreement in effect at or entered into on the Issue Date, including, without limitation, this Indenture, the Notes, the Exchange Notes, the Subsidiary Guarantees and the Senior Secured Credit Agreement (and related documentation) in effect on the Issue Date;

(2)           any encumbrance or restriction with respect to a Restricted Subsidiary pursuant to an agreement relating to any Capital Stock or Indebtedness Incurred by a Restricted Subsidiary on or before the date on which such Restricted Subsidiary was acquired by the Issuer or a Restricted Subsidiary (other than Capital Stock or Indebtedness Incurred as consideration in, or to provide all or any portion of the funds utilized to consummate, the transaction or series of related transactions pursuant to which such Restricted Subsidiary became a Restricted Subsidiary or was acquired by the Issuer or in contemplation of the transaction) and outstanding on such date provided , that any such encumbrance or restriction shall not extend to any assets or property of the Issuer or any other Restricted Subsidiary other than the assets and property so acquired and that, in the case of Indebtedness, was permitted to be Incurred pursuant to this Indenture;

(3)           any encumbrance or restriction with respect to a Restricted Subsidiary pursuant to an agreement effecting a refunding, replacement or refinancing of Indebtedness Incurred pursuant to an agreement referred to in clause (1) or (2) of this Section 4.08(b) or this clause (3) or contained in any amendment, restatement, modification, renewal, supplement, refunding, replacement or refinancing of an agreement referred to in clauses (1) or (2) of this Section 4.08(b) or this clause (3); provided , however , that the encumbrances and restrictions with respect to such Restricted Subsidiary contained in any such agreement, amendment, restatement, modification, renewal, supplement, refunding, replacement or refinancing are not materially less favorable, taken as a whole, as determined in good faith by the Issuer, to the Holders of the Notes than the encumbrances and restrictions contained in such agreements referred to in clauses (1) or (2) of this paragraph on the Issue Date or the date such Restricted Subsidiary became a Restricted Subsidiary or was merged into a Restricted Subsidiary, whichever is applicable;

 
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(4)           in the case of clause (3) of Section 4.08(a), any encumbrance or restriction;

(i)             that restricts in a customary manner the subletting, assignment or transfer of any property or asset that is subject to a lease, license or similar contract, or the assignment or transfer of any such lease, license or other contract;

(ii)            contained in mortgages, pledges or other security agreements permitted under this Indenture securing Indebtedness of the Issuer or a Restricted Subsidiary to the extent such encumbrances or restrictions restrict the transfer of the property subject to such mortgages, pledges or other security agreements; or

(iii)           pursuant to customary provisions restricting dispositions of real property interests set forth in any reciprocal easement agreements of the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary;

(5)           (a) purchase money obligations for property acquired in the ordinary course of business and (b) Capitalized Lease Obligations permitted under this Indenture, in each case, that impose encumbrances or restrictions of the nature described in clause (3) of Section 4.08(a) on the property so acquired;

(6)           any Purchase Money Note or other Indebtedness or contractual requirements Incurred with respect to a Qualified Receivables Transaction relating exclusively to a Receivables Entity that, as determined in good faith by the Board of Directors of the Issuer, are necessary to effect such Qualified Receivables Transaction;

(7)           any restriction with respect to a Restricted Subsidiary (or any of its property or assets) imposed pursuant to an agreement entered into for the direct or indirect sale or disposition of the Capital Stock or assets of such Restricted Subsidiary (or the property or assets that are subject to such restriction) pending the closing of such sale or disposition;

(8)           any customary provisions in joint venture agreements relating to joint ventures including, without limitation, the Renewable Diesel Joint Venture, and other similar agreements entered into in the ordinary course of business;

(9)           restrictions on cash and other deposits or net worth provisions in leases and other agreements entered into by the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary in the ordinary course of business;

(10)         encumbrances or restrictions arising or existing by reason of applicable law or any applicable rule, regulation or order; and

 
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(11)           encumbrances or restrictions contained in indentures or debt instruments or other debt agreements Incurred or Preferred Stock issued by Restricted Subsidiaries subsequent to the Issue Date and permitted pursuant to Section 4.09 provided that such encumbrances and restrictions with respect to such Restricted Subsidiary contained in any agreement or instrument will not materially affect the Issuer’s ability to make anticipated principal or interest payments on the Notes (as determined in good faith by the Board of Directors of the Issuer).

Section 4.09
Limitation on Indebtedness .

(a)           The Issuer will not, and will not permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to, Incur any Indebtedness (including Acquired Indebtedness); provided , however , that the Issuer and the Subsidiary Guarantors may Incur Indebtedness (including Acquired Indebtedness) if on the date thereof and after giving effect thereto on a pro forma basis:

(1)            the Consolidated Coverage Ratio for the Issuer and its Restricted Subsidiaries is at least 2.0 to 1.0; and

(2)            no Default or Event of Default will have occurred or be continuing or would occur as a consequence of Incurring the Indebtedness or transactions relating to such Incurrence.

(b)           The provisions of Section 4.09(a) will not prohibit the Incurrence of the following Indebtedness:

(1)            Indebtedness of the Issuer or any Subsidiary Guarantor Incurred pursuant to a Credit Facility, together with the principal component of amounts outstanding under Qualified Receivables Transactions, in an aggregate principal amount up to $725 million at any one time outstanding;

(2)            Guarantees by (x) the Issuer or Subsidiary Guarantors of Indebtedness Incurred in accordance with the provisions of this Indenture, provided that in the event such Indebtedness that is being Guaranteed is a Subordinated Obligation or a Guarantor Subordinated Obligation, then the related Guarantee shall be subordinated in right of payment to the Notes or the Subsidiary Guarantee, as the case may be, and (y) Non-Guarantor Restricted Subsidiaries of Indebtedness Incurred by Non-Guarantor Restricted Subsidiaries in accordance with the provisions of this Indenture;

(3)            Indebtedness of the Issuer owing to and held by any Restricted Subsidiary (other than a Receivables Entity) or Indebtedness of a Restricted Subsidiary owing to and held by the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary (other than a Receivables Entity); provided , however

 
(a)
if the Issuer is the obligor on such Indebtedness, such Indebtedness is expressly subordinated to the prior payment in full in cash of all obligations with respect to the Notes;

 
(b)
if a Subsidiary Guarantor is the obligor on such Indebtedness and the Issuer or a Subsidiary Guarantor is not the obligee, such Indebtedness is subordinated in right of payment to the Subsidiary Guarantees of such Subsidiary Guarantor; and

 
(c)
  (i)            any subsequent issuance or transfer of Capital Stock or any other event which results in any such Indebtedness being beneficially held by a Person other than the Issuer or a Restricted Subsidiary (other than a Receivables Entity) of the Issuer; and

 
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(ii)           any sale or other transfer of any such Indebtedness to a Person other than the Issuer or a Restricted Subsidiary (other than a Receivables Entity) of the Issuer;

shall be deemed, in each case, to constitute an Incurrence of such Indebtedness by the Issuer or such Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be.

(4)      Indebtedness represented by (a) the Notes issued on the Issue Date, the Subsidiary Guarantees and the related exchange notes and exchange guarantees issued in a registered exchange offer pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement, (b) any Indebtedness (other than the Indebtedness described in clauses (1), (2), (3), (6), (8), (9), (10), (11), (14) and (15) of this Section 4.09(b)) outstanding on the Issue Date and (c) any Refinancing Indebtedness Incurred in respect of any Indebtedness described in this clause (4) or clause (5) of this Section 4.09(b) or Incurred pursuant to Section 4.09(a);

(5)      Indebtedness of a Restricted Subsidiary Incurred and outstanding on the date on which such Restricted Subsidiary was acquired by, or merged into, the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary (other than Indebtedness Incurred (a) to provide all or any portion of the funds utilized to consummate the transaction or series of related transactions pursuant to which such Restricted Subsidiary became a Restricted Subsidiary or was otherwise acquired by the Issuer or (b) otherwise in connection with, or in contemplation of, such acquisition); provided , however , that (x) at the time such Restricted Subsidiary is acquired by the Issuer (other than in connection with the Merger), the Issuer would have been able to Incur $1.00 of additional Indebtedness pursuant to Section 4.09(a) after giving effect to the Incurrence of such Indebtedness pursuant to this clause (5) or the Consolidated Coverage Ratio for the Issuer and its Restricted Subsidiaries would be at least equal to the greater of (A) 1.75 to 1.0 and (B) such ratio for the Issuer and its Restricted Subsidiaries immediately prior to such transaction and (y) in the case of the Merger, such Indebtedness is permitted by the terms of the Merger Agreement as in effect on the Issue Date,

(6)           obligations providing for working capital adjustments or other payments pursuant to the Merger Agreement as in effect on the Issue Date;

(7)           Indebtedness in connection with Qualified Receivables Transactions;

(8)           Indebtedness under Hedging Obligations that are Incurred in the ordinary course of business (and not for speculative purposes) (1) for the purpose of fixing or hedging interest rate risk with respect to any Indebtedness Incurred in accordance with this Indenture; (2) for the purpose of fixing or hedging currency exchange rate risk with respect to any currency exchanges; or (3) for the purpose of fixing or hedging commodity price risk with respect to any commodities;

(9)           the Incurrence by the Issuer or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries of Indebtedness represented by Capitalized Lease Obligations, mortgage financings, purchase money obligations or other payments, in each case Incurred to finance all or any part of the purchase price or cost of construction or improvement of assets or property (other than Capital Stock or other Investments, except Capital Stock in a Person that becomes a Restricted Subsidiary whose sole assets consist of such assets or properties) acquired, constructed, repaired or improved in the ordinary course of business of the Issuer or such Restricted Subsidiary, and Attributable Indebtedness, in an aggregate principal amount, including all Refinancing Indebtedness Incurred to refund, defease, renew, extend, refinance or replace any Indebtedness Incurred pursuant to this clause (9), not to exceed the greater of (x) 5% of Consolidated Net Tangible Assets or (y) $50 million at any time outstanding;

(10)         Indebtedness Incurred in respect of workers’ compensation claims, health, disability or other employee benefits or unemployment, property, casualty or liability insurance and premiums related thereto, self-insurance obligations, performance, customs, surety and similar bonds and completion guarantees provided by the Issuer or a Restricted Subsidiary in the ordinary course of business:

 
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(11)         to the extent constituting Indebtedness, contingent obligations arising under indemnity agreements to title insurance companies to cause such title insurers to issue title insurance policies in the ordinary course of business with respect to the real property of the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary;

(12)         to the extent constituting Indebtedness, unfunded pension fund and other employee benefit plan obligations and liabilities to the extent they are permitted to remain unfunded under applicable law;

(13)         Indebtedness arising from agreements of the Issuer or a Restricted Subsidiary providing for indemnification, adjustment of purchase price or similar obligations, in each case, Incurred or assumed in connection with the disposition of any business, assets or Capital Stock of a Restricted Subsidiary, provided that the maximum aggregate liability in respect of all such Indebtedness shall at no time exceed the gross proceeds actually received by the Issuer and its Restricted Subsidiaries in connection with such disposition;

(14)         cash management obligations and Indebtedness arising from the honoring by a bank or other financial institution of a check, draft or similar instrument (except in the case of daylight overdrafts) drawn against insufficient funds in the ordinary course of business, provided , however , that such Indebtedness is extinguished within five business days of Incurrence;

(15)         Indebtedness in the form of (a) Guarantees of Indebtedness of the Renewable Diesel Joint Venture; provided that the aggregate principal amount of the Indebtedness so guaranteed pursuant to such Guarantee shall not exceed $150 million at any one time outstanding, (b) Guarantees of the obligation to make an Investment in the Renewable Diesel Joint Venture which Investment is otherwise permitted to be made under clauses (12) and (23) of the definition of “Permitted Investments” and clause (13) of Section 4.07(b), (c) Liens on the Capital Stock of the Renewable Diesel Joint Venture consisting of a Permitted Renewable Joint Venture Investment in favor of the Holder of any Indebtedness of the Renewable Diesel Joint Venture and/or the Guarantee set forth in the foregoing clause (15)(a) and (d) Liens on cash and cash equivalents to secure (x) obligations to make an Investment in the Renewable Diesel Joint Venture permitted under clauses (12) and (23) of the definition of “Permitted Investments” and clause (13) of Section 4.07(b) or (y) a letter of credit posted to secure obligations set forth in the foregoing clause (15)(d)(x);

(16)           to the extent constituting Indebtedness, obligations under any take-or-pay obligations contained in supply arrangements Incurred in the ordinary course of business;

(17)           all obligations of the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary for the reimbursement of any obligor on any letter of credit, banker’s acceptance, surety bond or similar credit transaction; provided that if at any time after the issuance of such letter of credit, banker’s acceptance, surety bond or other similar credit transaction there is a drawing thereunder, such drawing must, as of the date thereof, then otherwise be permitted pursuant to this covenant; and

(18)           in addition to the items referred to in clauses (1) through (17) above, Indebtedness of the Issuer and its Restricted Subsidiaries in an aggregate outstanding principal amount which, when taken together with the principal amount of all other Indebtedness Incurred pursuant to this clause (18) and then outstanding, will not exceed $25 million at any time outstanding.

 
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(c)           The Issuer will not Incur any Refinancing Indebtedness under clause (4) of Section 4.09(b) if the proceeds thereof are used, directly or indirectly, to refinance any Subordinated Obligations of the Issuer unless such Indebtedness will be subordinated to the Notes to at least the same extent as such Subordinated Obligations. No Subsidiary Guarantor will Incur any Refinancing Indebtedness under clause (4) of Section 4.09(b) if the proceeds thereof are used, directly or indirectly, to refinance any Guarantor Subordinated Obligations of such Subsidiary Guarantor unless such Indebtedness will be subordinated to the obligations of such Subsidiary Guarantor under its Subsidiary Guarantee to at least the same extent as such Guarantor Subordinated Obligations. No Restricted Subsidiary (other than a Subsidiary Guarantor or a Foreign Subsidiary) may Incur any Indebtedness if the proceeds are used to refinance Indebtedness of the Issuer or a Subsidiary Guarantor.

(d)           For purposes of determining compliance with, and the outstanding principal amount of any particular Indebtedness Incurred pursuant to and in compliance with, this Section 4.09:

(1)           subject to clause (2) below, in the event that Indebtedness meets the criteria of more than one of the types of Indebtedness described in Sections 4.09(a) and (b), the Issuer, in its sole discretion, will classify such item of Indebtedness on the date of Incurrence and may later classify such item of Indebtedness in any manner that complies with this covenant and only be required to include the amount and type of such Indebtedness in one of such clauses;

(2)           all Indebtedness outstanding on the Issue Date, or if later, the closing date of the Merger, under the Senior Secured Credit Agreement shall be deemed Incurred under clause (1) of Section 4.09(b) and not Section 4.09(a) or clause (4) of Section 4.09(b);

(3)           Guarantees of, or obligations in respect of letters of credit relating to, Indebtedness which is otherwise included in the determination of a particular amount of Indebtedness shall not be included;

(4)           if obligations in respect of letters of credit are Incurred pursuant to a Credit Facility and are being treated as Incurred pursuant to clause (1) of Section 4.09(b) and the letters of credit relate to other Indebtedness, then such other Indebtedness shall not be included;

(5)           the principal amount of any Disqualified Stock of the Issuer or a Restricted Subsidiary, or Preferred Stock of a Restricted Subsidiary that is not a Subsidiary Guarantor, will be equal to the greater of the maximum mandatory redemption or repurchase price (not including, in either case, any redemption or repurchase premium) or the liquidation preference thereof;

(6)           Indebtedness permitted by this covenant need not be permitted solely by reference to one provision permitting such Indebtedness but may be permitted in part by one such provision and in part by one or more other provisions of this covenant permitting such Indebtedness;

(7)           the principal amount of any Indebtedness outstanding in connection with a Qualified Receivables Transaction is the Receivables Transaction Amount; and

(8)             the amount of Indebtedness issued at a price that is less than the principal amount thereof will be equal to the amount of the liability in respect thereof determined in accordance with GAAP.

Accrual of interest, accrual of dividends, the accretion of accreted value, the payment of interest in the form of additional Indebtedness and the payment of dividends in the form of additional shares of Preferred Stock or Disqualified Stock will not be deemed to be an Incurrence of Indebtedness for purposes of this Section 4.09. The amount of any Indebtedness outstanding as of any date shall be (i) the accreted value thereof in the case of any Indebtedness issued with original issue discount and (ii) the principal amount or liquidation preference thereof, together with any interest thereon that is more than 30 days past due, in the case of any other Indebtedness.

 
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In addition, the Issuer will not permit any of its Unrestricted Subsidiaries to Incur any Indebtedness (other than the Renewable Diesel Joint Venture Indebtedness) or issue any shares of Disqualified Stock, other than Non-Recourse Debt. The Issuer will not, and will not permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to, Incur any Indebtedness with respect to the Renewable Diesel Joint Venture (unless the Renewable Diesel Joint Venture is a Restricted Subsidiary subject to the limitations set forth under this Section 4.09) other than the Renewable Diesel Joint Venture Indebtedness. If at any time an Unrestricted Subsidiary becomes a Restricted Subsidiary, any Indebtedness of such Subsidiary shall be deemed to be Incurred by a Restricted Subsidiary as of such date (and, if such Indebtedness is not permitted to be Incurred as of such date under this Section 4.09, the Issuer shall be in Default of this Section 4.09).

For purposes of determining compliance with any U.S. dollar-denominated restriction on the Incurrence of Indebtedness, the U.S. dollar-equivalent principal amount of Indebtedness denominated in a foreign currency shall be calculated based on the relevant currency exchange rate in effect on the date such Indebtedness was Incurred, in the case of term Indebtedness, or first committed, in the case of revolving credit Indebtedness; provided that if such Indebtedness is Incurred to refinance other Indebtedness denominated in a foreign currency, and such refinancing would cause the applicable U.S. dollar-denominated restriction to be exceeded if calculated at the relevant currency exchange rate in effect on the date of such refinancing, such U.S. dollar-denominated restriction shall be deemed not to have been exceeded so long as the principal amount of such Refinancing Indebtedness does not exceed the principal amount of such Indebtedness being refinanced (plus related fees, premiums and expenses). Notwithstanding any other provision of this covenant, the maximum amount of Indebtedness that the Issuer may Incur pursuant to this covenant shall not be deemed to be exceeded solely as a result of fluctuations in the exchange rate of currencies. The principal amount of any Indebtedness Incurred to refinance other Indebtedness, if Incurred in a different currency from the Indebtedness being refinanced, shall be calculated based on the currency exchange rate applicable to the currencies in which such Refinancing Indebtedness is denominated that is in effect on the date of such refinancing.

Section 4.10
Asset Sales .

(a)           The Issuer shall not, and shall not permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to, make any Asset Disposition unless:

(1)           the Issuer or such Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be, receives consideration at least equal to the fair market value (such fair market value to be determined on the date of contractually agreeing to such Asset Disposition), as determined in good faith by the Board of Directors of the Issuer (including as to the value of all non-cash consideration), of the shares and assets subject to such Asset Disposition;

(2)           at least 75% of the consideration from such Asset Disposition received by the Issuer or such Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be, is in the form of cash or Cash Equivalents; and

(3)           an amount equal to 100% of the Net Available Cash from such Asset Disposition is applied by the Issuer or such Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be:

 
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(A)           first, to the extent the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be, elects (or is required by the terms of any Indebtedness) to prepay, repay or purchase Indebtedness of the Issuer (other than any Disqualified Stock or Subordinated Obligations) or Indebtedness of a Restricted Subsidiary (other than any Disqualified Stock or Guarantor Subordinated Obligations of a Subsidiary Guarantor) (in each case other than Indebtedness owed to the Issuer or an Affiliate of the Issuer) within 365 days from the later of the date of such Asset Disposition or the receipt of such Net Available Cash; provided , however , that, in connection with any prepayment, repayment or purchase of Indebtedness pursuant to this clause (a), the Issuer or such Restricted Subsidiary will retire such Indebtedness and will cause the related commitment (if any) to be permanently reduced in an amount equal to the principal amount so prepaid, repaid or purchased; and

(B)           second, to the extent of the balance of such Net Available Cash after application in accordance with clause (a), to the extent the Issuer or such Restricted Subsidiary elects, to invest in Additional Assets within 365 days from the later of the date of such Asset Disposition or the receipt of such Net Available Cash (or enter into a definitive agreement for such investment that is consummated within 455 days after the receipt of any such Net Available Cash);

provided that pending the final application of any such Net Available Cash in accordance with clause (a) or clause (b) above, the Issuer and its Restricted Subsidiaries may temporarily reduce Indebtedness or otherwise invest such Net Available Cash in any manner not prohibited by this Indenture.

(b)           Any Net Available Cash from Asset Dispositions that are not applied or invested as provided in Section 4.10(a) will be deemed to constitute “ Excess Proceeds .” On the 366th day after an Asset Disposition (or such later date permitted in clause 3(B) of Section 4.10(a)), if the aggregate amount of Excess Proceeds exceeds $15 million, the Issuer will be required to make an offer (“ Asset Disposition Offer ”) in accordance with Section 3.09 and this Section 4.10 to all Holders of Notes and to the extent required by the terms of other Pari Passu Indebtedness, to all Holders of other Pari Passu Indebtedness outstanding with similar provisions requiring the Issuer to make an offer to purchase such Pari Passu Indebtedness with the proceeds from any Asset Disposition (“ Pari Passu Notes ”), to purchase the maximum principal amount of Notes and any such Pari Passu Notes to which the Asset Disposition Offer applies that may be purchased out of the Excess Proceeds, at an offer price in cash in an amount equal to 100% of the principal amount of the Notes and Pari Passu Notes plus accrued and unpaid interest to the date of purchase, in accordance with the procedures set forth in this Indenture or the agreements governing the Pari Passu Notes, as applicable, in each case in denominations of $2,000 and integral multiples of $1,000 in excess thereof. The Issuer shall commence an Asset Disposition Offer with respect to Excess Proceeds by mailing (or otherwise communicating in accordance with the procedures of DTC) the notice required by Section 3.10, with a copy to the Trustee. To the extent that the aggregate amount of Notes and Pari Passu Notes so validly tendered and not properly withdrawn pursuant to an Asset Disposition Offer is less than the Excess Proceeds, the Issuer may use any remaining Excess Proceeds for general corporate purposes, subject to the other covenants contained in this Indenture. If the aggregate principal amount of Notes surrendered by Holders thereof and other Pari Passu Notes surrendered by Holders or lenders, collectively, exceeds the amount of Excess Proceeds, the Trustee shall select the Notes and Pari Passu Notes to be purchased on a pro rata basis on the basis of the aggregate principal amount of tendered Notes and Pari Passu Notes. Upon completion of such Asset Disposition Offer, the amount of Excess Proceeds shall be reset at zero. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the foregoing, the Issuer may commence an Asset Disposition Offer prior to the expiration of 365 days after the occurrence of an Asset Disposition (or such later date after giving effect to the provision in clause 3(B) of Section 4.10(a), provided that such Asset Disposition Offer complies with all applicable securities laws and regulations).

 
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(c)           The Asset Disposition Offer will remain open for the Asset Disposition Offer Period. No later than the Asset Disposition Purchase Date, the Issuer will purchase the principal amount of Notes and Pari Passu Notes required to be purchased pursuant to this Section 4.10(c) (the “ Asset Disposition Offer Amount ”) or, if less than the Asset Disposition Offer Amount has been so validly tendered, all Notes and Pari Passu Notes validly tendered in response to the Asset Disposition Offer.

(d)           Pending the final application of any Net Available Cash pursuant to this Section 4.10, the Holder of such Net Available Cash may apply such Net Available Cash temporarily to reduce Indebtedness outstanding under a revolving Credit Facility or otherwise invest such Net Available Cash in Cash Equivalents.

(e)           For the purposes of Section 4.10, the following will be deemed to be cash:

(1)           the assumption by the transferee of Indebtedness (other than Subordinated Obligations or Disqualified Stock) of the Issuer or Indebtedness of a Restricted Subsidiary (other than Guarantor Subordinated Obligations or Disqualified Stock of any Subsidiary Guarantor) and the release of the Issuer or such Restricted Subsidiary from all liability on such Indebtedness in connection with such Asset Disposition (in which case the Issuer will, without further action, be deemed to have applied such deemed cash to Indebtedness in accordance with clause (3)(A) of Section 4.10(a)); and

(2)           securities, notes or other obligations received by the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary from the transferee that are promptly converted by the Issuer or such Restricted Subsidiary into cash.

(f)           The Issuer will not, and will not permit any Restricted Subsidiary to, engage in any Asset Swaps unless, in the event such Asset Swap involves the transfer by the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary of assets having an aggregate fair market value (as determined in good faith by the Board of Directors of the Issuer) in excess of $20 million, the terms of such Asset Swap have been approved by a majority of the members of the Board of Directors of the Issuer.

Section 4.11
Transactions with Affiliates .

(a)           The Issuer will not, and will not permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly, enter into or conduct any transaction (including the purchase, sale, lease or exchange of any property or the rendering of any service) with any Affiliate of the Issuer (an “ Affiliate Transaction ”)   unless:

(1)           the terms of such Affiliate Transaction are no less favorable to the Issuer or such Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be, than those that could be obtained in a comparable transaction at the time of such transaction in arm’s-length dealings with a Person who is not such an Affiliate;

(2)           in the event such Affiliate Transaction involves an aggregate consideration in excess of $10 million, the terms of such transaction have been approved by a majority of the members of the Board of Directors of the Issuer and by a majority of the members of such Board of Directors having no personal stake in such transaction, if any (and such majority or majorities, as the case may be, determines that such Affiliate Transaction satisfies the criteria in clause (1) above); and

 
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(3)           in the event such Affiliate Transaction involves an aggregate consideration in excess of $30 million, the Issuer has received a written opinion from an independent investment banking, accounting or appraisal firm of nationally recognized standing that the terms of such Affiliate Transaction is not materially less favorable than those that might reasonably have been obtained in a comparable transaction at such time on an arm’s-length basis from a Person that is not an Affiliate.

(b)           Section 4.11(a) will not apply to:

(1)           any Restricted Payment (other than a Restricted Investment) permitted to be made pursuant to Section 4.07 and the definition of “Permitted Investments”; provided that any such Permitted Investment complies with clause (2) of Section 4.11(a);

(2)           any issuance of securities, or other payments, awards or grants in cash, securities or otherwise pursuant to, or the funding of, employment agreements and other compensation arrangements, options to purchase Capital Stock of the Issuer, restricted stock plans, long-term incentive plans, stock appreciation rights plans, participation plans or similar employee benefits plans and/or indemnity provided on behalf of officers and employees of the Issuer and its Restricted Subsidiaries approved by the Board of Directors of the Issuer;

(3)           to the extent permitted by law, loans or advances to employees, officers or directors of the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary of the Issuer in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practices, in an aggregate amount not in excess of $5.0 million outstanding at any one time (without giving effect to the forgiveness of any such loan);

(4)           any transaction between the Issuer and a Restricted Subsidiary or between Restricted Subsidiaries, and Guarantees issued by the Issuer or a Restricted Subsidiary for the benefit of the Issuer or a Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be, in accordance with Section 4.09;

(5)           transactions in the ordinary course of business between the Issuer or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries and any Person, including the Renewable Diesel Joint Venture, in which the Issuer or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries owns any Capital Stock; provided (i) such transaction is on terms that are no less favorable to the Issuer or such Restricted Subsidiary than those that would have been obtained in a comparable transaction with an unrelated Person, (ii) such Person is an Affiliate of the Issuer or such Restricted Subsidiary solely as a result of the Issuer or such Restricted Subsidiary’s ownership of the Capital Stock in such Person, (iii) no holder of Capital Stock in such Person (other than the Issuer or such Restricted Subsidiary) is an Affiliate of the Issuer or any of its Subsidiaries and (iv) such transaction otherwise complies with clause (2) of Section 4.11(a);

(6)           the payment of reasonable and customary fees paid to, and indemnity provided on behalf of, officers and directors of the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary;

(7)           the existence of, and the performance of obligations of the Issuer or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries under the terms of any agreement to which the Issuer or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries or Griffin or its Subsidiaries is a party as of or on the Issue Date and identified on Schedule II to this Indenture, as these agreements may be amended, modified, supplemented, extended or renewed from time to time; provided , however , that any future amendment, modification, supplement, extension or renewal entered into after the Issue Date will be permitted to the extent that its terms are not more disadvantageous to the Holders of the Notes than the terms of the agreements in effect on the Issue Date;

 
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(8)           transactions with customers, clients, suppliers or purchasers or sellers of goods or services, in each case in the ordinary course of the business of the Issuer and its Restricted Subsidiaries and otherwise in compliance with the terms of this Indenture; provided that in the reasonable determination of the members of the Board of Directors or senior management of the Issuer, such transactions are on terms that are no less favorable to the Issuer or the relevant Restricted Subsidiary than those that would have been obtained in a comparable transaction by the Issuer or such Restricted Subsidiary with an unrelated Person;

(9)           any issuance or sale of Capital Stock (other than Disqualified Stock) to Affiliates of the Issuer and the granting of registration and other customary rights in connection therewith;

(10)           sales or other transfers or dispositions of accounts receivable and other related assets customarily transferred in an asset securitization transaction involving accounts receivable to a Receivables Entity in a Qualified Receivables Transaction, and acquisitions of Permitted Investments in connection with a Qualified Receivables Transaction;

(11)           any agreement between any Person and an Affiliate of such Person existing at the time such Person is acquired by or merged into the Issuer or a Restricted Subsidiary; provided , that (x) such agreement was not entered into in contemplation of such acquisition or merger, or any amendment thereto (so long as any such amendment is not disadvantageous to the Holders in any material respect in the good faith judgment of the Board of Directors of the Issuer when taken as a whole as compared to such agreement as in effect on the date of such acquisition or merger) and (y) in the case of the Merger, such agreement was permitted by the terms of the Merger Agreement in effect on the Issue Date;

(12)           the consummation of the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement, including the payment of all fees and expenses related thereto;

(13)           any transaction on arm’s length terms with non-Affiliates that become Affiliates as a result of such transaction; and

(14)           transactions in which the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary delivers to the Trustee an opinion or appraisal issued by an independent accounting, appraisal or investment banking firm of national standing stating that the terms of such transaction are not materially less favorable than those that might reasonably have been obtained by the Issuer or such Restricted Subsidiary in a comparable transaction at such time on an arm’s length basis from a Person that is not an Affiliate.

Section 4.12
Limitation on Liens .

The Issuer will not, and will not permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly, create or Incur any Lien (other than Permitted Liens) upon any of its property or assets (including Capital Stock of its Subsidiaries) or income or profits therefrom, whether owned on the Issue Date or acquired after that date, which Lien is securing any Indebtedness, unless contemporaneously with the Incurrence of such Liens effective provision is made to secure the Indebtedness due under this Indenture and the Notes or, in respect of Liens on any Restricted Subsidiary’s property or assets, any Subsidiary Guarantee of such Restricted Subsidiary, equally and ratably with (or senior in priority to in the case of Liens with respect to Subordinated Obligations or Guarantor Subordinated Obligations, as the case may be) the Indebtedness secured by such Lien for so long as such Indebtedness is so secured.

 
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Section 4.13
Corporate Existence .

Subject to Article 5, the Issuer shall do or cause to be done all things necessary to preserve and keep in full force and effect (1) its corporate existence and the corporate, partnership, limited liability company or other existence of each of its Restricted Subsidiaries, in accordance with the respective organizational documents (as the same may be amended from time to time) of the Issuer or any such Restricted Subsidiary and (2) the rights (charter and statutory), licenses and franchises of the Issuer and its Restricted Subsidiaries; provided that the Issuer shall not be required to preserve any such right, license or franchise, or the corporate, partnership, limited liability company or other existence of any of its Restricted Subsidiaries, if the Issuer in good faith shall determine that the preservation thereof is no longer desirable in the conduct of the business of the Issuer and its Restricted Subsidiaries, taken as a whole.

Section 4.14
Offer to Repurchase Upon Change of Control .

(a)           If a Change of Control occurs, unless the Issuer has exercised its right to redeem all of the Notes pursuant to Sections 3.03 and 3.07, each Holder will have the right to require the Issuer to repurchase all or any part (equal to $1,000 or an integral multiple thereof) of such Holder’s Notes at a purchase price in cash equal to 101% of the principal amount of the Notes plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the date of purchase (subject to the right of Holders of record on the relevant Record Date to receive interest due on the relevant Interest Payment Date).

(b)           Within 30 days following any Change of Control, unless the Issuer has exercised its right to redeem all of the Notes pursuant to Sections 3.03 and 3.07, the Issuer will mail a notice (the “ Change of Control Offer ”) to each Holder, with a copy to the Trustee, stating:

(1)           that a Change of Control has occurred and that such Holder has the right to require the Issuer to purchase such Holder’s Notes at a purchase price in cash equal to 101% of the principal amount of such Notes plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the date of purchase (subject to the right of Holders of record on the relevant Record Date to receive interest due on an Interest Payment Date falling on or prior to the Change of Control Payment Date (the “ Change of Control Payment ”);

(2)           the repurchase date, which shall be no earlier than 30 days nor later than 60 days from the date such notice is mailed (the “ Change of Control Payment Date ”);

(3)           that Notes must be tendered in multiples of $1,000, and any Note not properly tendered will remain outstanding and continue to accrue interest;

(4)           that, unless the Issuer defaults in the payment of the Change of Control Payment, any Note accepted for payment pursuant to the Change of Control Offer will cease to accrue interest on and after the Change of Control Payment Date;

(5)            that Holders electing to have any Notes purchased pursuant to a Change of Control Offer will be required to surrender such Notes, with the form entitled “Option of Holder to Elect Purchase” on the reverse of such Notes completed, to the Paying Agent specified in the notice at the address specified in the notice prior to the close of business on the third Business Day preceding the Change of Control Payment Date;

 
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(6)           that Holders shall be entitled to withdraw their tendered Notes and their election to require the Issuer to purchase such Notes; provided that the Paying Agent receives at the address specified in the notice, not later than the close of business on the third Business Day preceding the Change of Control Payment Date notice, a telegram, facsimile transmission or letter setting forth the name of the Holder of the Notes, the principal amount of Notes tendered for purchase, and a statement that such Holder is withdrawing its tendered Notes and its election to have such Notes purchased;

(7)           that if a Holder is tendering less than all of its Notes, such Holder will be issued new Notes equal in principal amount to the unpurchased portion of the Notes surrendered (the unpurchased portion of the Notes must be equal to $2,000 or an integral multiple of $1,000 in excess thereof); and

(8)           the other instructions, as the procedures determined by the Issuer, consistent with this Section 4,14, that a Holder must follow in order to have its Notes repurchased.

The notice, if mailed in a manner herein provided, shall be conclusively presumed to have been given, whether or not the Holder receives such notice.  If (A) the notice is mailed in a manner herein provided and (B) any Holder fails to receive such notice or a Holder receives such notice but it is defective, such Holder’s failure to receive such notice or such defect shall not affect the validity of the proceedings for the purchase of the Notes as to all other Holders that properly received such notice without defect.

(c)           On or prior to the Change of Control Payment Date, the Issuer will, to the extent lawful:

(1)           accept for payment all Notes or portions of Notes (in integral multiples of $1,000) properly tendered pursuant to the Change of Control Offer;

(2)           deposit with the paying agent an amount equal to the Change of Control Payment in respect of all Notes or portions of Notes so tendered; and

(3)           deliver or cause to be delivered to the Trustee the Notes so accepted together with an Officers’ Certificate stating the aggregate principal amount of Notes or portions of Notes being purchased by the Issuer in accordance with this Section 4.14.

(d)           A Change of Control Offer may be made in advance of a Change of Control, conditioned upon consummation of the Change of Control, if a definitive agreement is in effect at the time of making such Change of Control Offer that, when consummated in accordance with its terms, will result in a Change of Control, provided   that such Change of Control Offer complies with all applicable securities laws or regulations.

(e)           The paying agent will promptly mail or deliver to each Holder of Notes so tendered the Change of Control Payment for such Notes, and the Trustee will promptly authenticate and mail (or cause to be transferred by book entry) to each Holder a new Note equal in principal amount to any unpurchased portion of the Notes surrendered, if any; provided   that each such new Note will be in a principal amount of $2,000 or integral multiples of $1,000 in excess thereof.

 
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(f)           If the Change of Control Payment Date is on or after a Record Date and on or before the related Interest Payment Date, any accrued and unpaid interest to the Change of Control Payment Date, if any, will be paid to the Person in whose name a Note is registered at the close of business on such Record Date, and no additional interest will be payable to Holders on Notes tendered or purchased pursuant to the Change of Control Offer.

(g)           The Issuer will not be required to make a Change of Control Offer upon a Change of Control if (i) a third party makes the Change of Control Offer in the manner, at the times and otherwise in compliance with the requirements set forth in this Section 4.14 applicable to a Change of Control Offer made by the Issuer and purchases all Notes validly tendered and not withdrawn under such Change of Control Offer; or (ii) notice of redemption to redeem the Notes in full has been given pursuant to this Indenture as described in Section 3.07, unless and until there is a default in payment of the applicable redemption price.

(h)           The Issuer will comply, to the extent applicable, with the requirements of Rule 14e-1 under the Exchange Act and any other securities laws or regulations in connection with the repurchase of Notes pursuant to this Section 4.14. To the extent that the provisions of any securities laws or regulations conflict with provisions of this Indenture, the Issuer will comply with the applicable securities laws and regulations and will not be deemed to have breached its obligations described in this Indenture by virtue of the conflict.

(i)           Other than as specifically provided in this Section 4.14, any purchase pursuant to this Section 4.14 shall be made pursuant to the provisions of Sections 3.02, 3.05 and 3.06.

Section 4.15
Additional Subsidiary Guarantees .

After the Issue Date, the Issuer will cause each Restricted Subsidiary (other than a Foreign Subsidiary or a Receivables Entity) which, individually or in the aggregate, Incurs Indebtedness (other than Renewable Diesel Joint Venture Indebtedness, Indebtedness owed to the Issuer or another Subsidiary Guarantor, or Indebtedness consisting solely of Guarantees by a domestic Restricted Subsidiary of Indebtedness of a Foreign Subsidiary whose sole assets are the Capital Stock of or other Investments in the Foreign Subsidiary whose Indebtedness is being guaranteed) in excess of $50 million, to execute and deliver to the Trustee within 10 Business Days a Subsidiary Guarantee pursuant to which such Subsidiary Guarantor will, among other things, unconditionally Guarantee, on a joint and several basis, the full and prompt payment of the principal of, premium, if any and interest on the Notes on a senior basis.

Section 4.16
Effectiveness of Covenants

(a)           Following the first day:

(1)           the Notes have an Investment Grade Rating from both of the Ratings Agencies; and

(2)           no Default has occurred and is continuing under this Indenture (the occurrence of the events described in the foregoing clauses (1) and (2) being collectively referred to as a “ Covenant Suspension Event ”),

the Issuer and its Restricted Subsidiaries will not be subject to the provisions of Sections 4.07, 4.08, 4.09, 4.10, 4.11, 4.17 and 5.01(a)(3) (collectively, the “ Suspended Covenants ”).

 
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(b)           If at any time the Notes’ credit rating is downgraded from an Investment Grade Rating by any Rating Agency (such date, a “ Reversion Date ”), then the Suspended Covenants will thereafter be reinstated as if such covenant had never been suspended and be applicable pursuant to the terms of this Indenture (including in connection with performing any calculation or assessment to determine compliance with the terms of this Indenture), unless and until the Notes subsequently attain Investment Grade Rating (in which event the Suspended Covenants shall no longer be in effect for such time that the Notes maintain an Investment Grade Rating from both Rating Agencies); provided , however , that no Default, Event of Default or breach of any kind shall be deemed to exist under this Indenture, the Notes or the Subsidiary Guarantees with respect to the Suspended Covenants based on, and none of the Issuer or any of its Subsidiaries shall bear any liability for, any actions taken or events occurring during the Suspension Period, or any actions taken at any time pursuant to any contractual obligation arising prior to such reinstatement, regardless of whether such actions or events would have been permitted if the Suspended Covenants remained in effect during such period. The period of time between the occurrence of a Covenant Suspension Event and a Reversion Date is referred to as the “ Suspension Period .”

(c)           During any Suspension Period, the Board of Directors of the Issuer may not designate any of the Issuer’s Subsidiaries as Unrestricted Subsidiaries pursuant to this Indenture.

(d)           On a Reversion Date, all Indebtedness incurred during the Suspension Period will be classified to have been incurred pursuant to Section 4.09(a) or clauses (1) through (18) of Section 4.09(b) (to the extent such Indebtedness would be permitted to be incurred thereunder as of the Reversion Date and after giving effect to the Indebtedness incurred prior to the Suspension Period and outstanding on the Reversion Date). To the extent such Indebtedness would not be permitted to be incurred pursuant to Section 4.09(a) or clauses (1) through (18) of Section 4.09(b), such Indebtedness will be deemed to have been outstanding on the Issue Date, so that it is classified as permitted under Section 4.09(b)(4). Calculations made after a Reversion Date of the amounts available to be made as Restricted Payments under Section 4.07 will be made as though Section 4.07 had been in effect since the Issue Date and throughout any Suspension Period. Accordingly, Restricted Payments made during such Suspension Period will reduce the amount available to be made as Restricted Payments under Section 4.07(a). However, no Default or Event of Default will be deemed to have occurred as a result of the Reversion Date occurring on the basis of any actions taken or the continuance of any circumstances resulting from actions taken or the performance of obligations under agreements entered into by the Issuer or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries during the Suspension Period relating to any Suspended Covenant (other than agreements to take actions after the Reversion Date that would not be permitted outside of the Suspension Period entered into in contemplation of the Reversion Date).

(e)           As soon as reasonably practical following a Covenant Suspension Event or Reversion Date, the Issuer shall provide to the Trustee an Officers’ Certificate setting forth the Suspended Covenants that have been affected upon such Covenant Suspension Event or Reversion Date, as the case may be.

Section 4.17
Limitation on Lines of Business .

The Issuer will not, and will not permit any Restricted Subsidiary to, engage in any business other than a Related Business.

 
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ARTICLE 5

SUCCESSORS

Section 5.01
Merger, Consolidation or Sale of All or Substantially All Assets .

(a)           The Issuer will not consolidate with or merge with or into, or sell, lease, convey, assign, transfer, or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all its property and assets in one or more related transactions to, any Person, unless:

(1)           the resulting, surviving or transferee Person (the “ Successor Company ”) will be a corporation or a limited liability company, provided that in the case the Successor Company is a limited liability company there shall be a corporate co-issuer, in each case organized and existing under the laws of the United States of America, any State of the United States or the District of Columbia and the Successor Company (if not the Issuer) will expressly assume, by supplemental indenture, executed and delivered to the Trustee, in form satisfactory to the Trustee, all the obligations of the Issuer under the Notes and this Indenture and will expressly assume, by written agreement, all the obligations of the Issuer under the Registration Rights Agreement;

(2)           immediately after giving effect to such transaction, no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing;

(3)           immediately after giving effect to such transaction (and treating any Indebtedness that becomes an obligation of the Successor Company or any Subsidiary of the Successor Company as a result of such transaction as having been Incurred by the Successor Company or such Subsidiary at the time of such transaction), the Successor Company would be able to Incur at least an additional $1.00 of Indebtedness pursuant to Section 4.09(a) or the Consolidated Coverage Ratio for the Successor Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries would be greater than such ratio for the Issuer and its Restricted Subsidiaries immediately prior to such transaction;

(4)           each Subsidiary Guarantor (unless it is the other party to the transactions above, in which case clause (1) of Section 5.01(b) shall apply) shall have by supplemental indenture confirmed that its Subsidiary Guarantee shall apply to such Person’s obligations in respect of this Indenture and the Notes and shall have, by written agreement, confirmed that its obligations under the Registration Rights Agreement shall continue to be in effect; and

(5)           the Issuer shall have delivered to the Trustee an Officers’ Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, each stating that such consolidation, merger or transfer and such supplemental indenture (if any) comply with this Indenture.

For purposes of this Section 5.01, the sale, lease, conveyance, assignment, transfer, or other disposition of all or substantially all of the properties and assets of one or more Subsidiaries of the Issuer, which properties and assets, if held by the Issuer instead of such Subsidiaries, would constitute all or substantially all of the properties and assets of the Issuer on a consolidated basis, shall be deemed to be the transfer of all or substantially all of the properties and assets of the Issuer.

Notwithstanding clause 5.01(a)(3), (x) any Restricted Subsidiary may consolidate with, merge into or transfer all or part of its properties and assets to the Issuer and (y) the Issuer may merge with an Affiliate incorporated solely for the purpose of reincorporating the Issuer in another jurisdiction to realize tax benefits; provided that, in the case of a Restricted Subsidiary that merges into the Issuer, the Issuer will not be required to comply with Section 5.01(a)(5).

 
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(b)           The Issuer will not permit any Subsidiary Guarantor to consolidate with, merge with or into any Person (other than another Subsidiary Guarantor) and will not permit the conveyance, transfer, lease or other dispositions of all or substantially all of the property or assets of any Subsidiary Guarantor in one or more related transactions to any Person (other than to another Subsidiary Guarantor) unless:

(1)           (a) if such entity shall remain a Subsidiary Guarantor, the resulting, surviving or transferee Person (the “ Successor Guarantor ”) will be a corporation, partnership, trust or limited liability company organized and existing under the laws of the United States of America, any State of the United States or the District of Columbia or any other jurisdiction in which the predecessor Subsidiary was organized; (b) immediately after giving effect to such transaction (and treating any Indebtedness that becomes an obligation of the resulting, surviving or transferee Person or any Restricted Subsidiary as a result of such transaction as having been Incurred by such Person or such Restricted Subsidiary at the time of such transaction), no Default of Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing; (c) the Successor Guarantor, if other than such Subsidiary Guarantor, expressly assumes all the obligations of such Subsidiary Guarantor under this Indenture, the Notes and its Subsidiary Guarantee pursuant to a supplemental indenture or other documents or instruments in form reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee, and (d) the Issuer will have delivered to the Trustee an Officers’ Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, each stating that such consolidation, merger or transfer and such supplemental indenture (if any) comply with this Indenture; and

(2)           the transaction is made in compliance with the covenant described in Section 4.10 (it being understood that only such portion of the Net Available Cash as is required to be applied on the date of such transaction in accordance with the terms of this Indenture needs to be applied in accordance therewith at such time).

Notwithstanding the foregoing, any Subsidiary Guarantor may merge with or into or transfer all or part of its properties and assets to another Subsidiary Guarantor or the Issuer or merge with another Restricted Subsidiary of the Issuer solely for the purpose of reincorporating the Subsidiary Guarantor in a State of the United States or the District of Columbia.

Section 5.02
Successor Entity Substituted .

Upon any consolidation or merger, or any sale, assignment, transfer, lease, conveyance or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Issuer in accordance with Section 5.01, the successor Person, formed by such consolidation or into or with which the Issuer, is merged or wound up or to which such sale, assignment, transfer, lease, conveyance or other disposition is made shall succeed to, and be substituted for (so that from and after the date of such consolidation, merger, winding up, sale, lease, conveyance or other disposition, the provisions of this Indenture referring to the Issuer shall refer instead to the successor entity and not to the Issuer), and may exercise every right and power of the Issuer under this Indenture with the same effect as if such successor Person had been named as the Issuer herein shall be released from its obligations under the Indenture except that, in the case of a lease of all or substantially all the assets of the Issuer, the predecessor Person shall not be released from the obligation to pay the principal, premium, if any, and interest on the Notes.

 
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ARTICLE 6

DEFAULTS AND REMEDIES

Section 6.01
Events of Default .

(a)           Each of the following is an Event of Default (an “ Event of Default ”):

(1)           default in any payment of interest or Additional Interest (as required by the Registration Rights Agreement) on any Note when due, continued for 30 days;

(2)           default in the payment of principal of or premium, if any, on any Note when due at its Stated Maturity, upon optional redemption, upon required repurchase, upon declaration or otherwise;

(3)           failure by the Issuer or any Subsidiary Guarantor to comply with its obligations under Section 5.01;

(4)           failure by the Issuer or any Subsidiary Guarantor to comply for 30 days after notice as provided below with any of its obligations under Section 4.10 or under Section 4.14 above (in each case, other than a failure to purchase Notes which constitutes an Event of Default under clause (2) above);

(5)           failure by the Issuer or any Subsidiary Guarantor to comply for 60 days after notice as provided below with any of its obligations described under Article 4 or any of its other agreements contained in this Indenture (other than a failure to comply with Section 5.01, which constitutes an Event of Default under clause (3) above, and with obligations under Section 4.10 or Section 4.14, each of which constitutes an Event of Default under clause (4) above);

(6)           default under any mortgage, indenture or instrument under which there may be issued or by which there may be secured or evidenced any Indebtedness for money borrowed by the Issuer or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries (or the payment of which is guaranteed by the Issuer or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries), other than Indebtedness owed to the Issuer or a Restricted Subsidiary, whether such Indebtedness or guarantee now exists, or is created after the Issue Date, which default:

(A)           is caused by a failure to pay principal of, or interest or premium, if any, on such Indebtedness prior to the expiration of the grace period provided in such Indebtedness (“ payment default ”); or

(B)           results in the acceleration of such Indebtedness prior to its maturity (the “ cross acceleration ”);

and, in each case, the principal amount of any such Indebtedness, together with the principal amount of any other such Indebtedness under which there has been a payment default or the maturity of which has been so accelerated, aggregates $25 million or more;

(7)           (i) The Issuer or a Significant Subsidiary or group of Restricted Subsidiaries that, taken together (as of the latest audited consolidated financial statements for the Issuer and its Restricted Subsidiaries), would constitute a Significant Subsidiary:

 
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(A)           commences voluntary proceedings to be adjudicated bankrupt or insolvent;

(B)           consents to the institution of bankruptcy or insolvency proceedings against it, or the filing by it of a petition or answer or consent seeking an arrangement of debt, reorganization, dissolution, winding up or relief under applicable Bankruptcy Law;

(C)           consents to the appointment of a receiver, interim receiver, receiver and manager, liquidator, assignee, trustee, sequestrator or other similar official of it or for all or substantially all of its property;

(D)           makes a general assignment for the benefit of its creditors; or

(E)           generally is not paying its debts as they become due;

or (ii) a court of competent jurisdiction enters an order or decree under any Bankruptcy Law that:

(A)           is for relief against the Issuer, any Restricted Subsidiary that is a Significant Subsidiary or any group of Restricted Subsidiaries that, taken together (as of the date of the most recent audited consolidated financial statements of the Issuer and its Restricted Subsidiaries), would constitute a Significant Subsidiary, in a proceeding in which the Issuer, any such Restricted Subsidiary that is a Significant Subsidiary or any group of Restricted Subsidiaries that, taken together (as of the date of the latest audited consolidated financial statements of the Issuer and its Restricted Subsidiaries), would constitute a Significant Subsidiary, is to be adjudicated bankrupt or insolvent;

(B)           appoints a receiver, interim receiver, receiver and manager, liquidator, assignee, trustee, sequestrator or other similar official of the Issuer, any Restricted Subsidiary that is a Significant Subsidiary or any group of Restricted Subsidiaries that, taken together (as of the date of the latest audited consolidated financial statements of the Issuer and its Restricted Subsidiaries), would constitute a Significant Subsidiary, or for all or substantially all of the property of the Issuer, any Restricted Subsidiary that is a Significant Subsidiary or any group of Restricted Subsidiaries that, taken together (as of the date of the latest audited consolidated financial statements of the Issuer and its Restricted Subsidiaries), would constitute a Significant Subsidiary; or

(C)           orders the liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Issuer, or any Restricted Subsidiary that is a Significant Subsidiary or any group of Subsidiaries that, taken together (as of the date of the latest audited consolidated financial statements of the Issuer and its Restricted Subsidiaries), would constitute a Significant Subsidiary

and the order or decree remains unstayed and in effect for 60 consecutive days;

(8)           failure by the Issuer or any Significant Subsidiary or group of Restricted Subsidiaries that, taken together (as of the latest audited consolidated financial statements for the Issuer and its Restricted Subsidiaries), would constitute a Significant Subsidiary to pay final judgments aggregating in excess of $25 million (net of any amounts that a reputable and creditworthy insurance company has not denied coverage), which judgments are not paid, discharged or stayed for a period of 60 days (the “ judgment default provision ”); or

 
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(9)           any Subsidiary Guarantee of a Significant Subsidiary or group of Restricted Subsidiaries that taken together as of the latest audited consolidated financial statements for the Issuer and its Restricted Subsidiaries would constitute a Significant Subsidiary ceases to be in full force and effect (except as contemplated by the terms of this Indenture) or is declared null and void in a judicial proceeding or any Subsidiary Guarantor that is a Significant Subsidiary or group of Subsidiary Guarantors that taken together as of the latest audited consolidated financial statements of the Issuer and its Restricted Subsidiaries would constitute a Significant Subsidiary denies or disaffirms its obligations under this Indenture or its Subsidiary Guarantee.

(b)           A default under clauses (4) and (5) of Section 6.01(a) will not constitute an Event of Default until the Trustee or the Holders of 25% in principal amount of the outstanding Notes notify the Issuer of the default and the Issuer does not cure such default within the time specified in clauses (4) and (5) of Section 6.01(a) after receipt of such notice.

(c)           A default under clause (6) of Section 6.01(a) in respect of the Renewable Diesel Joint Venture Indebtedness will not constitute an Event of Default unless and until the Issuer or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries fails to make payments in respect of any Guarantee relating to such Indebtedness in accordance with its terms; provided that the provisions of this sentence shall not apply to any other Indebtedness of the Issuer or its Restricted Subsidiaries as to which a payment default or cross acceleration occurs as a result of a default in respect of the Renewable Diesel Joint Venture Indebtedness.

Section 6.02
Acceleration.

(a)           If an Event of Default (other than an Event of Default described in clause (7) of Section 6.01(a)) occurs and is continuing, the Trustee by notice to the Issuer, or the Holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the outstanding Notes by notice to the Issuer and the Trustee, may, and the Trustee at the request of such Holders shall, declare the principal of, premium, if any, and accrued and unpaid interest, if any, on all the Notes to be due and payable. Upon such a declaration, such principal, premium and accrued and unpaid interest will be due and payable immediately. In the event of a declaration of acceleration of the Notes because an Event of Default described in clause (6) under Section 6.01(a) has occurred and is continuing, the declaration of acceleration of the Notes shall be automatically annulled if the default triggering such Event of Default pursuant to clause (6) of Section 6.01(a) shall be remedied or cured by the Issuer or a Restricted Subsidiary or waived by the Holders of the relevant Indebtedness within 30 days after the declaration of acceleration with respect thereto and if (1) the annulment of the acceleration of the Notes would not conflict with any judgment or decree of a court of competent jurisdiction and (2) all existing Events of Default, except nonpayment of principal, premium or interest on the Notes that became due solely because of the acceleration of the Notes, have been cured or waived.

(b)           If an Event of Default described in clause (7) of Section 6.01(a) occurs and is continuing, the principal of, premium, if any, and accrued and unpaid interest on all the Notes will become and be immediately due and payable without any declaration or other act on the part of the Trustee or any Holders.

(c)           The Holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding Notes rescind any such acceleration with respect to the Notes and its consequences if (1) rescission would not conflict with any judgment or decree of a court of competent jurisdiction and (2) all existing Events of Default, other than the nonpayment of the principal of, premium, if any, and interest on the Notes that have become due solely by such declaration of acceleration, have been cured or waived.

 
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Section 6.03
Other Remedies .

If an Event of Default occurs and is continuing, the Trustee may pursue any available remedy to collect the payment of principal, premium, if any, and interest on the Notes or to enforce the performance of any provision of the Notes or this Indenture.

The Trustee may maintain a proceeding even if it does not possess any of the Notes or does not produce any of them in the proceeding.  A delay or omission by the Trustee or any Holder of a Note in exercising any right or remedy accruing upon an Event of Default shall not impair the right or remedy or constitute a waiver of or acquiescence in the Event of Default.  All remedies are cumulative to the extent permitted by law.

Section 6.04
Waiver of Past Defaults .

The Holders of a majority in principal amount of the then outstanding Notes by written notice to the Trustee may on behalf of all Holders waive any existing Default and its consequences hereunder, except:

(1)           a continuing Default in the payment of the principal, premium, if any, or interest on any Note held by a non-consenting Holder (including in connection with an Asset Disposition Offer or a Change of Control Offer); and

(2)           a Default with respect to a provision that under Section 9.02 cannot be amended without the consent of each Holder affected.

Upon any such waiver, such Default shall cease to exist, and any Event of Default arising therefrom shall be deemed to have been cured for every purpose of this Indenture, but no such waiver shall extend to any subsequent or other Default or impair any right consequent thereon.

Section 6.05
Control by Majority .

The Holders of a majority in principal amount of the then outstanding Notes may direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for exercising any remedy available to the Trustee or of exercising any trust or power conferred on the Trustee.  However, the Trustee may refuse to follow any direction that conflicts with law or this Indenture or that the Trustee determines in good faith is unduly prejudicial to the rights of any other Holder or that would involve the Trustee in personal liability.

Section 6.06
Limitation on Suits .

Subject to Section 6.07, no Holder of a Note may pursue any remedy with respect to this Indenture or the Notes unless:

(1)           such Holder has previously given the Trustee notice that an Event of Default is continuing;

(2)           the Holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the then outstanding Notes have requested the Trustee to pursue the remedy;

 
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(3)           such Holders have offered the Trustee security or indemnity reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee against any loss, liability or expense;

(4)           the Trustee has not complied with such request within 60 days after the receipt thereof and the offer of security or indemnity; and

(5)           the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the then outstanding Notes have not given the Trustee a direction that, in the opinion of the Trustee, is inconsistent with such request within such 60-day period.

A Holder may not use this Indenture to prejudice the rights of another Holder or to obtain a preference or priority over another Holder.

Section 6.07
Rights of Holders to Receive Payment .

Notwithstanding any other provision of this Indenture, the right of any Holder to receive payment of principal of, premium, if any, and interest on its Note, on or after the respective due dates expressed or provided for in such Note (including in connection with an Asset Disposition Offer or a Change of Control Offer), or to bring suit for the enforcement of any such payment on or after such respective dates, shall not be impaired or affected without the consent of such Holder.

Section 6.08
Collection Suit by Trustee .

If an Event of Default specified in Section 6.01(a)(1) or (2) occurs and is continuing, the Trustee may recover judgment in its own name and as trustee of an express trust against the Issuer and any other obligor on the Notes for the whole amount of principal, premium, if any, and interest remaining unpaid on the Notes, together with interest on overdue principal and, to the extent lawful, interest and such further amount as shall be sufficient to cover the costs and expenses of collection, including the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Trustee and its agents and counsel.

Section 6.09
Restoration of Rights and Remedies .

If the Trustee or any Holder has instituted any proceeding to enforce any right or remedy under this Indenture and such proceeding has been discontinued or abandoned for any reason, or has been determined adversely to the Trustee or to such Holder, then and in every such case, subject to any determination in such proceedings, the Issuer, the Subsidiary Guarantors, the Trustee and the Holders shall be restored severally and respectively to their former positions hereunder and thereafter all rights and remedies of the Trustee and the Holders shall continue as though no such proceeding has been instituted.

Section 6.10
Rights and Remedies Cumulative .

Except as otherwise provided with respect to the replacement or payment of mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Notes in Section 2.07, no right or remedy herein conferred upon or reserved to the Trustee or to the Holders is intended to be exclusive of any other right or remedy, and every right and remedy are, to the extent permitted by law, cumulative and in addition to every other right and remedy given hereunder or now or hereafter existing at law or in equity or otherwise.  The assertion or employment of any right or remedy hereunder, or otherwise, shall not prevent the concurrent assertion or employment of any other appropriate right or remedy.

 
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Section 6.11
Delay or Omission Not Waiver .

No delay or omission of the Trustee or of any Holder to exercise any right or remedy accruing upon any Event of Default shall impair any such right or remedy or constitute a waiver of any such Event of Default or an acquiescence therein.  Every right and remedy given by this Article or by law to the Trustee or to the Holders may be exercised from time to time, and as often as may be deemed expedient, by the Trustee or by the Holders, as the case may be.

Section 6.12
Trustee May File Proofs of Claim .

The Trustee may file proofs of claim and other papers or documents as may be necessary or advisable in order to have the claims of the Trustee (including any claim for the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Trustee, its agents and counsel) and the Holders of the Notes allowed in any judicial proceedings relative to the Issuer (or any other obligor upon the Notes including the Subsidiary Guarantors), its creditors or its property and is entitled and empowered to participate as a member in any official committee of creditors appointed in such matter and to collect, receive and distribute any money or other property payable or deliverable on any such claims.  Any custodian in any such judicial proceeding is hereby authorized by each Holder to make such payments to the Trustee, and in the event that the Trustee shall consent to the making of such payments directly to the Holders, to pay to the Trustee any amount due to it for the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Trustee and its agents and counsel, and any other amounts due the Trustee under Section 7.07.  To the extent that the payment of any such compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Trustee, its agents and counsel, and any other amounts due the Trustee under Section 7.07 out of the estate in any such proceeding, shall be denied for any reason, payment of the same shall be secured by a Lien on, and shall be paid out of, any and all distributions, dividends, money, securities and other properties that the Holders may be entitled to receive in such proceeding whether in liquidation or under any plan of reorganization or arrangement or otherwise.  Nothing herein contained shall be deemed to authorize the Trustee to authorize or consent to or accept or adopt on behalf of any Holder any plan of reorganization, arrangement, adjustment or composition affecting the Notes or the rights of any Holder, or to authorize the Trustee to vote in respect of the claim of any Holder in any such proceeding.

Section 6.13
Priorities .

If the Trustee or any Agent collects any money or property pursuant to this Article 6, it shall pay out the money or property in the following order:

(1)           to the Trustee, such Agent, their agents and attorneys for amounts due under Section 7.07, including payment of all reasonable compensation, expenses and liabilities incurred, and all advances made, by the Trustee and the costs and expenses of collection;

(2)           to Holders for amounts due and unpaid on the Notes for principal, premium, if any, and interest ratably, without preference or priority of any kind, according to the amounts due and payable on the Notes for principal, premium, if any, and interest, respectively; and

(3)           to the Issuer or to such party as a court of competent jurisdiction shall direct, including a Subsidiary Guarantor, if applicable.

The Trustee may fix a record date and payment date for any payment to Holders pursuant to this Section 6.13.  Promptly after any record date is set pursuant to this Section 6.13, the Trustee shall cause notice of such record date and payment date to be given to the Issuer and to each Holder in the manner set forth in Section 12.02.

 
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Section 6.14
Undertaking for Costs .

In any suit for the enforcement of any right or remedy under this Indenture or in any suit against the Trustee for any action taken or omitted by it as a Trustee, a court in its discretion may require the filing by any party litigant in such suit of an undertaking to pay the costs of the suit, and the court in its discretion may assess reasonable costs, including reasonable attorneys’ fees, against any party litigant in the suit, having due regard to the merits and good faith of the claims or defenses made by the party litigant.  This Section 6.14 does not apply to a suit by the Trustee, a suit by a Holder pursuant to Section 6.07, or a suit by Holders of more than 10% in aggregate principal amount of the then outstanding Notes.

ARTICLE 7

TRUSTEE

Section 7.01
Duties of Trustee .

(a)           If an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, the Trustee will exercise such of the rights and powers vested in it by this Indenture, and use the same degree of care and skill in its exercise, as a prudent person would exercise or use under the circumstances in the conduct of such person’s own affairs.

(b)           Except during the continuance of an Event of Default:

(1)           the duties of the Trustee shall be determined solely by the express provisions of this Indenture and the Trustee need perform only those duties that are specifically set forth in this Indenture and no others, and no implied covenants or obligations shall be read into this Indenture against the Trustee; and

(2)           in the absence of bad faith on its part, the Trustee may conclusively rely, as to the truth of the statements and the correctness of the opinions expressed therein, upon certificates or opinions furnished to the Trustee and conforming to the requirements of this Indenture.  However, in the case of any such certificates or opinions which by any provision hereof are specifically required to be furnished to the Trustee, the Trustee shall examine the certificates and opinions to determine whether or not they conform to the requirements of this Indenture.

(c)           The Trustee may not be relieved from liabilities for its own negligent action, its own negligent failure to act, or its own willful misconduct, except that:

(1)           this paragraph does not limit the effect of paragraph (b) of this Section 7.01;

(2)           the Trustee shall not be liable for any error of judgment made in good faith by a Responsible Officer, unless it is proved in a court of competent jurisdiction that the Trustee was negligent in ascertaining the pertinent facts; and

 
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(3)           the Trustee shall not be liable with respect to any action it takes or omits to take in good faith in accordance with a direction received by it pursuant to Section 6.05.

(d)           Whether or not therein expressly so provided, every provision of this Indenture that in any way relates to the Trustee is subject to paragraphs (a), (b) and (c) of this Section 7.01.

(e)           Subject to this Article 7, if an Event of Default occurs and is continuing, the Trustee shall be under no obligation to exercise any of its rights or powers under this Indenture at the request or direction of any of the Holders unless the Holders have offered to the Trustee indemnity or security reasonably satisfactory to it against any loss, liability or expense.

(f)           The Trustee shall not be liable for interest on any money received by it except as the Trustee may agree in writing with the Issuer.  Money held in trust by the Trustee need not be segregated from other funds except to the extent required by law.

Section 7.02
Rights of Trustee .

(a)           The Trustee may conclusively rely upon any document believed by it to be genuine and to have been signed or presented by the proper Person.  The Trustee need not investigate any fact or matter stated in the document, but the Trustee, in its discretion, may make such further inquiry or investigation into such facts or matters as it may see fit, and, if the Trustee shall determine in good faith to make such further inquiry or investigation, it shall be entitled to examine the books, records and premises of the Issuer, personally or by agent or attorney at the sole cost of the Issuer and shall incur no liability or additional liability of any kind by reason of such inquiry or investigation.

(b)           Before the Trustee acts or refrains from acting, it may require an Officers’ Certificate or an Opinion of Counsel or both subject to the other provisions of this Indenture.  The Trustee shall not be liable for any action it takes or omits to take in good faith in reliance on such Officers’ Certificate or Opinion of Counsel.  The Trustee may consult with counsel of its selection and the advice of such counsel or any Opinion of Counsel shall be full and complete authorization and protection from liability in respect of any action taken, suffered or omitted by it hereunder in good faith and in reliance thereon.

(c)           The Trustee may act through its attorneys and agents and shall not be responsible for the misconduct or negligence of any agent or attorney appointed with due care.

(d)           The Trustee shall not be liable for any action it takes or omits to take in good faith that it believes to be authorized or within the rights or powers conferred upon it by this Indenture.

(e)           Unless otherwise specifically provided in this Indenture, any demand, request, direction or notice from the Issuer or a Subsidiary Guarantor shall be sufficient if signed by an Officer of the Issuer or such Subsidiary Guarantor.

(f)           None of the provisions of this Indenture shall require the Trustee to expend or risk its own funds or otherwise to incur any liability, financial or otherwise, in the performance of any of its duties hereunder, or in the exercise of any of its rights or powers if it shall have reasonable grounds for believing that repayment of such funds or indemnity reasonably satisfactory to it against such risk or liability is not assured to it.

 
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(g)           The Trustee shall not be deemed to have notice or knowledge of any Default or Event of Default unless a Responsible Officer of the Trustee has actual knowledge thereof or unless written notice of any event which is in fact such a Default is received by the Trustee at the Corporate Trust Office of the Trustee, and such notice references the existence of a Default or Event of Default, the Notes and this Indenture.

(h)           In no event shall the Trustee be responsible or liable for special, indirect, or consequential loss or damage of any kind whatsoever (including, but not limited to, loss of profit) irrespective of whether the Trustee has been advised of the likelihood of such loss or damage and regardless of the form of action.

(i)            The rights, privileges, protections, immunities and benefits given to the Trustee, including, without limitation, its right to be indemnified, are extended to, and shall be enforceable by, the Trustee in each of its capacities hereunder, and each agent, custodian and other Person employed to act hereunder.

(j)            The Trustee may request that the Issuer deliver an Officers’ Certificate setting forth the names of individuals and/or titles of officers authorized at such time to take specified actions pursuant to this Indenture, which Officers’ Certificate may be signed by any person authorized to sign an Officers’ Certificate, including any Person specified as so authorized in any such certificate previously delivered and not superseded.

(k)           The Trustee shall not be required to give any bond or surety in respect of the performance of its powers and duties hereunder.

Section 7.03
Individual Rights of Trustee .

The Trustee or any Agent in its individual or any other capacity may become the owner or pledgee of Notes and may otherwise deal with the Issuer or any Affiliate of the Issuer with the same rights it would have if it were not Trustee or such Agent.  However, in the event that the Trustee acquires any conflicting interest within the meaning of Trust Indenture Act Section 310(b) it must eliminate such conflict within 90 days, apply to the SEC for permission to continue as trustee (if this Indenture has been qualified under the Trust Indenture Act) or resign.  Any Agent may do the same with like rights and duties.  The Trustee is also subject to Sections 7.10 and 7.11.

Section 7.04
Trustee’s Disclaimer .

The Trustee shall not be responsible for and makes no representation as to the validity or adequacy of this Indenture or the Notes, it shall not be accountable for the Issuer’s use of the proceeds from the Notes or any money paid to the Issuer or upon the Issuer’s direction under any provision of this Indenture, it shall not be responsible for the use or application of any money received by any Paying Agent other than the Trustee, and it shall not be responsible for any statement or recital herein or any statement in the Notes or any other document in connection with the sale of the Notes or pursuant to this Indenture other than its certificate of authentication on the Notes.

Section 7.05
Notice of Defaults .

If a Default occurs and is continuing and if it is known to the Trustee, the Trustee shall mail to each Holder a notice of the Default within 90 days after it occurs.  Except in the case of an Event of Default specified in clauses (1) or (2) of Section 6.01(a), the Trustee may withhold from the Holders notice of any continuing Default if the Trustee determines in good faith that withholding the notice is in the interest of the Holders.

 
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Section 7.06
Reports by Trustee to Holders of the Notes .

(a)           Within 60 days after each June 15, beginning with the June 15 following the date of this Indenture, and for so long as Notes remain outstanding, the Trustee shall mail to the Holders of the Notes a brief report dated as of such reporting date that complies with Trust Indenture Act Section 313(a) (but if no event described in Trust Indenture Act Section 313(a) has occurred within the twelve months preceding the reporting date, no report need be transmitted).  The Trustee also shall comply with Trust Indenture Act Section 313(b)(2).  The Trustee shall also transmit by mail all reports as required by Trust Indenture Act Section 313(c).

(b)           A copy of each report at the time of its mailing to the Holders shall be mailed to the Issuer and each national securities exchange on which the Notes are listed in accordance with Trust Indenture Act Section 313(d).  The Issuer shall promptly notify the Trustee in writing in the event the Notes are listed on any national securities exchange or delisted therefrom.

Section 7.07
Compensation and Indemnity .

(a)           The Issuer and the Subsidiary Guarantors, jointly and severally, shall pay to the Trustee from time to time such compensation for its acceptance of this Indenture and services hereunder as the parties shall agree in writing from time to time.  The Trustee’s compensation shall not be limited by any law on compensation of a trustee of an express trust.  The Issuer shall reimburse the Trustee promptly upon request for all reasonable disbursements, advances and expenses incurred or made by it in addition to the compensation for its services.  Such expenses shall include the reasonable compensation, disbursements and expenses of the Trustee’s agents and counsel.  The Trustee shall provide the Issuer reasonable notice of any expenditure not in the ordinary course of business.

(b)           The Issuer and the Subsidiary Guarantors, jointly and severally, shall indemnify the Trustee for, and hold each of the Trustee and any predecessor harmless against, any and all loss, damage, claims, liability or expense (including reasonable attorneys’ fees and expenses) incurred by it in connection with the acceptance or administration of this trust and the performance of its duties hereunder (including the costs and expenses of enforcing this Indenture against the Issuer or any Subsidiary Guarantor (including this Section 7.07)) or defending itself against any claim whether asserted by any Holder, the Issuer or any Subsidiary Guarantor, or liability in connection with the acceptance, exercise or performance of any of its powers or duties hereunder).  The Trustee shall notify the Issuer promptly of any claim for which it may seek indemnity.  Failure by the Trustee to so notify the Issuer shall not relieve the Issuer of its obligations hereunder except to the extent the Issuer has been materially prejudiced thereby.  The Issuer shall defend the claim and the Trustee may have separate counsel and the Issuer shall pay the fees and expenses of such counsel.  The Issuer need not pay for any settlement made without its consent, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld. The Issuer need not reimburse any expense or indemnify against any loss, liability or expense incurred by the Trustee through the Trustee’s own willful misconduct, negligence or bad faith.

(c)           The obligations of the Issuer and the Subsidiary Guarantors under this Section 7.07 shall survive the satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture or the earlier resignation or removal of the Trustee.

(d)           To secure the payment obligations of the Issuer and the Subsidiary Guarantors in this Section 7.07, the Trustee shall have a Lien prior to the Notes on all money or property held or collected by the Trustee, except that held in trust to pay principal, premium and interest on particular Notes.

 
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(e)           When the Trustee incurs expenses or renders services after an Event of Default specified in Section 6.01(a)(8) or (9) occurs, the expenses and the compensation for the services (including the fees and expenses of its agents and counsel) are intended to constitute expenses of administration under any Bankruptcy Law.

Section 7.08
Replacement of Trustee .

(a)           A resignation or removal of the Trustee and appointment of a successor Trustee shall become effective only upon the successor Trustee’s acceptance of appointment as provided in this Section 7.08.  The Trustee may resign in writing at any time by giving 30 days prior notice of such resignation to the Issuer and be discharged from the trust hereby created by so notifying the Issuer.  The Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the then outstanding Notes may remove the Trustee by so notifying the Trustee and the Issuer in writing.  The Issuer may remove the Trustee if:

(1)           the Trustee fails to comply with Section 7.10 or Section 310 of the Trust Indenture Act;

(2)           the Trustee is adjudged a bankrupt or an insolvent or an order for relief is entered with respect to the Trustee under any Bankruptcy Law;

(3)           a receiver or public officer takes charge of the Trustee or its property; or

(4)           the Trustee becomes incapable of acting.

(b)           If the Trustee resigns or is removed or if a vacancy exists in the office of Trustee for any reason, the Issuer shall promptly appoint a successor Trustee.  Within one year after the successor Trustee takes office, the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the then outstanding Notes may remove the successor Trustee to replace it with another successor Trustee appointed by the Issuer.

(c)           If a successor Trustee does not take office within 60 days after the retiring Trustee resigns or is removed, the retiring Trustee (at the Issuer’s expense), the Issuer or the Holders of at least 10% in aggregate principal amount of the then outstanding Notes may petition any court of competent jurisdiction for the appointment of a successor Trustee.

(d)           If the Trustee, after written request by any Holder who has been a Holder for at least six months, fails to comply with Section 7.10, such Holder may petition any court of competent jurisdiction for the removal of the Trustee and the appointment of a successor Trustee.

(e)           A successor Trustee shall deliver a written acceptance of its appointment to the retiring Trustee and to the Issuer.  Thereupon, the resignation or removal of the retiring Trustee shall become effective, and the successor Trustee shall have all the rights, powers and duties of the Trustee under this Indenture.  The successor Trustee shall mail a notice of its succession to Holders.  The retiring Trustee shall promptly transfer all property held by it as Trustee to the successor Trustee; provided that all sums owing to the Trustee hereunder have been paid and such transfer shall be subject to the Lien provided for in Section 7.07.  Notwithstanding replacement of the Trustee pursuant to this Section 7.08, the Issuer’s obligations under Section 7.07 shall continue for the benefit of the retiring Trustee.

(f)           As used in this Section 7.08, the term “Trustee” shall also include each Agent.

 
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Section 7.09
Successor Trustee by Merger, etc .

If the Trustee consolidates, merges or converts into, or transfers all or substantially all of its corporate trust business to, another corporation or national banking association, the successor corporation or national banking association without any further act shall be the successor Trustee, subject to Section 7.10.

Section 7.10
Eligibility; Disqualification .

(a)           There shall at all times be a Trustee hereunder that is a corporation or national banking association organized and doing business under the laws of the United States of America or of any state thereof that is authorized under such laws to exercise corporate trustee power, that is subject to supervision or examination by federal or state authorities and that has a combined capital and surplus of at least $50,000,000 as set forth in its most recent published annual report of condition.

(b)           This Indenture shall always have a Trustee who satisfies the requirements of Trust Indenture Act Sections 310(a)(1), (2) and (5).  The Trustee is subject to Trust Indenture Act Section 310(b).

Section 7.11
Preferential Collection of Claims Against the Issuer .

The Trustee is subject to Trust Indenture Act Section 311(a), excluding any creditor relationship listed in Trust Indenture Act Section 311(b).  A Trustee who has resigned or been removed shall be subject to Trust Indenture Act Section 311(a) to the extent indicated therein.

ARTICLE 8

LEGAL DEFEASANCE AND COVENANT DEFEASANCE

Section 8.01
Option to Effect Legal Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance .

The Issuer may, at its option and at any time, elect to have either Section 8.02 or 8.03 applied to all outstanding Notes upon compliance with the conditions set forth below in this Article 8.

Section 8.02
Legal Defeasance and Discharge .

(a)           Upon the Issuer’s exercise under Section 8.01 of the option applicable to this Section 8.02, the Issuer and the Subsidiary Guarantors shall, subject to the satisfaction of the conditions set forth in Section 8.04, be deemed to have been discharged from their obligations with respect to all outstanding Notes and Subsidiary Guarantees on the date the conditions set forth below are satisfied (“ Legal Defeasance ”).  For this purpose, Legal Defeasance means that the Issuer shall be deemed to have paid and discharged the entire Indebtedness represented by the outstanding Notes, which shall thereafter be deemed to be “outstanding” only for the purposes of Section 8.05 and the other Sections of this Indenture referred to in clauses (1) and (2) of this Section 8.02(a), and to have satisfied all of its other obligations under such Notes and this Indenture, including that of the Subsidiary Guarantors (and the Trustee, on demand of and at the expense of the Issuer, shall execute proper instruments acknowledging the same), except for the following provisions which shall survive until otherwise terminated or discharged hereunder:

(1)           the rights of Holders to receive payments in respect of the principal, premium, if any, and interest on the Notes when such payments are due, solely out of the trust created pursuant to this Indenture referred to in Section 8.04;

 
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(2)           the Issuer’s obligations with respect to the Notes concerning issuing temporary Notes, registration of such Notes, mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Notes and the maintenance of an office or agency for payment and money for Note payments held in trust;

(3)           the rights, powers, trusts, duties and immunities of the Trustee, and the Issuer’s obligations in connection therewith; and

(4)           this Section 8.02.

(b)           Following the Issuer’s exercise of its Legal Defeasance option, payment of the Notes may not be accelerated because of an Event of Default and the Guarantees in effect at such time shall terminate as provided in Section 10.06.

(c)           Subject to compliance with this Article 8, the Issuer may exercise its option under this Section 8.02 notwithstanding the prior exercise of its option under Section 8.03.

Section 8.03
Covenant Defeasance .

Upon the Issuer’s exercise under Section 8.01 of the option applicable to this Section 8.03, the Issuer and the Guarantors shall, subject to the satisfaction of the conditions set forth in Section 8.04, be released from their obligations under the covenants contained in Sections 4.03, 4.05, 4.07, 4.08, 4.09, 4.10, 4.11, 4.12, 4.14, 4.15 and 4.17 and Section 5.01(a)(3), on and after the date the conditions set forth in Section 8.04 are satisfied (“ Covenant Defeasance ”), and the Notes shall thereafter be deemed not “outstanding” for the purposes of any direction, waiver, consent or declaration or act of Holders (and the consequences of any thereof) in connection with such covenants, but shall continue to be deemed “outstanding” for all other purposes hereunder.  For this purpose, Covenant Defeasance means that, with respect to this Indenture and the outstanding Notes, the Issuer may omit to comply with and shall have no liability in respect of any term, condition or limitation set forth in any such covenant, whether directly or indirectly, by reason of any reference elsewhere herein to any such covenant or by reason of any reference in any such covenant to any other provision herein or in any other document and such omission to comply shall not constitute a Default or an Event of Default under Section 6.01, but, except as specified above, the remainder of this Indenture and such Notes shall be unaffected thereby.  In addition, upon the Issuer’s exercise under Section 8.01 of the option applicable to this Section 8.03, subject to the satisfaction of the conditions set forth in Section 8.04, Sections 6.01(a)(4), 6.01(a)(5) (only with respect to covenants that are released as a result of such Covenant Defeasance), 6.01(a)(3) (only with respect to Section 5.01(a)(3)), 6.01(a)(6), 6.01(a)(7), 6.01(a)(8) (solely with respect to Restricted Subsidiaries that are Significant Subsidiaries or a group of Restricted Subsidiaries that, taken together (as of the date of the latest audited financial statements of the Issuer and its Restricted Subsidiaries) would constitute a Significant Subsidiary) and 6.01(a)(9), in each case shall not constitute Events of Default.

Section 8.04
Conditions to Legal or Covenant Defeasance .

(a)           The following shall be the conditions to the exercise of either the Legal Defeasance option under Section 8.02 or the Covenant Defeasance option under Section 8.03 with respect to the Notes:

(1)           the Issuer must irrevocably deposit with the Trustee, in trust, for the benefit of the Holders, cash in U.S. dollars, U.S. Government Obligations, or a combination thereof, in such amounts as will be sufficient without consideration of any reinvestment of interest, to pay the principal of, premium, if any, and interest due on the outstanding Notes on the Stated Maturity or on the applicable redemption date, as the case may be, and the Issuer must specify whether the Notes are being defeased to maturity or to a particular redemption date;

 
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(2)           in the case of Legal Defeasance, the Issuer has delivered to the Trustee an Opinion of Counsel reasonably acceptable to the Trustee confirming that, subject to customary exceptions and exclusions,

(A)           the Issuer has received from, or there has been published by, the U.S. Internal Revenue Service a ruling, or

(B)           since the Issue Date, there has been a change in the applicable U.S. federal income tax law,

in either case to the effect that, and based thereon such Opinion of Counsel will confirm that the Holders will not recognize income, gain or loss for U.S. federal income tax purposes, as applicable, as a result of such Legal Defeasance and will be subject to U.S. federal income tax on the same amounts, in the same manner and at the same times as would have been the case if such Legal Defeasance had not occurred;

(3)           in the case of Covenant Defeasance, the Issuer has delivered to the Trustee an Opinion of Counsel reasonably acceptable to the Trustee confirming that, subject to customary exceptions and exclusions, the Holders will not recognize income, gain or loss for U.S. federal income tax purposes as a result of such Covenant Defeasance and will be subject to U.S. federal income tax on the same amounts, in the same manner and at the same times as would have been the case if such Covenant Defeasance had not occurred;

(4)           such Legal Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance will not result in a breach or violation of, or constitute a default under the Senior Secured Credit Agreement or any other material agreement or material instrument (other than this Indenture) to which the Issuer or any Subsidiary Guarantor is a party or by which the Issuer or any Subsidiary Guarantor is bound;

(5)           no Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing on the date of such deposit (other than a Default or an Event of Default resulting from the borrowing of funds to be applied to make such deposit and any similar and simultaneous deposit relating to other Indebtedness and, in each case, the granting of Liens in connection therewith);

(6)           the Issuer has delivered to the Trustee an Officers’ Certificate stating that the deposit was not made by the Issuer with the intent of defeating, hindering, delaying or defrauding any creditors of the Issuer, any Subsidiary Guarantor or others;

(7)           the Issuer has delivered to the Trustee an Officers’ Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel (which Opinion of Counsel may be subject to customary exceptions and exclusions), each stating that all conditions precedent provided for or relating to the Legal Defeasance or the Covenant Defeasance, as the case may be, have been complied with (including setting forth calculations to confirm compliance with clause (1) above); and

(8)           the Issuer has delivered irrevocable instructions to the Trustee to apply the deposited money toward the payment of the Notes at maturity or the redemption date, as the case may be (which instructions may be contained in the Officers’ Certificate referred to in clause (7) above).

 
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Section 8.05
Deposited Money and U.S. Government Obligations to Be Held in Trust; Other Miscellaneous Provisions .

(a)           Subject to Section 8.06, all money and U.S. Government Obligations (including the proceeds thereof) deposited with the Trustee pursuant to Section 8.04 in respect of the outstanding Notes shall be held in trust and applied by the Trustee, in accordance with the provisions of such Notes and this Indenture, to the payment, either directly or through any Paying Agent (including the Issuer or a Guarantor acting as Paying Agent) as the Trustee may determine, to the Holders of all sums due and to become due thereon in respect of principal, premium, if any, and interest on the Notes, but such money need not be segregated from other funds except to the extent required by law.

(b)           The Issuer shall pay and indemnify the Trustee against any tax, fee or other charge imposed on or assessed against the cash or U.S. Government Obligations deposited pursuant to Section 8.04 or the principal and interest received in respect thereof other than any such tax, fee or other charge which by law is for the account of the Holders.

(c)           Anything in this Article 8 to the contrary notwithstanding, the Trustee shall deliver or pay to the Issuer from time to time upon the request of the Issuer any money or U.S. Government Obligations held by it as provided in Section 8.04 which, as provided in an Officers’ Certificate, are in excess of the amount thereof that would then be required to be deposited to effect an equivalent Legal Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance.

Section 8.06
Repayment to the Issuer .

Subject to any applicable abandoned property law, any money deposited with the Trustee or any Paying Agent, or then held by the Issuer, in trust for the payment of the principal, premium, if any, or interest on any Note and remaining unclaimed for two years after such principal, premium, if any, or interest has become due and payable shall be paid to the Issuer on its request or (if then held by the Issuer) shall be discharged from such trust; and the Holder of such Note shall thereafter look only to the Issuer for payment thereof, and all liability of the Trustee or such Paying Agent with respect to such trust money, and all liability of the Issuer as trustee thereof, shall thereupon cease.

Section 8.07
Reinstatement .

If the Trustee or Paying Agent is unable to apply any U.S. dollars or U.S. Government Obligations in accordance with Section 8.02 or 8.03, as the case may be, by reason of any order or judgment of any court or governmental authority enjoining, restraining or otherwise prohibiting such application, then the Issuer’s and the Subsidiary Guarantors’ obligations under this Indenture, the Notes and the Guarantees shall be revived and reinstated as though no deposit had occurred pursuant to Section 8.02 or 8.03 until such time as the Trustee or Paying Agent is permitted to apply all such money in accordance with Section 8.02 or 8.03, as the case may be; provided that, if the Issuer makes any payment of principal, premium, if any, or interest on any Note following the reinstatement of its obligations, the Issuer shall be subrogated to the rights of the Holders to receive such payment from the money held by the Trustee or Paying Agent.

 
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ARTICLE 9

AMENDMENT, SUPPLEMENT AND WAIVER

Section 9.01
Without Consent of Holders .

(a)           Notwithstanding Section 9.02, without the consent of any Holder, the Issuer, the Subsidiary Guarantors and the Trustee may amend or supplement this Indenture and the Notes to:

(1)           cure any ambiguity, omission, defect or inconsistency;

(2)           provide for the assumption by a successor entity of the obligations of the Issuer or any Subsidiary Guarantor under this Indenture;

(3)           provide for uncertificated Notes in addition to or in place of certificated Notes ( provided that the uncertificated Notes are issued in registered form for purposes of Section 163(f) of the Code, or in a manner such that the uncertificated Notes are described in Section 163(f) (2) (B) of the Code);

(4)           provide for the issuance of Additional Notes;

(5)           add Guarantees with respect to the Notes or release a Subsidiary Guarantor from its obligations under its Subsidiary Guarantee or this Indenture in accordance with the applicable provisions of this Indenture;

(6)           secure the Notes or confirm and evidence the release, termination or discharge of any Subsidiary Guarantee of or Lien securing the Notes when such release, termination or discharge is permitted by, and made in accordance with, this Indenture;

(7)           add to the covenants of the Issuer for the benefit of the Holders or surrender any right or power conferred upon the Issuer;

(8)           provide additional rights or benefits of the Holders of the Notes;

(9)           make any change that does not adversely affect, in any material respect, the rights of any Holder;

(10)           comply with any requirement of the SEC in connection with the qualification of this Indenture under the Trust Indenture Act;

(11)           provide for the appointment of a successor trustee; provided that the successor trustee is otherwise qualified and eligible to act as such under the terms of this Indenture;

(12)           provide for the issuance of Exchange Notes in an Exchange Offer pursuant to a Registration Rights Agreement which shall have terms substantially identical in all respects to the Notes (except that the transfer restrictions contained in the Notes shall be modified or eliminated as appropriate) and which shall be treated, together with any outstanding Notes, as a single class of securities; or

(13)           conform the text of this Indenture, the Notes or the Subsidiary Guarantees to any provision of the “Description of notes” section of the Offering Memorandum to the extent that such provision in such “Description of notes” section was intended to be a verbatim recitation of a provision of this Indenture, the Notes or the Subsidiary Guarantees.

 
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(b)           Upon the request of the Issuer, and upon receipt by the Trustee of the documents described in Section 12.04, the Trustee shall join with the Issuer and the Subsidiary Guarantors in the execution of any amended or supplemental indenture authorized or permitted by this Section 9.01 and to make any further appropriate agreements and stipulations that may be therein contained, but the Trustee shall not be obligated to enter into such amended or supplemental indenture that affects its own rights, duties or immunities under this Indenture or otherwise, in which case the Trustee may in its discretion, but shall not be obligated to, enter into such amended or supplemental indenture.

(c)           After an amendment or supplement under this Section 9.01 becomes effective, the Issuer is required to mail to the Holders a notice briefly describing such amendment or supplement. However, the failure to give such notice to all the Holders, or any defect in the notice will not impair or affect the validity of the amendment or supplement.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, no Opinion of Counsel shall be required in connection with the addition on the date hereof of Griffin and its Subsidiaries as a Subsidiary Guarantor under this Indenture upon execution and delivery by such Subsidiary Guarantor and the Trustee of a supplemental indenture to this Indenture, the form of which is attached as Exhibit C.

Section 9.02
With Consent of Holders .

(a)           Except as provided in Section 9.01, the Issuer, the Subsidiary Guarantors and the Trustee may amend or supplement this Indenture, the Notes and any Subsidiary Guarantee with the consent of the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Notes (including Additional Notes, if any) then outstanding voting as a single class (including, without limitation, consents obtained in connection with a purchase, or tender offer or exchange offer for, Notes), and, subject to Sections 6.04 and 6.07, any existing Default or Event of Default (other than a Default or Event of Default in the payment of the principal of, premium, if any, or interest on the Notes, except a payment default resulting from an acceleration that has been rescinded) or compliance with any provision of this Indenture, the Notes or the Subsidiary Guarantees may be waived with the consent of the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the then outstanding Notes (including Additional Notes, if any) voting as a single class (including consents obtained in connection with the purchase of, or tender offer or exchange offer for, Notes).  Section 2.08 and Section 2.09 shall determine which Notes are considered to be “outstanding” for the purposes of this Section 9.02.

(b)           Upon the request of the Issuer, and upon the filing with the Trustee of evidence satisfactory to the Trustee of the consent of the Holders as aforesaid, and upon receipt by the Trustee of the documents described in Section 7.02 and Section 12.04, the Trustee shall join with the Issuer and the Subsidiary Guarantors in the execution of such amended or supplemental indenture unless such amended or supplemental indenture directly affects the Trustee’s own rights, duties or immunities under this Indenture or otherwise.

(c)           The consent of the Holders is not necessary under this Indenture to approve the particular form of any proposed amendment or supplement. It is sufficient if such consent approves the substance of the proposed amendment or supplement. A consent to any amendment, supplement or waiver under this Indenture by any Holder given in connection with a tender of such Holder’s Notes will not be rendered invalid by such tender.

 
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(d)           After an amendment, supplement or waiver under this Section 9.02 becomes effective, the Issuer shall mail to the Holders of Notes affected thereby a notice briefly describing the amendment, supplement or waiver.  However, the failure of the Issuer to mail such notice, or any defect therein, will not, however, in any way impair or affect the validity of any such amendment, supplement or waiver.

(e)           Without the consent of each affected Holder, an amendment, supplement or waiver under this Section 9.02 may not (with respect to any Notes held by a non-consenting Holder):

(1)           reduce the amount of Notes whose Holders must consent to an amendment, supplement or waiver;

(2)           reduce the stated rate of or extend the stated time for payment of interest on any Note;

(3)           reduce the principal of or extend the Stated Maturity of any Note;

(4)           reduce the premium payable upon the redemption or repurchase of any Note or change the time at which any Note may be redeemed or repurchased as described above under Section 3.07 or Section 4.10, whether through an amendment or waiver of provisions in the covenants, definitions or otherwise;

(5)           waive or modify the Issuer’s obligation to make an offer to repurchase the Notes, or reduce the premium payable upon the repurchase of any Note or change the time at which any Note may be repurchased as described above under Section 4.14, whether through an amendment or waiver of provisions in the covenants, definitions or otherwise unless such amendment, waiver or modification shall be in effect prior to the earlier of the execution of a definitive agreement that will give rise to a Change of Control and the occurrence of a Change of Control;

(6)           make any Note payable in money other than that stated in the Note;

(7)           impair the right of any Holder to receive payment of principal, premium, if any, and interest on such Holder’s Notes on or after the due dates therefor or to institute suit for the enforcement of any payment on or with respect to such Holder’s Notes;

(8)           make any change in the amendment provisions which require each Holder’s consent or in the waiver provisions; or

(9)           modify the Subsidiary Guarantees in any manner adverse to the Holders of the Notes.

Section 9.03
Compliance with Trust Indenture Act .

If this Indenture is qualified under the Trust Indenture Act, every amendment or supplement to this Indenture or the Notes shall be set forth in an amended or supplemental indenture that complies with the Trust Indenture Act as then in effect.

Section 9.04
Revocation and Effect of Consents .

(a)           Until an amendment, supplement or waiver becomes effective, a consent to it by a Holder of a Note is a continuing consent by the Holder of a Note and every subsequent Holder of a Note or portion of a Note that evidences the same debt as the consenting Holder’s Note, even if notation of the consent is not made on any Note.  However, any such Holder of a Note or subsequent Holder of a Note may revoke the consent as to its Note if the Trustee receives written notice of revocation before the date the waiver, supplement or amendment becomes effective.  An amendment, supplement or waiver becomes effective in accordance with its terms and thereafter binds every Holder.

 
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(b)           The Issuer may, but shall not be obligated to, fix a record date pursuant to Section 1.05 for the purpose of determining the Holders entitled to consent to any amendment, supplement or waiver.

Section 9.05
Notation on or Exchange of Notes .

(a)           The Trustee may place an appropriate notation about an amendment, supplement or waiver on any Note thereafter authenticated.  The Issuer in exchange for all Notes may issue and the Trustee shall, upon receipt of an Authentication Order, authenticate new Notes that reflect the amendment, supplement or waiver.

(b)           Failure to make the appropriate notation or issue a new Note shall not affect the validity and effect of such amendment, supplement or waiver.

Section 9.06
Trustee to Sign Amendments, etc .

The Trustee shall sign any amendment, supplement or waiver authorized pursuant to this Article 9 if the amendment, supplement or waiver does not adversely affect the rights, duties, liabilities or immunities of the Trustee.  In executing any amendment, supplement or waiver, the Trustee shall be entitled to receive and (subject to Section 7.01) shall be fully protected in relying upon, in addition to the documents required by Section 12.04, an Officers’ Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel stating that the execution of such amended or supplemental indenture is authorized or permitted by this Indenture and that such amendment, supplement or waiver is the legal, valid and binding obligation of the Issuer and any Subsidiary Guarantor party thereto, enforceable against them in accordance with its terms, subject to customary exceptions, and complies with the provisions hereof (including Section 9.03). Notwithstanding the foregoing, no Opinion of Counsel shall be required in connection with the addition on the date hereof of Griffin and its Subsidiaries as a Subsidiary Guarantor under this Indenture upon execution and delivery by such Subsidiary Guarantor and the Trustee of a supplemental indenture to this Indenture, the form of which is attached as Exhibit C.

Section 9.07
Payment for Consent .

Neither the Issuer nor any of its Subsidiaries will, directly or indirectly, pay or cause to be paid any consideration, whether by way of interest, fees or otherwise, to any Holder of any Notes for or as an inducement to any consent, waiver or amendment of any of the terms or provisions of this Indenture or the Notes unless such consideration is offered to be paid or is paid to all Holders of the Notes that consent, waive or agree to amend in the time frame set forth in the solicitation documents relating to such consent, waiver or amendment.

 
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ARTICLE 10

GUARANTEES

Section 10.01
Guarantee .

(a)           Subject to this Article 10, each of the Subsidiary Guarantors hereby, jointly and severally, irrevocably and unconditionally guarantees, on a senior basis, to each Holder and to the Trustee and its successors and assigns, irrespective of the validity and enforceability of this Indenture, the Notes or the obligations of the Issuer hereunder or thereunder, that: (1) the principal, premium, if any, and interest on the Notes shall be promptly paid in full when due, whether at Stated Maturity, by acceleration, redemption or otherwise, and interest on the overdue principal and interest on the Notes, if any, if lawful, and all other Obligations of the Issuer to the Holders or the Trustee hereunder or under the Notes shall be promptly paid in full or performed, all in accordance with the terms hereof and thereof; and (2) in case of any extension of time of payment or renewal of any Notes or any of such other obligations, that same shall be promptly paid in full when due or performed in accordance with the terms of the extension or renewal, whether at Stated Maturity, by acceleration or otherwise.  Failing payment by the Issuer when due of any amount so guaranteed or any performance so guaranteed for whatever reason, the Subsidiary Guarantors shall be jointly and severally obligated to pay the same immediately.  Each Subsidiary Guarantor agrees that this is a guarantee of payment and not a guarantee of collection.

(b)           The Subsidiary Guarantors hereby agree that their obligations hereunder shall be unconditional, irrespective of the validity, regularity or enforceability of the Notes or this Indenture, the absence of any action to enforce the same, any waiver or consent by any Holder with respect to any provisions hereof or thereof, the recovery of any judgment against the Issuer, any action to enforce the same or any other circumstance which might otherwise constitute a legal or equitable discharge or defense of a Subsidiary Guarantor.  Each Subsidiary Guarantor hereby waives diligence, presentment, demand of payment, filing of claims with a court in the event of insolvency or bankruptcy of the Issuer, any right to require a proceeding first against the Issuer, protest, notice and all demands whatsoever and covenants that this Subsidiary Guarantee shall not be discharged except by complete performance of the obligations contained in the Notes and this Indenture, or pursuant to Section 10.06.

(c)           Each of the Subsidiary Guarantors also agrees, jointly and severally, to pay any and all costs and expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees and expenses) incurred by the Trustee or any Holder in enforcing any rights under this Section 10.01.

(d)           If any Holder or the Trustee is required by any court or otherwise to return to the Issuer, the Subsidiary Guarantors or any custodian, trustee, liquidator or other similar official acting in relation to the Issuer or the Subsidiary Guarantors, any amount paid either to the Trustee or such Holder, this Subsidiary Guarantee, to the extent theretofore discharged, shall be reinstated in full force and effect.

(e)           Each Subsidiary Guarantor agrees that it shall not be entitled to any right of subrogation in relation to the Holders in respect of any obligations guaranteed hereby until payment in full of all obligations guaranteed hereby.  Each Subsidiary Guarantor further agrees that, as between the Subsidiary Guarantors, on the one hand, and the Holders and the Trustee, on the other hand, (1) the maturity of the obligations guaranteed hereby may be accelerated as provided in Article 6 for the purposes of this Subsidiary Guarantee, notwithstanding any stay, injunction or other prohibition preventing such acceleration in respect of the obligations guaranteed hereby, and (2) in the event of any declaration of acceleration of such obligations as provided in Article 6, such obligations (whether or not due and payable) shall forthwith become due and payable by the Subsidiary Guarantors for the purpose of this Subsidiary Guarantee.  The Subsidiary Guarantors shall have the right to seek contribution from any non-paying Subsidiary Guarantor so long as the exercise of such right does not impair the rights of the Holders under the Subsidiary Guarantees.

 
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(f)           Unless and until released in accordance with Section 10.06, each Subsidiary Guarantee shall remain in full force and effect and continue to be effective should any petition be filed by or against the Issuer for liquidation or reorganization, should the Issuer become insolvent or make an assignment for the benefit of creditors or should a receiver or trustee be appointed for all or any significant part of the Issuer’s assets, and shall, to the fullest extent permitted by law, continue to be effective or be reinstated, as the case may be, if at any time payment and performance of the Notes are, pursuant to applicable law, rescinded or reduced in amount, or must otherwise be restored or returned by any obligee on the Notes or the Subsidiary Guarantees, whether as a “voidable preference,” “fraudulent transfer” or otherwise, all as though such payment or performance had not been made.  In the event that any payment or any part thereof, is rescinded, reduced, restored or returned, the Notes shall, to the fullest extent permitted by law, be reinstated and deemed reduced only by such amount paid and not so rescinded, reduced, restored or returned.

(g)           In case any provision of any Subsidiary Guarantee shall be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby.

(h)           Each payment to be made by a Subsidiary Guarantor in respect of its Subsidiary Guarantee shall be made without set-off, counterclaim, reduction or diminution of any kind or nature.

Section 10.02
Limitation on Subsidiary Guarantor Liability .

Each Subsidiary Guarantor, and by its acceptance of Notes, each Holder, hereby confirms that it is the intention of all such parties that the Subsidiary Guarantee of such Subsidiary Guarantor not constitute a fraudulent conveyance or a fraudulent transfer for purposes of Bankruptcy Law, the Uniform Fraudulent Conveyance Act, the Uniform Fraudulent Transfer Act or any similar federal or state law to the extent applicable to any Guarantee.  To effectuate the foregoing intention, the Trustee, the Holders and the Subsidiary Guarantors hereby irrevocably agree that the obligations of each Subsidiary Guarantor shall be limited to the maximum amount as will, after giving effect to such maximum amount and all other contingent and fixed liabilities of such Subsidiary Guarantor that are relevant under such laws and after giving effect to any collections from, rights to receive contribution from or payments made by or on behalf of any other Subsidiary Guarantor in respect of the obligations of such other Subsidiary Guarantor under this Article 10, result in the obligations of such Subsidiary Guarantor under its Subsidiary Guarantee not constituting a fraudulent conveyance or fraudulent transfer under applicable law.  Each Subsidiary Guarantor that makes a payment under its Subsidiary Guarantee shall be entitled upon payment in full of all Guaranteed Obligations under this Indenture to a contribution from each other Subsidiary Guarantor in an amount equal to such other Subsidiary Guarantor’s pro rata portion of such payment based on the respective net assets of all the Subsidiary Guarantors at the time of such payment determined in accordance with GAAP.

Section 10.03
Execution and Delivery .

(a)           To evidence its Subsidiary Guarantee set forth in Section 10.01, each Subsidiary Guarantor hereby agrees that this Indenture or a supplemental indenture hereto in substantially the form of Exhibit C hereto, as the case may be, shall be executed on behalf of such Subsidiary Guarantor by an Officer or person holding an equivalent title.

 
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(b)           Each Subsidiary Guarantor hereby agrees that its Subsidiary Guarantee set forth in Section 10.01 shall remain in full force and effect notwithstanding the absence of the endorsement of any notation of such Subsidiary Guarantee on the Notes.

(c)           If an Officer whose signature is on this Indenture no longer holds that office at the time the Trustee authenticates the Note, the Subsidiary Guarantees shall be valid nevertheless.

(d)           The delivery of any Note by the Trustee, after the authentication thereof hereunder, shall constitute due delivery of the Subsidiary Guarantee set forth in this Indenture on behalf of the Subsidiary Guarantors.

(e)           If required by Section 4.15, the Issuer shall cause any newly created or acquired Restricted Subsidiary to comply with the provisions of Section 4.15 and this Article 10, to the extent applicable.

Section 10.04
Subrogation .

Each Subsidiary Guarantor shall be subrogated to all rights of Holders against the Issuer in respect of any amounts paid by any Subsidiary Guarantor pursuant to the provisions of Section 10.01; provided that, if an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, no Subsidiary Guarantor shall be entitled to enforce or receive any payments arising out of, or based upon, such right of subrogation until all amounts then due and payable by the Issuer under this Indenture or the Notes shall have been paid in full.

Section 10.05
Benefits Acknowledged .

Each Subsidiary Guarantor acknowledges that it will receive direct and indirect benefits from the financing arrangements contemplated by this Indenture and that the guarantee and waivers made by it pursuant to its Subsidiary Guarantee are knowingly made in contemplation of such benefits.

Section 10.06
Release of Subsidiary Guarantees .

(a)           A Subsidiary Guarantee by a Subsidiary Guarantor shall be unconditionally released and discharged in the event:

(1)           a Subsidiary Guarantor is sold or disposed of (whether by merger, consolidation, the sale of its Capital Stock or the sale of all or substantially all of its assets (other than by lease)) and whether or not the Subsidiary Guarantor is the surviving corporation in such transaction to a Person which is not the Issuer or a Restricted Subsidiary of the Issuer (other than a Receivables Entity) if (x) such sale or disposition is made in compliance with Section 4.10 (it being understood that only such portion of the Net Available Cash as is required to be applied on or before the date of such release in accordance with Section 4.10 needs to be applied in accordance therewith at such time) and Article 5 and (y) all of the Obligations of such Subsidiary Guarantor under all Credit Facilities and related documentation and any other agreements relating to any other Indebtedness of the Issuer or its Restricted Subsidiaries terminate upon consummation of such transaction;

(2)           upon the release or discharge of such Subsidiary Guarantor from its Guarantee of Indebtedness of the Issuer and the Subsidiary Guarantors under the Senior Secured Credit Agreement and all other Indebtedness of the Issuer and its Restricted Subsidiaries, if such Subsidiary Guarantor would not then otherwise be required to Guarantee the Notes pursuant to this Indenture, except a discharge or release by or as a result of payment under such Guarantee;   provided that if such Person has Incurred any Indebtedness in reliance on its status as a Subsidiary Guarantor under Section 4.09, such Subsidiary Guarantor’s obligations under such Indebtedness so Incurred are satisfied in full and discharged or are otherwise permitted to be Incurred by a Restricted Subsidiary (other than a Subsidiary Guarantor) under Section 4.09;

 
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(3)           upon the proper designation in accordance with this Indenture of any Restricted Subsidiary that is a Subsidiary Guarantor as an Unrestricted Subsidiary; or

(4)           upon the Issuer exercising its Legal Defeasance option or Covenant Defeasance option in accordance with Article 8 or the Issuer’s obligations under this Indenture being discharged in accordance with Article 11.

(b)           Prior to the effectiveness of any release and discharge under this Section 10.06, the Issuer shall deliver to the Trustee an Officers’ Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, each stating that all conditions precedent provided for in this Indenture relating to such transaction and/or release have been complied with.

(c)           At the written request of the Issuer, the Trustee shall execute and deliver any documents reasonably required in order to evidence such release, discharge and termination in respect of the applicable Subsidiary Guarantee.

ARTICLE 11

SATISFACTION AND DISCHARGE

Section 11.01
Satisfaction and Discharge .

(a)           This Indenture will be discharged and will cease to be of further effect as to all Notes issued hereunder, when either:

(1)           all Notes that have been authenticated, except lost, stolen or destroyed notes that have been replaced or paid and Notes for whose payment money has been deposited in trust and thereafter repaid to the Issuer, have been delivered to the Trustee for cancellation; or

(2)           (A)           all Notes not theretofore delivered to the Trustee for cancellation have become due and payable by reason of the giving of a notice of redemption or otherwise, will become due and payable within one year or may be called for redemption within one year under arrangements satisfactory to the Trustee for the giving of notice of redemption by the Trustee in the name, and at the expense, of the Issuer, and the Issuer or any Subsidiary Guarantor has irrevocably deposited or caused to be deposited with the Trustee, as trust funds in trust solely for the benefit of the Holders, cash in U.S. dollars, U.S. Government Obligations, or a combination thereof, in such amounts as will be sufficient without consideration of any reinvestment of interest, to pay and discharge the entire Indebtedness on the Notes not theretofore delivered to the Trustee for cancellation for principal, premium, if any, and accrued interest to the date of maturity or redemption;

(B)           no Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing on the date of the deposit or will occur as a result of the deposit (other than a Default or an Event of Default resulting from borrowing of funds to be applied to such deposit and the grant of any Lien securing such borrowing) and the deposit will not result in a breach or violation of, or constitute a default under, any Credit Facility or any other material agreement or instrument to which the Issuer or any Subsidiary Guarantor is a party or by which the Issuer or any Subsidiary Guarantor is bound;

 
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(C)           the Issuer has paid or caused to be paid all sums payable by it under this Indenture; and

(D)           the Issuer has delivered irrevocable instructions to the Trustee to apply the deposited money toward the payment of the Notes at maturity or the redemption date, as the case may be.

(b)           In addition, the Issuer must deliver an Officers’ Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel to the Trustee stating that all conditions precedent to satisfaction and discharge have been satisfied (including setting forth the calculations to confirm compliance with Section 11.01(a)(2)(A)).

Section 11.02
Application of Trust Money .

(a)           Subject to the provisions of Section 8.06, all money deposited with the Trustee pursuant to Section 11.01 shall be held in trust and applied by it, in accordance with the provisions of the Notes and this Indenture, to the payment, either directly or through any Paying Agent (other than the Issuer or a Subsidiary of the Issuer) as the Trustee may determine, to the Persons entitled thereto, of the principal, premium, if any, and interest for whose payment such money has been deposited with the Trustee, but such money need not be segregated from other funds except to the extent required by law.

(b)           If the Trustee or Paying Agent is unable to apply any money or U.S. Government Obligations in accordance with Section 11.01 by reason of any legal proceeding or by reason of any order or judgment of any court or governmental authority enjoining, restraining or otherwise prohibiting such application, the Issuer’s and any Subsidiary Guarantor’s obligations under this Indenture, the Notes and the Subsidiary Guarantees shall be revived and reinstated as though no deposit had occurred pursuant to Section 11.01; provided that if the Issuer has made any payment of principal, premium, if any, or interest on any Notes because of the reinstatement of its obligations, the Issuer shall be subrogated to the rights of the Holders of such Notes to receive such payment from the money or U.S. Government Obligations held by the Trustee or Paying Agent, as the case may be.

ARTICLE 12

MISCELLANEOUS

Section 12.01
Trust Indenture Act Controls .

If any provision of this Indenture limits, qualifies or conflicts with the duties imposed by Trust Indenture Act Section 318(c) in respect of Sections of the Trust Indenture Act that are incorporated by reference in this Indenture pursuant to Section 1.04, the imposed duties shall control.

Section 12.02
Notices .

(a)           Any notice or communication to the Issuer, any Subsidiary Guarantor or the Trustee is duly given if in writing and (1) delivered in person, (2) mailed by first-class mail (certified or registered, return receipt requested), postage prepaid, or overnight air courier guaranteeing next day delivery or (3) sent by facsimile or electronic transmission, to its address:

 
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if to the Issuer or any Subsidiary Guarantor:

c/o Darling International Inc.
251 O’Connor Ridge
Suite 300
Irving, Texas 75039
Fax No.: (972) 281-4449
Attention: Executive Vice President–Finance and Administration

with a copy to:
Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP
200 Crescent Court, Suite 300
Dallas, Texas 75201
Fax No: (214) 746-7777
Email: mary.korby@weil.com
Attention: Mary Korby

if to the Trustee:

U.S. Bank National Association
60 Livingston Avenue
EP-MN-WS3C
St. Paul, Minnesota 55107
Fax No.: (651) 495-8096
Email: raymond.haverstock@usbank.com
Attention: Raymond Haverstock

The Issuer, any Subsidiary Guarantor or the Trustee, by like notice, may designate additional or different addresses for subsequent notices or communications.

(b)           All notices and communications (other than those sent to Holders) shall be deemed to have been duly given: at the time delivered by hand, if personally delivered; on the first date of which publication is made, if by publication; five calendar days after being deposited in the mail, postage prepaid, if mailed by first-class mail; the next Business Day after timely delivery to the courier, if mailed by overnight air courier guaranteeing next day delivery; when receipt acknowledged, if sent by facsimile or electronic transmission; provided that any notice or communication delivered to the Trustee shall be deemed effective only upon actual receipt thereof.

(c)           Any notice or communication to a Holder shall be mailed by first-class mail (certified or registered, return receipt requested) or by overnight air courier guaranteeing next day delivery to its address shown on the Note Register or by such other delivery system as the Trustee agrees to accept.  Any notice or communication shall also be so mailed to any Person described in Trust Indenture Act Section 313(c), to the extent required by the Trust Indenture Act.  Failure to mail a notice or communication to a Holder or any defect in it shall not affect its sufficiency with respect to other Holders.

(d)           Where this Indenture provides for notice in any manner, such notice may be waived in writing by the Person entitled to receive such notice, either before or after the event, and such waiver shall be the equivalent of such notice.  Waivers of notice by Holders shall be filed with the Trustee, but such filing shall not be a condition precedent to the validity of any action taken in reliance upon such waiver.

 
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(e)           Where this Indenture provides for notice of any event to a Holder of a Global Note, such notice shall be sufficiently given if given to the Depositary for such Note (or its designee), pursuant to the applicable procedures of such Depositary, if any, prescribed for the giving of such notice.

(f)           The Trustee agrees to accept and act upon notice, instructions or directions pursuant to this Indenture sent by unsecured facsimile or electronic transmission; provided , however , that (1) the party providing such written notice, instructions or directions, subsequent to such transmission of written instructions, shall provide the originally executed instructions or directions to the Trustee in a timely manner, and (2) such originally executed notice, instructions or directions shall be signed by an authorized representative of the party providing such notice, instructions or directions.  The Trustee shall not be liable for any losses, costs or expenses arising directly or indirectly from the Trustee’s reasonable reliance upon and compliance with such notice, instructions or directions notwithstanding such notice, instructions or directions conflict or are inconsistent with a subsequent notice, instructions or directions.

(g)           Except as provided above, if a notice or communication is sent in the manner provided above within the time prescribed, it is duly given, whether or not the addressee receives it.

(h)           If the Issuer mails a notice or communication to Holders, it shall mail a copy to the Trustee and each Agent at the same time.

Section 12.03
Communication by Holders with Other Holders .

Holders may communicate pursuant to Trust Indenture Act Section 312(b) with other Holders with respect to their rights under this Indenture or the Notes.  The Issuer, the Subsidiary Guarantors, the Trustee, the Registrar and anyone else shall have the protection of Trust Indenture Act Section 312(c).

Section 12.04
Certificate and Opinion as to Conditions Precedent .

Upon any request or application by the Issuer or any Subsidiary Guarantor to the Trustee to take any action under this Indenture, the Issuer or such Subsidiary Guarantor, as the case may be, shall furnish to the Trustee:

(1)           an Officers’ Certificate in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee (which shall include the statements set forth in Section 12.05) stating that, in the opinion of the signer(s), all conditions precedent and covenants, if any, provided for in this Indenture relating to the proposed action have been complied with; and

(2)           an Opinion of Counsel in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee (which shall include the statements set forth in Section 12.05) stating that, in the opinion of such counsel, all such conditions precedent and covenants, if any, have been complied with provided that no Opinion of Counsel shall be required in connection with the addition on the date hereof of Griffin and its Subsidiaries as a Subsidiary Guarantor under this Indenture upon execution and delivery by such Subsidiary Guarantor and the Trustee of a supplemental indenture to this Indenture, the form of which is attached as Exhibit C.

 
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Section 12.05
Statements Required in Certificate or Opinion .

Each certificate or opinion with respect to compliance with a condition or covenant provided for in this Indenture (other than a certificate provided pursuant to Section 4.04 or Trust Indenture Act Section 314(a)(4)) shall include:

(1)           a statement that the Person making such certificate or opinion has read such covenant or condition;

(2)           a brief statement as to the nature and scope of the examination or investigation upon which the statements or opinions contained in such certificate or opinion are based;

(3)           a statement that, in the opinion of such Person, he or she has made such examination or investigation as is necessary to enable him or her to express an informed opinion as to whether or not such covenant or condition has been complied with (and, in the case of an Opinion of Counsel, may be limited to reliance on an Officers’ Certificate, certificates of public officials or reports or opinions of experts as to matters of fact); and

(4)           a statement as to whether or not, in the opinion of such Person, such condition or covenant has been complied with.

Section 12.06
Rules by Trustee and Agents .

The Trustee may make reasonable rules for action by or at a meeting of Holders.  The Registrar or Paying Agent may make reasonable rules and set reasonable requirements for its functions.

Section 12.07
No Personal Liability of Directors, Officers, Employees, Members, Partners and Stockholders .

No past, present or future director, officer, employee, incorporator or stockholder of the Issuer or any Subsidiary Guarantors, as such, shall have any liability for any obligations of the Issuer under the Notes, this Indenture or the Subsidiary Guarantees or for any claim based on, in respect of, or by reason of, such obligations or their creation. Each Holder by accepting a Note waives and releases all such liability. The waiver and release are part of the consideration for issuance of the Notes.

Section 12.08
Governing Law .

THIS INDENTURE, THE NOTES AND ANY SUBSIDIARY GUARANTEE WILL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.

Section 12.09
Waiver of Jury Trial .

EACH OF THE ISSUER, THE GUARANTORS AND THE TRUSTEE HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ANY AND ALL RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY LEGAL PROCEEDING ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS INDENTURE, THE NOTES OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY.

 
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Section 12.10
Force Majeure .

In no event shall the Trustee be responsible or liable for any failure or delay in the performance of its obligations under this Indenture arising out of or caused by, directly or indirectly, forces beyond its reasonable control, including without limitation strikes, work stoppages, accidents, acts of war or terrorism, civil or military disturbances, nuclear or natural catastrophes or acts of God, and interruptions, loss or malfunctions of utilities, communications or computer (software or hardware) services; it being understood that the Trustee shall use reasonable efforts which are consistent with accepted practices in the banking industry to resume performance as soon as practicable under the circumstances.

Section 12.11
No Adverse Interpretation of Other Agreements .

This Indenture may not be used to interpret any other indenture, loan or debt agreement of the Issuer or its Restricted Subsidiaries or of any other Person.  Any such indenture, loan or debt agreement may not be used to interpret this Indenture.

Section 12.12
Successors .

All agreements of the Issuer in this Indenture and the Notes shall bind its successors.  All agreements of the Trustee in this Indenture shall bind its successors.  All agreements of each Subsidiary Guarantor in this Indenture shall bind its successors, except as otherwise provided in Section 10.06.

Section 12.13
Severability .

In case any provision in this Indenture or in the Notes shall be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby.

Section 12.14
Counterpart Originals .

The parties may sign any number of copies of this Indenture.  Each signed copy shall be an original, but all of them together represent the same agreement.

Section 12.15
Table of Contents, Headings, etc .

The Table of Contents, Cross-Reference Table and headings of the Articles and Sections of this Indenture have been inserted for convenience of reference only, are not to be considered a part of this Indenture and shall in no way modify or restrict any of the terms or provisions hereof.

Section 12.16
U.S.A. PATRIOT Act.

The parties hereto acknowledge that in accordance with Section 326 of the U.S.A. PATRIOT Act, the Trustee is required to obtain, verify, and record information that identifies each person or legal entity that establishes a relationship or opens an account with the Trustee.  The parties to this Indenture agree that they will provide the Trustee with such information as it may request in order for the Trustee to satisfy the requirements of the U.S.A. PATRIOT Act.

Section 12.17
Payments Due on Non-Business Days .

In any case where any Interest Payment Date, redemption date or repurchase date or the Stated Maturity of the Notes shall not be a Business Day, then (notwithstanding any other provision of this Indenture or of the Notes) payment of principal, premium, if any, or interest on the Notes need not be made on such date, but may be made on the next succeeding Business Day with the same force and effect as if made on the Interest Payment Date, redemption date or repurchase date, or at the Stated Maturity of the Notes, provided that no interest will accrue for the period from and after such Interest Payment Date, redemption date, repurchase date or Stated Maturity, as the case may be.

 
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Section 12.18
Qualification of Indenture .

The Issuer and the Subsidiary Guarantors shall qualify this Indenture under the Trust Indenture Act in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Registration Rights Agreement and shall pay all reasonable costs and expenses (including attorneys’ fees and expenses for the Issuer, the Subsidiary Guarantors and the Trustee) incurred in connection therewith, including, but not limited to, costs and expenses of qualification of this Indenture and the Notes and printing this Indenture and the Notes.  The Trustee shall be entitled to receive from the Issuer and the Subsidiary Guarantors any such Officers’ Certificates, Opinions of Counsel or other documentation as it may reasonably request in connection with any such qualification of this Indenture under the Trust Indenture Act.

[ Signatures on following page ]

 
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DARLING INTERNATIONAL INC.
       
 
By:
/s/ John O. Muse
   
Name:
John O. Muse
   
Title:
Executive Vice President, Finance and Administration
 
 
DARLING NATIONAL LLC
       
 
By:
/s/ John O. Muse
   
Name:
John O. Muse
   
Title:
Executive Vice President, Finance and Administration
 
Signature Page to Indenture
 
 
 

 
 
 
U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, as Trustee
       
 
By:
/s/ Raymond S. Haverstock
   
Name:
Raymond S. Haverstock
   
Title:
Vice President
 
Signature Page to Indenture
 
 

 

APPENDIX A

PROVISIONS RELATING TO INITIAL NOTES, ADDITIONAL NOTES AND EXCHANGE NOTES

Section 1.1             Definitions .

(a)   Capitalized Terms .

Capitalized terms used but not defined in this Appendix A have the meanings given to them in the Indenture.  The following capitalized terms have the following meanings:

Applicable Procedures ” means, with respect to any transfer or transaction involving a Global Note or beneficial interest therein, the rules and procedures of the Depositary, Euroclear or Clearstream for such Global Note, in each case to the extent applicable to such transaction and as in effect from time to time.

Clearstream ” means Clearstream Banking, Société Anonyme, or any successor securities clearing agency.

Distribution Compliance Period ”, with respect to any Note, means the period of 40 consecutive days beginning on and including the later of (a) the day on which such Note is first offered to persons other than distributors (as defined in Regulation S) in reliance on Regulation S, notice of which day shall be promptly given by the Issuer to the Trustee, and (b) the date of issuance with respect to such Note or any predecessor of such Note.

Euroclear ” means Euroclear Bank S.A./N.Y., as operator of Euroclear systems or any successor securities clearing agency.

IAI ” means an institution that is an “accredited investor” as described in Rule 501(a)(1), (2), (3) or (7) under the Securities Act that is also not a QIB.

QIB ” means a “qualified institutional buyer” as defined in Rule 144A.

Regulation S ” means Regulation S promulgated under the Securities Act.

Rule 144 ” means Rule 144 promulgated under the Securities Act.

Rule 144A ” means Rule 144A promulgated under the Securities Act.

Rule 501 ” means Rule 501(a)(1), (2), (3) or (7) under the Securities Act.

Unrestricted Global Note ” means any Note in global form that does not bear or is not required to bear the Restricted Notes Legend.

U.S. person ” means a “U.S. person” as defined in Regulation S.

(b) Other Definitions .

Term :
Defined in Section :
   
“Agent Members”
2.1(c)
“Automatic Exchange”
2.3(j)
“Automatic Exchange Date”
2.3(j)
“Automatic Exchange Notice”
2.3(j)
“Automatic Exchange Notice Date”
2.3(j)
“Definitive Notes Legend”
2.3(e)
“Global Note”
2.1(b)
“Global Notes Legend”
2.3(e)
“IAI Global Note”
2.1(b)
“Regulation S Global Note”
2.1(b)
“Regulation S Notes”
2.1(a)
“Restricted Notes Legend”
2.3(e)
“Rule 144A Notes”
2.1(a)
“Rule 144A Global Note”
2.1(b)

 
 

 

Section 2.1             Form and Dating

(a)  The Initial Notes issued on the date hereof shall be (i) offered and sold by the Issuer to the Initial Purchasers and (ii) resold, initially only to (1) QIBs in reliance on Rule 144A (“ Rule 144A Notes ”) and (2) Persons other than U.S. persons in reliance on Regulation S (“ Regulation S Notes ”).  Such Initial Notes may thereafter be transferred to, among others, QIBs, purchasers in reliance on Regulation S and, except as set forth below, IAIs in accordance with Rule 501.

(b)   Global Notes .  Rule 144A Notes shall be issued initially in the form of one or more permanent global Notes in definitive, fully registered form, numbered RA-1 upward (collectively, the “ Rule 144A Global Note ”) and Regulation S Notes shall be issued initially in the form of one or more global Notes, numbered RS-1 upward (collectively, the “ Regulation S Global Note ”), in each case without interest coupons and bearing the Global Notes Legend and Restricted Notes Legend, which shall be deposited on behalf of the purchasers of the Notes represented thereby with the Custodian, and registered in the name of the Depositary or a nominee of the Depositary, duly executed by the Issuer and authenticated by the Trustee as provided in the Indenture.  One or more global Notes in definitive, fully registered form without interest coupons and bearing the Global Notes Legend and the Restricted Notes Legend, numbered RIAI-1 upward (collectively, the “ IAI Global Note ”) shall also be issued at the request of the Trustee, deposited with the Custodian, and registered in the name of the Depositary or a nominee of the Depositary, duly executed by the Issuer and authenticated by the Trustee as provided in this Indenture to accommodate transfers of beneficial interests in the Notes to IAIs subsequent to the initial distribution.  Beneficial ownership interests in the Regulation S Global Note shall not be exchangeable for interests in the Rule 144A Global Note, the IAI Global Note or any other Note without a Restricted Notes Legend until the expiration of the Distribution Compliance Period.  The Rule 144A Global Note, the IAI Global Note, the Regulation S Global Note and any Unrestricted Global Note are each referred to herein as a “ Global Note ” and are collectively referred to herein as “ Global Notes .”  Each Global Note shall represent such of the outstanding Notes as shall be specified in the “Schedule of Exchanges of Interests in the Global Note” attached thereto and each shall provide that it shall represent up to the aggregate principal amount of Notes from time to time endorsed thereon and that the aggregate principal amount of outstanding Notes represented thereby may from time to time be reduced or increased, as applicable, to reflect exchanges and redemptions.  Any endorsement of a Global Note to reflect the amount of any increase or decrease in the aggregate principal amount of outstanding Notes represented thereby shall be made by the Trustee or the Custodian, at the direction of the Trustee, in accordance with instructions given by the Holder thereof as required by Section 2.06 of the Indenture and Section 2.3(c) of this Appendix A.

(c)   Book-Entry Provisions .  This Section 2.1(c) shall apply only to a Global Note deposited with or on behalf of the Depositary.

 
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The Issuer shall execute and the Trustee shall, in accordance with this Section 2.1(c) and Section 2.2 of this Appendix A and pursuant to an order of the Issuer signed by one Officer of the Issuer, authenticate and deliver initially one or more Global Notes that (i) shall be registered in the name of the Depositary for such Global Note or Global Notes or the nominee of such Depositary and (ii) shall be delivered by the Trustee to such Depositary or pursuant to such Depositary’s instructions or held by the Trustee as Custodian.

Members of, or participants in, the Depositary (“ Agent Members ”) shall have no rights under the Indenture with respect to any Global Note held on their behalf by the Depositary or by the Trustee as Custodian or under such Global Note, and the Depositary may be treated by the Issuer, the Trustee and any agent of the Issuer or the Trustee as the absolute owner of such Global Note for all purposes whatsoever.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing herein shall prevent the Issuer, the Trustee or any agent of the Issuer or the Trustee from giving effect to any written certification, proxy or other authorization furnished by the Depositary or impair, as between the Depositary and its Agent Members, the operation of customary practices of such Depositary governing the exercise of the rights of a Holder of a beneficial interest in any Global Note.

(d)   Definitive Notes .  Except as provided in Section 2.3 or 2.4 of this Appendix A, owners of beneficial interests in Global Notes shall not be entitled to receive physical delivery of Definitive Notes.

Section 2.2              Authentication .  The Trustee shall authenticate and make available for delivery upon a written order of the Issuer signed by one Officer of the Issuer (a) Initial Notes for original issue on the Issue Date in an aggregate principal amount of $250,000,000, (b) subject to the terms of the Indenture, Additional Notes, (c) the Exchange Notes for issue only in an Exchange Offer and pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement and for a like principal amount of Initial Notes exchanged pursuant thereto and (d) any Unrestricted Global Notes issued in exchange for any of the foregoing in accordance with this Indenture.  Such order shall specify the amount of the Notes to be authenticated, the date on which the original issue of Notes is to be authenticated and whether the Notes are to be Initial Notes, Additional Notes, Exchange Notes or Unrestricted Global Notes.

Section 2.3             Transfer and Exchange .

(a)   Transfer and Exchange of Definitive Notes for Definitive Notes .  When Definitive Notes are presented to the Registrar with a request:

(i)  to register the transfer of such Definitive Notes; or

(ii)  to exchange such Definitive Notes for an equal principal amount of Definitive Notes of other authorized denominations,

the Registrar shall register the transfer or make the exchange as requested if its reasonable requirements for such transaction are met; provided , however , that the Definitive Notes surrendered for transfer or exchange:

(1)  shall be duly endorsed or accompanied by a written instrument of transfer in form reasonably satisfactory to the Issuer and the Registrar, duly executed by the Holder thereof or its attorney duly authorized in writing; and

(2)  in the case of Transfer Restricted Notes, they are being transferred or exchanged pursuant to an effective registration statement under the Securities Act, pursuant to Section 2.3(b) or pursuant to clause (A), (B) or (C) below, and are accompanied by the following additional information and documents, as applicable:

 
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(A)  if such Definitive Notes are being delivered to the Registrar by a Holder for registration in the name of such Holder, without transfer, a certification from such Holder to that effect (in the form set forth on the reverse side of the Initial Note); or

(B)  if such Definitive Notes are being transferred to the Issuer, a certification to that effect (in the form set forth on the reverse side of the Initial Note); or

(C)  if such Definitive Notes are being transferred pursuant to an exemption from registration in accordance with Rule 144A, Regulation S or Rule 144 under the Securities Act or in reliance upon another exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act, (x) a certification to that effect (in the form set forth on the reverse side of the Initial Note) and (y) if the Issuer so requests, an opinion of counsel or other evidence reasonably satisfactory to them as to the compliance with the restrictions set forth in the applicable legends set forth in Section 2.3(e)(i) of this Appendix A.

(b)   Restrictions on Transfer of a Definitive Note for a Beneficial Interest in a Global Note .  A Definitive Note may not be exchanged for a beneficial interest in a Global Note except upon satisfaction of the requirements set forth below.  Upon receipt by the Trustee of a Definitive Note, duly endorsed or accompanied by a written instrument of transfer in form reasonably satisfactory to the Issuer and the Registrar, together with:

(i) (A)  certification (in the form set forth on the reverse side of the Initial Note) that such Definitive Note is being transferred (1) to a Person who the transferor reasonably believes is a QIB and in accordance with Rule 144A, (2) to an IAI that has furnished to the Trustee a signed letter substantially in the form of Exhibit B or (3) after the expiration of the Distribution Compliance Period, outside the United States of America in an offshore transaction within the meaning of Regulation S and in compliance with Rule 904 under the Securities Act or (B) such other certification and opinion of counsel as the Issuer shall require; and

(ii) written instructions directing the Trustee to make, or to direct the Custodian to make, an adjustment on its books and records with respect to such Global Note to reflect an increase in the aggregate principal amount of the Notes represented by the Global Note, such instructions to contain information regarding the Depositary account to be credited with such increase,

the Trustee shall cancel such Definitive Note and cause, or direct the Custodian to cause, in accordance with the standing instructions and procedures existing between the Depositary and the Custodian, the aggregate principal amount of Notes represented by the Global Note to be increased by the aggregate principal amount of the Definitive Note to be exchanged and shall credit or cause to be credited to the account of the Person specified in such instructions a beneficial interest in the Global Note equal to the principal amount of the Definitive Note so canceled.  If no Global Notes are then outstanding and the Global Note has not been previously exchanged for certificated securities pursuant to Section 2.4 of this Appendix A, the Issuer shall issue and the Trustee shall authenticate, upon written order of the Issuer in the form of an Officers’ Certificate, a new Global Note in the appropriate principal amount.

(c)   Transfer and Exchange of Global Notes .  (i)  The transfer and exchange of Global Notes or beneficial interests therein shall be effected through the Depositary, in accordance with the Indenture (including applicable restrictions on transfer set forth herein, if any) and the procedures of the Depositary therefor.  A transferor of a beneficial interest in a Global Note shall deliver to the Registrar a written order given in accordance with the Depositary’s procedures containing information regarding the participant account of the Depositary to be credited with a beneficial interest in such Global Note or another Global Note. Such account shall be credited in accordance with such order with a beneficial interest in the applicable Global Note and the account of the Person making the transfer shall be debited by an amount equal to the beneficial interest in the Global Note being transferred.  Transfers by an owner of a beneficial interest in the Rule 144A Global Note or the IAI Global Note to a transferee who takes delivery of such interest through the Regulation S Global Note, whether before or after the expiration of the Distribution Compliance Period, shall be made only upon receipt by the Trustee of a certification in the form provided on the reverse side of the Initial Notes from the transferor to the effect that such transfer is being made in accordance with Regulation S, Rule 144 (if available), or another applicable exemption from registration under the Securities Act, and that, if such transfer is being made prior to the expiration of the Distribution Compliance Period, the interest transferred shall be held immediately thereafter through Euroclear or Clearstream.  In the case of a transfer of a beneficial interest in either the Regulation S Global Note (to the extent provided in Section 2.3(d) of this Appendix A) or the Rule 144A Global Note for an interest in the IAI Global Note, the transferee must furnish a signed letter substantially in the form of Exhibit B to the Trustee.

 
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(ii)  If the proposed transfer is a transfer of a beneficial interest in one Global Note to a beneficial interest in another Global Note, the Registrar shall reflect on its books and records the date and an increase in the principal amount of the Global Note to which such interest is being transferred in an amount equal to the principal amount of the interest to be so transferred, and the Registrar shall reflect on its books and records the date and a corresponding decrease in the principal amount of the Global Note from which such interest is being transferred.

(iii)  Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Appendix A (other than the provisions set forth in Section 2.4 of this Appendix A), a Global Note may not be transferred except as a whole and not in part by the Depositary to a nominee of the Depositary or by a nominee of the Depositary to the Depositary or another nominee of the Depositary or by the Depositary or any such nominee to a successor Depositary or a nominee of such successor Depositary.

(d)   Restrictions on Transfer of Regulation S Global Note .  (i) Prior to the expiration of the Distribution Compliance Period, (1) the Regulation S Global Note shall be a temporary global security for purposes of Rules 903 and 904 under the Securities Act, whether or not designated as such on the face of such Note, and (2) interests in the Regulation S Global Note may only be held through Euroclear or Clearstream.  During the Distribution Compliance Period, beneficial ownership interests in the Regulation S Global Note may only be sold, pledged or transferred through Euroclear or Clearstream in accordance with the Applicable Procedures and only (1) to the Issuer, (2) so long as such Note is eligible for resale pursuant to Rule 144A, to a Person whom the selling Holder reasonably believes is a QIB that purchases for its own account or for the account of a QIB and to whom notice is given that the resale, pledge or transfer is being made in reliance on Rule 144A, (3) in an offshore transaction in accordance with Regulation S, (4) pursuant to an exemption from registration under the Securities Act provided by Rule 144 (if applicable) or another available exemption, (5) to an IAI purchasing for its own account, or for the account of an IAI, in a minimum principal amount of Notes of $250,000, for investment purposes and not with a view to, or for offer or sale in connection with, any distribution in violation of the Securities Act or (6) pursuant to an effective registration statement under the Securities Act, in each case in accordance with any applicable securities laws of any state of the United States of America.  Prior to the expiration of the Distribution Compliance Period, transfers by an owner of a beneficial interest in the Regulation S Global Note to a transferee who takes delivery of such interest through the Rule 144A Global Note or the IAI Global Note shall be made only in accordance with the Applicable Procedures and upon receipt by the Trustee of a written certification from the transferor of the beneficial interest in the form provided on the reverse side of the Initial Notes to the effect that such transfer is being made to (1) a Person who the transferor reasonably believes is a QIB within the meaning of Rule 144A in a transaction meeting the requirements of Rule 144A or (2) an IAI purchasing for its own account, or for the account of such an IAI, in a minimum principal amount of the Notes of $250,000.  Such written certification shall no longer be required after the expiration of the Distribution Compliance Period.  In the case of a transfer of a beneficial interest in the Regulation S Global Note for an interest in the IAI Global Note, the transferee must furnish a signed letter substantially in the form of Exhibit B to the Trustee.

 
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(ii)  Upon the expiration of the Distribution Compliance Period, beneficial ownership interests in the Regulation S Global Note shall be transferable in accordance with applicable law and the other terms of the Indenture.

(iii) Upon the expiration of the Distribution Compliance Period, beneficial interests in the Regulation S Global Note may be exchanged for beneficial interests in the Permanent Regulation S Global Note that is an Unrestricted Global Note upon certification in the form provided on the reverse side of the Initial Notes to the effect that such beneficial interests are owned either by non-U.S. persons or by U.S. persons who purchased those interests pursuant to an exemption from, or in transactions not subject to, the registration requirements of the Securities Act.  If no such Regulation S Global Note that is an Unrestricted Global Note is then outstanding, the Issuer shall issue and the Trustee shall authenticate, upon written order of the Issuer in the form of an Officers’ Certificate, a new Global Note in the appropriate principal amount.

(e)   Legends .

(i)  Except as permitted by this Section 2.3(e), each Note certificate evidencing the Global Notes and the Definitive Notes (and all Notes issued in exchange therefor or in substitution thereof) shall bear a legend in substantially the following form (each defined term in the legend being defined as such for purposes of the legend only) (“ Restricted Notes Legend ”):

THIS SECURITY HAS NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED (THE “SECURITIES ACT”), OR THE SECURITIES LAWS OF ANY STATE OR OTHER JURISDICTION. NEITHER THIS SECURITY NOR ANY INTEREST OR PARTICIPATION HEREIN MAY BE REOFFERED, SOLD, ASSIGNED, TRANSFERRED, PLEDGED, ENCUMBERED OR OTHERWISE DISPOSED OF IN THE ABSENCE OF SUCH REGISTRATION OR UNLESS SUCH TRANSACTION IS EXEMPT FROM, OR NOT SUBJECT TO, SUCH REGISTRATION. THE HOLDER OF THIS SECURITY, BY ITS ACCEPTANCE HEREOF, AGREES ON ITS OWN BEHALF AND ON BEHALF OF ANY INVESTOR ACCOUNT FOR WHICH IT HAS PURCHASED SECURITIES, TO OFFER, SELL OR OTHERWISE TRANSFER SUCH SECURITY, PRIOR TO THE DATE (THE “RESALE RESTRICTION TERMINATION DATE”) THAT IS (1) IN THE CASE OF RULE 144A NOTES, ONE YEAR AFTER THE LATER OF THE ORIGINAL ISSUE DATE HEREOF, THE ORIGINAL ISSUE DATE OF THE ISSUANCE OF ANY ADDITIONAL NOTES AND THE LAST DATE ON WHICH THE ISSUER OR ANY AFFILIATE OF THE ISSUER WAS THE OWNER OF THIS SECURITY (OR ANY PREDECESSOR OF SUCH SECURITY); AND (2) IN THE CASE OF REGULATION S NOTES, 40 DAYS AFTER THE LATER OF THE ORIGINAL ISSUE DATE HEREOF AND THE DATE ON WHICH THIS SECURITY (OR ANY PREDECESSOR OF SUCH SECURITY) WAS FIRST OFFERED TO PERSONS OTHER THAN DISTRIBUTORS (AS DEFINED IN RULE 902 OF REGULATION S) IN RELIANCE ON REGULATION S, ONLY (A) TO THE ISSUER OR ANY SUBSIDIARY THEREOF, (B) PURSUANT TO A REGISTRATION STATEMENT THAT HAS BEEN DECLARED EFFECTIVE UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT, (C) FOR SO LONG AS THE SECURITIES ARE ELIGIBLE FOR RESALE PURSUANT TO RULE 144A UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT (“RULE 144A”), TO A PERSON IT REASONABLY BELIEVES IS A “QUALIFIED INSTITUTIONAL BUYER” AS DEFINED IN RULE 144A THAT PURCHASES FOR ITS OWN ACCOUNT OR FOR THE ACCOUNT OF A QUALIFIED INSTITUTIONAL BUYER TO WHOM NOTICE IS GIVEN THAT THE TRANSFER IS BEING MADE IN RELIANCE ON RULE 144A, (D) PURSUANT TO OFFERS AND SALES TO NON-U.S. PERSONS THAT OCCUR OUTSIDE THE UNITED STATES WITHIN THE MEANING OF REGULATION S UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT, (E) TO AN INSTITUTIONAL “ACCREDITED INVESTOR” WITHIN THE MEANING OF RULE 501(a)(1), (2), (3) OR (7) UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT THAT IS NOT A QUALIFIED INSTITUTIONAL BUYER AND THAT IS PURCHASING FOR ITS OWN ACCOUNT OR FOR THE ACCOUNT OF ANOTHER INSTITUTIONAL ACCREDITED INVESTOR, IN EACH CASE IN A MINIMUM PRINCIPAL AMOUNT OF SECURITIES OF $250,000 OR (F) PURSUANT TO ANOTHER AVAILABLE EXEMPTION FROM THE REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT, SUBJECT TO THE ISSUER’S AND THE TRUSTEE’S RIGHT PRIOR TO ANY SUCH OFFER, SALE OR TRANSFER PURSUANT TO CLAUSES (D), (E) OR (F) TO REQUIRE THE DELIVERY OF AN OPINION OF COUNSEL, CERTIFICATION AND/ OR OTHER INFORMATION SATISFACTORY TO EACH OF THEM. THIS LEGEND WILL BE REMOVED UPON THE REQUEST OF THE HOLDER AFTER THE RESALE RESTRICTION TERMINATION DATE. BY ITS ACQUISITION HEREOF, THE HOLDER HEREOF REPRESENTS THAT IT IS NOT A U.S. PERSON NOR IS IT PURCHASING FOR THE ACCOUNT OF A U.S. PERSON AND IS ACQUIRING THIS SECURITY IN AN OFFSHORE TRANSACTION IN ACCORDANCE WITH REGULATION S UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT.

 
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BY ITS ACQUISITION OF THIS SECURITY, THE HOLDER THEREOF WILL BE DEEMED TO HAVE REPRESENTED AND WARRANTED THAT EITHER (1) NO PORTION OF THE ASSETS USED BY SUCH HOLDER TO ACQUIRE OR HOLD THIS SECURITY CONSTITUTES THE ASSETS OF AN EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLAN THAT IS SUBJECT TO TITLE I OF THE U.S. EMPLOYEE RETIREMENT INCOME SECURITY ACT OF 1974, AS AMENDED (“ERISA”), OF A PLAN, INDIVIDUAL RETIREMENT ACCOUNT OR OTHER ARRANGEMENT THAT IS SUBJECT TO SECTION 4975 OF THE U.S. INTERNAL REVENUE CODE OF 1986, AS AMENDED (THE “CODE”) OR OF A BENEFIT PLAN OR OTHER ARRANGEMENT THAT IS SUBJECT TO ANY OTHER FEDERAL, STATE, LOCAL, NON-U.S. OR OTHER LAWS OR REGULATIONS THAT ARE SIMILAR TO SUCH PROVISIONS OF ERISA OR THE CODE (“SIMILAR LAWS”), INCLUDING ANY ENTITY WHOSE UNDERLYING ASSETS ARE CONSIDERED TO INCLUDE “PLAN ASSETS” OF ANY SUCH PLAN, ACCOUNT OR ARRANGEMENT, OR (2) THE ACQUISITION AND HOLDING OF THIS SECURITY WILL NOT CONSTITUTE A NON-EXEMPT PROHIBITED TRANSACTION UNDER SECTION 406 OF ERISA OR SECTION 4975 OF THE CODE OR A VIOLATION UNDER ANY APPLICABLE SIMILAR LAWS.

Each Definitive Note shall bear the following additional legend (“ Definitive Notes Legend ”):

 
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IN CONNECTION WITH ANY TRANSFER, THE HOLDER WILL DELIVER TO THE REGISTRAR AND TRANSFER AGENT SUCH CERTIFICATES AND OTHER INFORMATION AS SUCH REGISTRAR AND TRANSFER AGENT MAY REASONABLY REQUIRE TO CONFIRM THAT THE TRANSFER COMPLIES WITH THE FOREGOING RESTRICTIONS.

Each Global Note shall bear the following additional legend (“ Global Notes Legend ”):

UNLESS THIS CERTIFICATE IS PRESENTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF THE DEPOSITORY TRUST COMPANY, A NEW YORK CORPORATION (“DTC”), NEW YORK, NEW YORK, TO THE ISSUER OR ITS AGENT FOR REGISTRATION OF TRANSFER, EXCHANGE OR PAYMENT, AND ANY CERTIFICATE ISSUED IS REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF CEDE & CO. OR SUCH OTHER NAME AS IS REQUESTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF DTC (AND ANY PAYMENT IS MADE TO CEDE & CO., OR TO SUCH OTHER ENTITY AS IS REQUESTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF DTC), ANY TRANSFER, PLEDGE OR OTHER USE HEREOF FOR VALUE OR OTHERWISE BY OR TO ANY PERSON IS WRONGFUL INASMUCH AS THE REGISTERED OWNER HEREOF, CEDE & CO., HAS AN INTEREST HEREIN.

TRANSFERS OF THIS GLOBAL SECURITY SHALL BE LIMITED TO TRANSFERS IN WHOLE, BUT NOT IN PART, TO DTC, TO NOMINEES OF DTC OR TO A SUCCESSOR THEREOF OR SUCH SUCCESSOR'S NOMINEE AND TRANSFERS OF PORTIONS OF THIS GLOBAL SECURITY SHALL BE LIMITED TO TRANSFERS MADE IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE RESTRICTIONS SET FORTH IN THE INDENTURE REFERRED TO ON THE REVERSE HEREOF.

(ii)  Upon any sale or transfer of a Transfer Restricted Note that is a Definitive Note, the Registrar shall permit the Holder thereof to exchange such Transfer Restricted Note for a Definitive Note that does not bear the legends set forth above and rescind any restriction on the transfer of such Transfer Restricted Note if the Holder certifies in writing to the Registrar that its request for such exchange was made in reliance on Rule 144 (such certification to be in the form set forth on the reverse side of the Initial Notes).

(iii)  After a transfer of any Initial Notes or Additional Notes during the period of the effectiveness of a Shelf Registration Statement with respect to such Initial Notes or Additional Notes, as the case may be, all requirements pertaining to the Restricted Notes Legend on such Initial Notes or Additional Notes shall cease to apply and the requirements that any such Initial Notes or Additional Notes be issued in global form shall continue to apply.

(iv)  Upon the consummation of an Exchange Offer with respect to the Initial Notes or Additional Notes pursuant to which Holders of such Initial Notes or Additional Notes are offered Exchange Notes in exchange for their Initial Notes or Additional Notes, all requirements pertaining to Initial Notes or Additional Notes that Initial Notes or Additional Notes be issued in global form shall continue to apply, and Exchange Notes in global form without the Restricted Notes Legend shall be available to Holders that exchange such Initial Notes or Additional Notes in such Exchange Offer.

(v)  Upon a sale or transfer after the expiration of the Distribution Compliance Period of any Initial Note or Additional Note acquired pursuant to Regulation S, all requirements that such Initial Note or Additional Note bear the Restricted Notes Legend shall cease to apply and the requirements requiring any such Initial Note or Additional Note be issued in global form shall continue to apply.

 
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(vi)  Any Additional Notes sold in a registered offering shall not be required to bear the Restricted Notes Legend.

(f)   Cancellation or Adjustment of Global Note .  At such time as all beneficial interests in a Global Note have either been exchanged for Definitive Notes, transferred, redeemed, repurchased or canceled, such Global Note shall be returned by the Depositary to the Trustee for cancellation or retained and canceled by the Trustee.  At any time prior to such cancellation, if any beneficial interest in a Global Note is exchanged for Definitive Notes, transferred in exchange for an interest in another Global Note, redeemed, repurchased or canceled, the principal amount of Notes represented by such Global Note shall be reduced and an adjustment shall be made on the books and records of the Trustee (if it is then the Custodian for such Global Note) with respect to such Global Note, by the Trustee or the Custodian, to reflect such reduction.

(g)   Obligations with Respect to Transfers and Exchanges of Notes .

(i)  To permit registrations of transfers and exchanges, the Issuer shall execute and the Trustee shall authenticate, Definitive Notes and Global Notes at the Registrar’s request.

(ii) No service charge shall be made for any registration of transfer or exchange, but the Issuer may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover any transfer tax, assessments, or similar governmental charge payable in connection therewith (other than any such transfer taxes, assessments or similar governmental charge payable upon exchanges pursuant to Sections 2.07, 2.10, 3.06, 3.09, 4.10, 4.14 and 9.05 of this Indenture).

(iii)  Prior to the due presentation for registration of transfer of any Note, the Issuer, the Trustee, the Paying Agent or the Registrar may deem and treat the person in whose name a Note is registered as the absolute owner of such Note for the purpose of receiving payment of principal of and interest on such Note and for all other purposes whatsoever, whether or not such Note is overdue, and none of the Issuer, the Trustee, the Paying Agent or the Registrar  shall be affected by notice to the contrary.

(iv)  All Notes issued upon any transfer or exchange pursuant to the terms of this Indenture shall evidence the same debt and shall be entitled to the same benefits under this Indenture as the Notes surrendered upon such transfer or exchange.

(h)   No Obligation of the Trustee .

(i)  The Trustee shall have no responsibility or obligation to any beneficial owner of a Global Note, a member of, or a participant in the Depositary or any other Person with respect to the accuracy of the records of the Depositary or its nominee or of any participant or member thereof, with respect to any ownership interest in the Notes or with respect to the delivery to any participant, member, beneficial owner or other Person (other than the Depositary) of any notice (including any notice of redemption or repurchase) or the payment of any amount, under or with respect to such Notes.  All notices and communications to be given to the Holders and all payments to be made to Holders under the Notes shall be given or made only to the registered Holders (which shall be the Depositary or its nominee in the case of a Global Note).  The rights of beneficial owners in any Global Note shall be exercised only through the Depositary subject to the applicable rules and procedures of the Depositary.  The Trustee may rely and shall be fully protected in relying upon information furnished by the Depositary with respect to its members, participants and any beneficial owners.

 
9

 

(ii)  The Trustee shall have no obligation or duty to monitor, determine or inquire as to compliance with any restrictions on transfer imposed under this Indenture or under applicable law with respect to any transfer of any interest in any Note (including any transfers between or among Depositary participants, members or beneficial owners in any Global Note) other than to require delivery of such certificates and other documentation or evidence as are expressly required by, and to do so if and when expressly required by, the terms of this Indenture, and to examine the same to determine substantial compliance as to form with the express requirements hereof.

(i)   Exchange Offer .  Upon the occurrence of the Exchange Offer in accordance with the Registration Rights Agreement, the Issuer shall issue and, upon receipt of an Authentication Order in accordance with Section 2.02 of the Indenture, the Trustee shall authenticate (i) one or more Global Notes without the Restricted Notes Legend in an aggregate principal amount equal to the principal amounts of the beneficial interests in the Global Notes tendered for acceptance by Persons that provide in the applicable letters of transmittal such certifications as are required by the Registration Rights Agreement and applicable law, and accepted for exchange in the Exchange Offer and (ii) Definitive Notes without the Restricted Notes Legend in an aggregate principal amount equal to the principal amount of the Definitive Notes tendered for acceptance by Persons that provide in the applicable letters of transmittal such certification as are required by the Registration Rights Agreement and applicable law, and accepted for exchange in the Exchange Offer.  Concurrently with the issuance of such Notes, the Trustee shall cause the aggregate principal amount of the applicable Global Notes with the Restricted Notes Legend to be reduced accordingly, and the Issuer shall execute and the Trustee shall authenticate and mail to the Persons designated by the Holders of the Definitive Notes so accepted Definitive Notes without the Restricted Notes Legend in the applicable principal amount.  Any Notes that remain outstanding after the consummation of the Exchange Offer, and Exchange Notes issued in connection with the Exchange Offer, shall be treated as a single class of securities under the Indenture.

(j)   Automatic Exchange of Beneficial Interests in a Global Note that is a Transfer Restricted Note for Beneficial Interests in an Unrestricted Global Note .  Upon the Issuer’s satisfaction that the Restricted Notes Legend shall no longer be required in order to maintain compliance with the Securities Act, beneficial interests in a Global Note that is a Transfer Restricted Note may be automatically exchanged into beneficial interests in an Unrestricted Global Note without any action required by or on behalf of the Holder (the “ Automatic Exchange ”) at any time on or after the date that is the 366th calendar day after (1) with respect to any Note issued on the Issue Date, the later of (x) the Issue Date and (y) the last date on which the Issuer or any Affiliate of the Issuer was the owner of such Note or (2) with respect to any Additional Note, if any, the later of (x) the issue date of such Additional Note and (y) the last date on which the Issuer or any Affiliate of the Issuer was the owner of such Note, or, in each case, if such day is not a Business Day, on the next succeeding Business Day (the “ Automatic Exchange Date ”).  Upon the Issuer’s satisfaction that the Restricted Notes Legend shall no longer be required in order to maintain compliance with the Securities Act, the Issuer may (A) provide written notice to the Trustee at least 10 calendar days prior to the Automatic Exchange, instructing the Trustee to direct the Depositary to exchange all of the outstanding beneficial interests in a particular Global Note that is a Transfer Restricted Note to the Unrestricted Global Note, which the Issuer shall have previously otherwise made eligible for exchange with the DTC, (B) provide prior written notice (the “ Automatic Exchange Notice ”) to each Holder at such Holder’s address appearing in the Note Register at least 10 calendar days prior to the Automatic Exchange (the “ Automatic Exchange Notice Date ”), which notice must include (I) the Automatic Exchange Date, (II) the section of the Indenture pursuant to which the Automatic Exchange shall occur, (III) the “CUSIP” number of the Global Note that is a Transfer Restricted Note from which such Holder’s beneficial interests will be transferred and (IV) the “CUSIP” number of the Unrestricted Global Note into which such Holder’s beneficial interests will be transferred, and (C) on or prior to the date of the Automatic Exchange, deliver to the Trustee for authentication one or more Unrestricted Global Notes, duly executed by the Issuer, in an aggregate principal amount equal to the aggregate principal amount of Global Notes that are Transfer Restricted Notes to be exchanged.  At the Issuer’s request on no less than five calendar days’ notice, the Trustee shall deliver, in the Issuer’s name and at its expense, the Automatic Exchange Notice (which shall be prepared by the Issuer) to each Holder at such Holder’s address appearing in the Note Register.  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Section 2.3, during the 10-day period between the Automatic Exchange Notice Date and the Automatic Exchange Date, no transfers or exchanges other than pursuant to this Section 2.3(j) shall be permitted without the prior written consent of the Issuer.  As a condition to any Automatic Exchange, the Issuer shall provide, and the Trustee shall be entitled to rely upon, an Officers’ Certificate in form reasonably acceptable to the Trustee to the effect that the Automatic Exchange shall be effected in compliance with the Securities Act and that the restrictions on transfer contained herein and in the Restricted Notes Legend shall no longer be required in order to maintain compliance with the Securities Act and that the aggregate principal amount of the particular Global Note that is a Transfer Restricted Note is to be transferred to the particular Unrestricted Global Note by adjustment made on the records of the Trustee, as custodian for the Depositary to reflect the Automatic Exchange.  The Issuer may request from Holders such information it reasonably determines is required in order to be able to deliver such Officers’ Certificate.  Upon such exchange of beneficial interests pursuant to this Section 2.3(j), the aggregate principal amount of the Global Notes shall be increased or decreased by adjustments made on the records of the Trustee, as custodian for the Depositary, to reflect the relevant increase or decrease in the principal amount of such Global Note resulting from the applicable exchange.  The Global Note that is a Transfer Restricted Note from which beneficial interests are transferred pursuant to an Automatic Exchange shall be canceled following the Automatic Exchange.

 
10

 

Section 2.4
Definitive Notes .

(a)  A Global Note deposited with the Depositary or with the Trustee as Custodian pursuant to Section 2.1 or issued in connection with an Exchange Offer shall be transferred to the beneficial owners thereof in the form of Definitive Notes in an aggregate principal amount equal to the principal amount of such Global Note, in exchange for such Global Note, only if such transfer complies with Section 2.3 of this Appendix A and (i) the Depositary notifies the Issuer that it is unwilling or unable to continue as a Depositary for such Global Note or if at any time the Depositary ceases to be a “clearing agency” registered under the Exchange Act and, in each case, a successor depositary is not appointed by the Issuer within 90 days of such notice or after the Issuer becomes aware of such cessation, (ii) an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing or (iii) the Issuer, in its sole discretion and subject to the procedures of the Depository, notifies the Trustee in writing that it elects to cause the issuance of Definitive Notes under the Indenture.  In addition, any Affiliate of the Issuer or any Subsidiary Guarantor that is a beneficial owner of all or part of a Global Note may have such Affiliate’s beneficial interest transferred to such Affiliate in the form of a Definitive Note, by providing a written request to the Issuer and the Trustee and such Opinions of Counsel, certificates or other information as may be required by the Indenture or the Issuer or Trustee.

 
11

 

(b)  Any Global Note that is transferable to the beneficial owners thereof pursuant to this Section 2.4 shall be surrendered by the Depositary to the Trustee, to be so transferred, in whole or from time to time in part, without charge, and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver, upon such transfer of each portion of such Global Note, an equal aggregate principal amount of Definitive Notes of authorized denominations.  Any portion of a Global Note transferred pursuant to this Section 2.4 shall be executed, authenticated and delivered only in denominations of $2,000 and integral multiples of $1,000 in excess thereof and registered in such names as the Depositary shall direct.  Any certificated Initial Note or Additional Note in the form of a Definitive Note delivered in exchange for an interest in the Global Note shall, except as otherwise provided by Section 2.3(e) of this Appendix A, bear the Restricted Notes Legend.

(c)  Subject to the provisions of Section 2.4(b) of this Appendix A, the registered Holder of a Global Note may grant proxies and otherwise authorize any Person, including Agent Members and Persons that may hold interests through Agent Members, to take any action which a Holder is entitled to take under this Indenture or the Notes.

(d)  In the event of the occurrence of any of the events specified in Section 2.4(a)(i), (ii) or (iii) of this Appendix A, the Issuer shall promptly make available to the Trustee a reasonable supply of Definitive Notes in fully registered form without interest coupons.

 
12

 
 
EXHIBIT A
[FORM OF FACE OF NOTE]

[Insert the Restricted Notes Legend, if applicable, pursuant to the provisions of this Indenture]

[Insert the Global Notes Legend, if applicable, pursuant to the provisions of this Indenture]

[Insert the Definitive Notes Legend, if applicable, pursuant to the provisions of this Indenture]

 
A-1

 

CUSIP [                     ]

ISIN [                     ] 1

[RULE 144A][REGULATION S][IAI][GLOBAL] NOTE

8.5% Senior Notes due 2018

No. ___
$[●]

DARLING INTERNATIONAL INC.

DARLING INTERNATIONAL INC. promises to pay to [CEDE & CO.] 2 or registered assigns $_______ (_______ Dollars) [(as the same may be revised from time to time on the Schedule of Exchanges of Interests in the Global Note attached hereto)] 3 on [__________] [__], 20[__].

Interest Payment Dates:  June 15 and December 15

Record Dates:  [__________] [__] and [__________] [__]

Reference is made to further provisions of this Note set forth on the reverse hereof, which further provisions shall for all purposes have the same effect as set forth at this place.
________________________
 
1
Rule 144A Note CUSIP:  [___________]
Rule 144A Note ISIN:   [___________]
Regulation S Note CUSIP:  [___________]
Regulation S Note ISIN:  [___________]
IAI Note CUSIP:  [___________]
IAI Note ISIN:  [___________]
[CUSIP for Unrestricted Global Note:  [_________]]
[ISIN for Unrestricted Global Note:  [_________]]
 
2
Insert in Global Notes
 
3
Insert in Global Notes

 
A-2

 

IN WITNESS HEREOF, the Issuer has caused this instrument to be duly executed.

Dated:
 
DARLING INTERNATIONAL INC.
 
By
 
By:
 
   
Name:
   
Title:

 
A-3

 

CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICATION

This is one of the Notes referred to in the within-mentioned Indenture:

 
U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, as Trustee
 
By
 
By:
 
   
Authorized Signatory

Dated:

 
A-4

 

[Reverse Side of Note]

8.5% Senior Notes due 2018

Capitalized terms used herein shall have the meanings assigned to them in the Indenture referred to below unless otherwise indicated.

1.             INTEREST.  Darling International Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “ Issuer ”), promises to pay interest on the principal amount of this Note at 8.5% per annum until maturity [and shall pay Additional Interest, if any, payable pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement referred to below] 4 .  The Issuer shall pay interest [and Additional Interest, if any, on this Note that may be entitled to Additional Interest under the Registration Rights Agreement] 5 semi-annually in arrears on June 15 and December 15 of each year, or if any such day is not a Business Day, on the next succeeding Business Day (each, an “ Interest Payment Date ”); provided that the first Interest Payment Date with respect to this Note shall be [June 15, 2011] 6 . Interest on the Notes shall accrue from the most recent date to which interest has been paid or, if no interest has been paid, from and including [December 17, 2010] 7 .  The Issuer shall pay interest (including post-petition interest in any proceeding under any Bankruptcy Law) on overdue principal and premium, if any, from time to time on demand at the interest rate on the Notes; it shall pay interest (including post-petition interest in any proceeding under any Bankruptcy Law) on overdue installments of interest[, including Additional Interest, if any,] 8 (without regard to any applicable grace periods) from time to time on demand at the interest rate on the Notes.  Interest shall be computed on the basis of a 360-day year comprised of twelve 30-day months.

2.             METHOD OF PAYMENT.  The Issuer shall pay interest on this Note to the Persons who are registered Holders of this Note at the close of business on June 1 or December 1 (whether or not a Business Day), as the case may be, immediately preceding the related Interest Payment Date, even if such Notes are canceled after such record date and on or before such Interest Payment Date, except as provided in Section 2.12 of the Indenture with respect to defaulted interest.  Principal, premium, if any, and interest on the Notes shall be payable at the office or agency of the Issuer maintained for such purpose or, at the option of the Issuer, payment of interest and premium, if any, may be made by check mailed to the Holders at their respective addresses set forth in the Note Register; provided that payment by wire transfer of immediately available funds to the registered Holder of such Global Note or its nominee shall be required with respect to principal, premium, if any, and interest[, including Additional Interest, if any,] 9 on all Global Notes and all other Notes the Holders of which shall have provided wire transfer instructions to a U.S. dollar account maintained by the payee with a bank in the United States if such Holder elects payment by wire transfer by giving written notice to the Trustee or the Paying Agent to such effect designating such account at least 30 days prior to the applicable payment date.  Such payment shall be in such coin or currency of the United States of America as at the time of payment is legal tender for payment of public and private debts.

___________________________
 
4
Insert in all Notes that may be entitled to Additional Interest under the Registration Rights Agreement.
 
5
Insert in all Notes that may be entitled to Additional Interest under the Registration Rights Agreement.
 
6
Insert other applicable date for all Notes other than the Initial Notes.
 
7
Insert other applicable date for all Notes other than the Initial Notes.
 
8
Insert in all Notes that may be entitled to Additional Interest under the Registration Rights Agreement.
 
9
Insert in all Notes that may be entitled to Additional Interest under the Registration Rights Agreement.

 
A-5

 

3.             PAYING AGENT AND REGISTRAR.  Initially, [Name of Trustee], the Trustee under the Indenture, shall act as Paying Agent and Registrar.  The Issuer may change any Paying Agent or Registrar without notice to the Holders.  The Issuer or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries may act in any such capacity.

4.             INDENTURE.  The Issuer issued the Notes under an Indenture, dated as of December 17, 2010 (the “ Indenture ”), among Darling International Inc., the Subsidiary Guarantors from time to time party thereto and the Trustee.  This Note is one of a duly authorized issue of notes of the Issuer designated as its 8.5% Senior Notes due 2018.  The Issuer shall be entitled to issue Additional Notes pursuant to, and subject to, Section 2.01 and 4.09 of the Indenture.  The Notes and any Additional Notes issued under the Indenture shall be treated as a single class of securities under the Indenture. The terms of the Notes include those stated in the Indenture and those made part of the Indenture by reference to the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended (the “ Trust Indenture Act ”).  The Notes are subject to all such terms, and Holders are referred to the Indenture and the Trust Indenture Act for a statement of such terms. All terms used in the Notes that are defined in the Indenture shall have the meaning assigned to them in the Indenture. To the extent any provision of this Note conflicts with the express provisions of the Indenture, the provisions of the Indenture shall govern and be controlling.

5.             REDEMPTION AND REPURCHASE.  The Notes are subject to optional redemption, and may be the subject of an Offer to Purchase, as further described in the Indenture.  The Issuer shall not be required to make mandatory redemption or sinking fund payments with respect to the Notes.

6.             DENOMINATIONS, TRANSFER, EXCHANGE.  The Notes are in registered form without coupons in denominations of $2,000 and integral multiples of $1,000 in excess thereof.  The transfer of Notes may be registered and Notes may be exchanged as provided in the Indenture.  The Registrar and the Trustee may require a Holder, among other things, to furnish appropriate endorsements and transfer documents, and Holders shall be required to pay any taxes and fees required by law or permitted by the Indenture.  The Issuer need not exchange or register the transfer of any Note or portion of a Note selected for redemption, except for the unredeemed portion of any Note being redeemed in part. Also, the Issuer shall not be required to register the transfer of or exchange any Notes during a period beginning at the opening of business 15 days before the day of any selection of Notes for redemption and ending at the close of business on the day of selection.

7.             PERSONS DEEMED OWNERS.  The registered Holder of a Note may be treated as its owner for all purposes.

8.             AMENDMENT, SUPPLEMENT AND WAIVER.  The Indenture, the Subsidiary Guarantees or the Notes may be amended or supplemented, and the provisions thereof may be subject to waiver, as provided in the Indenture.

9.             DEFAULTS AND REMEDIES.  The Events of Default relating to the Notes are defined in Section 6.01 of the Indenture.  Upon the occurrence of an Event of Default, the rights and obligations of the Issuer, the Subsidiary Guarantors, the Trustee and the Holders shall be as set forth in the applicable provisions of the Indenture.

10.           AUTHENTICATION.  This Note shall not be entitled to any benefit under the Indenture or be valid or obligatory for any purpose until authenticated by the manual signature of the Trustee.

[11.          ADDITIONAL RIGHTS OF HOLDERS OF TRANSFER RESTRICTED NOTES.  In addition to the rights provided to Holders under the Indenture, Holders of Transfer Restricted Notes shall have all the rights set forth in the Registration Rights Agreement, including the right to receive Additional Interest.] 10
 
 
A-6

 

12.           GOVERNING LAW.  THIS NOTE WILL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.

13.           CUSIP AND ISIN NUMBERS.  Pursuant to a recommendation promulgated by the Committee on Uniform Security Identification Procedures, the Issuer has caused CUSIP and ISIN numbers to be printed on the Notes, and the Trustee may use CUSIP and ISIN numbers in notices of redemption as a convenience to Holders.  No representation is made as to the accuracy of such numbers either as printed on the Notes or as contained in any notice of redemption and reliance may be placed only on the other identification numbers placed thereon.

The Issuer shall furnish to any Holder upon written request and without charge a copy of the Indenture and/or the Registration Rights Agreement.  Requests may be made to the Issuer at the following address:

c/o Darling International Inc.
251 O’Connor Ridge Blvd
Suite 300
Irving, Texas 75039
Fax No.: (972) 281-4449
Attention: Executive Vice President–Finance and Administration
 
_______________________________
 
10
Insert in all Notes that may be entitled to Additional Interest under the Registration Rights Agreement.
 
 
A-7

 

ASSIGNMENT FORM

To assign this Note, fill in the form below:

(I) or (we) assign and transfer this Note to:   __________________________________________
(Insert assignee’s legal name)


(Insert assignee’s soc. sec. or tax I.D. no.)


 



 

  (Print or type assignee’s name, address and zip code)
and irrevocably appoint _________________________________________________________
to transfer this Note on the books of the Issuer.  The agent may substitute another to act for him.

Date:
       
         
     
Your Signature:
 
       
(Sign exactly as your name appears on the face of this Note)

Signature Guarantee*:
 

* Participant in a recognized Signature Guarantee Medallion Program (or other signature guarantor acceptable to the Trustee).

 
A-8

 

CERTIFICATE TO BE DELIVERED UPON EXCHANGE OR
REGISTRATION OF TRANSFER OF TRANSFER RESTRICTED NOTES

This certificate relates to $_________ principal amount of Notes held in (check applicable space) ____ book-entry or _____ definitive form by the undersigned.

The undersigned (check one box below):

o
has requested the Trustee by written order to deliver in exchange for its beneficial interest in the Global Note held by the Depositary a Note or Notes in definitive, registered form of authorized denominations and an aggregate principal amount equal to its beneficial interest in such Global Note (or the portion thereof indicated above) in accordance with the Indenture; or

o
has requested the Trustee by written order to exchange or register the transfer of a Note or Notes.

In connection with any transfer of any of the Notes evidenced by this certificate occurring prior to the expiration of the applicable holding period referred to in Rule 144 under the Securities Act, the undersigned confirms that such Notes are being transferred in accordance with its terms:

CHECK ONE BOX BELOW

 
(1)
o
to the Issuer or subsidiary thereof; or

 
(2)
o
to the Registrar for registration in the name of the Holder, without transfer; or

 
(3)
o
pursuant to an effective registration statement under the Securities Act of 1933; or

 
(4)
o
inside the United States of America to a “qualified institutional buyer” (as defined in Rule 144A (“Rule 144A”) under the Securities Act of 1933) that purchases for its own account or for the account of a qualified institutional buyer and to whom notice is given that such transfer is being made in reliance on Rule 144A, in each case pursuant to and in compliance with Rule 144A; or

 
(5)
o
outside the United States of America in an offshore transaction within the meaning of Regulation S under the Securities Act of 1933 in compliance with Rule 904 under the Securities Act of 1933 (and if the transfer is being made prior to the expiration of the Distribution Compliance Period, the Notes shall be held immediately thereafter through Euroclear or Clearstream); or

 
(6)
o
to an institutional “accredited investor” (as defined in Rule 501(a)(1), (2), (3) or (7) under the Securities Act of 1933) that has furnished to the Trustee a signed letter containing certain representations and agreements; or

 
(7)
o
pursuant to Rule 144 under the Securities Act of 1933 or another available exemption from registration under the Securities Act of 1933.

Unless one of the boxes is checked, the Trustee will refuse to register any of the Notes evidenced by this certificate in the name of any Person other than the registered Holder thereof; provided , however , that if box (4), (5), (6) or (7) is checked, the Issuer or the Trustee may require, prior to registering any such transfer of the Notes, such legal opinions, certifications and other information as the Issuer has reasonably requested to confirm that such transfer is being made pursuant to an exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the registration requirements of the Securities Act of 1933.

 
A-9

 
 
     
 
Your Signature
 

Signature Guarantee:
   
     
Date:
     
Signature must be guaranteed by a participant in a recognized signature guaranty medallion program or other signature guarantor acceptable to the Trustee
 
Signature of Signature Subsidiary Guarantor

TO BE COMPLETED BY PURCHASER IF (4) ABOVE IS CHECKED.

The undersigned represents and warrants that it is purchasing this Note for its own account or an account with respect to which it exercises sole investment discretion and that it and any such account is a “qualified institutional buyer” within the meaning of Rule 144A, and is aware that the sale to it is being made in reliance on Rule 144A and acknowledges that it has received such information regarding the Issuer as the undersigned has requested pursuant to Rule 144A or has determined not to request such information and that it is aware that the transferor is relying upon the undersigned’s foregoing representations in order to claim the exemption from registration provided by Rule 144A.

Dated:
     
     
NOTICE:
To be executed by an executive officer

 
A-10

 

TO BE COMPLETED IF THE HOLDER REQUIRES AN EXCHANGE
PURSUANT TO SECTION 2.3(d)(iii) OF APPENDIX A TO THE INDENTURE

The undersigned represents and warrants that either:

o
the undersigned is a non-U.S. person (within the meaning of Regulation S under the Securities Act of 1933); or

o
the undersigned is a U.S. person (within the meaning of Regulation S under the Securities Act of 1933) who purchased interests in the Notes pursuant to an exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the registration requirements under the Securities Act of 1933.

Dated:
     
   
Signature

 
A-11

 

OPTION OF HOLDER TO ELECT PURCHASE

If you want to elect to have this Note purchased by the Issuer pursuant to Section 4.10 or 4.14 of the Indenture, check the appropriate box below:

o Section 4.10                                 o Section 4.14

If you want to elect to have only part of this Note purchased by the Issuer pursuant to Section 4.10 or Section 4.14 of the Indenture, state the amount you elect to have purchased:

 
$_______________
(integral multiples of $1,000, provided that the unpurchased portion must be in a minimum principal amount of $2,000)

Date:
       
         
     
Your Signature:
 
       
(Sign exactly as your name appears on the face of this Note)
     
Tax Identification No.:
 

Signature Guarantee*:
 

* Participant in a recognized Signature Guarantee Medallion Program (or other signature guarantor acceptable to the Trustee).

 
A-12

 

SCHEDULE OF EXCHANGES OF INTERESTS IN THE GLOBAL NOTE*

The initial outstanding principal amount of this Global Note is $__________.  The following exchanges of a part of this Global Note for an interest in another Global Note or for a Definitive Note, or exchanges of a part of another Global or Definitive Note for an interest in this Global Note, have been made:
Date of Exchange
 
Amount of decrease in Principal Amount
 
Amount of increase in Principal Amount of this Global Note
 
Principal Amount of this Global Note following such decrease or increase
 
Signature of authorized signatory  of Trustee or Custodian
                 

__________________
*This schedule should be included only if the Note is issued in global form.

 
A-13

 
 
EXHIBIT B
FORM OF
TRANSFEREE LETTER OF REPRESENTATION

Darling International Inc.
251 O’Connor Ridge Blvd
Suite 300
Irving, Texas 75039
Fax No.: (972) 281-4449
Email: [jmuse@darlingii.com]
Attention: [John O. Muse]

In care of
Darling International Inc.
251 O’Connor Ridge Blvd
Suite 300
Irving, Texas 75039
Fax No.: (972) 281-449
Email: [jmuse@darlingii.com]
Attention: [John O. Muse]

Ladies and Gentlemen:

This certificate is delivered to request a transfer of $[       ] principal amount of the 8.5% Senior Notes due 2018 (the “ Notes ”) of Darling International Inc. (the “ Issuer ”).

Upon transfer, the Notes would be registered in the name of the new beneficial owner as follows:

Name:________________________

Address:______________________

Taxpayer ID Number:____________

The undersigned represents and warrants to you that:

1.  We are an institutional “accredited investor” (as defined in Rule 501(a)(1), (2), (3) or (7) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “ Securities Act ”)), purchasing for our own account or for the account of such an institutional “accredited investor” at least $250,000 principal amount of the Notes, and we are acquiring the Notes, for investment purposes and not with a view to, or for offer or sale in connection with, any distribution in violation of the Securities Act.  We have such knowledge and experience in financial and business matters as to be capable of evaluating the merits and risks of our investment in the Notes, and we invest in or purchase securities similar to the Notes in the normal course of our business.  We, and any accounts for which we are acting, are each able to bear the economic risk of our or its investment.

 
B-1

 

2.  We understand that the Notes have not been registered under the Securities Act and, unless so registered, may not be sold except as permitted in the following sentence.  We agree on our own behalf and on behalf of any investor account for which we are purchasing Notes to offer, sell or otherwise transfer such Notes prior to the date that is one year after the later of the date of original issue and the last date on which the Issuer or any affiliate of the Issuer was the owner of such Notes (or any predecessor thereto) (the “ Resale Restriction Termination Date ”) only (a) to the Issuer, (b) pursuant to a registration statement that has been declared effective under the Securities Act, (c) in a transaction complying with the requirements of Rule 144A under the Securities Act (“ Rule 144A ”), to a person we reasonably believe is a qualified institutional buyer under Rule 144A (a “ QIB ”) that is purchasing for its own account or for the account of a QIB and to whom notice is given that the transfer is being made in reliance on Rule 144A, (d) pursuant to offers and sales that occur outside the United States of America within the meaning of Regulation S under the Securities Act, (e) to an institutional “accredited investor” within the meaning of Rule 501(a)(1), (2), (3) or (7) under the Securities Act that is purchasing for its own account or for the account of such an institutional “accredited investor,” in each case in a minimum principal amount of Notes of $250,000, for investment purposes and not with a view to, or for offer or sale in connection with, any distribution in violation of the Securities Act or (f) pursuant to any other available exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act, subject in each of the foregoing cases to any requirement of law that the disposition of our property or the property of such investor account or accounts be at all times within our or their control and in compliance with any applicable state securities laws.  The foregoing restrictions on resale will not apply subsequent to the Resale Restriction Termination Date.  If any resale or other transfer of the Notes is proposed to be made pursuant to clause (e) above prior to the Resale Restriction Termination Date, the transferor shall deliver a letter from the transferee substantially in the form of this letter to the Issuer and the Trustee, which shall provide, among other things, that the transferee is an institutional “accredited investor” within the meaning of Rule 501(a)(1), (2), (3) or (7) under the Securities Act and that it is acquiring such Notes for investment purposes and not for distribution in violation of the Securities Act.  Each purchaser acknowledges that the Issuer and the Trustee reserve the right prior to the offer, sale or other transfer prior to the Resale Restriction Termination Date of the Notes pursuant to clause (c), (d), (e) or (f) above to require the delivery of an opinion of counsel, certifications or other information satisfactory to the Issuer and the Trustee.

 
TRANSFEREE:
,
     
 
by:
 

 
B-2

 
 
EXHIBIT C
FORM OF SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURE
TO BE DELIVERED BY SUBSEQUENT GUARANTORS 1

Supplemental Indenture (this “ Supplemental Indenture ”), dated as of [__________] [__], 20[__], among __________________ (the “ Guaranteeing Subsidiary ”), a subsidiary of Darling International Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “ Issuer ”), the Issuer and [Name of Trustee], as trustee (the “ Trustee ”).

W I T N E S S E T H

WHEREAS, the Issuer and the Subsidiary Guarantors (as defined in the Indenture referred to below) has heretofore executed and delivered to the Trustee an indenture (the “ Indenture ”), dated as of December [17], 2010, providing for the issuance of an unlimited aggregate principal amount of 8.5% Senior Notes due 2018 (the “ Notes ”);

WHEREAS, the Indenture provides that under certain circumstances the Guaranteeing Subsidiary shall execute and deliver to the Trustee a supplemental indenture pursuant to which the Guaranteeing Subsidiary shall unconditionally Guarantee all of the Issuer’s Obligations under the Notes and the Indenture on the terms and conditions set forth herein and under the Indenture; and

WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 9.01 of the Indenture, the Trustee is authorized to execute and deliver this Supplemental Indenture.

NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged, the parties mutually covenant and agree for the equal and ratable benefit of the Holders as follows:

1.              Capitalized Terms .  Capitalized terms used herein without definition shall have the meanings assigned to them in the Indenture.

2.              Subsidiary Guarantor .  The Guaranteeing Subsidiary hereby agrees to be a Subsidiary Guarantor under the Indenture and to be bound by the terms of the Indenture applicable to Subsidiary Guarantors, including Article 10 thereof.

3.              Releases .  The Guarantee of the Guaranteeing Subsidiary shall be unconditionally released and discharged as provided in Section 10.06 of the Indenture.

4.              No Recourse Against Others .  No past, present or future director, officer, employee, incorporator or stockholder of the Issuer or the Guaranteeing Subsidiary shall have any liability for any obligations of the Issuer or the Subsidiary Guarantors (including the Guaranteeing Subsidiary) under the Notes, any Guarantees, the Indenture or this Supplemental Indenture or for any claim based on, in respect of, or by reason of, such obligations or their creation.  Each Holder by accepting Notes waives and releases all such liability.  The waiver and release are part of the consideration for issuance of the Notes.

5.              Governing Law .  THIS SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURE WILL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
__________________
 
1
To be modified in the event the Supplemental Indenture is delivered by more than one Subsidiary Guarantor.

 
C-1

 
 
6.             Waiver of Jury Trial .  EACH OF THE GUARANTEEING SUBSIDIARY AND THE TRUSTEE HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ANY AND ALL RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY LEGAL PROCEEDING ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURE, THE INDENTURE, THE NOTES OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY OR THEREBY.

7.              Counterparts .  The parties may sign any number of copies of this Supplemental Indenture.  Each signed copy shall be an original, but all of them together represent the same agreement.

8.              Headings .  The headings of the Sections of this Supplemental Indenture have been inserted for convenience of reference only, are not to be considered a part of this Supplemental Indenture and shall in no way modify or restrict any of the terms or provisions hereof.

9.              The Trustee .  The Trustee shall not be responsible in any manner whatsoever for or in respect of the validity or sufficiency of this Supplemental Indenture or for or in respect of the recitals contained herein, all of which recitals are made solely by the Guaranteeing Subsidiary.

10.            Benefits Acknowledged .  The Guaranteeing Subsidiary’s Guarantee is subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the Indenture.  The Guaranteeing Subsidiary acknowledges that it will receive direct and indirect benefits from the financing arrangements contemplated by the Indenture and this Supplemental Indenture and that the guarantee and waivers made by it pursuant to this Subsidiary Guarantee are knowingly made in contemplation of such benefits.

11.            Successors .  All agreements of the Guaranteeing Subsidiary in this Supplemental Indenture shall bind its successors, except as otherwise provided in Section 10.06 of the Indenture.  All agreements of the Trustee in this Supplemental Indenture shall bind its successors.

 
C-2

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Supplemental Indenture to be duly executed, all as of the date first above written.

 
DARLING INTERNATIONAL INC.
 
By
 
By:
 
   
Name:
   
Title:
   
 
[NAME OF GUARANTEEING SUBSIDIARY]
 
By
 
By:
 
   
Name:
   
Title:
   
 
[NAME OF TRUSTEE], as Trustee
 
By
 
By:
 
   
Name:
   
Title:

 
 

 

SCHEDULE I

None.

 
 

 

SCHEDULE II

1.
Ground Lease, dated as of December 17, 2010, by and between Martom Properties, LLC and Griffin Industries, Inc. (Butler, Kentucky).

2.
Ground Lease, dated as of December 17, 2010, by and between Martom Properties, LLC and Griffin Industries, Inc. (Henderson, Kentucky).

3.
Ground Lease, dated as of December 17, 2010, by and between Martom Properties, LLC and Griffin Industries, Inc. (Pendleton County, Kentucky).

4.
Ground Lease, dated as of December 17, 2010, by and between Martom Properties, LLC and Griffin Industries, Inc. (Hinds County, Mississippi).

 

 
EXHIBIT 4.2
SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURE
 
Supplemental Indenture (this “ Supplemental Indenture ”), dated as of December 17, 2010, among Griffin Industries, Inc. (“ Griffin ”), a Kentucky corporation and subsidiary of Darling International Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “ Issuer ”), Craig Protein Division, Inc., a Georgia Corporation and subsidiary of Griffin (together with Griffin, the “ Guaranteeing Subsidiaries ” and each, a “ Guaranteeing Subsidiary ”), the Issuer and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee (the “ Trustee ”).
 
W I T N E S S E T H
 
WHEREAS, the Issuer and the Subsidiary Guarantors (as defined in the Indenture referred to below) has heretofore executed and delivered to the Trustee an indenture (the “ Indenture ”), dated as of December 17, 2010, providing for the issuance of an unlimited aggregate principal amount of 8.5% Senior Notes due 2018 (the “ Notes ”);
 
WHEREAS, the Indenture provides that under certain circumstances the Guaranteeing Subsidiaries shall execute and deliver to the Trustee a supplemental indenture pursuant to which the Guaranteeing Subsidiaries shall unconditionally Guarantee all of the Issuer’s Obligations under the Notes and the Indenture on the terms and conditions set forth herein and under the Indenture; and
 
WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 9.01 of the Indenture, the Trustee is authorized to execute and deliver this Supplemental Indenture.
 
NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged, the parties mutually covenant and agree for the equal and ratable benefit of the Holders as follows:
 
1.            Capitalized Terms .  Capitalized terms used herein without definition shall have the meanings assigned to them in the Indenture.
 
2.            Subsidiary Guarantor .  Each Guaranteeing Subsidiary hereby agrees to be a Subsidiary Guarantor under the Indenture and to be bound by the terms of the Indenture applicable to Subsidiary Guarantors, including Article 10 thereof.
 
3.            Releases .  The Guarantee of each Guaranteeing Subsidiary shall be unconditionally released and discharged as provided in Section 10.06 of the Indenture.
 
4.            No Recourse Against Others .  No past, present or future director, officer, employee, incorporator or stockholder of the Issuer or each Guaranteeing Subsidiary shall have any liability for any obligations of the Issuer or the Subsidiary Guarantors (including the Guaranteeing Subsidiaries) under the Notes, any Guarantees, the Indenture or this Supplemental Indenture or for any claim based on, in respect of, or by reason of, such obligations or their creation.  Each Holder by accepting Notes waives and releases all such liability.  The waiver and release are part of the consideration for issuance of the Notes.
 
5.            Governing Law .  THIS SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURE WILL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
 
6.            Waiver of Jury Trial .  EACH OF THE GUARANTEEING SUBSIDIARIES AND THE TRUSTEE HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ANY AND ALL RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY
 

 
 

 

LEGAL PROCEEDING ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURE, THE INDENTURE, THE NOTES OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY OR THEREBY.
 
7.            Counterparts .  The parties may sign any number of copies of this Supplemental Indenture.  Each signed copy shall be an original, but all of them together represent the same agreement.
 
8.            Headings .  The headings of the Sections of this Supplemental Indenture have been inserted for convenience of reference only, are not to be considered a part of this Supplemental Indenture and shall in no way modify or restrict any of the terms or provisions hereof.
 
9.            The Trustee .  The Trustee shall not be responsible in any manner whatsoever for or in respect of the validity or sufficiency of this Supplemental Indenture or for or in respect of the recitals contained herein, all of which recitals are made solely by each Guaranteeing Subsidiary.
 
10.            Benefits Acknowledged .  The Guarantees of the Guaranteeing Subsidiaries are subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the Indenture.  Each Guaranteeing Subsidiary acknowledges that it will receive direct and indirect benefits from the financing arrangements contemplated by the Indenture and this Supplemental Indenture and that the guarantee and waivers made by it pursuant to these Subsidiary Guarantees are knowingly made in contemplation of such benefits.
 
11.            Successors .  All agreements of the Guaranteeing Subsidiaries in this Supplemental Indenture shall bind their respective successors, except as otherwise provided in Section 10.06 of the Indenture.  All agreements of the Trustee in this Supplemental Indenture shall bind its successors.
 

 
2

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Supplemental Indenture to be duly executed, all as of the date first above written.
 
 
 
 
GRIFFIN INDUSTRIES, INC.
 
By
 
By:
/s/ John O. Muse
   
Name:
John O. Muse
   
Title:
Executive Vice President, Finance and Administration
 
 
 
 
CRAIG PROTEIN DIVISION, INC.
 
By
 
By:
/s/ John O. Muse
   
Name:
John O. Muse
   
Title:
Executive Vice President, Finance and Administration
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
Signature Page to Supplemental Indenture
 
 

 

 
 
DARLING INTERNATIONAL INC.
 
By
 
By:
/s/ John O. Muse
   
Name:
John O. Muse
   
Title:
Executive Vice President, Finance and Administration
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Signature Page to Supplemental Indenture
 
 

 

 
U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, as Trustee
 
By
 
By:
/s/ Raymond S. Haverstock
   
Name:
Raymond S. Haverstock
   
Title:
Vice President
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
Signature Page to Supplemental Indenture
 

EXHIBIT 10.1
 
 
EXECUTION VERSION


 

CREDIT AGREEMENT
 
dated as of
 
December 17, 2010
 
among
 
 
The Lenders Party Hereto
 
and
 
JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A.,
as Administrative Agent
 
BANK OF MONTREAL,
acting under its trade name BMO CAPITAL MARKETS
as Syndication Agent
 
PNC BANK, N.A.
 
and
 
 GOLDMAN SACHS BANK USA,
as Documentation Agents
 
___________________________
 
J.P. MORGAN SECURITIES LLC
 
and
 
BANK OF MONTREAL,
acting under its trade name BMO CAPITAL MARKETS
as Joint Bookrunners and Co-Lead Arrangers
 
 
 


 
 
 

 
 
Table of Contents

   
PAGE
     
   
ARTICLE I. DEFINITIONS
1
   
 
Defined Terms
1
 
Classification of Loans and Borrowings
23
 
Terms Generally
23
 
Accounting Terms; GAAP
24
Section 1.05 .
Business Days; Payments
24
     
ARTICLE II. THE CREDITS
24
   
 
Commitments
24
 
Loans and Borrowings
25
 
Requests for Borrowings
25
 
Swingline Loans
26
 
Letters of Credit
27
 
Funding of Borrowings
30
 
Interest Elections
31
 
Termination and Reduction of Commitments
32
 
Repayment of Loans; Evidence of Debt
33
 
Amortization of Term Loans
33
 
Prepayment of Loans
34
 
Fees
36
 
Interest
37
 
Alternate Rate of Interest
37
 
Increased Costs
38
 
Break Funding Payments
39
 
Taxes
39
 
Payments Generally; Pro Rata Treatment; Sharing of Set-Offs; Proceeds of Collateral
41
 
Mitigation Obligations; Replacement of Lenders
43
 
Incremental Facilities
44
 
Defaulting Lenders
46
     
ARTICLE III. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES
48
   
 
Organization; Powers
48
 
Authorization; Enforceability
48
 
Governmental Approvals; No Conflicts
48
 
Financial Condition; No Material Adverse Change
48
 
Properties
49
 
Litigation and Environmental Matters
49
 
Compliance with Laws and Agreements
50
 
Investment Company Act Status
50
 
Taxes
50
 
ERISA
50
 
Disclosure
50
 
Subsidiaries
51
 
Labor Matters
51
 
Solvency
51
 
Margin Securities
51
 
 
TABLE OF CONTENTS, Page i of vi

 
 
 
Security Documents
52
 
Use of Proceeds
52
 
Regulation H
52
 
Patriot Act
52
     
ARTICLE IV. CONDITIONS
52
   
 
Effective Date
52
 
Each Credit Event
55
     
ARTICLE V. AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS
56
   
 
Financial Statements and Other Information
56
 
Notices of Material Events
57
 
Existence; Conduct of Business
58
 
Payment of Obligations
58
 
Maintenance of Properties
58
 
Insurance
59
 
Books and Records; Inspection and Audit Rights
59
 
Compliance with Laws and Contractual Obligations
59
 
Environmental Laws
60
 
Collateral Matters; Guaranty Agreement
60
 
Maintenance of Ratings
63
     
ARTICLE VI. NEGATIVE COVENANTS
63
   
 
Indebtedness
63
 
Liens
66
 
Fundamental Changes
69
 
Investments, Loans, Advances, Guarantees and Acquisitions
69
 
Asset Sales
74
 
Sale and Leaseback Transactions
76
 
Swap Agreements
76
 
Restricted Payments; Certain Payments of Indebtedness
76
 
Transactions with Affiliates
78
 
Restrictive Agreements
78
 
Amendment of Material Debt Documents
79
 
Change in Fiscal Year
79
     
ARTICLE VII. FINANCIAL COVENANTS
80
   
 
Fixed Charge Coverage
80
 
Leverage Ratio
80
     
ARTICLE VIII. EVENTS OF DEFAULT
80
   
 
Events of Default; Remedies
80
 
Performance by the Administrative Agent
82
     
ARTICLE IX. THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT
82
   
 
Appointment
82
 
Rights as a Lender
83
 
Limitation of Duties and Immunities
83
 
Reliance on Third Parties
83
 
Sub-Agents
83
 
Successor Agent
84
 
 
TABLE OF CONTENTS, Page ii of vi

 
 
 
Independent Credit Decisions
84
 
Other Agents
84
 
Powers and Immunities of Issuing Bank
85
 
Permitted Release of Collateral and Subsidiary Loan Parties
85
 
Perfection by Possession and Control
86
 
Lender Affiliates Rights
86
Section 9.13
Actions in Concert
87
     
ARTICLE X. MISCELLANEOUS
87
   
 
Notices
87
 
Waivers; Amendments
88
 
Expenses; Indemnity; Damage Waiver
89
 
Successors and Assigns
91
 
Survival
94
 
Counterparts; Integration; Effectiveness
94
 
Severability
94
 
Right of Setoff
94
 
Governing Law; Jurisdiction; Consent to Service of Process
95
 
WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL
95
 
Headings
96
 
Confidentiality
96
 
Maximum Interest Rate
97
 
Limitation of Liability
97
 
No Duty
98
 
No Fiduciary Relationship
98
 
Construction
98
 
USA Patriot Act
98

 
TABLE OF CONTENTS, Page iii of vi

 
 
LIST OF EXHIBITS AND SCHEDULES

EXHIBITS:
     
Exhibit A
Form of Assignment and Assumption
Exhibit B
Form of Guaranty Agreement
Exhibit C
Form of Security Agreement
Exhibit D
Form of Compliance Certificate
Exhibit E
Form of Incremental Facility Activation Notice
Exhibit F
Form of Solvency Certificate
Exhibit G
Form of Mortgage
Exhibit H
Form of Tax Exemption Certificate

SCHEDULES:
     
Schedule 1.01(a)
Mortgaged Property
Schedule 1.01(b)
Existing Letters of Credit
Schedule 2.01
Commitments
Schedule 3.12
Subsidiaries
Schedule 3.13
Labor Matters
Schedule 6.01
Existing Indebtedness
Schedule 6.02
Existing Liens
Schedule 6.04
Investments
Schedule 6.09
Certain Affiliate Transactions
 
LIST OF EXHIBITS AND SCHEDULES, Solo Page
 
 

 
 
CREDIT AGREEMENT dated as of December 17, 2010 (this " Agreement ") among DARLING INTERNATIONAL INC., a Delaware corporation, the LENDERS party hereto from time to time, and JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., as Administrative Agent, BANK OF MONTREAL, acting under its trade name BMO CAPITAL MARKETS, as Syndication Agent (in such capacity, the " Syndication Agent "), and PNC BANK, N.A. and GOLDMAN SACHS BANK USA, as Documentation Agents (in such capacity, each a " Documentation Agent ").

The parties hereto agree as follows:

ARTICLE I.

Definitions

Section 1.01.            Defined Terms .  As used in this Agreement, the following terms have the meanings specified below:

" ABR ", when used in reference to any Loan or Borrowing, refers to whether such Loan, or the Loans comprising such Borrowing, are bearing interest at a rate determined by reference to the Alternate Base Rate.

" Adjusted EBITDA " means, for any period (the " Subject Period "), the total of the following calculated without duplication for such period:  (a) the EBITDA of the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries; plus (b) cash distributions actually received from joint ventures (including the Renewable Diesel Joint Venture); plus (c) on a pro forma basis, the pro forma EBITDA of Griffin and its subsidiaries and each Prior Target (or, as applicable, the EBITDA of a Prior Target attributable to the assets acquired from such Prior Target), for any portion of such Subject Period occurring prior to the date of the acquisition of Griffin and its subsidiaries or such Prior Target (or the related assets, as the case may be) and including in the calculation of such pro forma EBITDA (without duplication) (i) credit for acquisition-related costs and savings to the extent expressly permitted pursuant to Article 11 of Regulation S-X under the Securities Act of 1933 and (ii) other adjustments for cost savings as are reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent; plus (d) trust costs related to trusts of the Griffin family, lease expense and salary and benefits expense for employees of Griffin not continuing following the Bluegrass Acquisition, in an aggregate amount not to exceed $15,000,000 in the aggregate for any Subject Period; minus (e) the EBITDA of each Prior Company and, as applicable but without duplication, the EBITDA of the Borrower and each Restricted Subsidiary attributable to all Prior Assets, in each case for any portion of such Subject Period occurring prior to the date of the disposal of such Prior Companies or Prior Assets.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Adjusted EBITDA for the fiscal quarters ending April 3, 2010, July 3, 2010 and October 2, 2010 shall be $62,049,000, $65,125,000 and $63,599,000, respectively.

" Adjusted LIBO Rate " means, with respect to any Eurodollar Borrowing for any Interest Period or with respect to the determination of the Alternate Base Rate, an interest rate per annum (rounded upwards, if necessary, to the next 1/16 of 1%) equal to (a) the LIBO Rate for such Interest Period or, with respect to the determination of the Alternative Base Rate, for a one month interest period multiplied by (b) the Statutory Reserve Rate.

" Administrative Agent " means JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., in its capacity as administrative agent for the Lenders hereunder.

" Administrative Questionnaire " means an administrative questionnaire in a form supplied by the Administrative Agent.

 
CREDIT AGREEMENT, Page 1

 

" Affiliate " means, with respect to a specified Person, another Person that directly, or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, Controls or is Controlled by or is under common Control with the Person specified.

" Agreement " has the meaning assigned to such term in the preamble hereto.

" Aircraft " has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 5.10(d)(ii) hereto.

" Alternate Base Rate " means, for any day, a rate per annum equal to the greatest of (a) the Prime Rate in effect on such day, (b) the Federal Funds Effective Rate in effect on such day plus ½ of 1% and (c) the Adjusted LIBO Rate for a one month interest period on such day (or if such day is not a Business Day, the immediately preceding Business Day) plus 1%; provided , however , that notwithstanding the rate calculated in accordance with the foregoing, at no time shall the Alternate Base Rate with respect to the Term Loans be less than 2.50% per annum.  Any change in the Alternate Base Rate due to a change in the Prime Rate, the Federal Funds Effective Rate or the Adjusted LIBO Rate shall be effective from and including the effective date of such change in the Prime Rate, the Federal Funds Effective Rate or the Adjusted LIBO Rate, respectively.

" Applicable Percentage " means, with respect to any Revolving Lender, subject to Section 2.21 , the percentage of the total Revolving Commitments represented by such Lender's Revolving Commitment.  If the Revolving Commitments have terminated or expired, the Applicable Percentages shall be determined based upon the Revolving Commitments most recently in effect, giving effect to any assignments.

" Applicable Rate " means, for any day and with respect to a Eurodollar Loan that is a Term Loan, 3.50%, and with respect to any ABR Loan that is a Term Loan, 2.50%; for any day and with respect to any Revolving Loan and with respect to any letter of credit fee or any commitment fee payable hereunder, as the case may be, the applicable rate per annum set forth below under the caption "ABR Spread", "Eurodollar Spread", "Commitment Fee Rate" or "Letter of Credit Fee", as the case may be, based upon the Pricing Ratio as of the most recent determination date; provided that until delivery of the Borrower's consolidated financial statements for the fiscal quarter ended June 30, 2011 as required by Section 5.01(b) , the "Applicable Rate" shall be the applicable rate per annum set forth below in Category 2:

Category
Pricing Ratio
ABR Spread
Eurodollar Spread
Commitment Fee Rate
Letter of Credit Fee
1
Greater than or equal to  3.25 to 1.00
2.50%
3.50%
0.500%
3.50%
2
Less than 3.25 to 1.00 but greater than or equal to 2.75 to 1.00
2.25%
3.25%
0.500%
3.25%
3
Less than 2.75 to 1.00 but greater than or equal to 2.25 to 1.00
2.00%
3.00%
0.45%
3.00%
4
Less than 2.25 to 1.00 but greater than or equal to 1.75 to 1.00
1.75%
2.75%
0.40%
2.75%
5
Less than 1.75 to 1.00
1.25%
2.25%
0.40%
2.25%

 
CREDIT AGREEMENT, Page 2

 

For purposes of the foregoing, (i) the Pricing Ratio shall be determined as of the end of each fiscal quarter of the Borrower's fiscal year based upon the Borrower's consolidated financial statements delivered pursuant to Section 5.01(a) or (b) and (ii) each change in the Applicable Rate resulting from a change in the Pricing Ratio shall be effective during the period commencing on and including the date of delivery to the Administrative Agent of such consolidated financial statements indicating such change and ending on the date immediately preceding the effective date of the next such change; provided that the Pricing Ratio shall be deemed to be in Category 1:  (A) at any time that an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing or (B) at the option of the Administrative Agent or at the request of the Required Lenders if the Borrower fails to deliver the consolidated financial statements required to be delivered by it pursuant to Section 5.01(a) or (b) , during the period from the expiration of the time for delivery thereof until such consolidated financial statements are delivered.

Approved Electronic Communications ” means any notice, demand, communication, information, document or other material that any Loan Party provides to the Administrative Agent pursuant to any Loan Document or the transactions contemplated therein which is distributed to any agents hereunder or to Lenders by means of electronic communications pursuant to Section 10.01 .  

" Approved Fund " means a Person (other than a natural person) that is engaged in making, purchasing, holding or investing in bank loans and similar extensions of credit in the ordinary course of its business and 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.

" Asset Swap " means a concurrent purchase and sale or exchange of Related Business Assets between the Borrower or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries and another Person; provided that the Borrower or such Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be, receives consideration at least equal to the fair market value (such fair market value to be determined on the date of the contractually agreeing to such transaction) as determined in good faith by the Borrower.

" Assignment and Assumption " means an Assignment and Assumption entered into by a Lender and an assignee (with the consent of any party whose consent is required by Section 10.04 ), and accepted by the Administrative Agent, in the form of Exhibit A or any other form approved by the Administrative Agent.

" Available Amount " means, at any date, an amount equal to the sum of (i) $15,000,000 plus (ii) the Net Proceeds actually received by the Borrower from the Effective Date to such date from the sale of Equity Interests of the Borrower (other than Disqualified Equity Interests and other than Equity Interests issued or sold to a Subsidiary or an employee stock ownership plan or similar trust to the extent such sale to an employee stock ownership plan or similar trust is financed by loans from or Guaranteed by the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary unless such loans have been repaid with cash on or prior to the date of determination) minus (iii) the aggregate amount of cash Investments made by the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary in the Renewable Diesel Joint Venture pursuant to Section 6.04(u)(i) minus (iv) the aggregate amount of unreimbursed payments made by the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary in respect of Indebtedness or the exercise of remedies under any Lien permitted by Section 6.01(w) .

" Bluegrass Acquisition " means the acquisition by the Borrower of Griffin pursuant to the Merger Agreement.

" Board " means the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System of the United States of America.

" Borrower " means Darling International Inc., a Delaware corporation.

 
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" Borrowing " means (a) Loans of the same Class and Type, made, converted or continued on the same date and, in the case of Eurodollar Loans, as to which a single Interest Period is in effect, or (b) a Swingline Loan.

" Borrowing Request " means a request by the Borrower for a Borrowing in accordance with Section 2.03 .

" Business Day " means any day that is not a Saturday, Sunday or other day on which commercial banks in New York City, Chicago, Illinois or Dallas, Texas are authorized or required by law to remain closed; provided that, when used in connection with a Eurodollar Loan, the term " Business Day " shall also exclude any day on which banks are not open for dealings in dollar deposits in the London interbank market.

" Capital Expenditures " means, for any period and a Person, without duplication (a) the additions to property, plant and equipment and other capital expenditures of such Person and its consolidated subsidiaries that are (or would be) set forth in a consolidated statement of cash flows of such Person for such period prepared in accordance with GAAP and (b) Capital Lease Obligations incurred by such Person and its consolidated subsidiaries during such period.

" Capital Lease Obligations " of any Person means the obligations of such Person to pay rent or other amounts under any lease of (or other arrangement conveying the right to use) real or personal property, or a combination thereof, which obligations are required to be classified and accounted for as capital leases on a balance sheet of such Person under GAAP, and the amount of such obligations shall be the capitalized amount thereof determined in accordance with GAAP.

" Change in Control " means any of the following: (a) the acquisition of ownership, directly or indirectly, beneficially or of record, by any Person or group (within the meaning of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission thereunder as in effect on the date hereof), of Equity Interests representing more than 50% of either the aggregate ordinary voting power or the aggregate equity value represented by the issued and outstanding Equity Interests in the Borrower; (b) occupation of a majority of the seats (other than vacant seats) on the board of directors of Borrower by Persons who were neither (i) nominated by the board of directors of Borrower nor (ii) appointed or elected  by directors so nominated; or (c) the occurrence of a "Change of Control" or any comparable event resulting in a requirement for the Borrower to make an offer to purchase any Senior Unsecured Debt, as the term "Change of Control" or those events are defined under any of the documentation evidencing and governing any of the Senior Unsecured Debt.

" Change in Law " means (a) the adoption of any law, rule or regulation after the date of this Agreement, (b) any change in any law, rule or regulation or in the interpretation or application thereof by any Governmental Authority after the date of this Agreement or (c) compliance by any Lender or the Issuing Bank (or, for purposes of Section 2.15(b) , by any lending office of such Lender or by such Lender's or the Issuing Bank's holding company, if any) with any request, guideline or directive (whether or not having the force of law) of any Governmental Authority made or issued after the date of this Agreement; provided , however , that notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary,  the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and all requests, rules, guidelines or directives thereunder or issued in connection therewith shall be deemed to be a "Change in Law", regardless of the date enacted, adopted or issued.

" Class ", when used in reference to any Loan or Borrowing, refers to whether such Loan, or the Loans comprising such Borrowing, are Revolving Loans, Term Loans or Swingline Loans and, when used in reference to any Commitment, refers to whether such Commitment is a Revolving Commitment or Term Commitment.

 
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" Closing Date Material Adverse Effect " means any event, change, occurrence, circumstance or development that, individually or in the aggregate with any such other event, change, occurrence, circumstance or development, has had or would reasonably be expected to result in any material adverse effect on (a) the business, operations, liabilities, properties, assets or financial condition of Griffin and its subsidiaries taken as a whole and (b) the ability of Griffin and its subsidiaries to perform on a timely basis any material obligation under the Merger Agreement or to consummate the transactions contemplated thereby; provided , however , that none of the following shall be deemed to result in or constitute a Closing Date Material Adverse Effect: (i) any event, change, circumstance or effect attributable solely to conditions affecting the industries in which Griffin participates or the United States of America economy as a whole; (ii) any change required by any change in applicable accounting requirements or principles, or applicable laws, rules or regulations which occurs or becomes effective after November 9, 2010; or (iii) any change or event to the extent attributable solely to the Borrower or its anticipated ownership and operation of Griffin’s business that impacts Griffin’s revenues or relationships with any employee or director of Griffin or any of its subsidiaries, its customers, suppliers or partners.

" Code " means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time.

" Collateral " means the Mortgaged Property, the "Collateral" as defined in the Security Agreement and any and all property in which Liens have been granted to the Administrative Agent to secure the Obligations.

" Commitment " means a Revolving Commitment or the Term Commitment, or any combination thereof (as the context requires).

            " Commitment Parties " means J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., Bank of Montreal, acting under its trade name BMO Capital Markets , PNC Capital Markets LLC, PNC Bank, N.A. and Goldman Sachs Bank USA.

" Consolidated Net Income " means, for any period and any Person (a " Subject Person "), such Subject Person's consolidated net income (or loss) determined in accordance with GAAP, but excluding any extraordinary, nonrecurring, nonoperating or noncash gains, charges or losses, including or in addition, the following:

(a)           the income (or loss) of any Unrestricted Subsidiary, any other Person who is not a Restricted Subsidiary but whose accounts would be consolidated with those of the Subject Person in the Subject Person's consolidated financial statements in accordance with GAAP or any other Person (other than a Restricted Subsidiary) in which the Subject Person or a subsidiary has an ownership interest (including any joint venture); provided , however , that (i) Consolidated Net Income shall include amounts in respect of the income of such when actually received in cash by the Subject Person or such subsidiary in the form of dividends or similar distributions and (ii) Consolidated Net Income shall be reduced by the aggregate amount of all investments, regardless of the form thereof, made by the Subject Person or any of its subsidiaries in such Person for the purpose of funding any deficit or loss of such Person;

(b)           any gains or losses accrued on foreign currency receivables or on foreign currency payables of the Subject Person or a subsidiary organized under the laws of the United States which are not realized in a cash transaction;

 
CREDIT AGREEMENT, Page 5

 

(c)           the income or loss of any foreign subsidiary or of any foreign Person (other than a subsidiary) in which the Subject Person or subsidiary has an ownership interest to the extent that the equivalent dollar amount of the income contains increases or decreases due to the fluctuation of a foreign currency exchange rate after the Effective Date; and

(d)           the income or loss of any Person acquired by the Subject Person or a subsidiary for any period prior to the date of such acquisition (provided such income or loss may be included in the calculation of Adjusted EBITDA to the extent provided in the definition thereof).

It is understood that any fees, expenses and charges incurred in connection with the consummation of the Transactions (other than consolidated interest expense relating thereto), including any expenses relating to the extinguishment of Indebtedness shall be excluded from the calculation of Consolidated Net Income.

" Consolidated Net Tangible Assets " means Consolidated Total Assets after deducting:

(a)           all current liabilities;

(b)           any item representing investments in Unrestricted Subsidiaries; and

(c)           all goodwill, trade names, trademarks, patents, unamortized debt discount and expense and other intangibles.

" Consolidated Total Assets " means, as of any date of determination, the total amount of assets which would appear on a consolidated balance sheet of the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries, determined on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP.

" Contractual Obligation " means, as to any Person, any provision of any security issued by such Person or of any agreement, instrument or other undertaking to which such Person is a party or by which it or any of its property is bound.

" Control " means the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management or policies of a Person, whether through the ability to exercise voting power, by contract or otherwise.  "Controlling" and "Controlled" have meanings correlative thereto.

Convention ” means the Convention on International Interests in Mobile Equipment.

" Covered Party " means each Loan Party and any other Subsidiary of the Borrower designated by the Borrower as a "Covered Party" for purposes of this Agreement.

" Credit Facilities " means the Revolving Facility and the Term Facility.

" Default " means any event or condition which constitutes an Event of Default or which upon notice, lapse of time or both would, unless cured or waived, become an Event of Default.

" Defaulting Lender " means any Lender that has: (a) failed to fund any portion of its Loans or participations in Letters of Credit or Swingline Loans within two Business Days of the date required to be funded by it hereunder, (b) notified the Borrower, the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Bank, the Swingline Lender or any Lender in writing that it does not intend to comply with any of its funding obligations under this Agreement or has made a public statement to the effect that it does not intend to comply with its funding obligations under this Agreement or generally under other agreements in which it commits to extend credit, (c) failed, within two Business Days after request by the Administrative Agent, to confirm that it will comply with the terms of this Agreement relating to its obligations to fund prospective Loans and participations in then outstanding Letters of Credit and Swingline Loans; provided that any Lender that has failed to give such timely confirmation shall cease to be a Defaulting Lender under this clause (c) immediately upon the delivery of such confirmation, (d) 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 Business Days of the date when due, unless the subject of a good faith dispute, or (e) (i) become or is insolvent or has a parent company that has become or is insolvent or (ii) become the subject of a bankruptcy or insolvency proceeding, or has had a receiver, conservator, trustee or custodian appointed for it, or has taken any action in furtherance of, or indicating its consent to, approval of or acquiescence in any such proceeding or appointment or has a parent company that has become the subject of a bankruptcy or insolvency proceeding, or has had a receiver, conservator, trustee or custodian appointed for it, or has taken any action in furtherance of, or indicating its consent to, approval of or acquiescence in any such proceeding or appointment.

 
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" Deposit Obligations " means all obligations, indebtedness, and liabilities of the Covered Parties, or any one of them, to any Lender or any Affiliate of any Lender which have been designated by the Borrower by written notice to the Administrative Agent as entitled to the security of the Collateral and which arise pursuant to any treasury, purchasing card, deposit, lock box or cash management services or arrangements (including in connection with any automated clearing house transfers of funds or any similar transactions between the Borrower or any Subsidiary Loan Party and any Lender, Affiliate of a Lender, Issuing Bank or the Administrative Agent ) entered into by such Lender or Affiliate with the Covered Parties, or any one of them, whether now existing or hereafter arising, whether direct, indirect, related, unrelated, fixed, contingent, liquidated, unliquidated, joint, several, or joint and several, including, without limitation, the obligation, indebtedness, and liabilities of the Covered Parties, or any one of them, to repay any credit extended in connection with such arrangements, interest thereon, and all fees, costs, and expenses (including reasonable attorneys' fees and expenses) provided for in the documentation executed in connection therewith.

" Disclosed Matters " means all the matters disclosed in on the Schedules hereto or in the Borrower's reports to the Securities and Exchange Commission on form 10 - K for the fiscal year ended January 2, 2010 or the 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended October 2, 2010.

" Disposition " has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 6.05 .

" Disqualified Equity Interests " means any Equity Interest which, by its terms (or by the terms of any security or other Equity Interest into which it is convertible or for which it is exchangeable), or upon the happening of any event or condition (a) matures or is mandatorily redeemable, pursuant to a sinking fund obligations or otherwise, (b) is redeemable at the option of the holder thereof, in whole or in part, (c) provides for the scheduled payments of dividends in cash or (d) is or becomes convertible into or exchangeable for Indebtedness or any other Equity Interest that would constitute Disqualified Equity Interests, in each case, on or prior to the 91 st day following the Term Loan Maturity Date; provided that (i) any Equity Interests that would constitute Disqualified Equity Interests solely because the holders thereof have the right to require the Borrower to repurchase such Disqualified Equity Interests upon the occurrence of a change of control or asset sale shall not constitute Disqualified Equity Interests if the terms of such Equity Interests (and all securities into which it is convertible or for which it is ratable or exchangeable) provide that the Borrower may not repurchase or redeem any such Equity Interests (and all securities into which it is convertible or for which it is ratable or exchangeable) pursuant to such provision unless the Loan Obligations are fully satisfied simultaneously therewith and (ii) only the portion of the Equity Interests meeting one of the foregoing clauses (a) through (d) prior to the date that is 91 days after the Term Loan Maturity Date will be deemed to be Disqualified Equity Interests.

 
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" Disqualified Institution " means a competitor of, or any Affiliate of a competitor of, the Borrower or its Subsidiaries or any other Person identified in writing to the Administrative Agent on or prior to the Effective Date; provided that upon reasonable notice, after the Effective Date the Borrower may supplement or revise the list of Disqualified Institutions to the extent such supplemented Person is either a competitor of the Borrower or its Subsidiaries that is an operating company or an Affiliate of such an operating company competitor by providing a new written list of Disqualified Institutions to the Administrative Agent for prompt distribution to the Lenders (such new list only becoming effective after confirmation by the Administrative Agent of receipt and distribution to the Lenders of such list, which the Administrative Agent agrees to do promptly upon receipt).

" Documentation Agent " has the meaning assigned to such term in the preamble hereto.

" dollars " or " $ " refers to lawful money of the United States of America.

" Domestic Subsidiary " means a Subsidiary that is not a Foreign Subsidiary.

" EBITDA " means, for any period and any Person, the total of the following each calculated without duplication on a consolidated basis for such period:  (a)  Consolidated Net Income; plus (b) any provision for (or less any benefit from) income or franchise taxes included in determining Consolidated Net Income; plus (c) interest expense (including the interest portion of Capital Lease Obligations) deducted in determining Consolidated Net Income; plus (d) amortization and depreciation expense deducted in determining Consolidated Net Income; plus (e), to the extent not disregarded in the calculation of Consolidated Net Income, non-cash charges.

" Effective Date " means the date on which the conditions specified in Section 4.01 are satisfied (or waived in accordance with Section 10.02 ).

" Environmental Laws " means all laws (including common law), rules, regulations, codes, ordinances, orders, decrees, judgments, injunctions, notices, binding agreements or other legally enforceable requirements issued, promulgated or entered into by any Governmental Authority, regulating, relating in any way to or imposing standards of conduct concerning the environment, preservation or reclamation of natural resources or health and safety as it relates to environmental protection.

"Environmental Liability " means any liability, contingent or otherwise (including any liability for damages, costs of environmental remediation, fines, penalties or indemnities), of any Person resulting from or based upon (a) violation of any Environmental Law, (b) the generation, use, handling, transportation, storage, treatment or disposal of any Hazardous Materials, (c) the release of any Hazardous Materials into the environment or (d) any contract, agreement or other consensual arrangement pursuant to which liability is assumed or imposed with respect to any of the foregoing.

" Equity Interests " means shares of the capital stock, partnership interests, membership interest in a limited liability company, beneficial interests in a trust or other equity interests or any warrants, options or other rights to acquire such interests but excluding any debt securities convertible into such Equity Interests.

" ERISA " means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended from time to time.

" ERISA Affiliate " means any trade or business (whether or not incorporated) that, together with the Borrower, is treated as a single employer under Section 414(b) or (c) of the Code or, solely for purposes of Section 302 of ERISA and Section 412 of the Code, is treated as a single employer under Section 414 of the Code.

 
CREDIT AGREEMENT, Page 8

 

" ERISA Event " means (a) any Reportable Event; (b) the existence with respect to any Plan of a non-exempt Prohibited Transaction; (c) any failure by any Pension Plan to satisfy the minimum funding standards (within the meaning of Sections 412 or 430 of the Code or Section 302 of ERISA) applicable to such Pension Plan, whether or not waived; (d) the filing pursuant to Section 412(c) of the Code or Section 302(c) of ERISA of an application for a waiver of the minimum funding standard with respect to any Pension Plan, the failure to make by its due date a required installment under Section 430(j) of the Code with respect to any Pension Plan or the failure by any Loan Party or any of its ERISA Affiliates to make any required contribution to a Multiemployer Plan; (e) the incurrence by any Loan Party or any of its ERISA Affiliates of any liability under Title IV of ERISA with respect to the termination of any Pension Plan, including but not limited to the imposition of any Lien in favor of the PBGC or any Pension Plan; (f) a determination that any Pension Plan is, or is reasonably expected to be, in "at risk" status (within the meaning of Section 430 of the Code or Section 303 of ERISA); (g) the receipt by any Loan Party or any of its ERISA Affiliates from the PBGC or a plan administrator of any notice relating to an intention to terminate any Pension Plan or to appoint a trustee to administer any Pension Plan under Section 4042 of ERISA; (h) the incurrence by any Loan Party or any of its ERISA Affiliates of any liability with respect to the withdrawal or partial withdrawal from any Pension Plan or Multiemployer Plan; or (i) the receipt by any Loan Party or any of its ERISA Affiliates of any notice, or the receipt by any Multiemployer Plan from a Loan Party or any ERISA Affiliate of any notice, concerning the imposition of Withdrawal Liability or a determination that a Multiemployer Plan is, or is expected to be, Insolvent, in Reorganization or in endangered or critical status (within the meaning of Section 432 of the Code or Section 305 of ERISA).

" Eurodollar ", when used in reference to any Loan or Borrowing, refers to whether such Loan, or the Loans comprising such Borrowing, are bearing interest at a rate determined by reference to the Adjusted LIBO Rate but does not include any Loan or Borrowing bearing interest at a rate determined by reference to clause (c) of the definition of the term "Alternative Base Rate".

" Event of Default " has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 8.01 .

" Excess Cash Flow " means, for any period, the sum (without duplication) of: (a) EBITDA of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries; minus (b) the sum of the following: (i) cash interest expense added in determining such EBITDA; (ii) cash taxes added in determining such EBITDA; (iii) the principal portion of required and voluntary repayments of Indebtedness (other than voluntary repayments on the Loans); (iv) the un-financed portion of all Capital Expenditures; (v) the un-financed cash portion of any Investments permitted by Section 6.04(d) (but only to the extent made in Excluded Subsidiaries), (k) , (l) , (q) , (s) or (u) ; (vi) all Restricted Payments made under the permissions of Section 6.08 ; (vii) cash expenditures made in respect of Swap Agreements to the extent not reflected as a subtraction in the computation of EBITDA (or to the extent added thereto); (viii) cash payments by the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries during such period in respect of long-term liabilities of the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries other than Indebtedness; (ix) the aggregate amount of expenditures actually made by the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries in cash during such period (including expenditures for the payment of financing fees and pension contributions) to the extent that such expenditures are not expensed during such period; and (x) the amount of cash taxes paid in such period to the extent they exceed the amount of tax expense deducted in determining Consolidated Net Income for such period.  Expenditures shall be considered "un-financed" for purposes of this definition unless paid with the proceeds of long-term Indebtedness (other than revolving facilities including the Revolving Loans).  Any amounts subtracted from EBITDA pursuant to clauses (b)(v) or (b)(vii ) above shall be net of any return of capital in respect such Investments or net of any payments received under any Swap Agreements, in each case, to the extent not reflected in EBITDA.  Any amounts subtracted from EBITDA pursuant to clause (b)(ix) above shall be added to  EBITDA for the purposes of this Excess Cash Flow definition in the period when such expenditures are expensed (if expensed).

 
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" Excluded Subsidiary " means (i) any Subsidiary that is not a wholly-owned Subsidiary, (ii) any Foreign Subsidiary, (iii) any Unrestricted Subsidiary, (iv) any subsidiary that is prohibited by applicable  law, regulation or Contractual Obligation from entering into the Guaranty Agreement or that would require the consent, approval, license or authorization of a Governmental Authority in order to enter into the Guaranty Agreement, (v) any Domestic Subsidiary if substantially all of its assets consist of the Equity Interests of one or more direct or indirect Foreign Subsidiaries, (vi) not-for-profit Subsidiaries, (vii) captive insurance Subsidiaries, (viii) any Immaterial Subsidiary and (ix) any Subsidiary to the extent that the burden or cost of entering into the Guaranty Agreement is excessive compared to the benefit afforded thereby as reasonably determined by the Administrative Agent and the Borrower.

" Excluded Taxes " means, with respect to the Administrative Agent, any Lender, the Issuing Bank or any other recipient of any payment to be made by or on account of any obligation of the Loan Parties hereunder, (a) income, franchise or similar taxes imposed on (or measured by) its net income by the United States of America, or by the jurisdiction under the laws of which such recipient is organized or in which its principal office is located or, in which it is doing business, or in which it had a present or former connection (other than such connection arising solely from any Secured Party having executed, delivered, or performed its obligations or received a payment under, or enforced, any Loan Document) or, in the case of any Lender, in which its applicable lending office is located, (b) any branch profits taxes imposed by the United States of America or any similar tax imposed by any other jurisdiction in which the Borrower is located, (c) in the case of a Foreign Lender (other than an assignee pursuant to a request by the Borrower under Section 2.19(b) ), any United States withholding tax that is imposed on amounts payable to such Foreign Lender (including as a result of FATCA) at the time such Foreign Lender becomes a party to this Agreement (or designates a new lending office) or is attributable to such Foreign Lender’s failure to comply with Section 2.17(f) , except to the extent that such Foreign Lender (or its assignor, if any) was entitled, at the time of designation of a new lending office (or assignment), to receive additional amounts from the Borrower with respect to such withholding tax pursuant to Section 2.17(a) , (d) in the case of a non-Foreign Lender (other than an assignee pursuant to a request by the Borrower under Section 2.19(b) ), any United States backup withholding tax that is imposed on accounts payable to such non-Foreign Lender at the time such non-Foreign Lender becomes a party to this Agreement and (e) all liabilities, penalties and interest with respect to any of the foregoing excluded taxes.

" FATCA " means Sections 1471 through 1474 of the Code, as of the date of this Agreement and any regulations or official interpretations thereof.

" Federal Funds Effective Rate " means, for any day, the weighted average (rounded upwards, if necessary, to the next 1/100 of 1%) of the rates on overnight Federal funds transactions with members of the Federal Reserve System arranged by Federal funds brokers, as published on the next succeeding Business Day by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, or, if such rate is not so published for any day that is a Business Day, the average (rounded upwards, if necessary, to the next 1/100 of 1%) of the quotations for such day for such transactions received by the Administrative Agent from three Federal funds brokers of recognized standing selected by it.

" Financial Officer " means the chief financial officer, executive vice president of finance and administration, principal accounting officer, treasurer or controller of the Borrower (or any other officer acting in substantially the same capacity of the foregoing).

" Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio " means, as of the end of any fiscal quarter, the ratio of:

 
CREDIT AGREEMENT, Page 10

 

(a)           the sum of the following for Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries calculated on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP for the period of four (4) consecutive fiscal quarters then ended:  (i) Adjusted EBITDA minus (ii) cash taxes to

(b)           Fixed Charges for the period of four (4) consecutive fiscal quarters then ended.

" Fixed Charges " means for any period, the sum of the following for the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries calculated on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP without duplication for such period:  (a) the aggregate amount of interest, including payments in the nature of interest under Capital Lease Obligations, paid in cash; plus (b) the scheduled amortization of Indebtedness paid or payable in cash; plus (c) Restricted Payments made to any Person other than the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary; plus (d) 50% of depreciation expense; plus (e) on a pro forma basis, the Fixed Charges pursuant to clauses (a) through (d) above of each Prior Target (or, as applicable, the Fixed Charges pursuant to clauses (a) through (d) above of a Prior Target attributable to the assets acquired from such Prior Target), with pro forma adjustment thereto to reflect the incurrence of any additional or replacement Indebtedness in connection with the acquisition of such Prior Target or assets (determined at the prevailing interest rate on such Indebtedness on the date incurred) and the payment of any Indebtedness of such Prior Target in connection with such acquisition, for any portion of such period occurring prior to the date of the acquisition of such Prior Target (or the related assets, as the case may be); minus (f) the Fixed Charges of each Prior Company pursuant to clauses (a) through (d) above and, as applicable but without duplication, the Fixed Charges pursuant to clauses (a) through (d) above of the Borrower and each Restricted Subsidiary attributable to all Prior Assets, with pro forma adjustment thereto to reflect the assumption, repayment or retirement of Indebtedness of the Borrower or its Restricted Subsidiaries in connection with the disposal of such Prior Company or Prior Assets, in each case for any portion of such period occurring prior to the date of the disposal of such Prior Companies or Prior Assets; provided that for the purposes of determining the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio for the periods ending on the last day of each of the first, second and third fiscal quarters following the Effective Date, Fixed Charges for the relevant period shall be deemed to equal Fixed Charges for such fiscal quarter (and, in the case of the latter two such determinations, for such fiscal quarter and each previous fiscal quarter ending after the Effective Date) multiplied by 4, 2 and 4/3, respectively.

" Foreign Lender " means any Lender that is organized under the laws of a jurisdiction other than the United States of America, any State thereof or the District of Columbia.

" Foreign Subsidiary " means any Subsidiary that is organized under the laws of a jurisdiction other than the United States of America or any State thereof or the District of Columbia.

" Fully Satisfied " or " Full Satisfaction " means, as of any date, that on or before such date, with respect to the Loan Obligations:  (i) the principal of and interest accrued to such date on the Loan Obligations (other than the contingent LC Exposure) shall have indefeasibly been paid in full in cash, (ii) all fees, expenses and other amounts then due and payable which constitute Loan Obligations (other than the contingent LC Exposure and other contingent amounts not then liquidated) shall have indefeasibly been paid in full in cash, (iii) the Commitments shall have expired or irrevocably been terminated, and (iv) the contingent LC Exposure shall have been secured by: (A) the grant of a first priority, perfected Lien on cash or cash equivalents in an amount at least equal to 102% of the amount of such LC Exposure or other collateral which is reasonably acceptable to the Issuing Bank or (B) the issuance of a "back–to–back" letter of credit in form and substance reasonably acceptable to the Issuing Bank with an original face amount at least equal to 102% of the amount of such LC Exposure.

" GAAP " means generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America.

 
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" Governmental Authority " means the government of the United States of America, any other nation or any political subdivision thereof, whether state or local, and any agency, authority, instrumentality, regulatory body, court, central bank or other entity exercising executive, legislative, judicial, taxing, regulatory or administrative powers or functions of or pertaining to government.

" Griffin " means Griffin Industries, Inc., a Kentucky corporation.

" Guarantee " of or by any Person (the " guarantor ") means any obligation, contingent or otherwise, of the guarantor guaranteeing or having the economic effect of guaranteeing any Indebtedness or other obligation (including any obligations under an operating lease) of any other Person (the " primary obligor ") in any manner, whether directly or indirectly, and including any obligation of the guarantor, direct or indirect, (a) to purchase or pay (or advance or supply funds for the purchase or payment of) such Indebtedness or other obligation or to purchase (or to advance or supply funds for the purchase of) any security for the payment thereof, (b) to purchase or lease property, securities or services for the purpose of assuring the owner of such Indebtedness or other obligation (including any obligations under an operating lease) of the payment thereof, (c) to maintain working capital, equity capital or any other financial statement condition or liquidity of the primary obligor so as to enable the primary obligor to pay such Indebtedness or other obligation or (d) as an account party in respect of any letter of credit or letter of guaranty issued to support such Indebtedness or obligation; provided , that the term Guarantee shall not include endorsements for collection or deposit in the ordinary course of business.

" Guaranty Agreement " means the guaranty of the Subsidiary Loan Parties in the form of Exhibit B hereto.

" Hazardous Materials " means any material, substance or waste regulated pursuant to or that could give rise to liability under, or classified, characterized or regulated as "hazardous," "toxic," "radioactive" or a "pollutant" or contaminant under, Environmental Laws, including petroleum or petroleum distillates, asbestos or asbestos containing materials, polychlorinated biphenyls, and infectious or medical wastes.

" Immaterial Subsidiary " means, any Restricted Subsidiary of the Borrower designated by the Borrower pursuant to written notice provided to the Administrative Agent as an "Immaterial Subsidiary"; provided the EBITDA of the Immaterial Subsidiaries, individually or collectively, for the 4 fiscal quarter period ended most recently prior to such date shall not exceed 5% of the EBITDA of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole.  As of the Effective Date, Bio-Energy Products LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, has been designated as an Immaterial Subsidiary.

" Increased Amount Date " has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.20(a) .

" Incremental Amount " means, at any time, the excess, if any, of (a) $100,000,000 over (b) the aggregate amount of all Incremental Term Loans made plus all Incremental Revolving Commitments established prior to such time pursuant to Section 2.20(a) .

" Incremental Assumption Agreement " means an Incremental Assumption Agreement in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and the Borrower, among the Borrower, the Administrative Agent and one or more Incremental Term Lenders and/or Incremental Revolving Lenders.

" Incremental Facility " means any facility established by the Lenders pursuant to Section 2.20 .

" Incremental Facility Activation Notice " means a notice substantially in the form of Exhibit E .

 
CREDIT AGREEMENT, Page 12

 

" Incremental Revolving Commitment " means the Revolving Commitment of any Lender, established pursuant to Section 2.20 , to make Incremental Revolving Loans to the Borrower.

" Incremental Revolving Lender " means a Lender with an Incremental Revolving Commitment or an outstanding Incremental Revolving Loan.

" Incremental Revolving Loans " means the Revolving Loans made by one or more Lenders to the Borrower pursuant to Section 2.20 .

" Incremental Term Lender " means each Lender which holds an Incremental Term Loan.

" Incremental Term Loans " means the Term Loans made by one or more Lenders to the Borrower pursuant to Section 2.20 .

" Indebtedness " of any Person means, without duplication, (a) all obligations of such Person for borrowed money; (b) all obligations of such Person evidenced by bonds, debentures, notes or similar instruments; (c) all obligations of such Person under conditional sale or other title retention agreements relating to property acquired by such Person; (d) all obligations of such Person in respect of the deferred purchase price of property (excluding trade payables) which purchase price is due more than six months after the date of placing such property in service or taking delivery of title thereto; (e) all Indebtedness of others secured by any Lien on property owned or acquired by such Person, whether or not the Indebtedness secured thereby has been assumed; provided that the amount of such Indebtedness will be the lesser of (i) the fair market value of such asset as determined by such Person in good faith on the date of determination and (ii) the amount of such Indebtedness of other Persons; (f) all Capital Lease Obligations of such Person; (g) all obligations, contingent or otherwise, of such Person as an account party in respect of letters of credit, bankers’ acceptances or other similar instruments; (h) all obligations of such Person in respect of mandatory redemption or cash mandatory dividend rights on Disqualified Equity Interests; (i) all obligations of such Person under any Swap Agreement; and (j) all Guarantees by such Person in respect of the foregoing clauses (a) through (i) .  The Indebtedness of any Person shall include the Indebtedness of any other entity (including any partnership in which such Person is a general partner) to the extent such Person is liable therefor as a result of such Person’s ownership interest in or other relationship with such entity, except to the extent the terms of such Indebtedness provide that such Person is not liable therefor.  The amount of the obligations of the Borrower or any Subsidiary in respect of any Swap Agreement shall, at any time of determination and for all purposes under this Agreement, be the maximum aggregate amount (giving effect to any netting agreements) that the Borrower or such Subsidiary would be required to pay if such Swap Agreement were terminated at such time giving effect to current market conditions notwithstanding any contrary treatment in accordance with GAAP.

" Indemnified Taxes " means Taxes other than Excluded Taxes.

" Information Memorandum " means the Confidential Information Memorandum dated November 2010 relating to the Borrower and the Transactions.

" Insolvent " with respect to any Multiemployer Plan, means the condition that such Plan is insolvent within the meaning of Section 4245 of ERISA.

" Interest Election Request " means a request by the Borrower to convert or continue a Revolving Borrowing or Term Borrowing in accordance with Section 2.07 .

" Interest Payment Date " means (a) with respect to any ABR Loan (other than a Swingline Loan), the last day of each March, June, September and December, (b) with respect to any Eurodollar Loan, the last day of the Interest Period applicable to the Borrowing of which such Loan is a part and, in the case of a Eurodollar Borrowing with an Interest Period of more than three months' duration, each day prior to the last day of such Interest Period that occurs at intervals of three months' duration after the first day of such Interest Period, and (c) with respect to any Swingline Loan, the day that such Loan is required to be repaid.

 
CREDIT AGREEMENT, Page 13

 

" Interest Period " means with respect to any Eurodollar Borrowing, the period commencing on the date of such Borrowing and ending on the numerically corresponding day in the calendar month that is one, two, three or six months (or, with the consent of each relevant Lender, nine or twelve months or a shorter period) thereafter, as the Borrower may elect, provided , that (a) if any Interest Period would end on a day other than a Business Day, such Interest Period shall be extended to the next succeeding Business Day unless, such next succeeding Business Day would fall in the next calendar month, in which case such Interest Period shall end on the preceding Business Day and (b) any Interest Period that commences on the last Business Day of a calendar month (or on a day for which there is no numerically corresponding day in the last calendar month of such Interest Period) shall end on the last Business Day of the last calendar month of such Interest Period.  For purposes hereof, the date of a Borrowing initially shall be the date on which such Borrowing is made and thereafter shall be the effective date of the most recent conversion or continuation of such Borrowing.

" International Interests " means an interest held by a creditor to which Article 2 of the Convention applies.

" International Registry " means the international registration facilities established for the purposes of the Convention or, in respect of any category of object and associated rights to which the Convention applies, the protocol in respect of that category and associated rights.

" Investment " has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 6.04 .

" Issuing Bank " means JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., and, with respect to any Letters of Credit described on Schedule 1.01(b) and outstanding on the Effective Date, PNC Bank, N.A. and Comerica Bank, each its capacity as the issuer of Letters of Credit hereunder, and its successors in such capacity as provided in Section 2.05(i) .  The Issuing Bank may, in its discretion, arrange for one or more Letters of Credit to be issued by Affiliates of the Issuing Bank and the Borrower may, in its discretion, arrange for one or more Letters of Credit to be issued by one or more of the other Revolving Lenders.  In the event an Affiliate or other Revolving Lender issues a Letter of Credit hereunder under the terms of the foregoing sentence, the term "Issuing Bank" shall include any such Affiliate or Revolving Lender with respect to Letters of Credit issued by such Affiliate or Revolving Lender, as applicable.

" LC Disbursement " means a payment made by the Issuing Bank pursuant to a Letter of Credit.

" LC Exposure " means, at any time, the sum of (a) the aggregate undrawn amount of all outstanding Letters of Credit at such time plus (b) the aggregate amount of all LC Disbursements that have not yet been reimbursed by or on behalf of the Borrower at such time.  The LC Exposure of any Revolving Lender at any time shall be its Applicable Percentage of the total LC Exposure at such time.

" Lenders " means (a) for all purposes, the Persons listed on Schedule 2.01 and any other Person that shall have become a party hereto pursuant to an Incremental Assumption Agreement or an Assignment and Assumption, other than any such Person that ceases to be a party hereto pursuant to an Assignment and Assumption or otherwise and (b) for purposes of the definitions of "Swap Obligations" and "Secured Parties" only, shall include any Person who was a Lender or an Affiliate of a Lender at the time a Swap Agreement was entered into by one or more of the Covered Parties, even though, at a later time of determination, such Person no longer holds any Commitments or Loans hereunder.  Unless the context otherwise requires, the term "Lenders" includes the Swingline Lender.  As a result of clause (b) of this definition, the Swap Obligations owed to a Lender or its Affiliates shall continue to be "Swap Obligations", entitled to share in the benefits of the Collateral as herein provided, even though such Lender ceases to be a party hereto pursuant to an Assignment and Assumption or otherwise.

 
CREDIT AGREEMENT, Page 14

 

" Letter of Credit " means any letter of credit issued pursuant to this Agreement and any letter of credit described on Schedule 1.01(b) and outstanding on the Effective Date.

" Leverage Ratio " means, as of any date of determination, the ratio of Total Indebtedness outstanding as of such date to Adjusted EBITDA for the four fiscal quarter period most recently ended.

" LIBO Rate " means, with respect to any Eurodollar Borrowing for any Interest Period, the rate appearing on the LIBOR01 Page published by Reuters (or on any successor or substitute page published by Reuters, or any successor to or substitute for Reuters, providing rate quotations comparable to those currently provided on such page, as determined by the Administrative Agent from time to time for purposes of providing quotations of interest rates applicable to dollar deposits in the London interbank market) at approximately 11:00 a.m., London time, two Business Days prior to the commencement of such Interest Period, as the rate for dollar deposits with a maturity comparable to such Interest Period.  In the event that such rate is not available at such time for any reason, then the " LIBO Rate " with respect to such Eurodollar Borrowing for such Interest Period shall be the rate at which dollar deposits of an amount comparable to the amount of such Eurodollar Borrowing and for a maturity comparable to such Interest Period are offered by the principal London office of the Administrative Agent in immediately available funds in the London interbank market at approximately 11:00 a.m., London time, two Business Days prior to the commencement of such Interest Period; provided however , that notwithstanding the rate calculated in accordance with the foregoing, at no time shall the LIBO Rate applicable to the Term Loans (before giving effect to any adjustment for reserve requirements) be less than 1.50% per annum.

" Lien " means any mortgage, pledge, security interest, encumbrance, lien or charge of any kind (including any conditional sale agreement, title retention agreement or lease in the nature thereof); provided that in no event shall an operating lease be deemed to constitute a Lien.

" Loan Documents " means this Agreement, the Guaranty Agreement, the Security Agreement, the Mortgages and all other certificates, agreements and other documentation now or hereafter executed and/or delivered pursuant to or in connection with the foregoing.

" Loan Obligations " means all obligations, indebtedness, and liabilities of the Loan Parties, or any one of them, to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders arising pursuant to any of the Loan Documents, whether now existing or hereafter arising, whether direct, indirect, related, unrelated, fixed, contingent, liquidated, unliquidated, joint, several, or joint and several, including, without limitation, the obligation of the Loan Parties to repay the Loans, the LC Disbursements, interest on the Loans and LC Disbursements, and all fees, costs, and expenses (including reasonable attorneys' fees and expenses) provided for in the Loan Documents.

" Loan Parties " means the Borrower and the Subsidiary Loan Parties.

" Loans " means the loans made by the Lenders to the Borrower pursuant to this Agreement.

" Material Adverse Effect " means a material and adverse effect on (a) the business, assets, property, financial condition or results of operations of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, (b) the validity or enforceability of any of the Loan Documents or (c) the rights of or remedies available to the Administrative Agent or any of the Lenders under any Loan Document.

 
CREDIT AGREEMENT, Page 15

 

" Material Fee Owned Property " means (a) as of the Effective Date, the parcels of property described on Schedule 1.01(a) and (b) at any time after the Effective Date, any parcel of real property owned in fee by a Loan Party that is acquired after the Effective Date and is either (i) used as a processing plant by such Loan Party and has a fair market value at the time of acquisition in excess of $2,000,000, or (ii) used for purposes other than a processing plant and has a fair market value at the time of acquisition in excess of $5,000,000; provided that the aggregate fair market value (at the time of acquisition) of all parcels of real property owned in fee by all Loan Parties and acquired after the Effective Date that are not subject to a Mortgage shall not exceed $15,000,000 in the aggregate at any time.

" Material Indebtedness " means Indebtedness (other than the Loans and Letters of Credit but including, without limitation, obligations in respect of one or more Swap Agreements) of any one or more of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries in an aggregate principal amount exceeding $25,000,000.

" Merger Agreement " means that certain Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of November 9, 2010, among Griffin, the Borrower, DG Acquisition Corp., a Kentucky corporation, and Robert A. Griffin (in his capacity as Shareholder’s Representative, as defined in the Merger Agreement).

" Merger Agreement Representations " has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 4.01(l) .

" Moody's " means Moody's Investors Service, Inc.

" Mortgage " means a mortgage, deed of trust, assignment of leases and rents or other security document granting a Lien on any Mortgaged Property to secure the Obligations.  Each Mortgage shall be substantially in the form of Exhibit G hereto with such modifications as may be agreed between the Borrower and the Administrative Agent.

" Mortgage Policy " has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 4.01(g)(i) .

" Mortgaged Property " means, initially, each parcel of real property and the improvements thereto owned by a Loan Party and identified on Schedule 1.01(a) , and includes each other parcel of real property and improvements thereto with respect to which a Mortgage is required to be granted pursuant to Section 5.10 .

" Multiemployer Plan " means a multiemployer plan as defined in Section 4001(a)(3) of ERISA.

" Net Proceeds " means, with respect to any Prepayment Event (or, for purposes of the Available Amount, the issuance of Equity Interests) (a) the cash proceeds received in respect of such event including (i) any cash received in respect of any non-cash proceeds, but only as and when received, (ii) in the case of a casualty, insurance proceeds, and (iii) in the case of a condemnation or similar event, condemnation awards and similar payments, net of (b) the sum of (i) all fees and out-of-pocket expenses (including underwriting discounts, investment banking fees, commissions, collection expenses and other customary transaction costs) paid or reasonably estimated to be payable by the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries in connection with such event, (ii) in the case of a Disposition of an asset (including pursuant to a sale and leaseback transaction or a casualty or a condemnation or similar proceeding), the amount of all payments required to be made by the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries as a result of such event to repay Indebtedness (other than Loans) secured by such asset or otherwise subject to mandatory prepayment as a result of such event, and (iii) the amount of all taxes paid (or reasonably estimated to be payable) by the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries, and the amount of any reserves established by the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries to fund contingent liabilities reasonably estimated to be payable, in each case that are directly attributable to such event (as determined reasonably and in good faith by a Financial Officer of the Borrower).

 
CREDIT AGREEMENT, Page 16

 

" Obligations " means all Loan Obligations, the Swap Obligations and all Deposit Obligations.

" Other Taxes " means any and all present or future stamp or documentary taxes or any other excise or property taxes, charges or similar levies arising from any payment made under any Loan Document or from the execution, delivery or enforcement of, or otherwise with respect to, any Loan Document including any interest, additions to tax or penalties applicable thereto.

" Participant Register " has the meaning set forth in Section 10.04(c)(ii) .

" Participant " has the meaning set forth in Section 10.04(c)(i) .

" Patriot Act " has the meaning set forth in Section 10.18 .

" PBGC " means the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation referred to and defined in ERISA and any successor entity performing similar functions.

" Pension Plan " means any Plan (other than a Multiemployer Plan) subject to the provisions of Title IV of ERISA or Section 412 of the Code or Section 302 of ERISA.

" Permitted Investments " means:

(a)           U.S. dollars or the currency of any country having a credit rating of "A" (or the equivalent thereof) or better from either S&P or Moody’s;

(b)           securities issued or directly and fully guaranteed or insured by the United States of America or any agency or instrumentality of the United States America ( provided that the full faith and credit of the United States America is pledged in support thereof), having maturities of not more than one year from the date of acquisition;

(c)           marketable general obligations issued by any state of the United States of America or any political subdivision of any such state or any public instrumentality thereof maturing within one year from the date of acquisition of the United States America ( provided that the full faith and credit of the United States America is pledged in support thereof) and, at the time of acquisition, having a credit rating of "A" (or the equivalent thereof) or better from either S&P or Moody's;

(d)           certificates of deposit, time deposits, Eurodollar time deposits, overnight bank deposits or bankers' acceptances having maturities of not more than one year from the date of acquisition thereof issued by any commercial bank the long-term debt of which is rated at the time of acquisition thereof at least "A" (or the equivalent thereof) by S&P or Moody's, and having combined capital and surplus in excess of $500 million;

(e)           repurchase obligations with a term of not more than seven days for underlying securities of the types described in clauses (b) , (c) and (d) entered into with any bank meeting the qualifications specified in clause (d) above;

(f)           commercial paper rated at the time of acquisition thereof at least "A-1" or the equivalent thereof by S&P or "P-1" or the equivalent thereof by Moody's, or carrying an equivalent rating by a nationally recognized rating agency, if both of the two named rating agencies cease publishing ratings of investments, and in any case maturing within one year after the date of acquisition thereof; and

 
CREDIT AGREEMENT, Page 17

 

(g)           interests in any investment company or money market fund which invests 95% or more of its assets in instruments of the type specified in clauses (a) through (f) above.

" Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness " means any Indebtedness issued in exchange for, or the net proceeds of which are used to refinance, replace, defease or refund (collectively, to " Refinance "), the Indebtedness being Refinanced (or previous refinancings thereof constituting Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness); provided that (a) the principal amount (or accreted value, if applicable) of such Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness does not exceed the principal amount (or accreted value, if applicable) of the Indebtedness so Refinanced (plus unpaid accrued interest and premium thereon, any committed or undrawn amounts and underwriting discounts, fees, commissions and expenses, associated with such Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness), except as otherwise permitted under Section 6.01 , (b) the final maturity date of such Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness is no earlier than the earlier of (i) the final maturity date of the Indebtedness being refinanced and (ii) the date that is 91 days after the Term Loan Maturity Date, (c) if the Indebtedness being Refinanced is by its terms subordinated in right of payment to the Obligations, such Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness shall be subordinated in right of payment to the Obligations on terms at least as favorable to the Lenders as those contained in the documentation governing the Indebtedness being Refinanced, taken as a whole, (d) no Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness shall have obligors or contingent obligors that were not obligors or contingent obligors (or that would not have been required to become obligors or contingent obligors) in respect of the Indebtedness being Refinanced except to the extent permitted under Section 6.04 and (e) if the Indebtedness being Refinanced is (or would have been required to be) secured by any collateral of a Loan Party (whether equally and ratably with, or junior to, the Secured Parties or otherwise), such Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness may be secured by such collateral on terms no less favorable, taken as a whole, to the Secured Parties than those contained in the documentation governing the Indebtedness being Refinanced, taken as a whole.

" Person " means any natural person, corporation, limited liability company, trust, joint venture, association, company, partnership, Governmental Authority or other entity.

" Plan " means any employee benefit plan as defined in Section 3(3) of ERISA, including any employee welfare benefit plan (as defined in Section 3(1) of ERISA), any employee pension benefit plan (as defined in Section 3(2) of ERISA), and any plan which is both an employee welfare benefit plan and an employee pension benefit plan, and in respect of which any Loan Party or, with respect to Title IV of ERISA only, any ERISA Affiliate is (or, if such Plan were terminated, would under Section 4062 or Section 4069 of ERISA be deemed to be) an "employer" as defined in Section 3(5) of ERISA.

Platform ” means IntraLinks/IntraAgency, SyndTrak or another relevant website or other information platform.

" Prepayment Event " means:

(a)           any Disposition (including pursuant to a sale and leaseback transaction) of any asset of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary under Section 6.05(o) ; or

(b)           any casualty or other damage to, or any taking under power of eminent domain or by condemnation or similar proceeding of, any asset of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary; or

(c)           the incurrence by the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary of any Indebtedness other than Indebtedness permitted under Section 6.01 or with the consent of the Required Lenders.

 
CREDIT AGREEMENT, Page 18

 

" Pricing Ratio " means, as of any fiscal quarter end, the ratio of:

(a)           the sum of (i) Total Indebtedness outstanding as of such date minus (ii) all obligations, contingent or otherwise, of such Person as an account party in respect of the face amount of letters of credit, bankers acceptances or similar instruments outstanding as of such date to

(b)           Adjusted EBITDA for the four fiscal quarter period then ended.

" Prime Rate " means the rate of interest per annum publicly announced from time to time by JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. as its prime rate in effect at its principal office in New York City; each change in the Prime Rate shall be effective from and including the date such change is publicly announced as being effective.

" Prior Assets " means assets comprising a division or branch of Borrower or a Restricted Subsidiary disposed of in a transaction in accordance with this Agreement which would not make the seller a "Prior Company".

" Prior Company " means any Restricted Subsidiary whose Equity Interests, or all or substantially all of whose assets have been disposed of, in a transaction in accordance with this Agreement.

" Prior Target " means all Targets acquired or whose assets have been acquired in a transaction permitted by Section 6.04 .

" Pro Forma Leverage Ratio " means, with respect to any proposed acquisition, Restricted Payment or  payment made pursuant to Section 6.08(b) , the Leverage Ratio calculated:  (a) for the most recent four (4) fiscal quarter period then ended on a pro forma basis as if the acquisition, Restricted Payment or payment made pursuant to Section 6.08(b) , as applicable, had occurred as of the first day of such period, (b) to include any Indebtedness incurred or assumed in connection therewith, (c) based on the assumption that any sale of Subsidiaries or lines of business which occurred during such period occurred on the first day of such period, and (d) with respect to an acquisition, as if the Target were a "Prior Target" for purposes of calculating Adjusted EBITDA.

" Prohibited Transaction " has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 406 of ERISA and Section 4975(f)(3) of the Code.

" Purchase Price " means, as of any date of determination and with respect to a proposed acquisition, the purchase price to be paid for the Target or its assets, including all cash consideration paid (including the then estimated amount of deferred purchase price obligations) or to be paid (based on the estimated amount thereof), the value of all other assets to be transferred by the purchaser in connection with such acquisition to the seller (but specifically excluding any stock of the Borrower issued to the seller which shall not be part of the Purchase Price for purposes of this definition) all valued in accordance with the applicable purchase agreement and the outstanding principal amount of all Indebtedness of the Target or the seller assumed or acquired in connection with such acquisition.

" Register " has the meaning set forth in Section 10.04 .

Related Business ” means any business which is the same as or related, ancillary or complementary to, or a reasonable extension or expansion of, any of the businesses of the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries on the Effective Date, including, for the avoidance of doubt, the Renewable Diesel Joint Venture.

 
CREDIT AGREEMENT, Page 19

 

Related Business Assets ” means any property, plant, equipment or other assets (excluding assets that are qualified as current assets under GAAP) to be used or useful by the Borrower or a Restricted Subsidiary in a Related Business or capital expenditures relating thereto.

" Related Parties " means, with respect to any specified Person, such Person's Affiliates and the respective partners, directors, officers and employees of such Person and such Person's Affiliates.

" Renewable Diesel Joint Venture " means one or more joint ventures formed with an Affiliate of Valero Energy Corporation in connection with the building of a renewable diesel facility on a site adjacent to Valero Energy Corporation’s St. Charles refinery near Norco, Louisiana.

" Reorganization " means, with respect to any Multiemployer Plan, the condition that such plan is in reorganization within the meaning of Section 4241 of ERISA.

" Reportable Event " means any "reportable event," as defined in Section 4043(c) of ERISA or the regulations issued thereunder, other than those events as to which the 30-day notice period referred to in Section 4043(c) of ERISA has been waived, with respect to a Pension Plan.

" Responsible Officer " means the chief executive officer, president, any vice president, any Financial Officer or Secretary of the Borrower.

" Required Lenders " means, at any time, Lenders having Revolving Exposures, Term Loans and unused Commitments representing more than 50% of the sum of the total Revolving Exposures, outstanding Term Loans and unused Commitments at such time.

" Restricted Payment " means any dividend or other distribution (whether in cash, securities or other property) with respect to any Equity Interests in the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary, or any payment (whether in cash, securities or other property), including any sinking fund or similar deposit, on account of the purchase, redemption, retirement, acquisition, cancellation or termination of any Equity Interests in the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary.

" Restricted Subsidiaries " means the Subsidiary Loan Parties and each other Subsidiary of the Borrower that is not an Unrestricted Subsidiary.  The Borrower may designate any Unrestricted Subsidiary as a Restricted Subsidiary at any time by written notice to the Administrative Agent if after giving effect to such designation, the Borrower is and is projected to be in compliance with the financial covenants herein, no Default exits or would otherwise result therefrom and the Borrower complies with the obligations under clause (b) of Section 5.10 .

" Revolving Availability Period " means the period from and including the Effective Date to but excluding the earlier of the Revolving Maturity Date and the date of termination of the Revolving Commitments.

" Revolving Commitment " means, with respect to each Lender, the commitment, if any, of such Lender to make Revolving Loans and to acquire participations in Letters of Credit and Swingline Loans hereunder, expressed as an amount representing the maximum aggregate amount of such Lender's Revolving Exposure hereunder, as such commitment may be (a) reduced from time to time pursuant to Section 2.08 , (b) reduced or increased from time to time pursuant to assignments by or to such Lender pursuant to Section 10.04 and (c) as established or increased from time to time pursuant to an Incremental  Assumption Agreement.  The amount of each Lender's Revolving Commitment as of the Effective Date is set forth on Schedule 2.01 .  The initial aggregate amount of the Lenders' Revolving Commitments is $325,000,000.

 
CREDIT AGREEMENT, Page 20

 

" Revolving Exposure " means, with respect to any Lender at any time, the sum of the outstanding principal amount of such Lender's Revolving Loans and its LC Exposure and Swingline Exposure at such time.

" Revolving Facility " means the Revolving Commitments and the extensions of credit made thereunder.

" Revolving Lender " means a Lender with a Revolving Commitment or, if the Revolving Commitments have terminated or expired, a Lender with Revolving Exposure.

" Revolving Loan " means a Loan made pursuant to clause (b) of Section 2.01 or an Incremental Revolving Loan.

" Revolving Maturity Date " means December 17, 2015.

" S&P " means Standard & Poor's Financial Services, LLC.

" Secured Parties " means the Agent, the Lenders and each Affiliate of a Lender who is owed any portion of the Obligations.

" Security Agreement " means the Security Agreement among the Administrative Agent, the Borrower and the Subsidiary Loan Parties in substantially the form attached hereto as Exhibit C .

" Security Documents " means the Guaranty Agreement, the Security Agreement, the Mortgages and each other security agreement or other instrument or document executed and delivered pursuant to Section 5.10 to secure any of the Obligations.

" Senior Unsecured Debt " means the Senior Unsecured Notes due December 17, 2018 issued by the Borrower in the aggregate principal amount of $250,000,000, the Guarantees by certain Subsidiaries of the Borrower in respect thereof and the related exchange notes and exchange Guarantees issued in a registered exchange therefor and the Indebtedness represented thereby (including any Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness in respect thereof).

" Senior Unsecured Debt Documents " means the Indenture dated the Effective Date among the Borrower, U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee and the other parties thereto or any similar agreement relating to any Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness in respect of the Senior Unsecured Debt.

" Specified Representations " has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 4.01(l) .

" Statutory Reserve Rate " means a fraction (expressed as a decimal), the numerator of which is the number one and the denominator of which is the number one minus the aggregate of the maximum reserve percentages (including any marginal, special, emergency or supplemental reserves) expressed as a decimal established by the Board to which the Administrative Agent is subject for eurocurrency funding (currently referred to as "Eurocurrency Liabilities" in Regulation D of the Board).  Such reserve percentages shall include those imposed pursuant to such Regulation D.  Eurodollar Loans shall be deemed to constitute eurocurrency funding and to be subject to such reserve requirements without benefit of or credit for proration, exemptions or offsets that may be available from time to time to any Lender under such Regulation D or any comparable regulation.  The Statutory Reserve Rate shall be adjusted automatically on and as of the effective date of any change in any reserve percentage.

" Subject Person " has the meaning assigned to such term in the definition of Consolidated Net Income.

 
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" subsidiary " means, with respect to any Person (the " parent ") at any date, any corporation, limited liability company, partnership, association or other entity of which securities or other ownership interests representing more than 50% of the ordinary voting power or, in the case of a partnership, more than 50% of the general partnership interests are, as of such date, owned, controlled or held by the parent or one or more subsidiaries of the parent or by the parent and one or more subsidiaries of the parent.

" Subsidiary " means any subsidiary of the Borrower.

" Subsidiary Loan Party " means each Subsidiary that is not an Excluded Subsidiary.

" Swap Agreement " means any agreement with respect to any swap, cap, collar, forward, future or derivative transaction or option or similar agreement involving, or settled by reference to, one or more rates, currencies, commodities, equity or debt instruments or securities, or economic, financial or pricing indices or measures of economic, financial or pricing risk or value or any similar transaction or any combination of these transactions; provided that no phantom stock or similar plan providing for payments only on account of services provided by current, former or future directors, officers, members of management, employees or consultants of the Borrower or the Subsidiaries shall be a Swap Agreement.

" Swap Obligations " means all obligations, indebtedness, and liabilities of the Covered Parties, or any one of them, to any Lender or any Affiliate of any Lender which have been designated by the Borrower by written notice to the Administrative Agent as entitled to the security of the Collateral and which arise pursuant to any Swap Agreements with the Covered Parties, or any one of them, whether now existing or hereafter arising, whether direct, indirect, related, unrelated, fixed, contingent, liquidated, unliquidated, joint, several, or joint and several, including, without limitation, all fees, costs, and expenses (including reasonable attorneys' fees and expenses) provided for in such Swap Agreements.

" Swingline Exposure " means, at any time, the aggregate principal amount of all Swingline Loans outstanding at such time.  The Swingline Exposure of any Lender at any time shall be its Applicable Percentage of the total Swingline Exposure at such time.

" Swingline Lender " means JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., in its capacity as lender of Swingline Loans hereunder, and any successor thereto.

" Swingline Loan " means a Loan made pursuant to Section 2.04 .

" Syndication Agent " has the meaning assigned to such term in the preamble hereto.

" Target " means the Person who is to be acquired or whose assets are to be acquired in an acquisition permitted by clause (l) or clause (s) of Section 6.04 .

" Taxes " means any and all present or future taxes, levies, imposts, duties, deductions, charges or withholdings imposed by any Governmental Authority including any interest, additions to tax or penalties applicable thereto.

" Term Commitment " means, with respect to each Lender, the commitment, if any, of such Lender to make Term Loans hereunder, expressed as an amount representing the maximum principal amount of the Term Loans to be made by such Lender hereunder, as such commitment may be (a) reduced from time to time pursuant to Section 2.08 , (b) reduced or increased from time to time pursuant to assignments by or to such Lender pursuant to Section 10.04 and (c) established or increased from time to time pursuant to an Incremental  Assumption Agreement.  The initial amount of each Lender's Term Commitment is set forth on Schedule 2.01 , or in the Assignment and Assumption or Incremental Assumption Agreement pursuant to which such Lender shall have assumed its Term Commitment, as applicable.  The initial aggregate amount of the Lenders' Term Commitments is $300,000,000.

 
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" Term Facility " means the Term Commitments and the extensions of credit made thereunder.

" Term Lender " means a Lender with a Term Commitment or an outstanding Term Loan.

" Term Loans " means a Loan made pursuant to clause (a) of Section 2.01 or an Incremental Term Loan.

" Term Loan Maturity Date " means December 17, 2016.

" Threshold Amount " means $25,000,000.

" Total Indebtedness " means, at the time of determination, the sum of the following determined for Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis (without duplication) in accordance with GAAP:  (a) all obligations for borrowed money; plus (b) all Guarantees of obligations for borrowed money; plus (c) all Capital Lease Obligations and purchase money indebtedness; plus (d) all obligations, contingent or otherwise, of such Person as an account party in respect of the face amount of letters of credit, bankers acceptances or similar instruments.

" Transactions " means the Bluegrass Acquisition, the execution, delivery and performance by each Loan Party of the Loan Documents to which it is to be a party, the borrowing of Loans and the issuance of the Senior Unsecured Debt, the use of the proceeds thereof and the issuance of Letters of Credit hereunder.

" Type ", when used in reference to any Loan or Borrowing, refers to whether the rate of interest on such Loan, or on the Loans comprising such Borrowing, is determined by reference to the Adjusted LIBO Rate or the Alternate Base Rate.

" Unrestricted Subsidiaries " means Insurance Company of Colorado, Inc. and each other Subsidiary of the Borrower designated by the Borrower pursuant to written notice provided to the Administrative Agent as an "Unrestricted Subsidiary"; provided the Borrower shall not be permitted to designate any Subsidiary as an Unrestricted Subsidiary if after giving effect to such designation, the Borrower is not projected to be in compliance with the financial covenants herein or if a Default exists or would otherwise result therefrom. As of the Effective Date, Darling Green Energy LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, and Rosellen Marine, Ltd., a Cyprus corporation, have each been designated as an Unrestricted Subsidiary.

" Withdrawal Liability " means liability to a Multiemployer Plan as a result of a complete or partial withdrawal from such Multiemployer Plan, as such terms are defined in Title IV of ERISA.

" Withholding Agent " means any Loan Party or the Administrative Agent.

Section 1.02.            Classification of Loans and Borrowings .  For purposes of this Agreement, Loans may be classified and referred to by Class ( e.g. , a "Revolving Loan") or by Type ( e.g. , a "Eurodollar Loan") or by Class and Type ( e.g. , a "Eurodollar Revolving Loan").  Borrowings also may be classified and referred to by Class ( e.g. , a "Revolving Borrowing") or by Type ( e.g. , a "Eurodollar Borrowing") or by Class and Type ( e.g. , a "Eurodollar Revolving Borrowing").

Section 1.03.            Terms Generally .  The definitions of terms herein shall apply equally to the singular and plural forms of the terms defined.  Whenever the context may require, any pronoun shall include the corresponding masculine, feminine and neuter forms.  The words "include", "includes" and "including" shall be deemed to be followed by the phrase "without limitation".  The word "will" shall be construed to have the same meaning and effect as the word "shall".  Unless the context requires otherwise (a) any definition of or reference to any agreement, instrument or other document (including any Loan Document) herein shall be construed as referring to such agreement, instrument or other document (including any Loan Document) as from time to time amended, restated, amended and restated, supplemented, extended, renewed, replaced, refinanced or otherwise modified (subject to any restrictions on such amendments, restatements, amendments and restatements, supplements, extensions, renewals, replacements, refinancings or modifications set forth herein), (b) any reference herein to any Person shall be construed to include such Person's successors and assigns, (c) the words "herein", "hereof" and "hereunder", and words of similar import, shall be construed to refer to this Agreement in its entirety and not to any particular provision hereof, (d) all references herein to Articles, Sections, Exhibits and Schedules shall be construed to refer to Articles and Sections of, and Exhibits and Schedules to, this Agreement and (e) the words "asset" and "property" shall be construed to have the same meaning and effect and to refer to any and all tangible and intangible assets and properties, including cash, securities, accounts and contract rights.

 
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Section 1.04.            Accounting Terms; GAAP .  Except as otherwise expressly provided herein, all terms of an accounting or financial nature shall be construed in accordance with GAAP, as in effect from time to time; provided that, if the Borrower notifies the Administrative Agent that the Borrower requests an amendment to any provision hereof to eliminate the effect of any change occurring after the date hereof in GAAP or the application thereof on the operation of such provision (or if the Administrative Agent notifies the Borrower that the Required Lenders request an amendment to any provision hereof for such purpose), regardless of whether any such notice is given before or after such change in GAAP or in the application thereof, then such provision shall be interpreted on the basis of GAAP (or the application thereof) as in effect and applied immediately before such change shall have become effective until such notice shall have been withdrawn or such provision  amended in accordance herewith.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, (a) Capital Lease Obligations shall be excluded from (i) the calculation of Fixed Charges, (ii) for the purposes of calculating the Leverage Ratio and the Pricing Ratio, Total Indebtedness, (iii) for the purposes of Section 6.01 , Indebtedness and (iv) Section 6.04(o) (to the extent recharacterized as a Capital Lease Obligation after such lease is entered into), in each case, to the extent such Capital Lease Obligations would have been characterized as operating leases based on GAAP as of the Effective Date and (b) for purposes of determining compliance with any covenant (including the computation of any financial covenant) contained herein, Indebtedness of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries shall be deemed to be carried at 100% of the outstanding principal amount thereof, and the effects of FASB ASC 825 and FASB ASC 470-20 on financial liabilities shall be disregarded.

Section 1.05 .            Business Days; Payments . If any payment or performance under any Loan Document shall be due on a day that is not a Business Day, the date for payment or performance shall be extended to the next succeeding Business Day, and, in the case of any payment accruing interest, interest thereon shall be payable for the period of such extension.

ARTICLE II.

The Credits

Section 2.01.            Commitments .  Subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, each Lender severally agrees (a) to make a Term Loan in dollars to the Borrower on the Effective Date in an aggregate principal amount not exceeding its Term Commitment and (b) to make Revolving Loans to the Borrower from time to time during the Revolving Availability Period in an aggregate principal amount that will not result in such Lender's Revolving Exposure exceeding such Lender's Revolving Commitment; provided that the aggregate principal amount of Revolving Loans borrowed on the Effective Date shall not exceed $180,000,000.  Within the foregoing limits and subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, the Borrower may borrow, prepay and reborrow Revolving Loans.  Amounts repaid in respect of Term Loans may not be reborrowed.

 
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Section 2.02.            Loans and Borrowings .

(a)            Loans Made Ratably .  Each Loan (other than a Swingline Loan) shall be made as part of a Borrowing consisting of Loans of the same Class and Type made by the Lenders ratably in accordance with their respective Commitments of the applicable Class.  The failure of any Lender to make any Loan required to be made by it shall not relieve any other Lender of its obligations hereunder; provided that the Commitments of the Lenders are several and no Lender shall be responsible for any other Lender's failure to make Loans as required.

(b)            Initial Type of Loans .  Subject to Section 2.14 , each Revolving Borrowing and Term Borrowing shall be comprised entirely of ABR Loans or Eurodollar Loans as the Borrower may request in accordance herewith.  Each Swingline Loan shall be an ABR Loan.  Each Lender at its option may make any Eurodollar Loan by causing any domestic or foreign branch or Affiliate of such Lender to make such Loan; provided that any exercise of such option shall not affect the obligation of the Borrower to repay such Loan in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.

(c)            Minimum Amounts; Limitation on Eurodollar Borrowings .  At the commencement of each Interest Period for any Eurodollar Borrowing, such Borrowing shall be in an aggregate amount that is an integral multiple of $1,000,000 and not less than $5,000,000.  At the time that each ABR Revolving Borrowing is made, such Borrowing shall be in an aggregate amount that is an integral multiple of $100,000 and not less than $1,000,000; provided that an ABR Revolving Borrowing may be in an aggregate amount that is equal to the entire unused balance of the total Revolving Commitments or that is required to finance the reimbursement of an LC Disbursement as contemplated by Section 2.05(e) .  Each Swingline Loan shall be in an amount that is an integral multiple of $1.00 and not less than $100,000.  Borrowings of more than one Type and Class may be outstanding at the same time; provided that there shall not at any time be more than a total of 10 Eurodollar Borrowings outstanding at any time.

(d)            Limitation on Interest Periods .  Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, the Borrower shall not be entitled to request, or to elect to convert or continue, any Borrowing if the Interest Period requested with respect thereto would end after the Revolving Maturity Date or the Term Loan Maturity Date, as applicable.

Section 2.03.            Requests for Borrowings .  To request a Revolving Borrowing or Term Borrowing, the Borrower shall notify the Administrative Agent of such request by telephone (a) in the case of a Eurodollar Borrowing, not later than 11:00 a.m., Chicago, Illinois time, three Business Days before the date of the proposed Borrowing or (b) in the case of an ABR Borrowing, not later than 11:00 a.m., Chicago, Illinois time, one Business Day before the date of the proposed Borrowing; provided that any such notice of an ABR Revolving Borrowing to finance the reimbursement of an LC Disbursement as contemplated by Section 2.05(e) may be given not later than 10:00 a.m., Chicago, Illinois time, on the date of the proposed Borrowing.  Each such telephonic Borrowing Request shall be irrevocable and shall be confirmed promptly by telecopy or email to the Administrative Agent of a written Borrowing Request in a form approved by the Administrative Agent and signed by the Borrower.  Each such telephonic and written Borrowing Request shall specify the following information in compliance with Section 2.02 :

 
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(i)            whether the requested Borrowing is to be a Revolving Borrowing, or a Term Borrowing;

(ii)            the aggregate amount of such Borrowing;

(iii)            the date of such Borrowing, which shall be a Business Day;

(iv)            whether such Borrowing is to be an ABR Borrowing or a Eurodollar Borrowing;

(v)            in the case of a Eurodollar Borrowing, the initial Interest Period to be applicable thereto, which shall be a period contemplated by the definition of the term "Interest Period"; and

(vi)            the location and number of the Borrower's account to which funds are to be disbursed, which shall comply with the requirements of Section 2.06 .

If no election as to the Type of Borrowing is specified, then the requested Borrowing shall be an ABR Borrowing.  If no Interest Period is specified with respect to any requested Eurodollar Revolving Borrowing, then the Borrower shall be deemed to have selected an Interest Period of one month's duration.  Promptly following receipt of a Borrowing Request in accordance with this Section 2.03 , the Administrative Agent shall advise each Lender of the details thereof and of the amount of such Lender's Loan to be made as part of the requested Borrowing.

Section 2.04.            Swingline Loans .

(a)            Commitment .  Subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, the Swingline Lender agrees to make Swingline Loans to the Borrower from time to time during the Revolving Availability Period, in an aggregate principal amount at any time outstanding that will not result in (i) the aggregate principal amount of outstanding Swingline Loans exceeding $15,000,000 or (ii) the sum of the total Revolving Exposures exceeding the total Revolving Commitments; provided that the Swingline Lender shall not be required to make a Swingline Loan to refinance an outstanding Swingline Loan.  Within the foregoing limits and subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, the Borrower may borrow, prepay and reborrow Swingline Loans.

(b)            Borrowing Procedure .  To request a Swingline Loan, the Borrower shall notify the Administrative Agent of such request by telephone (confirmed by telecopy or email), not later than 1:00 p.m., Chicago, Illinois time, on the day of a proposed Swingline Loan.  Each such notice shall be irrevocable and shall specify the requested date (which shall be a Business Day) and amount of the requested Swingline Loan.  The Administrative Agent will promptly advise the Swingline Lender of any such notice received from the Borrower.  The Swingline Lender shall make each Swingline Loan available to the Borrower by means of a credit to the general deposit account of the Borrower with the Swingline Lender or by wire transfer, automated clearinghouse debit or interbank transfer to such other account, accounts or Persons designated by the Borrower in the applicable request (or, in the case of a Swingline Loan made to finance the reimbursement of an LC Disbursement as provided in Section 2.05(e) , by remittance to the Issuing Bank) by 3:00 p.m., Chicago, Illinois time, on the requested date of such Swingline Loan.

(c)            Revolving Lender Participation in Swingline Loans .  The Swingline Lender may by written notice given to the Administrative Agent not later than 10:00 a.m., Chicago, Illinois time, on any Business Day require the Revolving Lenders to acquire participations on such Business Day in all or a portion of the Swingline Loans outstanding.  Such notice shall specify the aggregate amount of Swingline Loans in which Revolving Lenders will participate.  Promptly upon receipt of such notice, the Administrative Agent will give notice thereof to each Revolving Lender, specifying in such notice such Lender's Applicable Percentage of such Swingline Loan or Loans.  Each Revolving Lender hereby absolutely and unconditionally agrees, upon receipt of notice as provided above, to pay to the Administrative Agent, for the account of the Swingline Lender, such Lender's Applicable Percentage of such Swingline Loan or Loans.  Each Revolving Lender acknowledges and agrees that its obligation to acquire participations in Swingline Loans pursuant to this paragraph is absolute and unconditional and shall not be affected by any circumstance whatsoever, including the occurrence and continuance of a Default or reduction or termination of the Commitments, and that each such payment shall be made without any offset, abatement, withholding or reduction whatsoever.  Each Revolving Lender shall comply with its obligation under this paragraph by wire transfer of immediately available funds, in the same manner as provided in Section 2.06 with respect to Loans made by such Lender (and Section 2.06 shall apply, mutatis mutandis , to the payment obligations of the Revolving Lenders), and the Administrative Agent shall promptly pay to the Swingline Lender the amounts so received by it from the Revolving Lenders.  The Administrative Agent shall notify the Borrower of any participations in any Swingline Loan acquired pursuant to this paragraph, and thereafter payments in respect of such Swingline Loan shall be made to the Administrative Agent and not to the Swingline Lender.  Any amounts received by the Swingline Lender from the Borrower (or other party on behalf of the Borrower) in respect of a Swingline Loan after receipt by the Swingline Lender of the proceeds of a sale of participations therein shall be promptly remitted to the Administrative Agent; any such amounts received by the Administrative Agent shall be promptly remitted by the Administrative Agent to the Revolving Lenders that shall have made their payments pursuant to this paragraph and to the Swingline Lender, as their interests may appear; provided that any such payment so remitted shall be repaid to the Swingline Lender or to the Administrative Agent, as applicable, if and to the extent such payment is required to be refunded to the Borrower (or such other Person) for any reason.  The purchase of participations in a Swingline Loan pursuant to this paragraph shall not relieve the Borrower of any default in the payment thereof.

 
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Section 2.05.            Letters of Credit .

(a)            General .  Subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, the Borrower may request the issuance of Letters of Credit for its own account (or the account of any of its Subsidiaries), in a form reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent and the Issuing Bank, at any time and from time to time during the Revolving Availability Period.  In the event of any inconsistency between the terms and conditions of this Agreement and the terms and conditions of any form of letter of credit application or other agreement submitted by the Borrower to, or entered into by the Borrower with, the Issuing Bank relating to any Letter of Credit, the terms and conditions of this Agreement shall control.

(b)            Notice of Issuance, Amendment, Renewal, Extension; Certain Conditions .  To request the issuance of a Letter of Credit (or the amendment, renewal or extension of an outstanding Letter of Credit), the Borrower shall telecopy (or transmit by electronic communication, if arrangements for doing so have been approved by the Issuing Bank) to the Issuing Bank and the Administrative Agent (reasonably in advance of the requested date of issuance, amendment, renewal or extension) a notice requesting the issuance of a Letter of Credit, or identifying the Letter of Credit to be amended, renewed or extended, and specifying the date of issuance, amendment, renewal or extension (which shall be a Business Day), the date on which such Letter of Credit is to expire (which shall comply with paragraph (c) of this Section 2.05 ), the amount of such Letter of Credit, the name and address of the beneficiary thereof and such other information as shall be necessary to prepare, amend, renew or extend such Letter of Credit.  If requested by the Issuing Bank, the Borrower also shall submit a letter of credit application on the Issuing Bank's standard form in connection with any request for a Letter of Credit (but any default or breach under such application and not hereunder shall not give rise to a Default or Event of Default hereunder).  A Letter of Credit shall be issued, amended, renewed or extended only if (and upon issuance, amendment, renewal or extension of each Letter of Credit the Borrower shall be deemed to represent and warrant that), after giving effect to such issuance, amendment, renewal or extension (i) the LC Exposure shall not exceed $75,000,000 and (ii) the total Revolving Exposures shall not exceed the total Revolving Commitments.

 
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(c)            Expiration Date .  Each Letter of Credit shall expire at or prior to the close of business on the earlier of (i) unless consented to by the Issuing Bank, the date one year after the date of the issuance of such Letter of Credit (or, in the case of any renewal or extension thereof, one year after such renewal or extension) (provided that any Letter of Credit with a one-year term may provide for the automatic renewal thereof for additional one-year periods not to extend past the date in clause (ii) below unless the Borrower shall have made arrangements reasonably satisfactory to the applicable Issuing Bank) and (ii) the date that is five Business Days prior to the Revolving Maturity Date.

(d)            Participations .  By the issuance of a Letter of Credit (or an amendment to a Letter of Credit increasing the amount thereof) and without any further action on the part of the Issuing Bank or the Lenders, the Issuing Bank hereby grants to each Revolving Lender, and each Revolving Lender hereby acquires from the Issuing Bank, a participation in such Letter of Credit equal to such Lender's Applicable Percentage of the aggregate amount available to be drawn under such Letter of Credit.  In consideration and in furtherance of the foregoing, each Revolving Lender hereby absolutely and unconditionally agrees to pay to the Administrative Agent, for the account of the Issuing Bank, such Lender's Applicable Percentage of each LC Disbursement made by the Issuing Bank and not reimbursed by the Borrower on the date due as provided in paragraph (e) of this Section 2.05 , or of any reimbursement payment required to be refunded to the Borrower for any reason.  Each Lender acknowledges and agrees that its obligation to acquire participations pursuant to this paragraph in respect of Letters of Credit is absolute and unconditional and shall not be affected by any circumstance whatsoever, including any amendment, renewal or extension of any Letter of Credit or the occurrence and continuance of a Default or reduction or termination of the Commitments, and that each such payment shall be made without any offset, abatement, withholding or reduction whatsoever.

(e)            Reimbursement .  If the Issuing Bank shall make any LC Disbursement in respect of a Letter of Credit, the Borrower shall reimburse such LC Disbursement by paying to the Administrative Agent an amount equal to such LC Disbursement not later than 4:00 p.m., Chicago, Illinois time, on the first Business Day after such LC Disbursement is made if the Borrower shall have received notice of such LC Disbursement prior to 10:00 a.m., Chicago, Illinois time, on such date, or, if such notice has not been received by the Borrower prior to such time on such date such notice shall be deemed received on the next day and then not later than 1:00 p.m., Chicago, Illinois time, on the Business Day immediately following the day that the Borrower is deemed to have received such notice; provided that the Borrower may, subject to the conditions to borrowing set forth herein, request in accordance with Sections 2.03 or 2.04 that such payment be financed with an ABR Revolving Borrowing or Swingline Loan in an equivalent amount and, to the extent so financed, the Borrower's obligation to make such payment shall be discharged and replaced by the resulting ABR Revolving Borrowing or Swingline Loan.  If the Borrower fails to make such payment when due, the Administrative Agent shall notify each Revolving Lender of the applicable LC Disbursement, the payment then due from the Borrower in respect thereof and such Lender's Applicable Percentage thereof.  Promptly following receipt of such notice, each Revolving Lender shall pay to the Administrative Agent its Applicable Percentage of the payment then due from the Borrower, in the same manner as provided in Section 2.06 with respect to Loans made by such Lender (and Section 2.06 shall apply, mutatis mutandis , to the payment obligations of the Revolving Lenders), and the Administrative Agent shall promptly pay to the Issuing Bank the amounts so received by it from the Revolving Lenders.  Promptly following receipt by the Administrative Agent of any payment from the Borrower pursuant to this paragraph, the Administrative Agent shall distribute such payment to the Issuing Bank or, to the extent that Revolving Lenders have made payments pursuant to this paragraph to reimburse the Issuing Bank, then to such Lenders and the Issuing Bank as their interests may appear.  Any payment made by a Revolving Lender pursuant to this paragraph to reimburse the Issuing Bank for any LC Disbursement (other than the funding of ABR Revolving Loans or a Swingline Loan as contemplated above) shall not constitute a Loan and shall not relieve the Borrower of its obligation to reimburse such LC Disbursement in accordance with this Section 2.05(e) .

 
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(f)            Obligations Absolute .  The Borrower's obligation to reimburse LC Disbursements as provided in paragraph (e) of this Section 2.05 shall be absolute, unconditional and irrevocable, and shall be performed strictly in accordance with the terms of this Agreement under any and all circumstances whatsoever and irrespective of (i) any lack of validity or enforceability of any Letter of Credit or any Loan Document, or any term or provision therein, (ii) any draft or other document presented under a Letter of Credit proving to be forged, fraudulent or invalid in any respect or any statement therein being untrue or inaccurate in any respect, (iii) payment by the Issuing Bank under a Letter of Credit against presentation of a draft or other document that does not comply with the terms of such Letter of Credit, or (iv) any other event or circumstance whatsoever, whether or not similar to any of the foregoing, that might, but for the provisions of this Section 2.05 , constitute a legal or equitable discharge of, or provide a right of setoff against, the Borrower's obligations hereunder.  Neither the Administrative Agent, the Lenders nor the Issuing Bank, nor any of their Related Parties, shall have any liability or responsibility by reason of or in connection with the issuance or transfer of any Letter of Credit or any payment or failure to make any payment thereunder (irrespective of any of the circumstances referred to in the preceding sentence), or 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 (including any document required to make a drawing thereunder), any error in interpretation of technical terms or any consequence arising from causes beyond the control of the Issuing Bank; provided that the foregoing shall not be construed to excuse the Issuing Bank from liability to the Borrower to the extent of any direct damages (as opposed to consequential damages, claims in respect of which are hereby waived by the Borrower to the extent permitted by applicable law) suffered by the Borrower that are caused by the Issuing Bank's gross negligence, willful misconduct or failure to exercise care when determining whether drafts and other documents presented under a Letter of Credit comply with the terms thereof.  The parties hereto expressly agree that, in the absence of gross negligence or willful misconduct on the part of, or material breach of the terms of the Loan Documents by, the Issuing Bank, the Issuing Bank shall be deemed to have exercised care in each such determination.  In furtherance of the foregoing and without limiting the generality thereof, the parties agree that, with respect to documents presented which appear on their face to be in substantial compliance with the terms of a Letter of Credit, the Issuing Bank may, in its sole discretion, either accept and make payment upon such documents without responsibility for further investigation, regardless of any notice or information to the contrary, or 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.

(g)            Disbursement Procedures .  The Issuing Bank shall, promptly following its receipt thereof, examine all documents purporting to represent a demand for payment under a Letter of Credit.  The Issuing Bank shall promptly notify the Administrative Agent and the Borrower by telephone (confirmed by telecopy or email) of such demand for payment and whether the Issuing Bank has made or will make an LC Disbursement thereunder; provided that any failure to give or delay in giving such notice shall not relieve the Borrower of its obligation to reimburse the Issuing Bank and the Revolving Lenders with respect to any such LC Disbursement.

(h)            Interim Interest .  If the Issuing Bank shall make any LC Disbursement, then, unless the Borrower shall reimburse such LC Disbursement in full on the date such LC Disbursement is made, the unpaid amount thereof shall bear interest, for each day from and including the date such LC Disbursement is made to but excluding the date that the Borrower reimburses such LC Disbursement, at the rate per annum then applicable to ABR Revolving Loans; provided that, if the Borrower fails to reimburse such LC Disbursement when due pursuant to paragraph (e) of this Section 2.05 , then Section 2.13 (c) shall apply.  Interest accrued pursuant to this paragraph shall be for the account of the Issuing Bank, except that interest accrued on and after the date of payment by any Revolving Lender pursuant to paragraph (e) of this Section 2.05 to reimburse the Issuing Bank shall be for the account of such Lender to the extent of such payment.

 
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(i)            Replacement of the Issuing Bank .  An Issuing Bank may be replaced at any time by written agreement among the Borrower, the Administrative Agent, the replaced Issuing Bank and the successor Issuing Bank.  The Administrative Agent shall notify the Lenders of any such replacement of an Issuing Bank.  At the time any such replacement shall become effective, the Borrower shall pay all unpaid fees accrued for the account of the replaced Issuing Bank pursuant to Section 2.12(b) .  From and after the effective date of any such replacement, (i) the successor Issuing Bank shall have all the rights and obligations of the Issuing Bank under this Agreement with respect to Letters of Credit to be issued thereafter and (ii) references herein to the term "Issuing Bank" shall be deemed to refer to such successor or to any previous Issuing Bank, or to such successor and all previous Issuing Banks, as the context shall require.  After the replacement of an Issuing Bank hereunder, the replaced Issuing Bank shall remain a party hereto and shall continue to have all the rights and obligations of an Issuing Bank under this Agreement with respect to Letters of Credit issued by it prior to such replacement, but shall not be required to issue additional Letters of Credit.

(j)            Cash Collateralization .  If any Event of Default shall occur and be continuing, on the Business Day that the Borrower receives notice from the Administrative Agent or the Required Lenders demanding the deposit of cash collateral pursuant to this paragraph, the Borrower shall deposit in an account with the Administrative Agent, in the name of the Administrative Agent and for the benefit of the Lenders, an amount in cash equal to the LC Exposure as of such date plus any accrued and unpaid interest thereon; provided that the obligation to deposit such cash collateral shall become effective immediately, and such deposit shall become immediately due and payable, without demand or other notice of any kind, upon the occurrence of any Event of Default with respect to the Borrower described in clause (h) or (i) of Section 8.01 .  Each such deposit shall be held by the Administrative Agent as collateral for the payment and performance of the Obligations.  The Administrative Agent shall have exclusive dominion and control, including the exclusive right of withdrawal, over such account.  Other than any interest earned on the investment of such deposits, which investments shall be made at the option and sole discretion of the Administrative Agent and at the Borrower's risk and expense, such deposits shall not bear interest.  Interest or profits, if any, on such investments shall accumulate in such account.  Monies in such account shall be applied by the Administrative Agent to reimburse the Issuing Bank for LC Disbursements for which it has not been reimbursed and, to the extent not so applied, shall be held for the satisfaction of the reimbursement obligations of the Borrower for the LC Exposure at such time or, if the maturity of the Loans has been accelerated (but subject to the consent of Revolving Lenders with LC Exposure representing greater than 50% of the total LC Exposure), be applied to satisfy other obligations of the Borrower under this Agreement.  If the Borrower is required to provide an amount of cash collateral hereunder as a result of the occurrence of an Event of Default, such amount (to the extent not applied as aforesaid) shall be returned to the Borrower within three Business Days following a request to do so after all Events of Default have been cured or waived.

Section 2.06.            Funding of Borrowings .

(a)            By Lenders .  Each Lender shall make each Loan to be made by it hereunder on the proposed date thereof by wire transfer of immediately available funds by 12:00 noon, Chicago, Illinois time, to the account of the Administrative Agent most recently designated by it for such purpose by notice to the Lenders; provided that Swingline Loans shall be made as provided in Section 2.04 .  The Administrative Agent will make such Loans available to the Borrower by promptly crediting the amounts so received, in like funds, to an account of the Borrower maintained with the Administrative Agent or by wire transfer, automated clearing house debit or interbank transfer to such other account, accounts or Persons designated by the Borrower in the applicable Borrowing Request; provided that ABR Revolving Loans made to finance the reimbursement of an LC Disbursement as provided in Section 2.05(e) shall be remitted by the Administrative Agent to the Issuing Bank.

 
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(b)            Fundings Assumed Made .  Unless the Administrative Agent shall have received notice from a Lender prior to the proposed date of any Borrowing that such Lender will not make available to the Administrative Agent such Lender's share of such Borrowing, the Administrative Agent may assume that such Lender has made such share available on such date in accordance with paragraph (a) of this Section 2.06 and may, in reliance upon such assumption, make available to the Borrower a corresponding amount.  In such event, if a Lender has not in fact made its share of the applicable Borrowing available to the Administrative Agent, then the applicable Lender and the Borrower severally agree to pay to the Administrative Agent forthwith on demand (without duplication) such corresponding amount with interest thereon, for each day from and including the date such amount is made available to the Borrower to but excluding the date of payment to the Administrative Agent, at (i) in the case of such Lender, the greater of the Federal Funds Effective Rate and a rate determined by the Administrative Agent in accordance with banking industry rules on interbank compensation or (ii) in the case of the Borrower, the interest rate applicable to ABR Loans.  If such Lender pays such amount to the Administrative Agent, then such amount shall constitute such Lender's Loan included in such Borrowing.

Section 2.07.            Interest Elections .

(a)            Conversion and Continuation .  Each Revolving Borrowing and Term Borrowing initially shall be of the Type specified in the applicable Borrowing Request and, in the case of a Eurodollar Borrowing, shall have an initial Interest Period as specified in such Borrowing Request.  Thereafter, the Borrower may elect to convert such Borrowing to a different Type or to continue such Borrowing and, in the case of a Eurodollar Borrowing, may elect Interest Periods therefor, all as provided in this Section 2.07 .  The Borrower may elect different options with respect to different portions of the affected Borrowing, in which case each such portion shall be allocated ratably among the Lenders holding the Loans comprising such Borrowing, and the Loans comprising each such portion shall be considered a separate Borrowing.  This Section shall not apply to Swingline Borrowings, which may not be converted or continued.

(b)            Delivery of Interest Election Request .  To make an election pursuant to this Section 2.07 , the Borrower shall notify the Administrative Agent of such election by telephone by the time that a Borrowing Request would be required under Section 2.03 if the Borrower were requesting a Revolving Borrowing of the Type resulting from such election to be made on the effective date of such election.  Each such telephonic Interest Election Request shall be irrevocable and shall be confirmed promptly by telecopy or email to the Administrative Agent of a written Interest Election Request in a form approved by the Administrative Agent and signed by the Borrower.

(c)            Contents of Interest Election Request .  Each telephonic and written Interest Election Request shall specify the following information in compliance with Section 2.02 :

(i)            the Borrowing to which such Interest Election Request applies and, if different options are being elected with respect to different portions thereof, the portions thereof to be allocated to each resulting Borrowing (in which case the information to be specified pursuant to clauses (iii) and (iv) below shall be specified for each resulting Borrowing);

 
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(ii)            the effective date of the election made pursuant to such Interest Election Request, which shall be a Business Day;

(iii)            whether the resulting Borrowing is to be an ABR Borrowing or a Eurodollar Borrowing; and

(iv)            if the resulting Borrowing is a Eurodollar Borrowing, the Interest Period to be applicable thereto after giving effect to such election, which shall be a period contemplated by the definition of the term "Interest Period".

If any such Interest Election Request requests a Eurodollar Borrowing but does not specify an Interest Period, then the Borrower shall be deemed to have selected an Interest Period of one month's duration.

(d)            Notice to the Lenders .  Promptly following receipt of an Interest Election Request, the Administrative Agent shall advise each Lender of the details thereof and of such Lender's portion of each resulting Borrowing.

(e)            Automatic Conversion .  If the Borrower fails to deliver a timely Interest Election Request with respect to a Eurodollar Borrowing prior to the end of the Interest Period applicable thereto, then, unless such Borrowing is repaid as provided herein, at the end of such Interest Period such Borrowing shall be converted to an ABR Borrowing.

(f)            Limitations on Election .  Notwithstanding any contrary provision hereof, if an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing and the Administrative Agent, at the request of the Required Lenders, so notifies the Borrower in writing, then, so long as an Event of Default is continuing (i) no outstanding Borrowing may be converted to or continued as a Eurodollar Borrowing and (ii) unless repaid, each Eurodollar Borrowing shall be converted to an ABR Borrowing at the end of the Interest Period applicable thereto.

Section 2.08.            Termination and Reduction of Commitments .

(a)            Termination Date .  Unless previously terminated, (i) the Term Commitments shall terminate at 5:00 p.m., Chicago, Illinois time, on the Effective Date and (ii) the Revolving Commitments shall terminate on the Revolving Maturity Date.

(b)            Optional Termination or Reduction .  The Borrower may at any time terminate, or from time to time reduce, the Commitments of any Class; provided that (i)  each reduction of the Commitments of any Class shall be in an amount that is an integral multiple of $1,000,000 and not less than $5,000,000 (or, if less, the remaining amount of the relevant Commitments) and (ii) the Borrower shall not terminate or reduce the Revolving Commitments if, after giving effect to any concurrent prepayment of the Revolving Loans in accordance with Section 2.11 , the sum of the Revolving Exposures would exceed the total Revolving Commitments.

(c)            Notice of Termination or Reduction .  The Borrower shall notify the Administrative Agent of any election to terminate or reduce the Commitments under paragraph (b) of this Section 2.08 at least three Business Days prior to the effective date of such termination or reduction, specifying such election and the effective date thereof.  Promptly following receipt of any notice, the Administrative Agent shall advise the Lenders of the contents thereof.  Each notice delivered by the Borrower pursuant to this Section 2.08(c) shall be irrevocable; provided that a notice of termination of the Revolving Commitments delivered by the Borrower may state that such notice is conditioned upon the effectiveness of other credit facilities, in which case such notice may be revoked by the Borrower (by notice to the Administrative Agent on or prior to the specified effective date) if such condition is not satisfied.  Any termination or reduction of the Commitments of any Class shall be permanent.  Each reduction of the Commitments of any Class shall be made ratably among the Lenders in accordance with their respective Commitments of such Class.

 
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Section 2.09.            Repayment of Loans; Evidence of Debt .

(a)            Promise to Pay .  The Borrower hereby unconditionally promises to pay (i) to the Administrative Agent for the account of each Revolving Lender the then unpaid principal amount of each Revolving Loan of such Lender on the Revolving Maturity Date, (ii) to the Administrative Agent for the account of each Term Lender the then unpaid principal amount of each Term Loan of such Lender as provided in Section 2.10 and (iii) to the Swingline Lender the then unpaid principal amount of each Swingline Loan on the earlier of the Revolving Maturity Date and the day that is ten Business Days after such Swingline Loan is made; provided that on each date that a Revolving Borrowing is made, the Borrower shall repay all Swingline Loans then outstanding.

(b)            Lender Records .  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, including the amounts of principal and interest payable and paid to such Lender from time to time hereunder.

(c)            Administrative Agent Records .  The Administrative Agent shall maintain accounts in which it shall record (i) the amount of each Loan made hereunder, the Class and Type thereof and the Interest Period applicable 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 for the account of the Lenders and each Lender's share thereof.

(d)            Prima Facie Evidence .  The entries made in the accounts maintained pursuant to paragraph (b) or  (c) of this Section 2.09 shall be prima facie evidence of the existence and amounts of the obligations recorded therein absent manifest error; provided that the failure of any Lender or the Administrative Agent to maintain such accounts or any error therein shall not in any manner affect the obligation of the Borrower to repay the Loans in accordance with the terms of this Agreement; provided , further , that in the event of any inconsistency between such accounts of the Administrative Agent and any Lender’s records, the Administrative Agent’s accounts shall govern.

(e)            Request for a Note .  Any Lender may request that Loans of any Class made by it be evidenced by a promissory note; provided that any such promissory notes to be issued on the Effective Date shall be requested by the relevant Lender at least 5 Business Days prior to the Effective Date.  In such event, the Borrower shall prepare, execute and deliver to such Lender a promissory note payable to the order of such Lender (or, if requested by such Lender, to such Lender and its registered assigns) and in a form approved by the Administrative Agent.  Thereafter, the Loans evidenced by such promissory note and interest thereon shall at all times (including after assignment pursuant to Section 10.04 ) be represented by one or more promissory notes in such form payable to the order of the payee named therein (or, if such promissory note is a registered note, to such payee and its registered assigns).

Section 2.10.            Amortization of Term Loans .  The Borrower shall repay the Term Borrowings in twenty-four (24) quarterly principal installments as follows:

(a)            Twenty-three (23) quarterly installments, in the amount of $750,000 each, due and payable on the last day of each March, June, September and December, of each year commencing on March 31, 2011 and continuing until and including September 30, 2016; and thereafter

 
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(b)            One final installment in the amount of all Term Loans then outstanding, due and payable on the Term Loan Maturity Date;

Prior to any repayment of any Term Borrowings, the Borrower shall select the Borrowing or Borrowings to be repaid and shall notify the Administrative Agent by telephone (confirmed by telecopy) of such selection not later than 12:00 p.m., Chicago, Illinois time, three Business Days before the scheduled date of such repayment; provided that to the extent the Borrower does not specify in such notice the Borrowing or Borrowings to be repaid the Administrative Agent shall first apply such amounts to ABR Loans and thereafter use commercially reasonable efforts to minimize the cost to the Borrower of such repayment under Section 2.16 .  Each repayment of a Borrowing shall be applied ratably to the Loans included in the repaid Borrowing.  Repayments of Term Borrowings shall be accompanied by accrued interest on the amount repaid.

Section 2.11.            Prepayment of Loans .

(a)            Optional Prepayment .  The Borrower shall have the right at any time and from time to time to prepay any Borrowing in whole or in part without prepayment penalty or premium, subject to the requirements of this Section 2.11 and Section 2.16 .

(b)            Mandatory Prepayment of Revolving Loans .  In the event and on such occasion that the sum of the Revolving Exposures exceeds the total Revolving Commitments, the Borrower shall prepay Revolving Borrowings or Swingline Borrowings in an aggregate amount equal to such excess.

(c)            Mandatory Prepayments from Net Proceeds of Prepayment Event .  In the event and on each occasion that any Net Proceeds are received by or on behalf the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary in respect of any Prepayment Event, the Borrower shall, within 3 Business Days after such Net Proceeds are received, prepay Term Borrowings in an aggregate amount equal to such Net Proceeds; provided that:

(i)            in the case of any event described in clauses (a) or (b) of the definition of the term Prepayment Event, if the Borrower shall deliver to the Administrative Agent a certificate of a Financial Officer to the effect that the Borrower and the Subsidiaries intend to apply the Net Proceeds from such event, within 18 months after receipt of such Net Proceeds, to acquire or replace assets (other than ordinary course current assets, it being understood such limitation shall not apply to the acquisition of any Person or all or substantially all of the assets of a division or branch of such Person) or repair, improve or maintain assets to be used in the business of, or otherwise useful in the operations of, the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries, including, without limitation, to make an acquisition permitted by Section 6.04(l) , to engage in an Asset Swap permitted by Section 6.04(k) or to make an Investment permitted by Section 6.04(q) , (s) or (u) , then no prepayment shall be required pursuant to this clause (c)   in respect of such event except (A) to the extent of any Net Proceeds therefrom that have not been so applied within 18 months (or in the case of a binding commitment in respect of an application  within such 18 months, 24 months) after receipt of such Net Proceeds, at which time a prepayment shall be required in an amount equal to the Net Proceeds that have not been so applied or (B) if the Borrower would be required to make an offer to purchase any Senior Unsecured Debt with such Net Proceeds, then prior to the time that the Borrower would be required to make such offer, the Borrower shall be required to make a prepayment under this clause (c) in an amount equal to such Net Proceeds; and

(ii)            Net Proceeds from a single Prepayment Event shall not be required to be used to prepay Term Borrowings under this clause (c) if the aggregate amount of Net Proceeds received from such Prepayment Event do not exceed $2,500,000 unless (A) such Net Proceeds, when added to the aggregate amount of Net Proceeds received from all Prepayment Events occurring in the same fiscal year which are not reinvested pursuant to this clause (c) exceed $10,000,000 (in which event the aggregate amount of such Net Proceeds from all such Prepayment Events in excess of $10,000,000, shall then be required to be used to prepay the Term Borrowing under this clause (c) ) or (B) the Borrower would be required to make an offer to purchase any Senior Unsecured Debt with such Net Proceeds, then the Borrower shall be required to make a prepayment under this clause (c) in an amount equal to such Net Proceeds from a single Prepayment Event.

 
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(d)            Excess Cash Flow Prepayment .  Following the end of each Applicable Fiscal Year, the Borrower shall prepay Term Borrowings in an aggregate amount equal to the sum of:  (i) 50% of Excess Cash Flow for such Applicable Fiscal Year; minus (ii) the aggregate amount of voluntary prepayments made on the Term Loans during such Applicable Fiscal Year or on or prior to the date such Excess Cash Flow payment is due (other than prepayments funded with the proceeds of long-term Indebtedness (other than revolving Indebtedness) and without duplication for any deduction of any such prepayment in respect of the prior fiscal year); minus (iii) the aggregate amount of voluntary prepayments made on the Revolving Loans during such Applicable Fiscal Year or on or prior to the date such Excess Cash Flow payment is due (and without duplication for any deduction of any such prepayment in respect of the prior fiscal year) that were accompanied by a permanent reduction of the Revolving Commitments.  Each prepayment pursuant to this clause (d) shall be made within 5 Business Days after the date on which financial statements are delivered pursuant to Section 5.01(a) with respect to the Applicable Fiscal Year for which Excess Cash Flow is being calculated; provided that if the Leverage Ratio as calculated as of the last day of a fiscal year for the four fiscal quarters then ended is less than 2.25 to 1.00, then no prepayment will be required under this clause (d) for such fiscal year. As used in this clause, the term " Applicable Fiscal Year " means each fiscal year, beginning with the fiscal year ending on or about December 31, 2011.

(e)            Notice of Prepayment; Application of Prepayments .  The Borrower shall notify the Administrative Agent (and, in the case of prepayment of a Swingline Loan, the Swingline Lender) by telephone (confirmed by telecopy or email) of any prepayment hereunder (i) in the case of prepayment of a Eurodollar Borrowing, not later than 11:30 a.m., Chicago, Illinois time (or such later time as the Administrative Agent may agree), three Business Days before the date of prepayment, (ii) in the case of prepayment of an ABR Borrowing, not later than 11:30 a.m., Chicago, Illinois time (or such later time as the Administrative Agent may agree), one Business Day before the date of prepayment or (iii) in the case of prepayment of a Swingline Loan, not later than 12:00 noon, Chicago, Illinois time, (or such later time as the Administrative Agent may agree), on the date of prepayment.  Each such notice shall be irrevocable and shall specify the prepayment date, the principal amount of each Borrowing or portion thereof to be prepaid and, in the case of a mandatory prepayment, a reasonably detailed calculation of the amount of such prepayment; provided that, a notice of optional prepayment delivered by the Borrower may state that such notice is conditioned upon the effectiveness of other credit facilities, in which case such notice may be revoked by the Borrower (by notice to the Administrative Agent on or prior to the specified effective date) if such condition is not satisfied.  Promptly following receipt of any such notice (other than a notice relating solely to Swingline Loans), the Administrative Agent shall advise the Lenders of the contents thereof.  Each partial prepayment of any Borrowing shall be in an amount that would be permitted in the case of an advance of a Borrowing of the same Type as provided in Section 2.02 , except as necessary to apply fully the required amount of a mandatory prepayment.  Each prepayment of a Borrowing shall be applied ratably to the Loans included in the prepaid Borrowing.  Prepayments shall be accompanied by accrued interest to the extent required by Section 2.13 .  Prepayments of Term Loans shall be applied first, to scheduled installments thereof occurring within the next 12 months of such prepayment in direct order of maturity and second, pro rata based on the principal amount of each installment.

 
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Section 2.12.            Fees .

(a)            Commitment Fees .  The Borrower agrees to pay to the Administrative Agent for the account of each Revolving Lender a commitment fee, which shall accrue at the Applicable Rate on the average daily unused amount of each Revolving Commitment of such Lender during the period from and including the Effective Date to but excluding the date on which such Revolving Commitment terminates.  Accrued commitment fees in respect of the Revolving Commitments shall be payable in arrears on the date which is three Business Days following the last day of each March, June, September and December of each year and on the date on which the Revolving Commitments terminate, commencing on the first such date to occur after the date hereof.  All commitment fees shall be computed on the basis of a year of 360 days and shall be payable for the actual number of days elapsed (including the first day but excluding the last day).  A Revolving Commitment of a Lender shall be deemed to be used to the extent of the outstanding Revolving Loans and LC Exposure of such Lender (and the Swingline Exposure of such Lender shall be disregarded for such purpose).

(b)            Letter of Credit Fees .  The Borrower agrees to pay:

(i)            Participation Fee .  to the Administrative Agent for the account of each Revolving Lender a participation fee with respect to its participations in Letters of Credit, which shall accrue at the Applicable Rate on the average daily amount of such Lender's LC  Exposure (excluding any portion thereof attributable to unreimbursed LC Disbursements) during the period from and including the Effective Date to but excluding the later of the date on which such Lender's Revolving Commitment terminates and the date on which such Lender ceases to have any LC Exposure;

(ii)            Standby Letter of Credit Fronting Fees .  to the Issuing Bank a fronting fee with respect to standby Letters of Credit, which shall accrue at the rate of 0.10% per annum on the average daily amount of the LC Exposure (excluding any portion thereof attributable to unreimbursed LC Disbursements) attributable to standby Letters of Credit during the period from and including the Effective Date to but excluding the later of the date of termination of the Revolving Commitments and the date on which there ceases to be any LC Exposure with respect to standby Letters of Credit;

(iii)            Commercial Letters of Credit Fronting Fees .  to the Issuing Bank a fronting fee with respect to each commercial Letter of Credit, which fee shall equal the product of 1.00% of the initial stated amount of such commercial Letter of Credit multiplied by a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of days included in the term of such commercial Letter of Credit and whose denominator is 360; and

(iv)            Issuing Bank Standard Fees .  the Issuing Bank's standard fees with respect to the issuance, amendment, renewal or extension of any Letter of Credit or processing of drawings thereunder.

Participation fees and standby Letter of Credit fronting fees accrued through and including the last day of March, June, September and December of each year shall be payable on the third Business Day following such last day, commencing on the first such date to occur after the Effective Date; provided that:  (A) all such fees shall be payable on the date on which the Revolving Commitments terminate; (B) any such fees accruing after the date on which the Revolving Commitments terminate shall be payable on demand; and (C) all fronting fees payable with respect to commercial Letters of Credit shall be payable on the date of the issuance thereof.  Any other fees payable to the Issuing Bank pursuant to this paragraph shall be payable within 10 days after demand.  All participation fees and standby Letter of Credit fronting fees shall be computed on the basis of a year of 360 days and shall be payable for the actual number of days elapsed (including the first day but excluding the last day).

 
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(c)            Agent Fees .  The Borrower agrees to pay to the Administrative Agent, for its own account, fees payable in the amounts and at the times separately agreed upon between the Borrower and the Administrative Agent.

(d)            Payment of Fees .  All fees payable hereunder shall be paid on the dates due, in immediately available funds, to the Administrative Agent (or to the Issuing Bank, in the case of fees payable to it) for distribution, in the case of commitment fees and participation fees, to the Lenders entitled thereto.  Fees paid shall not be refundable under any circumstances.

Section 2.13.            Interest .

(a)            ABR Borrowings .  The Loans comprising each ABR Borrowing (including each Swingline Loan) shall bear interest at the Alternate Base Rate plus the Applicable Rate.

(b)            Eurodollar Borrowing .  The Loans comprising each Eurodollar Borrowing shall bear interest at the Adjusted LIBO Rate for the Interest Period in effect for such Borrowing plus the Applicable Rate.

(c)            Default Interest .  Notwithstanding the foregoing, if any principal of or interest on any Loan or any fee or other amount payable by the Borrower hereunder is not paid when due, whether at stated maturity, upon acceleration or otherwise, such overdue amount shall bear interest, after as well as before judgment, at a rate per annum equal to (i) in the case of overdue principal of any Loan, 2% plus the rate otherwise applicable to such Loan as provided in the preceding paragraphs of this Section 2.13 or (ii) in the case of any other amount, 2% plus the rate applicable to ABR Revolving Loans as provided in paragraph (a) of this Section 2.13 .

(d)            Payment of Interest .  Accrued interest on each Loan shall be payable in arrears on each Interest Payment Date for such Loan and, in the case of Revolving Loans, upon termination of the Revolving Commitments; provided that (i) interest accrued pursuant to paragraph (c) of this Section 2.13 shall be payable on demand, (ii) in the event of any repayment or prepayment of any Loan (other than a prepayment of an ABR Revolving Loan prior to the end of the Revolving Availability Period), accrued interest on the principal amount repaid or prepaid shall be payable on the date of such repayment or prepayment and (iii) in the event of any conversion of any Eurodollar Loan prior to the end of the current Interest Period therefor, accrued interest on such Loan shall be payable on the effective date of such conversion.

(e)            Computation .  All interest hereunder shall be computed on the basis of a year of 360 days, except that interest computed by reference to the Alternate Base Rate at times when the Alternate Base Rate is based on the Prime Rate shall be computed on the basis of a year of 365 days (or 366 days in a leap year), and in each case shall be payable for the actual number of days elapsed (including the first day but excluding the last day).  The applicable Alternate Base Rate or Adjusted LIBO Rate shall be determined by the Administrative Agent, and such determination shall be conclusive absent manifest error.

Section 2.14.            Alternate Rate of Interest .  If prior to the commencement of any Interest Period for a Eurodollar Borrowing:

(a)            the Administrative Agent determines (which determination shall be conclusive absent manifest error) that adequate and reasonable means do not exist for ascertaining the Adjusted LIBO Rate for such Interest Period; or

 
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(b)            the Administrative Agent is advised by the Required Lenders that the Adjusted LIBO Rate for such Interest Period will not adequately and fairly reflect the cost to such Lenders (or Lender) of making or maintaining their Loans (or its Loan) included in such Borrowing for such Interest Period;

then the Administrative Agent shall give notice thereof to the Borrower and the Lenders by telephone, telecopy or email as promptly as practicable thereafter and, until the Administrative Agent notifies the Borrower and the Lenders that the circumstances giving rise to such notice no longer exist, (i) any Interest Election Request that requests the conversion of any Borrowing to, or continuation of any Borrowing as, a Eurodollar Borrowing shall be ineffective and such Borrowing shall be converted to or continued as an ABR Borrowing and (ii) if any Borrowing Request requests a Eurodollar Borrowing, such Borrowing shall be made as an ABR Borrowing.

Section 2.15.            Increased Costs .

(a)            Change In Law .  If any Change in Law shall:

(i)            impose, modify or deem applicable any reserve, special deposit or similar requirement against assets of, deposits with or for the account of, or credit extended by, any Lender (except any such reserve requirement reflected in the Adjusted LIBO Rate) or the Issuing Bank; or

(ii)            impose on any Lender or the Issuing Bank or the London interbank market any other condition affecting this Agreement or Eurodollar Loans made by such Lender or any Letter of Credit or participation therein;

and the result of any of the foregoing shall be to increase the cost to such Lender of making or maintaining any Eurodollar Loan (or of maintaining its obligation to make any such Loan) or to increase the cost to such Lender or the Issuing Bank of participating in, issuing or maintaining any Letter of Credit or to reduce the amount of any sum received or receivable by such Lender or the Issuing Bank hereunder (whether of principal, interest or otherwise), then the Borrower will pay to such Lender or the Issuing Bank, as the case may be, such additional amount or amounts as will compensate such Lender or the Issuing Bank, as the case may be, for such additional costs incurred or reduction suffered. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, the foregoing provisions of this Section 2.15(a) shall not apply in the case of Taxes, which shall instead be governed by Section 2.17 .

(b)            Capital Adequacy .  If any Lender or the Issuing Bank determines that any Change in Law regarding capital requirements has or would have the effect of reducing the rate of return on such Lender's or the Issuing Bank's capital or on the capital of such Lender's or the Issuing Bank's holding company, if any, as a consequence of this Agreement or the Loans made by, or participations in Letters of Credit held by, such Lender, or the Letters of Credit issued by the Issuing Bank, to a level below that which such Lender or the Issuing Bank or such Lender's or the Issuing Bank's holding company could have achieved but for such Change in Law (taking into consideration such Lender's or the Issuing Bank's policies and the policies of such Lender's or the Issuing Bank's holding company with respect to capital adequacy), then from time to time the Borrower will pay to such Lender or the Issuing Bank, as the case may be, such additional amount or amounts as will compensate such Lender or the Issuing Bank or such Lender's or the Issuing Bank's holding company for any such reduction suffered.

(c)            Delivery of Certificate .  A certificate of a Lender or the Issuing Bank setting forth the amount or amounts necessary to compensate such Lender or the Issuing Bank or its holding company, as the case may be, as specified in paragraph (a) or (b) of this Section 2.15 shall be delivered to the Borrower and shall be conclusive absent manifest error.  The Borrower shall pay such Lender or the Issuing Bank, as the case may be, the amount shown as due on any such certificate within 30 days after receipt thereof.

 
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(d)            Limitation on Compensation .  Failure or delay on the part of any Lender or the Issuing Bank to demand compensation pursuant to this Section 2.15 shall not constitute a waiver of such Lender's or the Issuing Bank's right to demand such compensation; provided that the Borrower shall not be required to compensate a Lender or the Issuing Bank pursuant to this Section 2.15 for any increased costs or reductions incurred more than 180 days prior to the date that such Lender or the Issuing Bank, as the case may be, notifies the Borrower of the Change in Law giving rise to such increased costs or reductions and of such Lender's or the Issuing Bank's intention to claim compensation therefor; provided further that, if the Change in Law giving rise to such increased costs or reductions is retroactive, then the 180-day period referred to above shall be extended to include the period of retroactive effect thereof.

Section 2.16.            Break Funding Payments .  In the event of (a) the payment of any principal of any Eurodollar Loan other than on the last day of an Interest Period applicable thereto (including as a result of an Event of Default), (b) the conversion of any Eurodollar Loan other than on the last day of the Interest Period applicable thereto, (c) the failure to borrow, convert to or from, continue as or prepay any Eurodollar Revolving Loan or Eurodollar Term Loan on the date specified in any notice delivered pursuant hereto (regardless of whether such notice may be revoked under Section 2.11(e) and is revoked in accordance therewith), or (d) the reallocation of any Eurodollar Loan other than on the last day of the Interest Period applicable thereto as a result of a request by the Borrower pursuant to Section 2.19 or Section 2.20 , then, in any such event, the Borrower shall compensate each Lender for the loss, cost and expense attributable to such event.  Such loss, cost or expense to any Lender shall be deemed to include an amount determined by such Lender to be the excess, if any, of (i) the amount of interest which would have accrued on the principal amount of such Loan had such event not occurred, at the Adjusted LIBO Rate that would have been applicable to such Loan, for the period from the date of such event to the last day of the then current Interest Period therefor (or, in the case of a failure to borrow, convert or continue, for the period that would have been the Interest Period for such Loan), over (ii) the amount of interest which would accrue on such principal amount for such period at the interest rate which such Lender would bid were it to bid, at the commencement of such period, for dollar deposits of a comparable amount and period from other banks in the eurodollar market.  A certificate of any Lender setting forth any amount or amounts that such Lender is entitled to receive pursuant to this Section shall be delivered to the Borrower and shall be conclusive absent manifest error.  The Borrower shall pay such Lender the amount shown as due on any such certificate within 30 days after receipt thereof.

Section 2.17.            Taxes .

(a)            Gross Up .  Any and all payments by or on account of any obligation of a Loan Party hereunder or under any other Loan Document shall be made free and clear of and without deduction for any Indemnified Taxes or Other Taxes; provided that if the applicable Withholding Agent shall be required to deduct any Indemnified Taxes or Other Taxes from such payments, then (i) the sum payable by the applicable Loan Party shall be increased as necessary so that after making all required deductions (including deductions applicable to additional sums payable under this Section) the Administrative Agent, any Lender or the Issuing Bank (as the case may be) receives an amount equal to the sum it would have received had no such deductions been made, and (ii) the applicable Withholding Agent shall make such deductions and pay the full amount deducted to the relevant Governmental Authority in accordance with applicable law.

(b)            Payment of Other Taxes .  In addition, the Borrower shall pay any Other Taxes to the relevant Governmental Authority in accordance with applicable law.

 
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(c)            Tax Indemnification .  The Borrower shall indemnify the Administrative Agent, each Lender and the Issuing Bank, within 30 days after written demand therefor, for the full amount of any Indemnified Taxes or Other Taxes paid by the Administrative Agent, such Lender or the Issuing Bank, as the case may be, on or with respect to any payment by or on account of any obligation of the Borrower hereunder or under any other Loan Document (including Indemnified Taxes or Other Taxes imposed or asserted on or attributable to amounts payable under this Section 2.17 ) and any penalties, interest and reasonable expenses arising therefrom or with respect thereto, whether or not such Indemnified Taxes or Other Taxes were correctly or legally imposed or asserted by the relevant Governmental Authority.  A certificate as to the amount of such payment or liability delivered to the Borrower by a Lender or the Issuing Bank, or by the Administrative Agent on its own behalf or on behalf of a Lender or the Issuing Bank, shall be conclusive absent manifest error.

(d)            Receipts .  As soon as practicable after any payment of Indemnified Taxes or Other Taxes by the Borrower to a Governmental Authority, the Loan Party shall deliver to the Administrative Agent for its own account or for the account of the relevant Lender, as the case may be, the original or a certified copy of a receipt issued by such Governmental Authority evidencing such payment, a copy of the return reporting such payment or other evidence of such payment reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent.

(e)            Administrative Agent Indemnity . Each Lender shall indemnify the Administrative Agent for the full amount of any Taxes imposed by any Governmental Authority that are attributable to such Lender and that are payable or paid by the Administrative Agent, together with all interest, penalties, reasonable costs and expenses arising therefrom or with respect thereto, as determined by the Administrative Agent in good faith. A certificate as to the amount of such payment or liability delivered to any Lender by the Administrative Agent shall be conclusive absent manifest error.

(f)            Forms .  Each Lender other than a Foreign Lender shall deliver to the Borrower and the Administrative Agent on or before the date on which it becomes a party to this Agreement two properly completed and duly signed originals of U.S. Internal Revenue Service Form W-9 (or any successor form) certifying that such Lender is exempt from U.S. federal withholding tax.  Each Foreign Lender (including each Participant that acquired a participation from a Foreign Lender) shall deliver to the Borrower and the Administrative Agent (or, in the case of a Participant, to the Lender from which the related participation shall have been purchased) (i) two properly completed and duly signed originals of U.S. Internal Revenue Service (" IRS ") Form W-8BEN, Form W-8ECI or Form W-8IMY (together with any applicable underlying IRS forms), or any subsequent versions thereof or successors thereto, (ii) in the case of a Foreign Lender claiming exemption from U.S. federal withholding tax under Section 871(h) or 881(c) of the Code with respect to payments of "portfolio interest", a statement substantially in the form of Exhibit H and the applicable IRS Form W-8, or any subsequent versions thereof or successors thereto, properly completed and duly executed by such Foreign Lender claiming complete exemption from, or a reduced rate of, U.S. federal withholding tax on payments under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents, or (iii) any other form prescribed by applicable requirements of U.S. federal income tax law as a basis for claiming exemption from or a reduction in U.S. federal withholding tax duly completed together with such supplementary documentation as may be prescribed by applicable requirements of law to permit the Borrower and the Administrative Agent to determine the withholding or deduction required to be made.  Such forms shall be delivered by each Lender on or before the date it becomes a party to this Agreement (or, in the case of any Participant, on or before the date such Participant purchases the related participation) and from time to time thereafter upon the request of the Borrower or the Administrative Agent.  In addition, each Lender shall deliver such forms promptly upon the obsolescence or invalidity of any form previously delivered by such Lender.  Each Lender shall promptly notify the Borrower and the Administrative Agent at any time it determines that it is no longer in a position to provide any previously delivered certificate to the Borrower (or any other form of certification adopted by the U.S. taxing authorities for such purpose).  Notwithstanding any other provision of this Section, a Lender shall not be required to deliver any form pursuant to this Section that such Foreign Lender is not legally able to deliver.

 
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(g)            Refund .  If the Administrative Agent or a Lender determines, in its sole discretion, that it has received a refund of any Taxes or Other Taxes as to which it has been indemnified by the Loan Party or with respect to which the Loan Party has paid additional amounts pursuant to this Section 2.17 , it shall pay over such refund to such Loan Party (but only to the extent of indemnity payments made, or additional amounts paid, by such Loan Party under this Section 2.17 with respect to the Taxes or Other Taxes giving rise to such refund), net of all out–of–pocket expenses of the Administrative Agent or such Lender and without interest (other than any interest paid by the relevant Governmental Authority with respect to such refund); provided, that such Loan Party, upon the request of the Administrative Agent or such Lender, agrees to repay the amount paid over to such Loan Party (plus any penalties, interest or other charges imposed by the relevant Governmental Authority) to the Administrative Agent or such Lender in the event the Administrative Agent or such Lender is required to repay such refund to such Governmental Authority.  This Section shall not be construed to require the Administrative Agent or any Lender to make available its tax returns (or any other information relating to its taxes which it deems confidential) to any Loan Party or any other Person.

(h)            Survival .  The agreements in this Section shall survive the termination of this Agreement and the payment of the Loans and all other amounts payable hereunder.

Section 2.18.            Payments Generally; Pro Rata Treatment; Sharing of Set-Offs; Proceeds of Collateral .

(a)            Payments Generally.   Unless otherwise specified herein, the Borrower shall make each payment required to be made by it hereunder or under any other Loan Document (whether of principal, interest, fees or reimbursement of LC Disbursements, or of amounts payable under Section 2.15 , 2.16 or 2.17 , or otherwise) prior to the time expressly required hereunder or under such other Loan Document for such payment (or, if no such time is expressly required, prior to 1:00 p.m., Chicago, Illinois time), on the date when due, in immediately available funds, without set-off or counterclaim.  Any amounts received after such time on any date may, in the discretion of the Administrative Agent, be deemed to have been received on the next succeeding Business Day for purposes of calculating interest thereon.  All such payments shall be made to the Administrative Agent at its offices at 10 S. Dearborn St., IL1-0010, Chicago, IL 60603, except payments to be made directly to the Issuing Bank or Swingline Lender as expressly provided herein and except that payments pursuant to Sections 2.15 , 2.16 , 2.17 and 10.03 shall be made directly to the Persons entitled thereto and payments pursuant to other Loan Documents shall be made to the Persons specified therein.  The Administrative Agent shall distribute any such payments received by it for the account of any other Person to the appropriate recipient promptly following receipt thereof.  All payments under each Loan Document shall be made in dollars.

(b)            Pro Rata Application .  If at any time insufficient funds are received by and available to the Administrative Agent to pay fully all amounts of principal, unreimbursed LC Disbursements, interest and fees then due hereunder, such funds shall be applied (i) first, towards payment of interest and fees then due hereunder, ratably among the parties entitled thereto in accordance with the amounts of interest and fees then due to such parties, and (ii) second, towards payment of principal and unreimbursed LC Disbursements then due hereunder, ratably among the parties entitled thereto in accordance with the amounts of principal and unreimbursed LC Disbursements then due to such parties.

 
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(c)            Sharing of Set-offs .  If any Lender shall, by exercising any right of set-off or counterclaim or otherwise, obtain payment in respect of any principal of or interest on any of its Revolving Loans, Term Loans or participations in LC Disbursements or Swingline Loans resulting in such Lender receiving payment of a greater proportion of the aggregate amount of its Revolving Loans, Term Loans and participations in LC Disbursements and Swingline Loans and accrued interest thereon than the proportion received by any other Lender, then the Lender receiving such greater proportion shall purchase (for cash at face value) participations in the Revolving Loans, Term Loans and participations in LC Disbursements and Swingline Loans of other Lenders to the extent necessary so that the benefit of all such payments shall be shared by the Lenders ratably in accordance with the aggregate amount of principal of and accrued interest on their respective Revolving Loans, Term Loans and participations in LC Disbursements and Swingline Loans; provided that (i) if any such participations are purchased and all or any portion of the payment giving rise thereto is recovered,  such participations shall be rescinded and the purchase price restored to the extent of such recovery, without interest, and (ii) the provisions of this paragraph (c) shall not be construed to apply to any payment made by the Borrower pursuant to and in accordance with the express terms of this Agreement or any payment obtained by a Lender as consideration for the assignment of or sale of a participation in any of its Loans or participations in LC Disbursements to any assignee or participant.  The Borrower consents to the foregoing and agrees, to the extent it may effectively do so under applicable law but subject to Section 10.08 , that any Lender acquiring a participation pursuant to the foregoing arrangements may exercise against the Borrower rights of set-off and counterclaim with respect to such participation as fully as if such Lender were a direct creditor of the Borrower in the amount of such participation.

(d)            Payments from Borrower Assumed Made .  Unless the Administrative Agent shall have received notice from the Borrower prior to the date on which any payment is due to the Administrative Agent for the account of the Lenders or the Issuing Bank hereunder that the Borrower will not make such payment, the Administrative Agent may assume that the Borrower has made such payment on such date in accordance herewith and may, in reliance upon such assumption, distribute to the Lenders or the Issuing Bank, as the case may be, the amount due.  In such event, if the Borrower has not in fact made such payment, then each of the Lenders or the Issuing Bank, as the case may be, severally agrees to repay to the Administrative Agent forthwith on demand the amount so distributed to such Lender or Issuing Bank with interest thereon, for each day from and including the date such amount is distributed to it to but excluding the date of payment to the Administrative Agent, at the greater of the Federal Funds Effective Rate and a rate determined by the Administrative Agent in accordance with banking industry rules on interbank compensation.

(e)            Set-Off Against Amounts Owed Lenders .  If any Lender shall fail to make any payment required to be made by it pursuant to Section 2.04(c) , 2.05(d) or (e) , 2.06(b) , 2.18(c) or (d) or 10.03(c) , then the Administrative Agent may, in its discretion (notwithstanding any contrary provision hereof), apply any amounts thereafter received by the Administrative Agent for the account of such Lender to satisfy such Lender's obligations under such Sections until all such unsatisfied obligations are fully paid.

(f)            Application of Proceeds of Collateral and Guaranty .  All amounts received under the Guaranty Agreement and all proceeds received by the Administrative Agent from the sale or other liquidation of the Collateral when an Event of Default exists shall first be applied as payment of the accrued and unpaid fees of the Administrative Agent hereunder and then to all other unpaid or unreimbursed Obligations (including reasonable attorneys' fees and expenses in accordance with Section 10.03 ) owing to the Administrative Agent in its capacity as Administrative Agent only and then any remaining amount of such proceeds shall be distributed:

 
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(i)            first , to an account at the Administrative Agent over which the Administrative Agent shall have control in an amount equal to 102% of the LC Exposure then outstanding;

(ii)            second , to the Secured Parties, pro rata in accordance with the respective unpaid amounts of Loan Obligations and Swap Obligations, until all the Loan Obligations and Swap Obligations have been paid and satisfied in full or cash collateralized;

(iii)            third , to the Secured Parties, pro rata in accordance with the respective unpaid amounts of the Deposit Obligations, until all Deposit Obligations have been paid and satisfied in full or cash collateralized;

(iv)            fourth , to the Secured Parties, pro rata in accordance with the respective unpaid amounts of the remaining Obligations; and

(v)            fifth , to the Person entitled thereto as directed by the Borrower or as otherwise determined by applicable law or applicable court order.

(g)            Noncash Proceeds .  Notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary, if the Administrative Agent shall ever acquire any Collateral through foreclosure or by a conveyance in lieu of foreclosure or by retaining any of the Collateral in satisfaction of all or part of the Obligations or if any proceeds of Collateral received by the Administrative Agent to be distributed and shared pursuant to this Section 2.18 are in a form other than immediately available funds, the Administrative Agent shall not be required to remit any share thereof under the terms hereof and the Secured Parties shall only be entitled to their undivided interests in the Collateral or noncash proceeds as determined by paragraph (f) of this Section 2.18 .  The Secured Parties shall receive the applicable portions (in accordance with the foregoing paragraph (f) ) of any immediately available funds consisting of proceeds from such Collateral or proceeds of such noncash proceeds so acquired only if and when received by the Administrative Agent in connection with the subsequent disposition thereof.  While any Collateral or other property to be shared pursuant to this Section is held by the Administrative Agent pursuant to this paragraph (g) , the Administrative Agent shall hold such Collateral or other property for the benefit of the Secured Parties and all matters relating to the management, operation, further disposition or any other aspect of such Collateral or other property shall be resolved by the agreement of the Required Lenders.

(h)            Return of Proceeds .  If at any time payment, in whole or in part, of any amount distributed by the Administrative Agent hereunder is rescinded or must otherwise be restored or returned by the Administrative Agent as a preference, fraudulent conveyance, or otherwise under any bankruptcy, insolvency, or similar law, then each Person receiving any portion of such amount agrees, upon demand, to return the portion of such amount it has received to the Administrative Agent.

Section 2.19.            Mitigation Obligations; Replacement of Lenders .

(a)            Mitigation .  If any Lender requests compensation under Section 2.15 , or if the Borrower is required to pay any additional amount to any Lender or any Governmental Authority for the account of any Lender pursuant to Section 2.17 , then such Lender shall use reasonable efforts to designate a different lending office for funding or booking its Loans hereunder or to assign its rights and obligations hereunder to another of its offices, branches or affiliates, if, in the judgment of such Lender, such designation or assignment (i) would eliminate or reduce amounts payable pursuant to Section 2.15 or 2.17 , as the case may be, in the future and (ii) would not subject such Lender to any unreimbursed cost or expense and would not otherwise be disadvantageous to such Lender.  The Borrower hereby agrees to pay all reasonable costs and expenses incurred by any Lender in connection with any such designation or assignment.

 
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(b)            Replacement .  If  (i) a Lender requests compensation under Section 2.15 , (ii) the Borrower is required to pay any additional amount to a Lender or any Governmental Authority for the account of a Lender pursuant to Section 2.17 , (iii) a Lender is a Defaulting Lender, or (iv) a Lender shall become a Non-consenting Lender (as defined below), then the Borrower may, at its sole expense and effort, upon notice to such Lender and the Administrative Agent, require such Lender to assign and delegate, without recourse (in accordance with and subject to the restrictions contained in Section 10.04 ), all its interests, rights and obligations in one or more Classes (as the Borrower shall elect) under this Agreement to an assignee that shall assume such obligations (which assignee may be another Lender, if a Lender accepts such assignment); provided that (i) the Borrower shall have received the prior written consent of the Administrative Agent to the extent required by Section 10.04 , which consent shall not unreasonably be withheld, (ii) such Lender shall have received payment of an amount equal to the outstanding principal of its Loans of the relevant Class or Classes (and participations in LC Disbursements and Swingline Loans, to the extent applicable) accrued interest thereon, accrued fees and all other amounts payable to it hereunder, from the assignee (to the extent of such outstanding principal and accrued interest and fees) or the Borrower (in the case of all other amounts) and (iii) in the case of any such assignment resulting from a claim for compensation under Section 2.15 or payments required to be made pursuant to Section 2.17 , such assignment will result in a reduction in such compensation or payments.  A Lender shall not be required to make any such assignment and delegation if, prior thereto, as a result of a waiver by such Lender or otherwise, the circumstances entitling the Borrower to require such assignment and delegation cease to apply. In the event that (i) the Borrower or the Administrative Agent have requested the Lenders to consent to a departure or waiver of any provisions of the Loan Documents or to agree to any other modification thereto, (ii) the consent, waiver or other modification in question requires the agreement of all Lenders (or all directly affected Lenders) in accordance with the terms of Section 10.02 and (iii) the Required Lenders (or, in the case of any Class voting, the holders of a majority of the outstanding Loans and unused Commitments in respect of such Class) have agreed to such consent, waiver or other modification, then any Lender who does not agree to such consent, waiver or other modification shall be deemed a " Non-consenting Lender ".

Section 2.20.            Incremental Facilities .

(a)            The Borrower may, by written notice to the Administrative Agent at any time prior to the date the Loan Obligations are Fully Satisfied, request Incremental Term Loans and/or Incremental Revolving Commitments in an aggregate amount not to exceed the Incremental Amount from one or more Incremental Term Lenders and/or Incremental Revolving Lenders (which may include any existing Lender, it being understood each existing Lender shall have no obligation to participate in any Incremental Facility) willing to provide such Incremental Term Loans and/or Incremental Revolving Commitments, as the case may be; provided that each Incremental Term Lender and/or Incremental Revolving Lender, if not already a Lender hereunder, shall be subject to the approval of the Administrative Agent and, in the case of Incremental Revolving Lenders only, the Issuing Bank and the Swingline Lender (which approval shall, in either case, not be unreasonably withheld).  Such notice shall set forth (i) the amount of the Incremental Term Loans and/or Incremental Revolving Commitments being requested (which shall be (x) with respect to Incremental Term Loans, in minimum increments of $15,000,000, (y) with respect to Incremental Revolving Commitments, in minimum increments of $10,000,000 or (z) equal to the remaining Incremental Amount), (ii) the date, which shall be a Business Day, on which such Incremental Term Loans are requested to be made and/or Incremental Revolving Commitments are requested to become effective (the " Increased Amount Date ") pursuant to an Incremental Facility Activation Notice, (iii) whether such Incremental Term Loans and/or Incremental Revolving Commitments are to be loans on the same terms as the outstanding Term Loans and/or Revolving Commitments or loans with terms different from the outstanding Term Loans and/or Revolving Commitments, (iv) the use of proceeds for such Incremental Term Loan and/or Incremental Revolving Commitment and (v) pro forma financial statements demonstrating compliance on a pro forma basis with the financial covenants set forth in Sections 7.01 and 7.02 after giving effect to such Incremental Term Loan and/or Incremental Revolving Commitments and the Loans to be made thereunder and the application of the proceeds therefrom (including by giving pro forma effect to any acquisition of a Target as if made and applied on the date of the most-recent financial statements of the Borrower delivered pursuant to Section 5.01 ).

 
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(b)            The Borrower and each Incremental Term Lender and/or Incremental Revolving Lender shall execute and deliver to the Administrative Agent an Incremental Assumption Agreement and such other documentation as the Administrative Agent shall reasonably specify to evidence the Incremental Term Loans of such Incremental Term Lender and/or Incremental Revolving Commitment of such Incremental Revolving Lender.  Each Incremental Assumption Agreement shall specify the terms of the Incremental Term Loans and/or Incremental Revolving Commitments to be made thereunder; provided that (i) the proceeds of any Incremental Facilities shall be used for general corporate purposes of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries (including acquisitions and Investments permitted under Section 6.04 ) and any other purpose not otherwise prohibited hereunder, (ii) the maturity date of any Incremental Term Loan shall be no earlier than the Term Loan Maturity Date, (iii) the weighted average life to maturity of any Incremental Term Loan shall be no shorter than the weighted average life to maturity of the existing Term Loans calculated as of the date of making such Incremental Term Loan, (iv) the Incremental Term Facilities shall share ratably in any mandatory prepayments of the existing Term Loans, (v) the maturity date or commitment reduction date of any Incremental Revolving Loan shall be no earlier than the Revolving Maturity Date and such Incremental Revolving Facility shall not require any scheduled commitment reductions prior to the Revolving Maturity Date, (vi) if the initial yield over the applicable base rate (such calculation for both the Incremental Facility and the applicable Credit Facility, to include the upfront fees, any interest rate floors and any OID (as defined below) but excluding any arrangement, underwriting or similar fee paid to the Administrative Agent, the Commitment Parties under the Credit Facilities or relevant Persons under the Incremental Facility) in respect of any Incremental Term Loans and/or Incremental Revolving Commitments exceeds the initial yield for the existing applicable Credit Facility by more than 50 basis points (it being understood that any such increase may take the form of original issue discount (" OID "), with OID being equated to the interest rates in a manner determined by the Administrative Agent based on an assumed four-year life to maturity), the Applicable Margin for the existing applicable Credit Facility shall be increased so that the initial yield in respect of such Incremental Term Loans and/or Incremental Revolving Commitments is no more than 50 basis points higher than the initial yield for the existing applicable Credit Facility.  All terms and documentation with respect to any Incremental Facility which differ from those with respect to the Loans under the existing applicable Credit Facility shall be reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent (except to the extent permitted by clauses (ii) , (iii) , (v) and (vi) above). The Administrative Agent shall promptly notify each Lender as to the effectiveness of each Incremental Assumption Agreement.  Each of the parties hereto hereby agrees that, upon the effectiveness of any Incremental Assumption Agreement, this Agreement shall be amended to the extent (but only to the extent) necessary to reflect the existence and terms of the Incremental Term Loans and/or Incremental Revolving Commitments evidenced thereby.  Any such deemed amendment may be memorialized in writing by the Administrative Agent with the Borrower’s consent (not to be unreasonably withheld) but without the consent of any other Lenders, and furnished to the other parties hereto.

(c)            Notwithstanding the foregoing, no Incremental Term Loan may be made and no Incremental Revolving Commitment shall become effective under this Section 2.20 unless (i) on the date on which such Loan is made or of such effectiveness, the conditions set forth in Section 4.02 shall be satisfied (it being understood that all references to "the occasion of any Borrowing" in Section 4.02 shall be deemed to refer to the Increased Amount Date), and the Administrative Agent shall have received a certificate to that effect dated such date and executed by a Financial Officer of the Borrower, (ii) the Administrative Agent shall have received legal opinions, board resolutions and other closing certificates and documentation as required by the relevant Incremental Assumption Agreement and consistent with those delivered on the Effective Date under Section 4.01 .

 
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(d)            Each of the parties hereto hereby agrees that the Administrative Agent may take any and all action as may be reasonably necessary to ensure that all Incremental Term Loans and/or Incremental Revolving Loans, when originally made, are included in each borrowing of outstanding Term Loans or Revolving Loans on a pro rata basis, and the Borrower agrees that Section 2.16 shall apply to any conversion of Eurodollar Loans to ABR Loans reasonably required by the Administrative Agent to effect the foregoing.  For the avoidance of doubt, it is understood that the Revolving Commitment shall be increased in an amount equal to the aggregate Incremental Revolving Commitments.

Section 2.21.            Defaulting Lenders .  Notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement to the contrary, if any Lender becomes a Defaulting Lender, then the following provisions shall apply for so long as such Lender is a Defaulting Lender:

(a)            Suspension of Commitment Fees .  Commitment fees shall cease to accrue on the unfunded portion of the Revolving Commitment of such Defaulting Lender pursuant to Section 2.12(a) ;

(b)            Suspension of Voting .  The Revolving Commitment, Revolving Exposure of, and the outstanding Term Loans held by, such Defaulting Lender shall not be included in determining whether all Lenders have taken or may take any action hereunder (including any consent to any amendment or waiver pursuant to Section 10.02 ); provided that any waiver, amendment or modification requiring the consent of all Lenders or each affected Lender which affects such Defaulting Lender differently than other affected Lenders shall require the consent of such Defaulting Lender;

(c)            Participation Exposure .  If any Swingline Exposure or LC Exposure exists at the time a Lender becomes a Defaulting Lender then:

(i)            Reallocation .  All or any part of such Swingline Exposure and LC Exposure shall be reallocated among the non-Defaulting Lenders in accordance with their respective Applicable Percentages but only to the extent (x) the sum of all non-Defaulting Lenders' Revolving Exposures plus such Defaulting Lender's Swingline Exposure and LC Exposure does not exceed the total of all non-Defaulting Lenders' Revolving Commitments and (y) no Event of Default then exists;

(ii)            Payment and Cash Collateralization .  If the reallocation described in clause (i) above cannot, or can only partially, be effected, the Borrower shall within two Business Days following notice by the Administrative Agent (x) first, prepay such Swingline Exposure and (y) second, cash collateralize such Defaulting Lender's LC Exposure (after giving effect to any partial reallocation pursuant to clause (i) above) in accordance with the procedures set forth in Section 2.05(j) for so long as such LC Exposure is outstanding or cannot be reallocated pursuant to clause (i) (it being understood that such amount (to the extent not applied as aforesaid) shall be returned in accordance with the procedures set forth in Section 2.05(j) );

(iii)            Suspension of Letter of Credit Fee .  If the Borrower cash collateralizes any portion of such Defaulting Lender's LC Exposure pursuant to this Section 2.21(c) , the Borrower shall not be required to pay any fees to such Defaulting Lender pursuant to Section 2.12(b) with respect to such Defaulting Lender's LC Exposure during the period such Defaulting Lender's LC Exposure is cash collateralized;

 
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(iv)            Reallocation of Fees .  If the LC Exposure of the non-Defaulting Lenders is reallocated pursuant to this Section 2.21(c) , then the fees payable to the Lenders pursuant to Section 2.12(a) and Section 2.12(b) shall be adjusted in accordance with such non-Defaulting Lenders' Applicable Percentages; and

(v)            Issuing Bank Entitled to Fees .  If any Defaulting Lender's LC Exposure is neither cash collateralized nor reallocated pursuant to Section 2.21(c) , then, without prejudice to any rights or remedies of the Issuing Bank or any Lender hereunder, all letter of credit fees payable under Section 2.12(b) with respect to such Defaulting Lender's LC Exposure shall be payable to the Issuing Bank until such LC Exposure is cash collateralized and/or reallocated;

(d)            Suspension of Swingline Loans and Letters of Credit .  So long as any Lender is a Defaulting Lender, the Swingline Lender shall not be required to fund any Swingline Loan and the Issuing Bank shall not be required to issue, amend or increase any Letter of Credit, unless (i) it is satisfied that the related exposure will be 100% covered by the Revolving Commitments of the non-Defaulting Lenders (ii) cash collateral will be provided by the Borrower in accordance with Section 2.21(c) , and/or (iii) participating interests in any such newly issued or increased Letter of Credit or newly made Swingline Loan shall be allocated among non-Defaulting Lenders in a manner consistent with Section 2.21(c)(i) (and Defaulting Lenders shall not participate therein); and

(e)            Setoff Against Defaulting Lender .  Any amount payable to such Defaulting Lender hereunder (whether on account of principal, interest, fees or otherwise and including any mandatory or voluntary prepayment and any amount that would otherwise be payable to such Defaulting Lender pursuant to Section 2.18(c) but excluding Section 2.19(b) ) shall, in lieu of being distributed to such Defaulting Lender, be retained by the Administrative Agent in a segregated account and, subject to any applicable requirements of law, be applied at such time or times as may be determined by the Administrative Agent (i) first, to the payment of any amounts owing by such Defaulting Lender to the Administrative Agent hereunder, (ii) second, pro rata, to the payment of any amounts owing by such Defaulting Lender to the Issuing Bank or Swingline Lender hereunder, (iii) third, to the funding of any Loan or the funding or cash collateralization of any participating interest in any Swingline Loan or Letter of Credit in respect of which such Defaulting Lender has failed to fund its portion thereof as required by this Agreement, as determined by the Administrative Agent, (iv) fourth, if so determined by the Borrower, held in such account as cash collateral for future funding obligations of the Defaulting Lender under this Agreement, (v) fifth, pro rata, to the payment of any amounts owing to the Borrower or the Lenders as a result of any judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction obtained by the Borrower or any Lender against such Defaulting Lender as a result of such Defaulting Lender's breach of its obligations under this Agreement and (vi) sixth, after termination of the Commitments to such Defaulting Lender or as otherwise directed by a court of competent jurisdiction; provided that if such payment is (x) a prepayment of the principal amount of any Loans or reimbursement obligations in respect of LC Disbursements which a Defaulting Lender has funded its participation obligations and (y) made at a time when the conditions set forth in Section 4.02 are satisfied, such payment shall be applied solely to prepay the Loans of, and reimbursement obligations owed to, all non-Defaulting Lenders pro rata prior to being applied to the prepayment of any Loans, or reimbursement obligations owed to, any Defaulting Lender.

In the event that the Administrative Agent, the Borrower, the Issuing Bank and the Swingline Lender each agrees that a Defaulting Lender who is a Revolving Lender has adequately remedied all matters that caused such Lender to be a Defaulting Lender, then the Swingline Exposure and LC Exposure of the Lenders shall be readjusted to reflect the inclusion of such Lender's Revolving Commitment and on such date such Lender shall purchase at par such of the Revolving Loans of the other Lenders (other than Swingline Loans) as the Administrative Agent shall determine may be necessary in order for such Lender to hold such Revolving Loans in accordance with its Applicable Percentage.

 
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Notwithstanding the above, the Borrower's right to replace a Defaulting Lender pursuant to this Agreement shall be in addition to, and not in lieu of, all other rights and remedies available to the Borrower against such Defaulting Lender under this Agreement, at law, in equity or by statute.

ARTICLE III.

Representations and Warranties

The Borrower represents and warrants (it being understood that the representations and warranties made in the Loan Documents on the Effective Date shall be limited to the Specified Representations and shall otherwise be construed as though the Transactions have been consummated) to the Lenders that:

Section 3.01.            Organization; Powers .  Each of the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries (a) is validly existing under the laws of the jurisdiction of its organization or formation, except, in the case of a Restricted Subsidiary, where the failure to be so could not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect (b) has all requisite power and authority to carry on its business as now conducted and (c) except where the failure to do so, individually or in the aggregate, could not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect, is qualified to do business in, and is in good standing (where relevant) in, its jurisdiction of organization or formation and every other jurisdiction where such qualification is required.

Section 3.02.            Authorization; Enforceability .  The Transactions to be entered into by each Loan Party are within such Loan Party's power and have been duly authorized by all necessary action.  This Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by the Borrower and constitutes, and each other Loan Document to which any Loan Party is to be a party, when executed and delivered by such Loan Party, will constitute, a legal, valid and binding obligation of the Borrower or such other Loan Party (as the case may be), enforceable in accordance with its terms, subject to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or other laws affecting creditors' rights generally and subject to general principles of equity, regardless of whether considered in a proceeding in equity or at law.

Section 3.03.            Governmental Approvals; No Conflicts .   The execution, delivery and performance of the Loan Documents: (a) do not require any consent or approval of, registration or filing with, or any other action by, any Governmental Authority, except (i) such as have been obtained or made and are in full force and effect, (ii) filings necessary to perfect Liens created under the Loan Documents and (iii) for immaterial consents, approvals, registrations, filing or other actions, (b) will not violate (i) any applicable law or regulation or (ii) in any material respect, the charter, by-laws or other organizational documents of the Borrower or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries or any order of any Governmental Authority, (c) will not violate or result in a default under any material indenture, agreement or other instrument binding upon the Borrower or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries or its assets, or give rise to a right thereunder to require any payment to be made by the Borrower or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries, and (d) will not result in the creation or imposition of any Lien on any asset of the Borrower or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries, except Liens created under and Liens permitted by the Loan Documents, except to the extent such violation or default referred to in clause (b)(i) or (c) above could not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect.

Section 3.04.            Financial Condition; No Material Adverse Change .

(a)            Financial Statements .  The Borrower has heretofore furnished to the Lenders its consolidated balance sheet and statements of income, stockholders equity and cash flows as of and for the fiscal quarter ended October 2, 2010 and the fiscal year ended January 2, 2010.  Such financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position and results of operations and cash flows of the Borrower and its consolidated Subsidiaries as of such dates and for such periods in accordance with GAAP.

 
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(b)            Pro Forma Financial Statements .  The Borrower has heretofore furnished to the Lenders its pro forma consolidated balance sheet and related pro forma consolidated statement of income of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries as of and for the nine-month period ending on October 2, 2010, prepared after giving effect to the Transactions as if the Transactions had occurred as of such date (in the case of such balance sheet) or at the beginning of such period (in the case of such statement of income).  Such pro forma consolidated financial statements (i) have been prepared in good faith based on assumptions believed by the Borrower to be reasonable in light of the facts and circumstances known to the Borrower at the time of preparation thereof), (ii) are based on the best information available to the Borrower at such time after due inquiry, and (iii) accurately reflect all adjustments necessary to give effect to the Transactions.

(c)            No Material Adverse Change .  Since October 2, 2010, there has been no material adverse change in the business, assets, property, financial conditions or results of operation, of the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries, taken as a whole (it being understood that the consummation of the Transactions could not reasonably be expected to have such a material adverse change).

Section 3.05.            Properties .

(a)            Title; Mortgaged Property .  Each of the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries has good title to, or valid leasehold interests in, all its real and personal property material to its business (including its Mortgaged Properties), except for defects in title that do not interfere with its ability to conduct its business as currently conducted or to utilize such properties for their intended purposes or where the failure to have such title or interest could not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect, and none of the assets of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary is subject to any Lien except Liens permitted by Section 6.02 .

(b)            Intellectual Property .  Except as could not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect, (i) each of the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries owns, or is licensed to use, all trademarks, tradenames, service names, domain names, copyrights, patents and other intellectual property necessary for its business and (ii) to the knowledge of the Borrower, the use of any such intellectual property by the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries does not infringe upon the rights of any other Person and the intellectual property owned by any Loan Party is not being infringed by any other Person.

Section 3.06.            Litigation and Environmental Matters .

(a)            Litigation .  There are no actions, suits or proceedings by or before any arbitrator or Governmental Authority pending against or, to the knowledge of the Borrower, threatened in writing against or affecting the Borrower or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries (i) which could reasonably be expected, individually or in the aggregate, to result in a Material Adverse Effect or (ii) that as of the Effective Date, involve any of the Loan Documents or the Transactions.

(b)            Environmental Matters .  Except as could not reasonably be expected to, either individually or in the aggregate, result in a Material Adverse Effect, neither the Borrower nor any of its Restricted Subsidiaries (i) has failed to comply with any applicable Environmental Law or to obtain, maintain or comply with any permit, license or other approval required under any Environmental Law, (ii) has become subject to any Environmental Liability, (iii) has received written notice of any pending or threatened claim with respect to any Environmental Liability or has knowledge of any event or circumstance that could reasonably be expected to give rise to such a claim, (iv) knows of any basis for, or that could reasonably be expected to give rise to, any Environmental Liability, or (v) has assumed or retained by contract or operation of law any obligations under Environmental Law or relating to Hazardous Materials.

 
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(c)            Environmental Reports . As of the Effective Date, the Borrower has made available to the Administrative Agent copies of all non-privileged environmental reports, assessments or similar documents addressing any issue of material compliance with Environmental Laws or relating to Hazardous Materials within the possession or control of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary.

Section 3.07.            Compliance with Laws and Agreements .  Each of the Borrower and each Restricted Subsidiary is in compliance with all laws, regulations and orders of any Governmental Authority applicable to it or its property and all indentures, agreements and other instruments binding upon it or its property, except where the failure to do so, individually or in the aggregate, could not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect.

Section 3.08.            Investment Company Act Status .  Neither the Borrower nor any of its Restricted Subsidiaries is an "investment company" as defined in, or subject to regulation under, the Investment Company Act of 1940.

Section 3.09.            Taxes .  Each of the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries has timely filed or caused to be filed all Tax returns and reports required to have been filed and has paid or caused to be paid all Taxes required to have been paid by it, except (a) Taxes not overdue by more than 30 days or, if more than 30 days overdue, that are being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings and for which the Borrower or such Restricted Subsidiary, as applicable, has set aside on its books adequate reserves or (b) to the extent that the failure to do so could not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect.

Section 3.10.            ERISA .  No ERISA Event has occurred or is reasonably expected to occur that, when taken together with all other such ERISA Events for which liability is reasonably expected to occur, could reasonably be expected to, individually or in the aggregate, result in a Material Adverse Effect.  Except as could not reasonably be expected to result, individually or in the aggregate, in a Material Adverse Effect, the fair market value of the assets of each Pension Plan was not materially less than the present value of the accumulated benefit obligation under such Pension Plan (based on the assumptions used for purposes of Accounting Standards Codification No. 715: Compensation-Retirement Benefits) as of the close of the most recent Plan year, as reported in the most recent financial statements reflecting such amounts.  If all of the Pension Plans were terminated (disregarding any Pension Plans with surpluses), the unfunded liabilities with respect to the Pension Plans, individually or in the aggregate, could not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect.

Section 3.11.            Disclosure .  Neither the Information Memorandum nor any of the other written reports, financial statements, certificates or other information furnished by or on behalf of any Loan Party to the Administrative Agent (other than information of a general economic or industry specific nature, projected financial information or other forward looking information) in connection with the negotiation of this Agreement or any other Loan Document or delivered hereunder or thereunder (as modified or supplemented by other information so furnished prior to the date on which this representation is made or deemed made), when taken as a whole, contains any material misstatement of fact or omits to state any material fact necessary to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not materially misleading; provided that, with respect to projected financial information, the Borrower represents only that such information was prepared in good faith based upon assumptions believed to be reasonable at the time (it being understood that projections may vary from actual results and that such variances may be material).

 
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Section 3.12.            Subsidiaries .  As of the Effective Date, Borrower has no Subsidiaries other than those listed on Schedule 3.12 hereto.  As of the Effective Date, Schedule 3.12 sets forth the jurisdiction of incorporation or organization of each such Subsidiary, the percentage of Borrower's ownership of the outstanding Equity Interests of each Subsidiary directly owned by Borrower, the percentage of each Subsidiary's ownership of the outstanding Equity Interests of each other Subsidiary and the authorized, issued and outstanding Equity Interests of Borrower and each Subsidiary.  All of the outstanding capital stock of Borrower and each Restricted Subsidiary has been, to the extent applicable, validly issued, is fully paid, and is nonassessable.  There are no outstanding subscriptions, options, warrants, calls, or rights (including preemptive rights) to acquire, and no outstanding securities or instruments convertible into any Equity Interests of any Restricted Subsidiary except, after the Effective Date, such Equity Interests of Restricted Subsidiaries permitted to be issued hereunder (or not prohibited by the Loan Documents).

Section 3.13.            Labor Matters .  As of the Effective Date, except as disclosed on Schedule 3.13 , (a) there are no strikes, lockouts or slowdowns against the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary pending or, to the knowledge of the Borrower, threatened in writing, that would have a material impact on the operations of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries and (b) the hours worked by and payments made to employees of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries have not been in material violation of the Fair Labor Standards Act or any other applicable Federal, state, local or foreign law dealing with such matters.

Section 3.14.            Solvency .  As of the Effective Date, immediately after the consummation of the Transactions to occur on the Effective Date (a) the sum of the debt (including contingent liabilities) of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries, on a consolidated basis, does not exceed the present fair saleable value of the assets of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries, on a consolidated basis, (b) the capital of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis, is not unreasonably small in relation to the business of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries, on a consolidated basis, contemplated as of the date hereof and (c) the Borrower and its Subsidiaries, on a consolidated basis, do not intend to incur, or believe that they will incur, debts (including current obligations and contingent liabilities) beyond their ability to pay such debts as they mature in the ordinary course of business.  For the purposes hereof, (x) the amount of any contingent liability at any time shall be computed as the amount that, in light of all of the facts and circumstances existing at such time, represents the amount that can reasonably be expected to become an actual or matured liability (irrespective of whether such contingent liabilities meet the criteria for accrual under Statement of Financial Accounting Standard No. 5) and (y) the term "present fair saleable value" means the amount that may be realized if the applicable company's aggregate assets are sold with reasonable promptness in an arm's length transaction under present conditions for the sale of a comparable business enterprises.

Section 3.15.            Margin Securities .  Neither the Borrower nor any Restricted Subsidiary, is engaged principally, or as one of its important activities, in the business of extending credit for the purpose of purchasing or carrying margin stock (within the meaning of Regulations U or X of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System) and no part of the proceeds of any Loan will be used to purchase or carry any margin stock or to extend credit to others for the purpose of purchasing or carrying margin stock in violation of Regulation X or that would entail a violation of Regulation U of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (and if required by such regulations or requested by a Lender, the Borrower or such Restricted Subsidiary, as applicable, will provide any applicable Lender with a signed Form G-3 or U-1 or any successor form, as applicable, containing the information required to be provided on such form by such entity).

 
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Section 3.16.            Security Documents .  The Security Documents are effective to create in favor of the Administrative Agent for its benefit and the ratable benefit of the Lenders a legal, valid, and enforceable perfected Lien (subject to Liens permitted by Section 6.02 ) on the Collateral as security for the Obligations (it being understood that subsequent filings and recordings may be necessary to perfect Liens on the Collateral pursuant to Section 5.10 ).

Section 3.17.            Use of Proceeds .  The proceeds of the Credit Facilities shall be used (a) to finance in part the Transactions, (b) to refinance certain existing indebtedness of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries, (c) to pay fees and expenses related to the Transactions and related transactions (including any funding of original issue discount and upfront fees) and (d) for general corporate purposes (including, in the case of the Revolving Facility, the working capital needs) of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries.  Letters of Credit will be issued to support transactions entered into by the Borrower or a Restricted Subsidiary in the ordinary course of business and, to the extent permitted or not prohibited hereby, to support transactions entered into by an Unrestricted Subsidiary in the ordinary course of business.

Section 3.18.            Regulation H .  No Mortgage encumbers improvements to real property that are located in an area that has been identified by the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development as an area having special flood hazards and in which flood insurance has been made available under the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968, except to the extent a policy of flood insurance has been obtained therefrom in an amount reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent but not greater than the value of the improvements so insured.

Section 3.19.            Patriot Act . Each of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries is in compliance in all material respects with the Patriot Act, and the Borrower has provided to the Administrative Agent (within a reasonable time of the applicable request) all information related to the Borrower and its Subsidiaries (including but not limited to names, addresses and tax identification numbers) reasonably requested by the Administrative Agent and required by the Patriot Act to be obtained by the Administrative Agent or any Lender.  

ARTICLE IV.

Conditions

Section 4.01.            Effective Date .  The obligations of the Lenders to make Loans and any agreement of the Issuing Bank to issue any Letters of Credit hereunder shall not become effective until the date on which each of the following conditions is satisfied (or waived in accordance with Section 10.02 ):

(a)            Execution and Delivery of This Agreement .  The Administrative Agent (or its counsel) shall have received from each party hereto either (i) a counterpart of this Agreement signed on behalf of such party or (ii) written evidence reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent (which may include telecopy or email transmission of a signed signature page of this Agreement) that such party has signed a counterpart of this Agreement.

(b)            Legal Opinions .  The Administrative Agent shall have received a written opinion (addressed to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders and dated the Effective Date) of counsel (including, without limitation, local counsel) for the Loan Parties covering such matters relating to the Loan Parties, the Loan Documents or the Transactions as are customary for financings of this type.  The Borrower hereby requests such counsel to deliver such opinions.

 
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(c)            Corporate Authorization Documents; Solvency Certificate .  The Administrative Agent shall have received (a) such documents and certificates as the Administrative Agent or its counsel may reasonably request relating to the organization, existence and good standing of each Loan Party, the authorization of the Transactions and any other legal matters relating to the Loan Parties, the Loan Documents or the Transactions as are customary for financings of this type, all in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and its counsel and (b) a Solvency Certificate executed by a Financial Officer of the Borrower substantially in the form of Exhibit F hereto.

(d)            Closing Certificate .  The Administrative Agent shall have received a certificate, dated the Effective Date and signed by a Responsible Officer of the Borrower, confirming compliance with the conditions set forth in Sections 4.01(h) , (i) , (l) and (n) (which certificate shall include the making of the representations and warranties referred to in Section 4.01(l) ).

(e)            Fees .  To the extent invoiced at least 1 Business Day prior to the Effective Date, the Administrative Agent shall have received all fees and other amounts due and payable on or prior to the Effective Date, including, to the extent invoiced, reimbursement or payment of all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses (including reasonable fees, charges and disbursements of counsel) required to be reimbursed or paid by any Loan Party hereunder or under any other Loan Document.

(f)            Personal Property Security Documents .  The Administrative Agent shall have received counterparts of the Security Agreement and Guaranty Agreement signed on behalf of each applicable Loan Party, together with the following:

(i)            stock certificates representing all the outstanding shares of capital stock of each Restricted Subsidiary owned by or on behalf of any Loan Party as of the Effective Date (except that stock certificates representing shares of stock of a Foreign Subsidiary (or any Domestic Subsidiary to the extent substantially all of its assets consist of the equity of one or more direct or indirect non-Domestic Subsidiaries) may be limited to 65% of the outstanding shares of stock of such Subsidiary), and stock powers and instruments of transfer, endorsed in blank, with respect to such stock certificates;

(ii)            all documents and instruments, including Uniform Commercial Code financing statements, required by law or reasonably requested by the Administrative Agent to be filed, registered or recorded to create or perfect the Liens intended to be created under the Security Documents;

(iii)            the results of the search of the Uniform Commercial Code (or equivalent) filings, tax Liens and judgment Liens made with respect to the Loan Parties and any predecessor company identified pursuant to the Security Agreement in each jurisdiction (A) in which a Loan Party is organized, and (B) in which any Mortgaged Property is located; and copies of the financing statements (or other documents) disclosed by such search; and

(iv)            subject to the terms of the Security Agreement, (A) such other executed documentation as the Administrative Agent may deem reasonably necessary to perfect and protect its Liens, including, without limitation, intellectual property security agreements for all intellectual property pledged as Collateral, and (B) all other Collateral the possession of which is necessary to perfect the Lien therein.

(g)            Real Property Security Documents.   Except as provided in Section 5.10(d) , the Administrative Agent shall have received counterparts of a Mortgage with respect to each Mortgaged Property signed on behalf of the record owner of such Mortgaged Property, together with:

(i)            signed, binding lender’s pro forma title insurance policies issued by a nationally recognized title insurance company (the " Mortgage Policies ") in form and substance and in amounts (not to exceed 100% of the value thereof) reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent assuring the Administrative Agent that such Mortgage is a valid and enforceable first priority mortgage on the respective Mortgaged Property, free and clear of all defects and encumbrances except as permitted by Section 6.02 or as are otherwise reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent.  Such Mortgage Policies shall include an endorsement insuring against the effect of any matter that the Administrative Agent may reasonably request, and shall provide for affirmative insurance and such reinsurance as the Administrative Agent may reasonably request; provided that no such endorsements or affirmative coverage shall be required if the cost thereof would be excessive to the benefit of Lenders afforded thereby (including, without limitation, zoning endorsements);

 
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(ii)            a survey of each Mortgaged Property (which may be an existing survey), certified by a licensed surveyor meeting ALTA requirements in a form sufficient to allow the issuer of the applicable title insurance policy to issue the applicable Mortgage Policy with no general survey exception and containing a survey endorsement, an access endorsement, a comprehensive endorsement and if applicable, a contiguity endorsement;

(iii)            such fixture filings as the Administrative Agent may request related to the Mortgages; and

(iv)            with respect to each Mortgaged Property required to be insured pursuant to the Flood Disaster Protection Act of 1973 or the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968, and the regulations promulgated thereunder, because improvements on such Mortgaged Property are located in an area which has been identified by the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development as a "special flood hazard area," (i) a policy of flood insurance that (A) covers such improvements and (B) is written in an amount reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent (not to exceed 100% of the value of such improvements) and (ii) a confirmation that the applicable Loan Party has received the notice requested pursuant to Section 208.25(i) of Regulation H of the Board.

(h)            Existing Indebtedness .  After giving effect to the Transactions, neither the Borrower nor any of its Subsidiaries shall have any material Indebtedness for borrowed money other than (i) Indebtedness outstanding under this Agreement, (ii) the Senior Unsecured Debt, (iii) indebtedness permitted to be incurred by Griffin and its subsidiaries under the Merger Agreement prior to the Effective Date, (iv) ordinary course (i) capital leases, (ii) purchase money indebtedness, (iii) equipment financings and (iv) short-term working capital facilities in an aggregate amount not to exceed the amount of such indebtedness permitted by the Borrower’s existing credit agreement dated April 7, 2006 (as such agreement has been amended, restated, amended and restated, supplemented or otherwise modified prior to the date hereof), (v) Indebtedness arising in connection with the Renewable Diesel Joint Venture; provided , that the aggregate amount of indebtedness in respect of the Renewable Diesel Joint Venture shall not exceed the amount permitted therefor under Section 6.01 and (vi) other Indebtedness in an amount not to exceed $20,000,000.

(i)            Consummation of Bluegrass Acquisition .  The Bluegrass Acquisition shall be consummated pursuant to the Merger Agreement, substantially concurrently with the initial funding of the Loans, and no provision thereof shall have been amended or waived, and no consent shall have been given thereunder, in each case in any manner materially adverse to the interests of the Commitment Parties or the Lenders without the prior written consent of each Commitment Party holding at least 30% (as of November 9, 2010) of either the commitments under the senior secured facilities or the bridge facility  described in that certain Commitment Letter dated November 9, 2010.

(j)            Effective Date . The Effective Date shall have occurred on or before June 30, 2011.

 
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(k)            Financial Statements .  The Administrative Agent shall have received (i) unaudited consolidated balance sheets and related statements of income, stockholders’ equity and cash flows of Griffin and its subsidiaries, for any nine-month period ended after December 31, 2009 that ended at least 45 days before the Effective Date and (ii) a pro forma consolidated balance sheet and related pro forma consolidated statement of income of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries as of and for the twelve-month period ending on the last day of the most recently completed four-fiscal quarter period ended at least 45 days prior to the Effective Date, prepared after giving effect to the Transactions as if the Transactions had occurred as of such date (in the case of such balance sheet) or at the beginning of such period (in the case of such statement of income).

(l)            Accuracy of Merger Agreement Representations and Specified Representations .  The representations made by Griffin in the Merger Agreement as are material to the interests of the Lenders, but only to the extent that the accuracy of any such representation is a condition to the Borrower’s obligations to close under the Merger Agreement or the Borrower has the right to terminate its obligations under the Merger Agreement as a result of a breach of such representations in the Merger Agreement (the " Merger Agreement Representations ") and the representations and warranties set forth in Sections 3.01(a) and (b) , 3.02 , 3.03(b)(ii) , 3.08 , 3.14 , 3.15 , 3.16 , 3.17 and 3.19 of this Agreement (collectively, the " Specified Representations "), shall be true and correct on and as of the Effective Date with the same effect as though made on and as of such date, except to the extent such representations and warranties expressly relate to an earlier date, in which case such representations and warranties shall be true and correct as of such earlier date (it being understood and agreed that, to the extent any of the Specified Representations are qualified or subject to "Material Adverse Effect" (or an equivalent term), for purposes of the making of such Specified Representations as of the Effective Date (or a date prior thereto), the definition of "Material Adverse Effect" (or such equivalent terms) shall be "Closing Date Material Adverse Effect").

(m)            Patriot Act .  The Administrative Agent shall have received, at least 5 days prior to the Effective Date, all documentation and other information required by regulatory authorities under applicable "know your customer" and anti-money laundering rules and regulations, including the PATRIOT Act that has been reasonably requested by the Commitment Parties at least 10 days prior to the Effective Date.

(n)            No Change .  Since September 30, 2010, there has not been a Closing Date Material Adverse Effect.

(o)            Credit Ratings . The Borrower and the Credit Facilities shall have received a rating from Moody’s and S&P no later than November 29, 2010.

The Administrative Agent shall notify the Borrower and the Lenders of the Effective Date, and such notice shall be conclusive and binding.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, the obligations of the Lenders to make Loans and any agreement of the Issuing Bank to issue Letters of Credit hereunder shall not become effective unless each of the foregoing conditions is satisfied (or waived pursuant to Section 10.02 ) on or prior to June 30, 2011 (and, in the event such conditions are not so satisfied or waived, the Commitments shall terminate at such time).

Section 4.02.            Each Credit Event .  The obligation of each Lender to make a Loan on the occasion of any Borrowing, and any agreement of the Issuing Bank to issue, amend, renew or extend any Letter of Credit, other than any Borrowing or issuance, amendment, renewal or extension of such Letter of Credit on the Effective Date, is subject to receipt of the request therefor in accordance herewith and to the satisfaction of the following conditions:

 
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(a)            Representations and Warranties .  At the time of and immediately after giving effect to such Borrowing or issuance, amendment, renewal or extension of such Letter of Credit, in each case, the representations and warranties of each Loan Party set forth in the Loan Documents shall be true and correct in all material respects with the same force and effect as if such representations and warranties had been made on and as of such date except to the extent that such representations and warranties relate specifically to another date.

(b)            No Default .  At the time of and immediately after giving effect to such Borrowing or the issuance, amendment, renewal or extension of such Letter of Credit, as applicable, no Default shall have occurred and be continuing.

Each Borrowing and each issuance, amendment, renewal or extension of a Letter of Credit shall be deemed to constitute a representation and warranty by the Borrower on the date thereof as to the matters specified in paragraphs (a) and (b) of this Section 4.02 .

ARTICLE V.

Affirmative Covenants

Until the Loan Obligations have been Fully Satisfied, the Borrower covenants and agrees with the Lenders that:

Section 5.01.            Financial Statements and Other Information .  The Borrower will furnish to the Administrative Agent:

(a)            Annual Audit .  Within 90 days after the end of each fiscal year of the Borrower, its audited consolidated and unaudited consolidating balance sheet and related statements of operations, stockholders' equity and cash flows as of the end of and for such year, setting forth in each case in comparative form the figures for the previous fiscal year, all reported on by independent public accountants of recognized national standing (without a "going concern" or like qualification or exception and without any qualification or exception as to the scope of such audit) to the effect that such consolidated financial statements present fairly in all material respects the financial condition and results of operations of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP;

(b)            Quarterly Unaudited Financial Statements .  Within 55 days after the end of each of the first three fiscal quarters of each fiscal year of the Borrower, its unaudited consolidated and consolidating balance sheet and related statements of operations, stockholders' equity and cash flows as of the end of and for such fiscal quarter and the then elapsed portion of the fiscal year, setting forth in each case in comparative form the figures for the corresponding period or periods of (or, in the case of the balance sheet, as of the end of) the previous fiscal year, all certified by one of its Financial Officers as presenting fairly in all material respects the financial condition and results of operations of the Borrower and its consolidated Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP, subject to normal year-end audit adjustments and the absence of footnotes;

(c)            Compliance Certificate .  Concurrently with any delivery of financial statements under clause (a) or  (b) above, a certificate in substantially the form of Exhibit D hereto of a Financial Officer of the Borrower (i) certifying as to whether a Default, which has not previously been disclosed or which has not been cured, has occurred and, if such a Default has occurred, specifying the details thereof and any action taken or proposed to be taken with respect thereto, (ii) setting forth reasonably detailed calculations demonstrating compliance with Article VII and (iii) stating whether any change in GAAP or in the application thereof has occurred since the date of the Borrower's audited financial statements referred to in Section 3.04 which has not already been disclosed and, if any such change has occurred, specifying the effect of such change on the financial statements accompanying such certificate;

 
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(d)            Final Accountant's Letter .  Concurrently with any delivery of financial statements under clause (a) above, the final accountant’s letter provided to the officers of the Borrower in connection with the audit of such financial statements;

(e)            Budget .  Within 60 days after the end of the fiscal year ended December 31, 2010 and 45 days after the end of each fiscal year thereafter of the Borrower, a detailed consolidated budget for the then current fiscal year (including a projected consolidated balance sheet and related statements of projected operations and cash flow as of the end of and for such fiscal year and setting forth the material assumptions used for purposes of preparing such budget);

(f)            Public Reports .  Promptly after the same become publicly available, copies of all periodic and other reports, proxy statements and other materials filed by the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or any Governmental Authority succeeding to any or all of the functions of said Commission, or with any national securities exchange, as the case may be;

(g)            Additional Information .            Promptly following any request therefor, such material non-privileged information regarding the Loan Parties' compliance with Environmental Laws and the environmental condition of the Mortgaged Properties and such other material non-privileged information regarding the operations, business affairs and financial condition of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary, or compliance with the terms of any Loan Document, as the Administrative Agent or any Lender may reasonably request;

(h)            ERISA Notices .  Promptly upon reasonable request of the Administrative Agent, the Loan Parties and/or their ERISA Affiliates shall promptly make a request for any documents described in Section 101(k) and 101(l) of ERISA that any Loan Party or any ERISA Affiliate may request of any Multiemployer Plans or notices from such administrator or sponsor and the Borrower shall provide copies of such documents and notices to the Administrative Agent promptly after receipt thereof; and

(i)            Demand Letter .            Promptly after the receipt thereof, a demand letter from the PBGC notifying the Borrower, its Subsidiaries, or any ERISA Affiliates of its decision finding liability  that could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect, a copy of such letter, together with a certificate of the president or a Financial Officer of the Borrower setting forth the action which the Borrower, its Subsidiaries or their respective ERISA Affiliates proposes to take with respect thereto.

The information required to be delivered by clauses (a) , (b) and (f) of this Section 5.01 shall be deemed to have been delivered on the date on which the Borrower posts such information on its website on the Internet at www.darlingii.com or when such information is posted on the SEC’s website on the Internet at www.sec.gov (including within any Form 10-K or Form 10-Q); provided that the Borrower shall give notice of any such posting to the Administrative Agent (who shall then give notice of any such posting to the Lenders); provided further , that the Borrower shall deliver paper copies of any such information to the Administrative Agent if the Administrative Agent or any Lender requests the Borrower to deliver such paper copies.

Section 5.02.            Notices of Material Events .  The Borrower will furnish to the Administrative Agent prompt written notice of the following:

(a)            Default .  The occurrence of any Default;

 
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(b)            Notice of Proceedings .  The filing or commencement of any action, suit or proceeding by or before any arbitrator or Governmental Authority against or affecting the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary that could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect;

(c)            ERISA Event .  The occurrence of any ERISA Event that, alone or together with any other ERISA Events that have occurred, could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect;

(d)            Material Adverse Effect .  Any other development that results in, or could reasonably be expected to result in, a Material Adverse Effect; and

(e)            Casualty and Condemnation .  Any casualty or other insured damage to any material portion of any Collateral or the commencement of any action or proceeding for the taking of any material portion of the Collateral or any part thereof or interest therein under power of eminent domain or by condemnation or similar proceeding.

Each notice delivered under this Section shall be accompanied by a statement of a Responsible Officer setting forth the details of the event or development requiring such notice and any action taken or proposed to be taken with respect thereto.

Section 5.03.            Existence; Conduct of Business .  The Borrower will, and will cause each of its Restricted Subsidiaries to, do or cause to be done all things necessary to preserve, renew and keep in full force and effect its legal existence except, solely in the case of a Restricted Subsidiary, where the failure to do so could not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect; provided that the foregoing shall not prohibit any transactions permitted under Section 6.03 or Section 6.05 .  The Borrower will, and will cause each of its Restricted Subsidiaries to, do or cause to be done all things necessary to preserve, renew and keep in full force and effect all of its rights, licenses, permits, privileges, franchises, patents, copyrights, trademarks and trade names unless the failure to preserve, renew and keep in full force and effect such rights, licenses, permits, privileges, franchises, patents, copyrights, trademarks or trade names could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect; provided that the foregoing shall not prohibit any transactions permitted under Section 6.03 or Section 6.05 .

Section 5.04.            Payment of Obligations .  The Borrower will, and will cause each of its Restricted Subsidiaries to, pay its Indebtedness (not including for purposes of this Section 5.04 , Indebtedness consisting of trade payables) and other obligations, including Tax liabilities, before the same shall become more than 30 days overdue, or if more than 30 days overdue, except where (a) (i) the validity or amount thereof is being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings, (ii) the Borrower or such Restricted Subsidiary has set aside on its books adequate reserves with respect thereto in accordance with GAAP, and (iii) such contest effectively suspends collection of the contested obligation and the foreclosure of any Lien securing such obligation or (b) the failure to make payment pending such contest could not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect.  For the avoidance of doubt, clause (f) of Section 8.01 shall be given effect independent of the terms of this Section 5.04 such that an Event of Default may occur under clause (f) of Section 8.01 as described therein, even if the circumstances creating such Event of Default would not result in a violation of this Section 5.04 but unless there is a violation of such clause (f) of Section 8.01 , no Default or Event of Default relating to Indebtedness may occur under the preceding sentence of this Section 5.04 .

Section 5.05.            Maintenance of Properties .  The Borrower will, and will cause each of its Restricted Subsidiaries to, keep and maintain all property in good working order and condition, ordinary wear and tear and casualty and condemnation excepted and except to the extent the failure to do so could not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect or as otherwise expressly permitted by this Agreement.

 
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Section 5.06.            Insurance .  The Borrower will, and will cause each of its Restricted Subsidiaries to, maintain, with financially sound and reputable insurance companies insurance in such amounts (with no greater risk retention) and against such risks as are customarily maintained by companies of established repute engaged in the same or similar businesses operating in the same or similar locations.  The Borrower will furnish to the Lenders, upon reasonable request of the Administrative Agent (but not more frequently than once per fiscal year), information in reasonable detail as to the insurance so maintained.  Each general liability insurance policy shall name the Administrative Agent as additional insured.  Each insurance policy covering Collateral shall name the Administrative Agent as loss payee and shall provide that such policy will not be canceled or materially changed without 30 days (or 10 days in the event of a payment default) prior written notice to the Administrative Agent.

Section 5.07.            Books and Records; Inspection and Audit Rights .

(a)            The Borrower will, and will cause each of its Restricted Subsidiaries to, keep proper books of record and account in which full, true and correct entries are made of all dealings and transactions in relation to its business and activities in order to permit the preparation of its financial statements in accordance with GAAP.  The Borrower will, and will cause each of its Restricted Subsidiaries to, permit any representatives designated by the Administrative Agent or, upon the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default, any Lender (at each Lender’s own expense), upon reasonable prior notice, to visit and inspect its properties, to examine and make extracts from its books and records, and to discuss its affairs, finances and condition with its officers and independent accountants, all at such reasonable times during normal business hours and as often as reasonably requested; provided that (a) the Borrower shall reimburse the Administrative Agent not more than once each fiscal year for visits, inspections, examinations and discussions conducted under this Section 5.07 if no Event of Default exists at the time thereof (and the Borrower shall reimburse the Administrative Agent for all such visits, inspections, examinations and discussions conducted when an Event of Default exists) and (b) the Borrower shall have the opportunity to be present at any meeting with its independent accountants.

(b)            If an Event of Default has occurred or is reasonably anticipated, the Administrative Agent may (but shall not be obligated to), at the expense of the Borrower, conduct such investigations as it deems appropriate  to determine the nature and extent of any noncompliance with applicable Environmental Laws, the nature and extent of the presence of any Hazardous Materials, and the nature and extent of any other environmental conditions that may exist at or affect any of the Mortgaged Properties, and the Loan Parties shall cooperate with the Administrative Agent in conducting such investigations.  Such investigations shall be reasonable in scope and may include, without limitation, a detailed visual inspection of the Mortgaged Properties as well as the taking of soil samples, surface water samples, and ground water samples and such other investigations or analyses as the Administrative Agent deems reasonable.  The Administrative Agent and its officers, employees, agents and contractors shall have and are hereby granted the right to enter upon the Mortgaged Properties for the foregoing purposes, subject to reasonable advance notice and to reasonable efforts to minimize business interruptions and provided that all such investigations are conducted in compliance with all applicable laws and by consultants possessing appropriate levels of insurance.

Section 5.08.            Compliance with Laws and Contractual Obligations .  The Borrower will, and will cause each of its Restricted Subsidiaries to, comply with all laws, rules, regulations and orders of any Governmental Authority and all Contractual Obligations applicable to it or its property except where the failure to do so, individually or in the aggregate, could not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect.

 
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Section 5.09.            Environmental Laws . The Borrower will, and will cause each Restricted Subsidiary to:

(a)           Comply with, and use commercially reasonable efforts to ensure compliance by all tenants and subtenants, if any, with, all applicable Environmental Laws, and obtain and comply with and maintain, and use commercially reasonable efforts to ensure that all tenants and subtenants obtain and comply with and maintain, any and all licenses, approvals, notifications, registrations or permits required by applicable Environmental Laws, except in each case, where the failure to do so, individually or in the aggregate, could not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect.

(b)           Conduct and complete all investigations, studies, sampling and testing, and all remedial, removal and other actions required under Environmental Laws and promptly comply with all lawful orders and directives of all Governmental Authorities regarding Environmental Laws, except in each case, where the failure to do so, individually or in the aggregate, could not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect.

Section 5.10.            Collateral Matters ; Guaranty Agreement .

(a)            Further Assurances .  Subject to the terms of the Security Documents, the Borrower will, and will cause each Subsidiary Loan Party to, execute any and all further documents, financing statements, agreements and instruments, and take all such further actions (including the filing and recording of financing statements, fixture filings, mortgages, deeds of trust and other documents), which may be required under any applicable law, or which the Administrative Agent may reasonably request, to effectuate the transactions contemplated by the Loan Documents or to grant, preserve, protect or perfect the Liens created or intended to be created by the Security Documents or the validity or priority of any such Lien, all at the expense of the Loan Parties.

(b)            Additional Restricted Subsidiaries .  In furtherance of the foregoing, if any additional Subsidiary is formed or acquired after the Effective Date or any Unrestricted Subsidiary is designated as a Restricted Subsidiary after the Effective Date, the Borrower will notify the Administrative Agent and the Lenders thereof and (a) if such Subsidiary is a Domestic Subsidiary that is not an Excluded Subsidiary, the Borrower will cause such Restricted Subsidiary to become a party to the Guaranty Agreement and Security Agreement promptly after such Restricted Subsidiary is formed, acquired or designated and promptly take such actions to create and perfect Liens on such Restricted Subsidiary’s assets to secure the Obligations as the Administrative Agent shall reasonably request and (b) if any Equity Interest in any Restricted Subsidiary is acquired after the Effective Date by or on behalf of any Loan Party or any Unrestricted Subsidiary is designated as a Restricted Subsidiary after the Effective Date, the Borrower will cause the Equity Interests of each such Restricted Subsidiary to be pledged pursuant to the Security Agreement promptly after such Restricted Subsidiary is formed, acquired or designated (except that, if such Restricted Subsidiary is (i) a Domestic Subsidiary and substantially all of its assets consist of the equity of one or more direct or indirect non-Domestic Subsidiaries or (ii) a Foreign Subsidiary, the Equity Interest in such Restricted Subsidiary to be pledged pursuant to the Security Agreement shall be limited to 65% of the outstanding Equity Interests of such Restricted Subsidiary).

(c)            Creation, Perfection and Protection of Liens on Material Fee Owned Property .  In the event that the Borrower or any other Loan Party acquires any Material Fee Owned Property after the Effective Date (whether directly or through an acquisition permitted hereby), the Borrower agrees it shall or shall cause the applicable Loan Party to promptly deliver to the Administrative Agent after such Material Fee Owned Property is acquired, counterparts of a Mortgage with respect to such Material Fee Owned Property signed on behalf of the record owner of such Material Fee Owned Property, together with each of the following, in each case, to the extent reasonably required by the Administrative Agent:

 
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(i)            Mortgage Policies in form and substance and in amounts (not to exceed 100% of the purchase price) reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent assuring the Administrative Agent that such Mortgage is a valid and enforceable first priority mortgage on such Material Fee Owned Property, free and clear of all defects and encumbrances except as permitted by Section 6.02 or as are otherwise reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent.  Such Mortgage Policies shall include an endorsement insuring against the effect of any matter that the Administrative Agent may reasonably request, and shall provide for affirmative insurance and such reinsurance as the Administrative Agent may reasonably request; provided that no such endorsements or affirmative coverage shall be required if the cost thereof would be excessive to the benefit of Lenders afforded thereby (including, without limitation, zoning endorsements);

(ii)            a survey of such Material Fee Owned Property (which may be an existing survey), certified by a licensed surveyor meeting ALTA requirements in a form sufficient to allow the issuer of the applicable title insurance policy to issue the applicable Mortgage Policy with no general survey exception and containing a survey endorsement, an access endorsement (if available), a comprehensive endorsement and if applicable, a contiguity endorsement (if available);

(iii)            with respect to such Material Fee Owned Property required to be insured pursuant to the Flood Disaster Protection Act of 1973 or the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968, and the regulations promulgated thereunder, because improvements on such Mortgaged Property are located in an area which has been identified by the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development as a "special flood hazard area," (i) a policy of flood insurance that (A) covers such improvements and (B) is written in an amount reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent (not to exceed 100% of the value of such improvements) and (ii) a confirmation that the applicable Loan Party has received the notice requested pursuant to Section 208.25(i) of Regulation H of the Board;

(iv)            such fixture filings as the Administrative Agent may request related to the Mortgages; and

(v)            if reasonably requested by the Administrative Agent, an opinion of local counsel in the state where such Material Fee Owned Property is located and in the State where the grantor of the applicable Mortgage in organized, each in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent.

(d)            Post Closing Delivery of Certain Collateral.   (i) To the extent not delivered on or prior to the Effective Date, the Administrative Agent shall, on or before the date 90 days after the Effective Date (or such later date as the Administrative Agent shall agree in its sole discretion), received counterparts of a Mortgage with respect to each parcel of Mortgaged Property owned as of the Effective Date but not covered by a Mortgage as of the Effective Date, signed on behalf of the record owner of such Mortgaged Property, together with the documentation required by Section 4.01(g)(i) through (iv) and a customary opinion of local counsel in the state where such Mortgaged Property is located and in the State where the grantor of the applicable Mortgage is organized.

(ii)  On or before the date 60 days after the Effective Date (or such later date as the Administrative Agent shall agree in its sole discretion), the Borrower (or its applicable Subsidiary) shall have delivered to the Administrative Agent (A) a mortgage (or similar agreement) granting a security interest in favor of the Administrative Agent for the benefit of the Secured Parties in each of (1) the Cessna Citation CJ3 bearing manufacturer's serial number 302 and U.S. Registration No. N18GA and each of its Williams International engines, model number FJ44-3A, bearing manufacturer's serial numbers 141629 and 141628 and (2) the Cessna Citation CJ3 bearing manufacturer's serial number 293 and U.S. Registration No. N18GA and each of its Williams International engines, model number FJ44-3A, bearing manufacturer's serial numbers 141609 and 141608 (collectively, the " Aircraft "), (B) evidence of the filing of such security interest in the Aircraft in favor of the Administrative Agent for the benefit of the Secured Parties in each case with the Federal Aviation Administration and the registration of the corresponding International Interests with the International Registry and (C) a customary opinion of counsel with respect to the matters described in clauses (A) and (B) above reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent.

 
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(iii)   To the extent any Loan Party obtains clear title (including that such title is insurable without exceptions for the rights of others) to that certain real property, fixtures and equipment located at 4221 Alexandria Pike, Cold Spring, Campbell County, Kentucky, the Borrower shall provide counterparts of a Mortgage with respect to such property signed on behalf of the record owner of such property, together with the documentation required by Section 4.01(g)(i) through (iv) and a customary opinion of Kentucky local counsel and (if different) counsel in the State where the grantor of such Mortgage is organized.

(e)            Excessive Cost .  Notwithstanding the provisions of clauses (a) through (d) of this Section 5.10 or the terms of the Security Agreement, (i) the Administrative Agent shall not take a Lien (or perfect a Lien) in an asset of a Loan Party if (A) the Administrative Agent and the Borrower reasonably determine that the burden or cost of granting or perfecting a Lien on such asset (including any mortgage, stamp, intangibles or other tax) is excessive in relation to the benefit to the Lenders afforded by such Lien on such asset, (B) the granting of a security interest in such asset would be prohibited, in the case of a contract, by enforceable anti-assignment provisions in such contract or by applicable law or with respect to any other assets to the extent such a pledge would violate the terms of any contract governing the purchase, financing or ownership of such assets or would trigger termination pursuant to any "change of control" or similar provision under such contract (in each case, after giving effect to the relevant provisions of the Uniform Commercial Code in effect in the applicable jurisdiction and other relevant legislation) or (C) a foreign security or pledge agreement would be required (except in the instance of a material Investment where the laws of the United States of America or any state thereof would not recognize a perfected lien on such asset under the laws of the United States of America or such state) and (ii) Liens on the following assets shall not be required to be perfected: (A) cash and cash equivalents, deposit and securities accounts (including securities entitlements and related assets), in each case to the extent a security interest therein cannot be perfected by the filing of a financing statement under the Uniform Commercial Code; (B) other assets requiring perfection through control agreements; and (C) commercial tort claims less than $5,000,000.

(f)            Designation of Immaterial Subsidiaries as Subsidiary Loan Parties .  The Borrower shall cause one or more of its Immaterial Subsidiaries to become a Subsidiary Loan Party (including causing any such Immaterial Subsidiary to execute any applicable supplement or joinder to any applicable Security Document and to grant a security interest in any of its Collateral required to be so granted thereunder) to the extent necessary to reduce the EBITDA of the Immaterial Subsidiaries, individually or collectively, for the 4 fiscal quarter period ended most recently prior to such date to be not greater than 5% of the EBITDA of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole. Upon becoming a Subsidiary Loan Party, an Immaterial Subsidiary shall cease to be designated an Immaterial Subsidiary.

(g)            Timing of Actions and Deliverables . Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, all actions and deliverables required under this Section 5.10 (other than Section 5.01(d) ) shall be deemed taken or delivered promptly if such actions or deliverables are taken or delivered upon the later of (i) the next delivery date of the financials contemplated by Section 5.01(a) and 5.01(b) and (ii) the date expressly requested by the Administrative Agent acting in its reasonable discretion.

 
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Section 5.11.            Maintenance of Ratings .  The Borrower will use commercially reasonable efforts to cause to be maintained at all times (a)(i) a Corporate Family Rating, in the case of Moody’s or (ii) an Issuer Credit Rating, in the case of S&P, for the Borrower and (b) credit ratings for the Credit Facilities from Moody’s and S&P.

ARTICLE VI.

Negative Covenants

Until the Loan Obligations have been Fully Satisfied, the Borrower covenants and agrees with the Lenders that:

Section 6.01.            Indebtedness .  The Borrower will not, and will not permit any Restricted Subsidiary to, create, incur, assume or permit to exist any Indebtedness, except:

(a)            Indebtedness created under the Loan Documents;

(b)            the Senior Unsecured Debt;

(c)            Indebtedness existing on the date hereof and set forth in Schedule 6.01 and amendments, modifications, extensions, renewals and replacements of any such Indebtedness that do not increase the outstanding principal amount thereof except as otherwise permitted by this Section 6.01 ;

(d)            Indebtedness among the Borrower and its Subsidiaries; provided that, (i) all such Indebtedness of any Loan Party owing to an Excluded Subsidiary must be expressly subordinated to the Obligations on terms and conditions reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent, it being understood that payments may be made thereon unless an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing and (ii) any Indebtedness owing to the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary by any Excluded Subsidiary shall be subject to compliance with Section 6.04 ;

(e)            Guarantees by the Borrower of Indebtedness of any Subsidiary and by any Restricted Subsidiary of Indebtedness of the Borrower or any other Subsidiary; provided that (i) Guarantees by the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary of Indebtedness of any Excluded Subsidiary shall be subject to compliance with Section 6.04 , (ii) Guarantees permitted under this clause (e) shall be subordinated to the Obligations of the applicable Restricted Subsidiary to the same extent and on terms not materially less favorable to the Lenders as the Indebtedness so Guaranteed is subordinated to the Obligations and (iii) no Senior Unsecured Debt shall be Guaranteed by any Restricted Subsidiary unless such Restricted Subsidiary is a Loan Party that has Guaranteed the Obligations pursuant to the Guaranty Agreement;

(f)            (i) Indebtedness of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary incurred to finance the acquisition, construction, repair or improvement of any assets (including rolling stock), including Capital Lease Obligations, mortgage financings, purchase money indebtedness (including any industrial revenue bonds, industrial development bonds and similar financings), (ii) Indebtedness of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary assumed in connection with the acquisition of any assets or secured by a Lien on any assets prior to the acquisition thereof, and (iii) any amendments, modifications, extensions, renewals and replacements of any such Indebtedness permitted by this clause (f) that do not increase the outstanding principal amount thereof except as otherwise permitted by this Section 6.01 ; provided that (A) in the case of clause (f)(i), such Indebtedness is incurred prior to or within 180 days after such acquisition or the completion of such construction, repair or improvement and (B) the aggregate principal amount of Indebtedness permitted by this clause (f) shall not exceed the greater of (x) 5% of Consolidated Net Tangible Assets or (y) $50,000,000 at any time outstanding;

 
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(g)            Indebtedness arising in connection with Swap Agreements permitted by Section 6.07 ; provided that Guarantees by any Loan Party of such Indebtedness of any Excluded Subsidiary shall be subject to compliance with Section 6.04 ;

(h)            Indebtedness of any Person that becomes a Restricted Subsidiary after the date hereof and amendments, modifications, extensions, renewals and replacements thereof which do not increase the principal amount thereof (other than by unpaid interest, fees, expenses and any prepayment premium of make whole amount) except as otherwise permitted by this Section 6.01 ; provided that (i) such Indebtedness exists at the time such Person becomes a Restricted Subsidiary and is not created in contemplation of or in connection with such Person becoming a Restricted Subsidiary, and (ii) the aggregate principal amount of Indebtedness permitted by this clause (h) plus the aggregate amount of the Indebtedness permitted by clause (s) of this Section 6.01 shall not exceed $35,000,000 at any time outstanding;

(i)            obligations in respect of workers compensation claims, health, disability or other employee benefits, unemployment insurance and other social security laws or regulations or property, casualty or liability insurance and premiums related thereto, self insurance obligations, customs, surety, stay, appeal and performance bonds, and performance and completion guarantees and similar obligations incurred by the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary, in each case in the ordinary course of business;

(j)            to the extent constituting Indebtedness, contingent obligations arising under indemnity agreements to title insurance companies to cause such title insurers to issue title insurance policies in the ordinary course of business with respect to the real property of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary;

(k)            to the extent constituting Indebtedness, customary indemnification and purchase price adjustments or similar obligations (including earn-outs) incurred or assumed in connection with Investments and Dispositions otherwise permitted hereunder;

(l)            to the extent constituting Indebtedness, unfunded pension fund and other employee benefit plan obligations and liabilities to the extent they are permitted to remain unfunded under applicable law;

(m)            to the extent constituting Indebtedness, deferred compensation payable to directors, officers, employees, members of management or consultants of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries;

(n)            Indebtedness in respect of repurchase agreements constituting Permitted Investments;

(o)            Indebtedness consisting of promissory notes issued by the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary to future, present or former directors, officers, members of management, employees or consultants of the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries or their respective estates, heirs, family members, spouses or former spouses to finance the purchase or redemption of Equity Interests of the Borrower permitted by Section 6.08 ;

 
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(p)            cash management obligations and Indebtedness incurred by the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary in respect of netting services, overdraft protections and similar arrangements, in each case entered into in the ordinary course of business in connection with cash management and deposit accounts;

(q)            (i) Indebtedness consisting of the financing of insurance premiums and (ii) take-or-pay obligations constituting Indebtedness of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary, in each case, entered into in the ordinary course of business, provided that the aggregate principal amount of Indebtedness permitted by clause (q)(ii) shall not exceed $10,000,000 at any time outstanding;

(r)            Indebtedness incurred by a Loan Party constituting reimbursement obligations with respect to letters of credit (other than Letters of Credit issued pursuant to this Agreement), bank guarantees or similar instruments issued for the purposes described in Section 6.02(d) , (e) and (k) or issued to secure trade payables, warehouse receipts or similar facilities entered into in the ordinary course of business and the obligations arising under drafts accepted and delivered in connection with a drawing thereunder; provided that (i) upon the drawing of any such letters of credit or the incurrence of such Indebtedness, such obligations are reimbursed within 30 days following such drawing or incurrence and (ii) the aggregate outstanding face amount of all such letters of credit or bank guarantees does not exceed $2,500,000 at any time;

(s)            obligations, contingent or otherwise, for the payment of money under any noncompete, consulting or similar agreement entered into with the seller of a Target or any other similar arrangements providing for the deferred payment of the purchase price for an acquisition permitted hereby; provided that the aggregate principal amount of Indebtedness permitted by this clause (s) plus the aggregate amount of the Indebtedness permitted by clause (h) of this Section 6.01 shall not exceed $35,000,000 at any time outstanding;

(t)            Indebtedness of the type described in clause (e ) of the definition thereof to the extent the related Lien is permitted under Section 6.02 ;

(u)            [Reserved];

(v)            other Indebtedness of the Borrower and the Subsidiary Loan Parties provided that the aggregate principal amount of Indebtedness permitted by this clause (v) shall not exceed $25,000,000 at any time outstanding;

(w)            Indebtedness in the form of (i) Guarantees of Indebtedness of the Renewable Diesel Joint Venture; provided that the aggregate principal amount of the Indebtedness so guaranteed pursuant to such Guarantees shall not exceed $150,000,000 at any one time outstanding, (ii) Guarantees of any obligation to make an Investment in the Renewable Diesel Joint Venture permitted to be made in accordance with Section 6.04 , (iii) Liens on the Equity Interests of the Renewable Diesel Joint Venture in favor of the holder of any Indebtedness of the Renewable Diesel Joint Venture or any Guarantees thereof by the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary otherwise permitted under this Section 6.01(w) , (iv) Liens on cash and cash equivalents to secure (x) any obligation to make an Investment in the Renewable Diesel Joint Venture permitted under Section 6.04 or (y) obligations in respect of a letter of credit posted to support obligations of the type set forth in the foregoing clause (w)(iv)(x) ;

(x)            all premiums (if any), interest (including post-petition interest), fees, expenses, charges and additional or contingent interest on obligations described in clauses (a) through (w) above.

 
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Section 6.02.            Liens .  The Borrower will not, and will not permit any Restricted Subsidiary to, create, incur, assume or permit to exist any Lien on any asset now owned or hereafter acquired by it, or assign or sell any income or revenues (including accounts receivable) or rights in respect of any thereof, except:

(a)            Liens created under the Loan Documents;

(b)            Liens imposed by law for taxes, assessments and governmental charges that are not overdue by more than 30 days or, if more than 30 days overdue, (i) are being contested in compliance with Section 5.04 or (ii) do not exceed in the aggregate outstanding at any time, when aggregated with the aggregate amount of Liens outstanding at such time under Sections 6.02(c) and (q) , the Threshold Amount;

(c)            carriers', warehousemen's, mechanics', materialmen's, repairmen's, landlord's and other like Liens imposed by law, arising in the ordinary course of business and securing obligations that are not overdue by more than 30 days or, if more than 30 days overdue, (i) are being contested in compliance with Section 5.04 or (ii) do not exceed in the aggregate outstanding at any time, when aggregated with the aggregate amount of Liens outstanding at such time under Sections 6.02(b) and (q) , the Threshold Amount;

(d)            pledges and deposits made in the ordinary course of business (i) in compliance with workers’ compensation, health, disability or other employee benefits, unemployment insurance and other social security laws or regulations, property, casualty or liability insurance or premiums related thereto or self insurance obligations or (ii) to secure letters of credit, bank guarantees or similar instruments posted to support payment of items set forth in the foregoing clause (d)(i) ; provided that such letters of credit and bank guarantees are issued in compliance with Section 6.01 ;

(e)            Liens securing the performance of, or granted in lieu of, contracts with trade creditors, government contracts, leases, bids, statutory obligations, customs, surety, stay, appeal and performance bonds, performance and completion guarantees and other obligations of a like nature, in each case entered into in the ordinary course of business and deposits securing letters of credit, bank guarantees or similar instruments posted to support payment of the items set forth in this clause (e) ; provided that (i) such letters of credit (other than the Letters of Credit), bank guarantees or similar instruments are issued in compliance with Section 6.01 ; and (ii) the Liens permitted by this clause (e) shall at no time encumber any assets other than (A) the amount of cash or marketable investments required to be pledged thereunder and (B) with respect to customs and surety bonds, performance bonds, and performance and completion guarantees or similar obligations, the specific assets in respect to which such bonds or guarantees are issued and which are customarily encumbered under similar bond and guarantee transactions;

(f)            Liens in respect of judgments that do not constitute an Event of Default under clause (j) of Section 8.01 ;

(g)            easements, zoning restrictions, rights-of-way and similar encumbrances on real property imposed by law or arising in the ordinary course of business that do not secure any monetary obligations and other minor irregularities in title (including leasehold title), in each case, that do not materially and adversely interfere with the ordinary conduct of business of the Borrower or any Subsidiary;

(h)            Liens arising from filing UCC financing statements regarding leases and consignment or bailee arrangements permitted or not prohibited by any of the Loan Documents and Liens securing liabilities in respect of indemnification obligations thereunder as long as each such Lien only encumbers the assets that are the subject of the related lease (or contained in such leasehold) or consignment or bailee;

 
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(i)            any interest or title of a lessor, sublessor, licensee, sublicense, licensor or sublicensor under any lease or license agreement permitted or not prohibited by any of the Loan Documents and any leases, subleases, licenses or sublicenses granted in the ordinary course of business not interfering in any material respect with the business of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary;

(j)            the rights reserved to or vested in any Person by the terms of any lease, license, franchise, grant or permit held by the Borrower or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries or by a statutory provision to terminate any such lease, license, franchise, grant or permit or to require periodic payments as a condition to the continuance thereof;

(k)            Liens granted in the ordinary course of business to secure: (i) liabilities for premiums or reimbursement obligations to insurance carriers, (ii) liabilities in respect of indemnification obligations under leases or other Contractual Obligations, (iii) letters of credit, bank guarantees or similar instruments posted to support payment of items set forth in this clause (k) ; provided that (i) such letters of credit, bank guarantees or similar instruments are issued in compliance with Section 6.01 , (ii) the Liens permitted by clause (k)(iii) shall at no time encumber any assets other than the amount of cash or marketable investments required to be pledged thereunder and (iii) the Liens permitted by clause (k)(i) shall at no time encumber assets other than the unearned portion of any insurance premiums, the insurance policies and the proceeds thereof;

(l)            Liens (i) of a collection bank arising under Section 4–210 of the Uniform Commercial Code on items in the course of collection, (ii) in favor of a banking institution arising as a matter of law encumbering deposits (including the right of set–off) and (iii) arising in connection with pooled deposit or sweep accounts of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary and consisting of the right to apply the funds held therein to satisfy overdraft obligations incurred in the ordinary course of business of such Person, in each case, which are within the general parameters customary in the banking industry;

(m)            Liens in favor of a commodity, brokerage or security intermediary who holds a commodity, brokerage or, as applicable, a security account on behalf of the Borrower or a Restricted Subsidiary provided such Lien encumbers only the related account and the property held therein;

(n)            any Lien on any asset of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary existing on the date hereof and set forth in Schedule 6.02 ; provided that (i) such Lien shall not apply to any other property or asset of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary (other than the proceeds and products thereof and accessions thereto, except that individual financings provided by a Person or its Affiliates may be cross collateralized to other financings provided by such Person or its Affiliates) and (ii) such Lien shall secure only those obligations which it secures on the Effective Date and obligations not otherwise prohibited under the Loan Documents and amendments, modifications, extensions, renewals and replacements thereof (which, if such obligations constitute Indebtedness, are permitted by Section 6.01 );

(o)            any Lien existing on any equipment (including rolling stock), fixtures or real property or any assets subject to the Indebtedness permitted under clause (f) of Section 6.01 , in each case, prior to the acquisition thereof by the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary or existing on any such property or assets of any Person that becomes a Restricted Subsidiary after the date hereof prior to the time such Person becomes a Restricted Subsidiary; provided that (i) such Lien is not created in contemplation of or in connection with such acquisition or such Person becoming a Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be, (ii) such Lien shall not apply to any other assets of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary (other than the proceeds or products thereof and after-acquired property subjected to a Lien pursuant to the terms existing at the time of such acquisition (it being understood that such requirement shall not be permitted to apply to any property to which such requirement would not have applied but for such acquisition)); and (iii) such Lien shall secure only those obligations which it secures on the date of such acquisition or the date such Person becomes a Subsidiary, as the case may be and any amendments, modifications, extensions, renewals or replacements thereof and if such obligations (or as applicable, any amendments, modifications, extensions, renewals or replacements thereof) are Indebtedness, such Indebtedness is otherwise permitted by Section 6.01 (it being understood for purposes of this clause (o) that individual financings provided by a Person or its Affiliates may be cross collateralized to other financings provided by such Person or its Affiliates);

 
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(p)            (i) Liens on specific assets (including rolling stock) acquired, constructed or improved by the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary (including the interests of vendors and lessors under conditional sale and title retention agreements); provided that (A) such security interests secure Indebtedness permitted by clause (f) or clause (v) of Section 6.01 , (B) in the case of Indebtedness incurred under Section 6.01(f)(i) such security interests and the Indebtedness secured thereby are incurred prior to or within 180 days after such acquisition or the completion of such construction or improvement and (C) such security interests shall not apply to any other assets of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary, and (ii) any amendments, modifications, extensions, renewals or replacements thereof and if such obligations (or as applicable, any amendments, modifications, extensions, renewals or replacements thereof) are Indebtedness, such Indebtedness is otherwise permitted by Section 6.01 (it being understood for purposes of this clause (p) that individual financings provided by a Person or its Affiliates may be cross collateralized to other financings provided by such Person or its Affiliates);

(q)            Liens in favor of customs and revenue authorities arising as a matter of law in the ordinary course of business to secure payment of customs duties that are not overdue by more than 30 days or, if more than 30 days overdue, (i) are being contested in compliance with Section 5.04 or (ii) when aggregated with the aggregate amount of Liens outstanding under Sections 6.02 (b) and (c) at such time, do not exceed the Threshold Amount;

(r)            Liens (i) (A) on advances of cash or Permitted Investments in favor of the seller of any property to be acquired in an Investment permitted pursuant to Section 6.04 to be applied against the purchase price for such Investment, and (B) consisting of an agreement to dispose of any property in a Disposition permitted under Section 6.05 , in each case, solely to the extent such Investment or Disposition, as the case may be, would have been permitted and (ii) on cash earnest money deposits made by the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary in connection with any letter of intent or purchase agreement permitted hereunder;

(s)            Liens in favor of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary securing Indebtedness permitted under Section 6.01(d) or other obligations owed to the Borrower or a Restricted Subsidiary; provided that any such Liens encumbering any Collateral shall be subordinated to the Liens of the Administrative Agent on terms and conditions reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent;

(t)            Liens that are contractual rights of set-off relating to purchase orders and other similar agreements entered into in the ordinary course of business;

(u)            Liens representing the interest of a purchaser of goods sold by the Borrower or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business under conditional sale, title retention, consignment, bailee or similar arrangements; provided that such Liens arise only under the applicable conditional sale, title retention, consignment, bailee or similar arrangements and such Liens only encumber the good so sold thereunder;

 
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(v)            Liens on repurchase agreements constituting Permitted Investments;

(w)            other Liens securing Indebtedness or other obligations in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed $25,000,000 at any time outstanding;

(x)           Liens on Equity Interests in joint ventures (including the Renewable Diesel Joint Venture) or Unrestricted Subsidiaries; provided such Liens secure Indebtedness of such joint venture or Unrestricted Subsidiary, as applicable; and

(y)             Liens on (i) the Equity Interests of the Renewable Diesel Joint Venture in favor of the holder of (A) any Indebtedness of the Renewable Diesel Joint Venture, (B) any Guarantee by the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary of such Indebtedness otherwise permitted under this Agreement or (C) any Guarantee by the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary of the commitment by the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary to make an Investment in the Renewable Diesel Joint Venture permitted to be made under this Agreement and (ii) cash and cash equivalents to secure (A) obligations of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary to make an Investment in the Renewable Diesel Joint Venture permitted under this Agreement or (B) obligations in respect of a letter of credit posted to support obligations of the type set forth in the foregoing clause (y)(ii)(A) .

Section 6.03.            Fundamental Changes .  The Borrower will not, nor will it permit any Restricted Subsidiary to, merge into or consolidate with any other Person, or permit any other Person to merge into or consolidate with it, or liquidate or dissolve, except that, if at the time thereof and immediately after giving effect thereto no Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing:  (a) any Subsidiary may merge with the Borrower in a transaction in which the Borrower is the surviving Person (or in the case of a transitory merger where the surviving Person assumes the Obligations in a manner reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent), (b) any Restricted Subsidiary may merge with any Subsidiary in a transaction in which the surviving entity is a Subsidiary and if any party to such merger is a Subsidiary Loan Party, is a Subsidiary Loan Party (or the surviving Person assumes the Obligations in a manner reasonably acceptable to the Administration Agent or such transaction shall constitute an Investment permitted by Section 6.04 ), (c) any Person may merge into the Borrower in an Investment permitted by Section 6.04 in which the Borrower is the surviving Person, (d) any Person may merge with a Restricted Subsidiary in an Investment permitted by Section 6.04 in which the surviving entity is a Subsidiary and if any party to such merger is a Subsidiary Loan Party, is a Subsidiary Loan Party (or the surviving Person assumes the Obligations in a manner reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent or such transaction shall constitute an Investment permitted by Section 6.04 ); (e) any Subsidiary may liquidate or dissolve if the Borrower determines in good faith that such liquidation or dissolution is in the best interests of the Borrower and is not materially disadvantageous to the Lenders; and (f) in connection with the Disposition of a Subsidiary or its assets permitted by Section 6.05 , a Subsidiary may merge with or into any other Person.  The Borrower will not, and will not permit any of its Subsidiaries to, engage to any material extent in any business other than businesses of the type conducted by the Borrower and its Subsidiaries on the date of execution of this Agreement and businesses reasonably related thereto.

Section 6.04.            Investments, Loans, Advances, Guarantees and Acquisitions .  The Borrower will not, and will not permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to, purchase, hold or acquire (including pursuant to any merger with any Person that was not a wholly owned Subsidiary prior to such merger) any Equity Interests in or evidences of indebtedness or other securities (including any option, warrant or other right to acquire any of the foregoing) of, make or permit to exist any loans or advances to, Guarantee any obligations of, any other Person, or purchase or otherwise acquire (in one transaction or a series of transactions) any assets of any other Person constituting a business unit or all or substantially all of the assets of a division or branch of any Person of any Person (any one of the actions described in the foregoing provisions of this Section 6.04 , herein an " Investment "), except:

 
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(a)            the Bluegrass Acquisition;

(b)            cash, Permitted Investments and Investments that were Permitted Investments when such Investments were made;

(c)            Investments existing on, or contractually committed as of, the date hereof and set forth on Schedule 6.04 and any modification, replacement, renewal or extension thereof; provided that the amount of the original Investment is not increased except by the terms of such Investment or as otherwise permitted by this Section 6.04 ;

(d)            Investments among the Borrower and its Subsidiaries (including in connection with the formation of Subsidiaries); provided that the sum of: (i) the aggregate amount of Investments by Loan Parties in or for the benefit of  Excluded Subsidiaries plus (ii) the aggregate amount of advances made under the permissions of Section 6.04(t) shall not exceed $20,000,000 in the aggregate at any time outstanding;

(e)            Guarantees constituting Indebtedness permitted by clauses (e) and (v) of Section 6.01 and payments thereon or Investments in respect thereof in lieu of such payments; provided that the aggregate principal amount of Indebtedness of Subsidiaries that are not Loan Parties that is Guaranteed by any Loan Party shall be subject to the limitation set forth in clause (d) above and clause (s) below (it being understood that any such Guarantee in reliance upon the reference to such clause (s) shall reduce the amount otherwise available under such clause (s) while such Guarantee is outstanding);

(f)            Investments received in connection with the bankruptcy or reorganization of, or settlement of delinquent accounts or disputes with or judgments against, any Person, or foreclosure or deed in lieu of foreclosure with respect to any Lien held as security for an obligation, in each case in the ordinary course of business;

(g)            notes and other non–cash consideration received as part of the purchase price of assets subject to a Disposition pursuant to Section 6.05 ;

(h)            advances or extensions of trade credit in the ordinary course of business;

(i)            Investments arising in connection with the Swap Agreements permitted by Section 6.07 ; provided that the aggregate amount of Investments by Loan Parties in or for the benefit of Excluded Subsidiaries shall be subject to the limitation set forth in clause (d) above and clause (s) below (it being understood that any such Investment in reliance upon the reference to such clause (s) shall reduce the amount otherwise available under such clause (s) while such Swap Agreement is outstanding);

(j)            loans and advances to officers, directors, employees, members of management or consultants of the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries made (i) in the ordinary course of business for travel and entertainment expenses, relocation costs and similar purposes and (ii) in connection with such Person's purchase of Equity Interests of the Borrower in an aggregate amount not to exceed $5,000,000 for all such loans and advances in the aggregate at any one time outstanding;

(k)            Asset Swaps consummated in compliance with Section 6.05 ;

(l)            Borrower or a Restricted Subsidiary may purchase, hold or acquire (including pursuant to a merger) not less than 90% of the Equity Interests in a Person and may purchase or otherwise acquire (in one transaction or a series of transactions) all or substantially all of the assets of any other Person or all or substantially all of the assets of a division, line of business or branch of such Person, if, with respect to each such acquisition:

 
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(i)            Default .  No Default exists or would result therefrom;

(ii)            Purchase Price Limitation .  If the Pro Forma Leverage Ratio is more than 2.50 to 1.00, then (A) the Purchase Price for the acquisition in question does not exceed $25,000,000 and (B) the sum of the following does not exceed $60,000,000: (1) the Purchase Price for the acquisition in question plus (2) an amount equal to the total sum of all Purchase Prices paid for all acquisitions (other than the acquisition in question) which were consummated (x) in the same fiscal year as the acquisition in question and (y) when the Pro Forma Leverage Ratio for such acquisition was greater than 2.50 to 1.00 (for the avoidance of doubt if the Pro Forma Leverage Ratio is less that 2.50:1.00, then there shall be no Purchase Price limitation);

(iii)            Delivery and Notice Requirements .  Borrower shall provide to Administrative Agent, prior to the consummation of the acquisition, the following:  (A) notice of the acquisition, (B) the most recent financial statements of the Target that Borrower has available, (C) copies of the applicable purchase agreement and copies of such other documentation and information relating to the Target and the acquisition as the Administrative Agent may reasonably request and (D) a certificate signed by a Financial Officer of the Borrower certifying: (1) that the Borrower shall be in compliance with the covenants contained in Article VII on a pro forma basis for the 4 fiscal quarter period then most recently ending and on a projected basis through the Term Loan Maturity Date (assuming, for purposes of such projections through the Term Loan Maturity Date, the consummation of the acquisition in question, that the incurrence or assumption of any Indebtedness in connection therewith occurred on the first day of such period and to the extent such Indebtedness bears interest at a floating rate, using the rate in effect at the time of calculation for the entire period of calculation), (2) that after giving effect to the acquisition in question, all representations and warranties contained in the Loan Documents will be true and correct on and as of the date of the closing of the acquisition in all material respects with the same force and effect as if such representations and warranties had been made on and as of such date, except to the extent that such representations and warranties relate specifically to another date; (3) that no Default exists or will result from the acquisition; and (4) to the Borrower's calculation of its compliance with clause (ii) of this clause (l);

(iv)            U.S. and Canadian Acquisitions .  The Target is (A) organized under the laws of a state in the United States of America, organized under the laws of a province of Canada or organized under the laws of the Federal Republic of Mexico and (B) involved in the same general type of business activities as the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries; provided that any acquisition involving Targets organized under the laws of provinces of Canada or the Federal Republic of Mexico shall not exceed $25,000,000 in the aggregate at any one time outstanding;

(v)            No Contested Acquisitions .  The proposed acquisition shall have been approved by the Board of Directors of the Target (or similar governing body if the Target is not a corporation); and

(vi)            Structure .  If the proposed acquisition is an acquisition of the stock or other Equity Interest issued by a Target, the acquisition will be structured so that the Target will become a Restricted Subsidiary or will be merged with or into the Borrower or a Restricted Subsidiary who is at least 90% owned by the Borrower.  If the proposed acquisition is an acquisition of assets, the acquisition will be structured so that the Borrower or a Restricted Subsidiary shall acquire the assets either directly or through a merger;

(m)            Investments consisting of Indebtedness, Liens, fundamental changes, Dispositions, sale leaseback transactions Swap Obligations, Restricted Payments and Affiliate transactions permitted under Sections 6.01 , 6.02 , 6.03 , 6.05 , 6.06 , 6.07 , 6.08 and 6.09 , respectively;

 
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(n)            advances of payroll payments to employees in the ordinary course of business;

(o)            Guarantees by the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries of leases of the Borrower and Subsidiaries (other than Capital Lease Obligations) or of other obligations not constituting Indebtedness, in each case entered into in the ordinary course of business and payments thereon or Investments in respect thereof in lieu of such payments; provided that the aggregate amount of Investments by Loan Parties in Subsidiaries that are not Loan Parties is subject at all time to the limitations set forth in clause (d) and clause (s) of this Section 6.04 ;

(p)            Investments (i) consisting of endorsements for collection or deposit, (ii) resulting from pledges and/or deposits permitted by Sections 6.02(d) , 6.02(e) , 6.02(k) and 6.02(r) and (iii) consisting of the licensing, sublicensing or contribution of intellectual property pursuant to joint marketing arrangements, in each case, in the ordinary course of business;

(q)            the purchase, holding or other acquisition of Equity Interests in Persons who, after giving effect to such Investment will not be a Subsidiary, as long as:

(i)            no Default exists or would result at the time such Investment is committed to be made and no Significant Default exists or would result at the time such Investment is actually made (and for purposes hereof, a "Significant Default" shall means any Event of Default arising under Section 8.01 other than:

(A)            an Event of Default under clause (e) of such Section arising as a result of the failure to comply with any of the covenants covered thereby except the covenants in Section 5.01(a) , (b) and (c) (an Event of Default arising under Section 8.01(e) as a result of the failure to comply with Section 5.01(a) , (b) or (c) being a "Significant Default"); and

(B)            an Event of Default under clause (c) of such Section arising as a result of false representations, warranties or certifications if such representations, warranties or certifications relate to the subject matter of the covenants excluded as a Significant Default under clause (A) above (an Event of Default arising under Section 8.01(c) as a result of other false representations, warranties or certifications being a "Significant Default")

provided that an Event of Default arising under clause (c) or (e) of Section 8.01 shall be a Significant Default if the Required Lenders shall have determined that the breach of the applicable covenant or the false representation, warranty or certification has had or is reasonably likely to have a Material Adverse Effect and shall have notified the Borrower of such fact; and

(ii)            after giving pro forma effect to each such Investment, the Leverage Ratio is less than 2.25 to 1.00, as calculated:  (A) for the most recent 4 fiscal quarter period then ended on a pro forma basis as if the Investment had occurred as of the first day of such period, (B) to include any Indebtedness incurred or assumed in connection therewith by the Borrower or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries as if such Indebtedness had been incurred on the first day of such period, (C) to the extent such Indebtedness bears interest at a floating rate, using the rate in effect at the time of calculation for the entire period of calculation and (D) as if any sale of Restricted Subsidiaries or lines of business which occurred during such period occurred on the first day of such period;

(r)            the Borrower may serve as an account party under a letter of credit or provide cash collateral to support obligations of Insurance Company of Colorado, Inc. as long as such support is required by, and is in the amount required by, applicable insurance regulations;

 
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(s)            in addition to the Investments otherwise permitted by this Section 6.04 , the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries may make Investments in an aggregate amount not to exceed $25,000,000 at any time outstanding; provided that as of the date of any such Investment and after giving effect thereto no Default shall exist or result therefrom;

(t)            any advances to any Subsidiary or joint venture in connection with intercompany cash management arrangements or related activities arising in the ordinary course of business; provided that the sum of: (i) the aggregate amount of Investments made or existing under the permissions of Section 6.04(d) by the Loan Parties in or for the benefit of the Excluded Subsidiaries plus (ii) the aggregate amount of advances made under the permissions of this clause (t) shall not exceed $20,000,000 at any time outstanding;

(u)            Investments in respect of the Renewable Diesel Joint Venture in the form of (i) a Guarantee (or Guarantees) permitted by Section 6.01(w) , (ii) Liens permitted by Section 6.02(y) and (iii) Investments of cash or Permitted Investments in an amount not to exceed $115,000,000 at any time outstanding; it being understood that the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries may also invest cash or Permitted Investments to satisfy obligations referred to in clause (i) of this clause (u) ; provided that as of the date of any such Investment and after giving effect thereto no Event of Default shall exist or result therefrom;

(v)            any acquisition of assets or Equity Interests solely in exchange for, or out of the net cash proceeds received from, the substantially contemporaneous issuance of Equity Interests (other than Disqualified Equity Interests) of the Borrower;

(w)            endorsements of negotiable instruments and documents in the ordinary course of business;

(x)            Investments made in connection with the funding of contributions under any non-qualified retirement plan or similar employee compensation plan in an amount not to exceed the amount of compensation expense recognized by the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries in connection with such plans; and

(y)           in addition to the Investments otherwise permitted by this Section 6.04 , the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries may make an Investment (i) at any time after the date hereof in an amount equal to the amount that, together with the aggregate amount of all other Investments made after the date hereof by the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries pursuant to this Section 6.04(y)(i) and the aggregate amount of all Restricted Payments made by the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries pursuant to Section 6.08(ix) after the date hereof, shall not exceed the Available Amount and (ii) at any time during any fiscal year in an amount that, together with the aggregate amount of all other Investments made at or prior to such time in such fiscal year by the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries pursuant to this Section 6.04(y)(ii) shall not to exceed 25% of the Consolidated Net Income of the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries for the immediately preceding fiscal year (which year shall not be earlier than the 2010 fiscal year), provided that if the Pro Forma Leverage Ratio is greater than 2.25:1.00 at the time of such Investment, the amount in this clause (ii) shall be reduced (but not below zero) by the amount of Restricted Payments made pursuant to Section 6.08(x) during such fiscal year.

For purposes of this Section 6.04 the amount of any Investment shall be the initial amount invested without regard to write offs or write downs but after giving effect to all payments or repayments of, or returns on, such Investment.

 
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Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, if any Person (including the Renewable Diesel Joint Venture) in which an Investment is made pursuant to clause (q) or clause (u) above subsequently becomes or is deemed to be a Subsidiary of the Borrower but is less than wholly owned, such Person shall be deemed to have been simultaneously designated by the Borrower as an Unrestricted Subsidiary without regard to the requirements set forth in clause (d) above and the definition of "Unrestricted Subsidiary".  Any Investment in such Person on the date of such designation shall not be deemed to have utilized any other amounts available under clause (d) above solely as a result of such deemed designation.  Any Investment in such Person after the date of such designation shall be subject to compliance with this Section 6.04 .

Section 6.05.            Asset Sales

.  The Borrower will not, and will not permit any of the Restricted Subsidiaries to, sell, transfer, lease or otherwise dispose of any asset, including any Equity Interest owned by it (each such sale, transfer, lease or other disposition herein a " Disposition "), nor will the Borrower permit any of the Restricted Subsidiaries to issue any additional Equity Interest in such Subsidiary except:

(a)            Dispositions of inventory, vehicles, obsolete, used, worn-out or surplus assets or property no longer useful to the business of the Loan Parties and Permitted Investments in the ordinary course of business;

(b)            Dispositions by any Restricted Subsidiary of all or substantially all of its assets (upon voluntary liquidation or otherwise) to the Borrower or to any Restricted Subsidiary; provided that if the transferor in such a transaction is a Subsidiary Loan Party, then (i) the transferee must either be the Borrower or a Subsidiary Loan Party or (ii) to the extent constituting an Investment, such Investment must be an Investment permitted by Section 6.04 ;

(c)            Dispositions of property subject to or resulting from casualty losses and condemnation proceedings (including in lieu thereof);

(d)            Asset Swaps; provided that if the Leverage Ratio as of the end of the most recent fiscal quarter is more than 2.25 to 1.00, then the net effect of such Asset Swap shall not require the Borrower or applicable Restricted Subsidiary to make a cash payment of more than $5,000,000 to the counterparty in connection with such Asset Swap;

(e)            Dispositions in connection with any sale-leaseback or similar transaction; provided that the fair market value of all property so disposed of shall not exceed $10,000,000 from and after the Effective Date;

(f)            Dispositions permitted by Sections 6.02 (and of the Liens thereunder), 6.03 (so long as any Disposition pursuant to a liquidation permitted pursuant to Section 6.03 shall be done on a pro rata basis among the equity holders of the applicable Subsidiary), 6.04 , 6.06 , 6.07 and 6.08 ;

(g)            the issuance of Equity Interests by a Restricted Subsidiary to the Borrower or to another Restricted Subsidiary (and each other equity holder on a pro rata basis) to the extent constituting an Investment permitted by Section 6.04 ;

(h)            (i) Dispositions of Investments and accounts receivable in connection with the collection, settlement or compromise thereof in the ordinary course of business or (ii) any surrender or waiver of contract rights pursuant to a settlement, release, recovery on or surrender of contract, tort or other claims of any kind;

(i)            Dispositions in the ordinary course of business consisting of (i) the abandonment of intellectual property which, in the reasonable good faith determination of the Borrower, is not material to the conduct of the business of the Borrower and Subsidiaries and (ii) licensing, sublicensing and cross-licensing arrangements involving any technology or other intellectual property or general intangibles of the Borrower or its Subsidiaries;

 
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(j)             Dispositions of residential real property and related assets in the ordinary course of business in connection with relocation activities for directors, officers, members of management, employees or consultants of the Loan Parties;

(k)            terminations of Swap Agreements;

(l)             Dispositions identified to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders in writing on or prior to the Effective Date;

(m)            Dispositions of Unrestricted Subsidiaries;

(n)            Dispositions of the Investments entered into under the permissions of Section 6.04(q) ;

(o)            Dispositions of assets that are not permitted by any other clause of this Section 6.05 ; provided that:  (i) the aggregate fair market value of all assets disposed of in reliance upon this clause (o) shall not exceed $15,000,000 during any fiscal year of the Borrower (with any unused amounts in any calendar year being carried over to the next succeeding calendar year subject to a maximum of $30,000,000 in the next succeeding fiscal year); and (ii) the Net Proceeds of such disposition shall be delivered to the Administrative Agent for repayment of the Term Loans in compliance with Section 2.11(c) ;

(p)            Dispositions of property to the extent that (i) such property is exchanged for credit against the purchase price of similar replacement property or (ii) the proceeds of such Disposition are promptly applied to the purchase price of such replacement property;

(q)            Dispositions of Investments in joint ventures (including the Renewable Diesel Joint Venture) to the extent required by, or made pursuant to, buy/sell arrangements between the joint venture parties set forth in the joint venture agreement or similar binding agreements entered into with respect to such Investment in such joint venture;

(r)            the expiration of any option agreement with respect to real or personal property;

(s)            repurchases of Equity Interests deemed to occur upon the exercise of stock options, warrants or other convertible securities if such Equity Interests represent (i) a portion of the exercise price thereof or (ii) withholding incurred in connection with such exercise; and

(t)            leases, subleases, licenses or sublicenses of property in the ordinary course of business;

provided that (i) all Dispositions permitted hereby (other than those permitted by clauses (b) , (c) , (f) , (g) , (i) , (m) , (n) , (q) , (r) and (s) above) shall be made for fair value and all Dispositions permitted hereby (other than those permitted by clauses (a) , (b) , (c) , (d) , (f) , (g) , (h) , (i) , (k) , (m) , (n) , (p) , (q) , (r) and (s) above) shall be made for at least 75% cash consideration and (ii) all Dispositions permitted by clauses (n) and (q) above shall be made for either (A) fair value and for at least 75% cash consideration or (B) such other consideration as is specified in any buy/sell or similar contractual arrangement entered into with respect to such Investment as long as such arrangement was not entered into in contemplation of the applicable Disposition.

 
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Section 6.06.            Sale and Leaseback Transactions .  The Borrower will not, and will not permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to, enter into any arrangement, directly or indirectly, whereby it shall sell or transfer any property, real or personal, used or useful in its business, whether now owned or hereinafter acquired, and thereafter rent or lease such property or other property that it intends to use for substantially the same purpose or purposes as the property sold or transferred, except for any such sale and leaseback of any assets if (a) the sale is made under the permissions of Section 6.05 , (b) the sale and leaseback is consummated within 180 days after the Borrower or such Subsidiary acquires or completes the construction of such asset and (c) any Indebtedness incurred under the leaseback is permitted by Section 6.01 .

Section 6.07.           Swap Agreements .  The Borrower will not, and will not permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to, enter into any Swap Agreement, except (a) Swap Agreements entered into to hedge or mitigate risks to which the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary has actual exposure (other than those in respect of Equity Interests of the Borrower or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries), and (b) Swap Agreements entered into in order to effectively cap, collar or exchange interest rates (from fixed to floating rates, from one floating rate to another floating rate or otherwise) with respect to any interest–bearing liability or Investment of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary.

Section 6.08.           Restricted Payments; Certain Payments of Indebtedness .  (a) The Borrower will not, nor will it permit any Restricted Subsidiary to, declare or make, or agree to pay or make, directly or indirectly, any Restricted Payment, except: (i) the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries may declare and pay dividends with respect to its Equity Interests payable solely in additional shares of its Equity Interests; (ii) Restricted Subsidiaries may declare and pay dividends ratably with respect to their Equity Interests; (iii) to the extent constituting Restricted Payments, the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries may enter into transactions expressly permitted by Sections 6.03 , 6.05 or 6.09 ; (iv) repurchases by Borrower of partial interests in its Equity Interests for nominal amounts which are required to be repurchased in connection with the exercise of stock options or warrants to permit the issuance of only whole shares of Equity Interests; (v) the Borrower may pay for the repurchase, retirement or other acquisition or retirement for value of Equity Interests of the Borrower (including related stock appreciation rights or similar securities) held by any future, present or former director, officer, member of management, employee or consultant of the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries (or the estate, heirs, family members, spouse or former spouse of any of the foregoing); provided that (A) at the time of any such repurchase, retirement or other acquisition or retirement for value no Default exists or would result, (B) the aggregate amount of Restricted Payments made under this clause (v) in any fiscal year does not exceed (x) $3,000,000 (the " Yearly Limit ") plus (y) the portion of the Yearly Limit from each of the immediately preceding four fiscal years (not including any fiscal year ending prior to the Effective Date) which was not expended by Borrower for Restricted Payments in such fiscal years (the " Carryover Amount " and in calculating the Carryover Amount for any fiscal year, the Yearly Limit applicable to the previous fiscal years shall be deemed to have been utilized first by any Restricted Payments made under this clause (v) in such fiscal year) plus (z) an amount equal to the cash proceeds from the sale of Equity Interests to directors, officers, members of management, employees or consultants of the Borrower or of its Subsidiaries (or the estate, heirs, family members, spouse or former spouse of any of the foregoing) in such fiscal year; (vi) the repurchase of Equity Interests of the Borrower that occurs upon the cashless exercise of stock options, warrants or other convertible securities as a result of the Borrower accepting such options or warrants as satisfaction of the exercise price of such Equity Interests; (vii) the Borrower and its Subsidiaries may make any Restricted Payment in connection with the Bluegrass Acquisition as contemplated by the Purchase Agreement; (viii) repurchase of Equity Interests deemed to occur upon the non-cash exercise of Equity Interests to pay taxes; (ix) the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries may make Restricted Payments in an aggregate amount that, together with (A) the aggregate amount of all other Restricted Payments made by the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries pursuant to this Section 6.08(ix) after the date hereof and (B) the aggregate amount of all Investments made by the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries pursuant to Section 6.04(y)(i) after the date hereof, shall not exceed the Available Amount; provided that as of the date of any such Restricted Payment and after giving effect thereto no Default shall exist or result therefrom; and (x) the Borrower may make additional Restricted Payments; provided that (A) no Default shall exist or result therefrom and (B) if the Pro Forma Leverage Ratio is greater than 2.25 to 1.00, then the aggregate amount of Restricted Payments made under this clause (x) in respect of a fiscal year (including the Restricted Payment in question) shall not at any time exceed (A) 25% of the Consolidated Net Income of the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries for the immediately preceding fiscal year (which year shall not be earlier than the 2010 fiscal year) minus (B) the amount of Investments made pursuant to Section 6.04(y)(ii) during such fiscal year (which amount shall not be less than zero).

 
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(b)           The Borrower will not, nor will it permit any Restricted Subsidiary to, make any payment, directly or indirectly, in respect of any purchase, redemption, retirement, acquisition, cancellation or termination of the Senior Unsecured Debt, or any other payment or other distribution (whether in cash, securities or other property), including any sinking fund or similar deposit, on account of the purchase, redemption, retirement, acquisition, cancellation or termination of the Senior Unsecured Debt or any other payment (including any payment under any Swap Agreement) that has a substantially similar effect to any of the foregoing, except:

(i)            refinancings of the Senior Unsecured Debt  to the extent permitted by Section 6.01 ;

(ii)            (A) any payment or other distribution in respect of principal or interest on, or payment or other distribution on account of the purchase, redemption, retirement, acquisition, cancellation or termination of, the Senior Unsecured Debt, in each case in exchange for, or out of the net proceeds of, the substantially concurrent sale of Equity Interests (other than Disqualified Equity Interests and so long as no Change of Control would result therefrom) of the Borrower, or (B) the conversion of any Senior Unsecured Debt to Equity Interests (other than Disqualified Equity Interests).

(iii)           on or after July 1, 2011, payments or other distributions in respect of the purchase, redemption, retirement, acquisition, cancellation or termination of, the Senior Unsecured Debt, in an aggregate amount not to exceed $10,000,000; provided that (x) at the time of any such payment or other distribution, no Default shall have occurred and be continuing or would result therefrom and (y) at the time of such payment or other distribution and after giving effect thereto and to any borrowing in connection therewith, the Borrower is in compliance, on a pro forma basis, with the covenants set out in Sections 7.01 and 7.02 ;

(iv)           on or after July 1, 2011, payments or other distributions in respect of principal or interest on, or payment or other distribution on account of the purchase, redemption, retirement, acquisition, cancellation or termination of, the Senior Unsecured Debt, to the extent the Pro Forma Leverage Ratio is less than 2.50 to 1.00 and the Borrower has delivered to the Administrative Agent a certificate of a Financial Officer, together with all relevant financial information reasonably requested by the Administrative Agent demonstrating compliance with this clause (iv) .

 
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Notwithstanding the foregoing, the making of any dividend, payment or other distribution or the consummation of any irrevocable redemption within 60 days after the date of declaration of such dividend, payment or other distribution or giving of the redemption notice, as applicable, will not be prohibited if, at the date of declaration or notice such dividend, payment or other distribution or redemption would have complied with the terms of this Agreement.

Section 6.09.            Transactions with Affiliates .  The Borrower will not, nor will it permit any  Restricted Subsidiary to, sell, lease or otherwise transfer any property or assets to, or purchase, lease or otherwise acquire any property or assets from, or otherwise engage in any other transactions with, any of its Affiliates, except (a) transactions in the ordinary course of business that are at prices and on terms and conditions not less favorable to the Borrower or such Restricted Subsidiary than could be obtained on an arm's-length basis from unrelated third parties, (b) transactions between or among the Loan Parties not involving any other Affiliate, (c) any Restricted Payment permitted by Section 6.08 , (d) the payment of reasonable and customary fees and expenses to directors of Borrower and the other Restricted Subsidiaries and the provision of customary indemnification to directors, officers, employees, members of management and consultants of the Borrower and the Subsidiaries, (e) sales or issuances of Equity Interests to Affiliates of the Borrower which are otherwise permitted or not restricted by the Loan Documents, (f) loans and other transactions by Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries to the extent permitted under this Article VI , (g) the consummation of and the payment of all fees, expenses, bonuses and awards related to the Transactions, (h) transactions with joint ventures (including the Renewable Diesel Joint Venture) for the purchase or sale of goods and services entered into in the ordinary course of business, (i) employment and severance arrangements (including options to purchase Equity Interests of the Borrower, restricted stock plans, long-term incentive plans, stock appreciation rights plans, participation plans or similar employee benefits plans) between the Borrower and any Restricted Subsidiary and their directors, officers, employees, members of management and consultants in the ordinary course of business, (j) the existence of, and the performance of obligations of the Borrower or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries under the terms of any agreement to which the Borrower or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries is a party as of or on the Effective Date and identified on Schedule 6.09 , as these agreements may be amended, restated, amended and restated, supplemented, extended, renewed or otherwise modified from time to time; provided , however , that any future amendment, restatement, amendment and restatement, supplement, extension, renewal or other modification entered into after the Effective Date will be permitted to the extent that its terms are not more disadvantageous to the Lenders than the terms of the agreements on the Effective Date, (k) any agreement between any Person and an Affiliate of such Person existing at the time such Person is acquired by or merged into the Borrower or a Restricted Subsidiary pursuant to the terms of this Agreement; provided that such agreement was not entered into in contemplation of such acquisition or merger, or any amendment thereto (so long as any such amendment is not disadvantageous to the Lenders in any material respect in the good faith judgment of the Borrower when taken as a whole as compared to such agreement as in effect on the date of such acquisition or merger), and (l) transactions in which the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary delivers to the Administrative Agent an opinion or appraisal issued by an independent accounting, appraisal or investment banking firm of national standing that the terms of such transaction are not materially less favorable than those that might reasonably have been obtained by the Borrower or such Restricted Subsidiary in a comparable transaction at such time on an arm’s length basis from a Person that is not an Affiliate.

Section 6.10.            Restrictive Agreements .  The Borrower will not, nor will it permit any Restricted Subsidiary to, directly or indirectly, enter into, incur or permit to exist any agreement or other arrangement that prohibits, restricts or imposes any condition upon (a) the ability of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary to create, incur or permit to exist any Lien upon any of its property or assets in favor of the Administrative Agent for the benefit of the Secured Parties securing any of the Obligations, or (b) the ability of any Restricted Subsidiary to pay dividends or other distributions with respect to any shares of its capital stock or to make or repay loans or advances to the Borrower or any other Restricted Subsidiary or to Guarantee the Obligations or any part thereof; provided that (i) the foregoing shall not apply to restrictions and conditions imposed by law, rule, regulation or order or by any Loan Document or Senior Unsecured Debt Document, (ii) the foregoing shall not apply to restrictions and conditions existing on the date hereof (but shall apply to any extension or renewal of, refinancings of or any amendment or modification in each case materially adverse to the interests of the Lenders taken as a whole under this Agreement or any other Loan Document), (iii) the foregoing shall not apply to customary restrictions and conditions contained in agreements relating to Dispositions permitted by Section 6.05 pending such Dispositions, (iv) clause (a) of the foregoing shall not apply to restrictions or conditions imposed by any agreement relating to secured Indebtedness permitted by this Agreement (including any refunding, replacement or refinancing thereof) if such restrictions or conditions apply only to the property or assets securing such Indebtedness, (v) clause (a) of the foregoing shall not apply to customary provisions in leases and other contracts restricting the assignment thereof (including the granting of any Lien) (vi) clause (a) of the foregoing shall not apply to restrictions or conditions imposed by restrictions on cash and other deposits or net worth provisions in leases and other agreements entered into in the ordinary course of business, (vii) the foregoing shall not apply if such restrictions and conditions were binding on a Restricted Subsidiary at the time such Restricted Subsidiary first becomes a Restricted Subsidiary (other than a Restricted Subsidiary that was a Restricted Subsidiary on the Effective Date), so long as such Contractual Obligations were not entered into solely in contemplation of such Person becoming a Restricted Subsidiary, (viii) clause (a) of the foregoing shall not apply to Liens permitted by this Agreement and (ix) the foregoing shall not apply to customary provisions in joint venture agreements and other similar agreements applicable to joint ventures (including the Renewable Diesel Joint Venture) permitted under Section 6.04 and applicable solely to such joint ventures (including the Equity Interests therein).

 
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Section 6.11.            Amendment of Material Debt Documents .  The Borrower will not, nor will it permit any Restricted Subsidiary to, amend, modify or waive any of its rights under any Senior Unsecured Debt Document in any manner materially adverse to the interest of the Lenders taken as a whole that has not been approved by the Administrative Agent.  Borrower will not and will not permit any Restricted Subsidiaries to change or amend the terms of the Senior Unsecured Debt Documents if the effect of such amendment is to:  (a) shorten the final maturity date to the earlier of (i) the date that is 91 days after the Term Loan Maturity Date and (ii) the final maturity date of such Senior Unsecured Debt; (b) change any event of default or any covenant to a materially more onerous or restrictive provision; (c) change or amend any other term if such change or amendment would materially increase the obligations of the obligor or confer additional material rights on the holders of the Senior Unsecured Debt in any manner materially adverse to the interests of the Lenders taken as a whole under this Agreement or any other Loan Document; or (d) in any manner amend any term of any Senior Unsecured Debt Document relating to the prohibition of the creation or assumption of any Lien upon the properties or assets of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary or relating to the prohibition of creation, existence or effectiveness of any consensual encumbrance or restriction of any kind on the ability of any Subsidiary to (i) pay dividends or make any other distribution; (ii) subject to subordination provisions, pay any Indebtedness owed to the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary; (iii) make loans or advances to the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary; or (iv) transfer any of its property or assets to the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary.

Section 6.12.            Change in Fiscal Year .  Borrower will not change the manner in which either the last day of its fiscal year or the last days of the first three fiscal quarters of its fiscal year is calculated.

 
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ARTICLE VII.

Financial Covenants

Until the Loan Obligations have been Fully Satisfied, the Borrower covenants and agrees with the Lenders that:

Section 7.01.            Fixed Charge Coverage .  As of the last day of each fiscal quarter commencing with the first full fiscal quarter following the Effective Date, the Borrower shall not permit the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio to be less than 1.25 to 1.00.

Section 7.02.            Leverage Ratio .  As of the last day of each fiscal quarter commencing with the first full fiscal quarter following the Effective Date, the Borrower shall not permit the Leverage Ratio to exceed 3.75 to 1.00; provided such ratio shall be 3.50:1.00 with regard to the last day of the third and fourth fiscal quarters of 2011 and each fiscal quarter ending in 2012; provided further such ratio shall be 3.25 to 1.00 for each fiscal quarter ending in 2013 and thereafter.

ARTICLE VIII.

Events of Default

Section 8.01.            Events of Default; Remedies .  If any of the following events (" Events of Default ") shall occur:

(a)            the Borrower shall fail to pay any principal of any Loan when and as the same shall become due and payable, whether at the due date thereof or at a date fixed for prepayment thereof or otherwise; or the Borrower shall fail to pay any reimbursement obligation in respect of any LC Disbursement when and as the same shall become due and payable, and such failure with respect to such reimbursement obligations shall continue unremedied for a period of three days;

(b)            the Borrower shall fail to pay any interest on any Loan or any fee or any other amount (other than an amount referred to in clause (a) of this Section 8.01 ) payable under this Agreement or any other Loan Document, when and as the same shall become due and payable, and such failure shall continue unremedied for a period of five days;

(c)            any representation, warranty or certification made or deemed made by or on behalf of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary in or in connection with any Loan Document, or in any report, certificate, financial statement or other document furnished pursuant to or in connection with any Loan Document, shall prove to have been materially inaccurate when made or deemed made;

(d)            the Borrower shall fail to observe or perform any covenant, condition or agreement contained in Sections 5.02(a) or in Article VI or in Article VII of this Agreement;

(e)            any Loan Party shall fail to observe or perform any covenant, condition or agreement contained in any Loan Document (other than those specified in clause (a) , (b) or (d) of this Section 8.01 ), and such failure shall continue unremedied for a period of 30 days after written notice thereof from the Administrative Agent to the Borrower;

(f)            the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary shall fail to make any payment (whether of principal or interest and regardless of amount) in respect of any Material Indebtedness, when and as the same shall become due and payable beyond any applicable grace period or any event or condition occurs that results in any Material Indebtedness becoming due prior to its scheduled maturity or that enables or permits, after giving effect to any applicable grace period, the holder or holders of any Material Indebtedness or any trustee or agent on its or their behalf to cause any Material Indebtedness to become due, or to require the prepayment, repurchase, redemption or defeasance thereof, prior to its scheduled maturity; provided that this clause (f) shall not apply to (i) secured Indebtedness that becomes due as a result of the Disposition (including as a result of a casualty or condemnation event) of the property or assets securing such Indebtedness or (ii) Guarantees of Indebtedness that are satisfied promptly on demand;

 
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(g)            an involuntary proceeding shall be commenced or an involuntary petition shall be filed seeking (i) liquidation, reorganization or other relief in respect of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary (other than an Immaterial Subsidiary) or its debts, or of a substantial part of its assets, under any  Federal, state or foreign bankruptcy, insolvency, receivership or similar law now or hereafter in effect or (ii) the appointment of a receiver, trustee, custodian, sequestrator, conservator or similar official for the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary (other than an Immaterial Subsidiary) or for a substantial part of its assets, and, in any such case, such proceeding or petition shall continue undismissed, undischarged or unbonded for 60 days or an order or decree approving or ordering any of the foregoing shall be entered;

(h)            the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary (other than an Immaterial Subsidiary) shall (i) voluntarily commence any proceeding or file any petition seeking liquidation, reorganization or other relief under any Federal, state or foreign bankruptcy, insolvency, receivership or similar law now or hereafter in effect, (ii) consent to the institution of, or fail to contest in a timely and appropriate manner, any proceeding or petition described in clause (g) of this Section 8.01 , (iii) apply for or consent to the appointment of a receiver, trustee, custodian, sequestrator, conservator or similar official for the Borrower or any such Restricted Subsidiary (other than an Immaterial Subsidiary)  or for a substantial part of its assets, (iv) file an answer admitting the material allegations of a petition filed against it in any such proceeding, or (v) make a general assignment for the benefit of creditors;

(i)            the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary (other than an Immaterial Subsidiary) shall become unable, admit in writing its inability or fail generally to pay its debts as they become due;

(j)            one or more judgments for the payment of money in an aggregate amount in excess of the Threshold Amount (to the extent not covered by insurance as to which the insurer has not denied coverage) shall be rendered against the Borrower, any Restricted Subsidiary or any combination thereof and there is a period of 60 consecutive days during which a stay of enforcement of such judgment by reason of a pending appeal or otherwise is not in effect;

(k)            (i) an ERISA Event shall have occurred, or (ii) any other event or condition shall occur or exist with respect to a Plan; and in each case in clauses (i) through (ii) above, such event or condition, together with all other such events or conditions, if any, could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect;

(l)            other than with respect to items of Collateral not exceeding $5,000,000 in the aggregate, any Lien purported to be created under any Security Document shall cease to be, or shall be asserted in writing by any Loan Party not to be, a valid and perfected Lien on any Collateral, except (i) as a result of the Disposition of the applicable Collateral in a transaction permitted under the Loan Documents or (ii) as a result of the Administrative Agent's failure to (A) maintain possession of any stock certificates, promissory notes or other instruments delivered to it under the Security Documents or (B) file Uniform Commercial Code continuation statements or (iii) as to Collateral consisting of real property, to the extent such losses are covered by a Lender's title insurance policy;

 
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(m)            any of the Guaranty Agreement (other than in respect of an Immaterial Subsidiary), the Security Agreement or any Mortgage (other than any Security Agreement or Mortgage in respect of Collateral not exceeding $5,000,000 in the aggregate) shall for any reason cease to be in full force and effect and valid, binding and enforceable in accordance with its terms after its date of execution, or the Borrower or any other Loan Party shall so state in writing; or

(n)            a Change in Control shall occur;

then, and in every such event (other than an event with respect to the Borrower described in clause (g) or  (h) of this Section 8.01 ), and at any time thereafter during the continuance of such event, the Administrative Agent may, and at the request of the Required Lenders shall, by notice to the Borrower, take either or both of the following actions, at the same or different times:  (i) terminate the Commitments, and thereupon the Commitments shall terminate immediately, and (ii) declare the Loans then outstanding to be due and payable in whole (or in part, in which case any principal not so declared to be due and payable may thereafter be declared to be due and payable), and thereupon the principal of the Loans so declared to be due and payable, together with accrued interest thereon and all fees and other obligations of the Borrower accrued hereunder, shall become due and payable immediately, without presentment, demand, protest, notice of intent to accelerate, notice of acceleration or other notice of any kind, all of which are hereby waived by the Borrower; and in case of any event with respect to the Borrower described in clause (g) or  (h) of this Section 8.01 , the Commitments shall automatically terminate and the principal of the Loans then outstanding, together with accrued interest thereon and all fees and other obligations of the Borrower accrued hereunder, shall automatically become due and payable, without presentment, demand, protest, notice of intent to accelerate, notice of acceleration or other notice of any kind, all of which are hereby waived by the Borrower.  In addition, if any Event of Default shall occur and be continuing, the Administrative Agent may (and if directed by the Required Lenders, shall) foreclose or otherwise enforce any Lien granted to the Administrative Agent, for the benefit of the Secured Parties, to secure payment and performance of the Obligations in accordance with the terms of the Loan Documents and exercise any and all rights and remedies afforded by applicable law, by any of the Loan Documents, by equity, or otherwise.

Section 8.02.            Performance by the Administrative Agent .  If any Loan Party shall fail to perform any covenant or agreement in accordance with the terms of the Loan Documents which constitutes an Event of Default, the Administrative Agent may, at the direction of the Required Lenders, perform or attempt to perform such covenant or agreement on behalf of the applicable Loan Party.  In such event, the Borrower shall, at the request of the Administrative Agent promptly pay any amount expended by the Administrative Agent or the Lenders in connection with such performance or attempted performance to the Administrative Agent, together with interest thereon at the interest rate provided for in Section 2.13(c) from and including the date of such expenditure to but excluding the date such expenditure is paid in full.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, it is expressly agreed that neither the Administrative Agent nor any Lender shall have any liability or responsibility for the performance of any obligation of any Loan Party under any Loan Document.

ARTICLE IX.

The Administrative Agent

Section 9.01.            Appointment .  Each of the Lenders and the Issuing Bank hereby irrevocably appoints JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. as agent on its behalf, and on behalf of each of its Affiliates who are owed Obligations (each such Affiliate by acceptance of the benefits of the Loan Documents hereby ratifying such appointment) and authorizes the Administrative Agent to take such actions on its behalf  and on behalf of such Affiliates and to exercise such powers as are delegated to the Administrative Agent by the terms of the Loan Documents, together with such actions and powers as are reasonably incidental thereto.

 
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Section 9.02.            Rights as a Lender .  The Person serving as the Administrative Agent hereunder shall have the same rights and powers in its capacity as a Lender as any other Lender and may exercise the same as though it were not the Administrative Agent, and such Person 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 other Affiliate thereof as if it were not the Administrative Agent hereunder.

Section 9.03.            Limitation of Duties and Immunities .  The Administrative Agent shall not have any duties or obligations except those expressly set forth in the Loan Documents.  Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, (a) the Administrative Agent shall not be subject to any fiduciary or other implied duties, regardless of whether a Default has occurred and is continuing, (b) the Administrative Agent shall not have any duty to take any discretionary action or exercise any discretionary powers, except discretionary rights and powers expressly contemplated by the Loan Documents that the Administrative Agent is required to exercise in writing by the Required Lenders (or such other number or percentage of the Lenders as shall be necessary under the circumstances as provided in Section 10.02 ), and (c) except as expressly set forth in the Loan Documents, the Administrative Agent shall not have any duty to disclose, and shall not be liable for the failure to disclose, any information relating to the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries that is communicated to or obtained by the Person serving as Administrative Agent or any of its Affiliates in any capacity.  The Administrative Agent shall not be liable for any action taken or not taken by it with the consent or at the request of the Required Lenders (or such other number or percentage of the Lenders as shall be necessary under the circumstances as provided in Section 10.02 ) or in the absence of its own gross negligence or willful misconduct.  The Administrative Agent shall not be deemed to have knowledge of any Default unless and until written notice thereof is given to the Administrative Agent by the Borrower or a Lender, and the Administrative Agent shall not be responsible for or have any duty to ascertain or inquire into (i) any statement, warranty or representation made in or in connection with any Loan Document, (ii) the contents of any certificate, report or other document delivered thereunder or in connection therewith, (iii) the performance or observance of any of the covenants, agreements or other terms or conditions set forth in any Loan Document, (iv) the validity, enforceability, effectiveness or genuineness of any Loan Document or any other agreement, instrument or document, or (v) the satisfaction of any condition set forth in Article IV or elsewhere in any Loan Document, other than to confirm receipt of items expressly required to be delivered to the Administrative Agent.

Section 9.04.            Reliance on Third Parties .  The Administrative Agent shall be entitled to rely upon, and shall not incur any liability for relying upon, any notice, request, certificate, consent, statement, instrument, document or other writing believed by it to be genuine and to have been signed or sent by the proper Person.  The Administrative Agent also may rely upon any statement made to it orally or by telephone and believed by it to be made by the proper Person, and shall not incur any liability for relying thereon.  The Administrative Agent may consult with legal counsel (who may be counsel for the Borrower), independent accountants and other experts selected by it, and shall not be liable for any action taken or not taken by it in accordance with the advice of any such counsel, accountants or experts.

Section 9.05.            Sub-Agents .  The Administrative Agent may perform any and all its duties and exercise its rights and powers by or through any one or more sub-agents appointed by the Administrative Agent.  The Administrative Agent and any such sub-agent may perform any and all its duties and exercise its rights and powers through their respective Related Parties.  The exculpatory provisions of this Article IX shall apply to any such sub-agent and to the Related Parties of the Administrative Agent and any such sub-agent, and shall apply to their respective activities in connection with the syndication of the credit facilities provided for herein as well as activities as Administrative Agent.

 
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Section 9.06.            Successor Agent .  Subject to the appointment and acceptance of a successor to the Administrative Agent as provided in this paragraph, the Administrative Agent may resign at any time by notifying the Lenders, the Issuing Bank and the Borrower.  Upon any such resignation, the Required Lenders shall have the right to appoint a successor, subject to the consent of the Borrower (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld); provided that the Borrower's consent shall not be required if an Event of Default exists.  If no successor shall have been so appointed by the Required Lenders and shall have accepted such appointment within 30 days after the retiring Administrative Agent gives notice of its resignation, then the retiring Administrative Agent may, on behalf of the Lenders and the Issuing Bank, appoint a successor Administrative Agent which shall be a bank with an office in New York, New York, or an Affiliate of any such bank, subject to the consent of the Borrower (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld); provided that the Borrower's consent shall not be required if an Event of Default exists.  Upon the acceptance of its appointment as Administrative Agent hereunder by a successor, such successor shall succeed to and become vested with all the rights, powers, privileges and duties of the retiring Administrative Agent, and the retiring Administrative Agent shall be discharged from its duties and obligations hereunder (other than with respect to its obligations under Section 10.12 ).  The fees payable by the Borrower to a successor Administrative Agent shall be the same as those payable to its predecessor unless otherwise agreed between the Borrower and such successor.  After the Administrative Agent's resignation hereunder, the provisions of this Article IX and Section 10.03 shall continue in effect for the benefit of such retiring Administrative Agent, its sub-agents and their respective Related Parties in respect of any actions taken or omitted to be taken by any of them while it was acting as Administrative Agent.

Section 9.07.            Independent Credit Decisions .  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 from time to time deem appropriate, continue to make its own decisions in taking or not taking action under or based upon this Agreement, any other Loan Document or related agreement or any document furnished hereunder or thereunder.

Section 9.08.            Other Agents .  Neither the Documentation Agents nor the Syndication Agent shall have any duties or responsibilities hereunder in their capacity as such.  Bank of Montreal, acting under its trade name BMO Capital Markets is hereby appointed Syndication Agent hereunder and PNC Bank, N.A. and Goldman Sachs Bank USA are hereby each appointed Documentation Agent hereunder, and each Lender hereby authorizes Bank of Montreal, acting under its trade name BMO Capital Markets to act as Syndication Agent and each of PNC Bank, N.A. and Goldman Sachs Bank USA to act as Documentation Agent in accordance with the terms of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents.  The Syndication Agent or any Documentation Agent, without consent of or notice to any party hereto, may assign any and all of its rights or obligations hereunder to any of its Affiliates.  As of the Effective Date, neither Bank of Montreal, acting under its trade name BMO Capital Markets, in its capacity as Syndication Agent nor PNC Bank, N.A., or Goldman Sachs Bank USA, each in its capacity as Documentation Agent, shall have any obligations but shall be entitled to all benefits of this Article IX , Section 10.03 and the last paragraph of Section 10.01 .   The Syndication Agent or any Documentation Agent may resign from such role at any time, with immediate effect, by giving prior written notice thereof to the Administrative Agent and the Borrower.  The provisions of this Article IX (other than in the case of Section 9.06 , 9.10 and 9.13 ) are solely for the benefit of the Administrative Agent, Syndication Agent, each Documentation Agent and Lenders and no Loan Party shall have any rights as a third party beneficiary of any of the provisions thereof (other than with respect to Section 9.06 , 9.10 and 9.13 as to which the Loan Parties shall have the benefit and the right to enforce).

 
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Section 9.09.            Powers and Immunities of Issuing Bank .  Neither the Issuing Bank nor any of its Related Parties shall be liable to the Administrative Agent or any Lender for any action taken or omitted to be taken by any of them hereunder or otherwise in connection with any Loan Document except for its or their own gross negligence or willful misconduct.  Without limiting the generality of the preceding sentence, the Issuing Bank (a) shall have no duties or responsibilities except those expressly set forth in the Loan Documents, and shall not by reason of any Loan Document be a trustee or fiduciary for any Lender or for the Administrative Agent, (b) shall not be required to initiate any litigation or collection proceedings under any Loan Document, (c) shall not be responsible to any Lender or the Administrative Agent for any recitals, statements, representations, or warranties contained in any Loan Document, or any certificate or other documentation referred to or provided for in, or received by any of them under, any Loan Document, or for the value, validity, effectiveness, enforceability, or sufficiency of any Loan Document or any other documentation referred to or provided for therein or for any failure by any Person to perform any of its obligations thereunder, (d) may consult with legal counsel (including counsel for the Borrower), independent public accountants, and other experts selected by it and shall not be liable for any action taken or omitted to be taken in good faith by it in accordance with the advice of such counsel, accountants, or experts, and (e) shall incur no liability under or in respect of any Loan Document by acting upon any notice, consent, certificate, or other instrument or writing believed by it to be genuine and signed or sent by the proper party or parties.  As to any matters not expressly provided for by any Loan Document, the Issuing Bank shall in all cases be fully protected in acting, or in refraining from acting, hereunder in accordance with instructions signed by the Required Lenders, and such instructions of the Required Lenders and any action taken or failure to act pursuant thereto shall be binding on all of the Lenders and the Administrative Agent; provided, however, that the Issuing Bank shall not be required to take any action which exposes it to personal liability or which is contrary to any Loan Document or applicable law.

Section 9.10.            Permitted Release of Collateral and Subsidiary Loan Parties .

(a)            Automatic Release .  If any Collateral is the subject of a Disposition which is permitted under Section 6.05 , the Liens in the Collateral granted to the Administrative Agent under the Loan Documents shall automatically terminate and the Collateral will be disposed of free and clear of all Liens of the Administrative Agent.

(b)            Written Release .  The Administrative Agent is authorized to release of record, and shall release of record, any Liens encumbering any Collateral that is the subject of a Disposition described in clause (a) above upon an authorized officer of the Borrower certifying in writing to the Administrative Agent that the proposed Disposition of Collateral is permitted under Section 6.05 .  To the extent the Administrative Agent is required to execute any release documents in accordance with the immediately preceding sentence, the Administrative Agent shall do so promptly upon request of the Borrower without the consent or further agreement of any Secured Party.  If the Disposition of Collateral is not permitted under or pursuant to the Loan Documents, the Liens encumbering the Collateral may only be released in accordance with the provisions of Section 10.02 .

(c)            Other Authorized Release and Subordination .  The Administrative Agent is irrevocably authorized by the Secured Parties, without any consent or further agreement of any Secured Party to:  (i) subordinate or release the Liens granted to the Administrative Agent to secure the Obligations with respect to any property which is permitted to be subject to a Lien of the type described in clauses (d) (to the extent such property constitutes cash or Permitted Investments), (e) , (g) , (h) , (i) , (j) , (k) , (l) , (m) , (n) , (o) , (p) , (r)(i)(A) , (r)(ii) , (u) , (v) , (w) (to the extent such Lien arises in connection with Indebtedness permitted by clause (h) , or, if utilized for Indebtedness of the type specified in clause (f) or (h) of Section 6.01 , (v) of Section 6.01 ), (x) or (y) of Section 6.02 and (ii) release the Administrative Agent's Liens when all the Loan Obligations have been Fully Satisfied; provided that any subordination or release of property pursuant to clause (i) above in reliance on Section 6.02(w) shall be limited to property which may secure Indebtedness of the type specified in Section 6.01(f) , or property securing Indebtedness permitted under or of the type permitted under Section 6.01(h) as of the date of the acquisition of the Person owning such property; provided further that if as of the date of the requested release: (A) the Borrower is subject to a proceeding of the type described in clauses (g) or (h) of Section 8.01 , or (B) the Administrative Agent is applying the proceeds of Collateral in accordance with Section 2.18(f) , then the Administrative Agent shall not release its Liens until all of the Obligations have been Fully Satisfied.

 
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(d)            Authorized Release of Subsidiary Loan Party .  If:

(i)            no Default exists or would result; and

(ii)           the Administrative Agent shall have received a certificate of a Responsible Officer of the Borrower requesting the release of a Subsidiary Loan Party, certifying that (A) no Default exists or will result from the release of the Subsidiary Loan Party; and (B) the Administrative Agent is authorized to release such Subsidiary Loan Party because either: (1) the Equity Interest issued by such Subsidiary Loan Party or the assets of such Subsidiary Loan Party have been disposed of in a transaction permitted by Section 6.05 (or with the consent of the Required Lenders pursuant to Section 10.02(b) ) or (2) such Subsidiary Loan Party has been designated as an Unrestricted Subsidiary in accordance with the designation provisions of the definition of the term "Unrestricted Subsidiary";

then the Administrative Agent is irrevocably authorized by the Secured Parties, without any consent or further agreement of any Secured Party to release the Liens granted to the Administrative Agent to secure the Obligations in the assets of such Subsidiary Loan Party and release such Subsidiary Loan Party from all obligations under the Loan Documents.  To the extent the Administrative Agent is required to execute any release documents in accordance with the immediately preceding sentence, the Administrative Agent shall do so promptly upon request of the Borrower without the consent or further agreement of any Secured Party.

Section 9.11.            Perfection by Possession and Control .  The Administrative Agent hereby appoints each of the other Lenders to serve as bailee to perfect the Administrative Agent's Liens in any Collateral (other than deposit, securities or commodity accounts) in the possession of any such other Lender and each Lender possessing any such Collateral agrees to so act as bailee for the Administrative Agent in accordance with the terms and provisions hereof.

Section 9.12.            Lender Affiliates Rights .  By accepting the benefits of the Loan Documents, any Affiliate of a Lender that is owed any Obligation is bound by the terms of the Loan Documents.  But notwithstanding the foregoing:  (a) neither the Administrative Agent, any Lender nor any Loan Party shall be obligated to deliver any notice or communication required to be delivered to any Lender under any Loan Documents to any Affiliate of any Lender; and (b) no Affiliate of any Lender that is owed any Obligation shall be included in the determination of the Required Lenders or entitled to consent to, reject, or participate in any manner in any amendment, waiver or other modification of any Loan Document.  The Administrative Agent shall not have any liabilities, obligations or responsibilities of any kind whatsoever to any Affiliate of any Lender who is owed any Obligation.  The Administrative Agent shall deal solely and directly with the related Lender of any such Affiliate in connection with all matters relating to the Loan Documents.  The Obligation owed to such Affiliate shall be considered the Obligation of its related Lender for all purposes under the Loan Documents and such Lender shall be solely responsible to the other parties hereto for all the obligations of such Affiliate under any Loan Document.

 
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Section 9.13            Actions in Concert .  Notwithstanding anything contained in any of the Loan Documents, the Borrower, the Administrative Agent and each Lender hereby agree that (A) no Lender shall have any right individually to realize upon any of the Collateral under any Security Documents or to enforce the guarantee set forth in the Guaranty Agreement, it being understood and agreed that all powers, rights and remedies under the Guaranty Agreement and the other Security Documents may be exercised solely by the Administrative Agent for the benefit of the Secured Parties in accordance with the terms thereof and (B) in the event of a foreclosure by the Administrative Agent on any of the Collateral pursuant to a public or private sale, the Administrative Agent or any Lender may be the purchaser of any or all of such Collateral at any such sale and the Administrative Agent, as agent for and representative of the Lenders (but not any Lender or Lenders in its or their respective individual capacities unless the Required Lenders shall otherwise agree in writing), shall be entitled, for the purpose of bidding and making settlement or payment of the purchase price for all or any portion of the Collateral sold in any such public sale, to use and apply any of the Obligations as a credit on account of the purchase price for any Collateral payable by the Administrative Agent at such sale.

ARTICLE X.

Miscellaneous

Section 10.01.            Notices .  Except in the case of notices and other communications expressly permitted to be given by telephone or other means, all notices and other communications provided for herein shall be in writing and (to the extent permitted by the applicable notice provision) shall be delivered by hand or overnight courier service, mailed by certified or registered mail or sent by telecopy or email, as follows:

(i)            if the Borrower or any other Loan Party, to it at 251 O'Connor Ridge Boulevard, Suite 300, Irving, Texas  75038, Attention of John Muse, Executive Vice President, Administration and Finance (Telecopy No.:  972.281.4449; email: jmuse@darlingii.com.

(ii)            if to the Administrative Agent, to JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., Loan and Agency Services Group, 10 S. Dearborn – IL1-0010, Chicago, IL 60603; attention: Hiral Patel; Telephone:  312.732.6221; Telecopy: 888-303-9732; with a copy to JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., 2200 Ross Avenue, Eighth Floor, Dallas, Texas  75201, Attention:  Laura F. Simmons, Telephone:  214.965.4062; Telecopy:  214.965.2946; email:   jpm.agency.servicing.1@jpmchase.com .

(iii)            if to any other Lender, to it at its address (or telecopy number) set forth in its Administrative Questionnaire.

Notices and other communications to the Lenders hereunder may be delivered or furnished by electronic communications pursuant to procedures approved by the Administrative Agent; provided that the foregoing shall not apply to notices pursuant to Article II unless otherwise agreed by the Administrative Agent and the applicable Lender.  Each of the Administrative Agent or the Borrower may, in its discretion, agree to accept notices and other communications to it hereunder by electronic communications pursuant to procedures approved by it; provided that approval of such procedures may be limited to particular notices or communications.  Any party hereto may change its address or telecopy number for notices and other communications hereunder by notice to the other parties hereto.  All notices and other communications given to any party hereto in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement shall be deemed to have been given on the date of receipt.

 
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Each Loan Party understands that the distribution of material through an electronic medium is not necessarily secure and that there are confidentiality and other risks associated with such distribution and agrees and assumes the risks associated with such electronic distribution, except to the extent caused by the gross negligence, bad faith or willful misconduct of, or a material breach of any obligations under the Loan Documents by, any agent hereunder, as determined by a final, non-appealable judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction.   The Platform and any Approved Electronic Communications are provided “as is” and “as available” and none of the agents party hereto nor any of their Related Parties warrant the accuracy, adequacy, or completeness of the Approved Electronic Communications or the Platform and each expressly disclaims liability for errors or omissions in the Platform and the Approved Electronic Communications.  No warranty of any kind, express, implied or statutory, including any warranty of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, non-infringement of third party rights or freedom from viruses or other code defects is made by the agents party hereto nor any of their Related Parties in connection with the Platform or the Approved Electronic Communications.

Section 10.02.            Waivers; Amendments .

(a)            No Waiver; Rights Cumulative .  No failure or delay by the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Bank or any Lender in exercising any right or power hereunder or under any other Loan Document shall operate as a waiver thereof, nor shall any single or partial exercise of any such right or power, or any abandonment or discontinuance of steps to enforce such a right or power, preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right or power.  The rights and remedies of the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Bank and the Lenders hereunder and under the other Loan Documents are cumulative and are not exclusive of any rights or remedies that they would otherwise have.  No waiver of any provision of any Loan Document or consent to any departure by any Loan Party therefrom shall in any event be effective unless the same shall be permitted by paragraph (b) of this Section 10.02 , and then such waiver or consent shall be effective only in the specific instance and for the purpose for which given.  Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the making of a Loan or issuance of a Letter of Credit shall not be construed as a waiver of any Default, regardless of whether the Administrative Agent, any Lender or the Issuing Bank may have had notice or knowledge of such Default at the time.

(b)            Amendments .  Neither this Agreement nor any other Loan Document nor any provision hereof or thereof may be waived, amended or modified except (i) pursuant to an Incremental Assumption Agreement executed in accordance with the terms and conditions of Section 2.20 and (ii) in the case of this Agreement and any circumstance other than as described in clause (i) pursuant to an agreement or agreements in writing entered into by or with the consent of the Borrower and the Required Lenders or, in the case of any other Loan Document, pursuant to an agreement or agreements in writing entered into by the Administrative Agent and the Loan Party or Loan Parties that are parties thereto in each case with the consent of the Required Lenders; provided that no such agreement shall, (A) without the written consent of each Lender directly and adversely affected thereby (but not the Required Lenders) (1) increase  the Commitment of any Lender (it being understood that a waiver of any condition precedent in Section 4.01 or Section 4.02 or the waiver of any Default, Event of Default, mandatory prepayment or mandatory reduction of the Commitments shall not be an increase of a Commitment of any Lender), (2) reduce the principal amount of any Loan or LC Disbursement or reduce the rate of interest thereon (other than interest accruing pursuant to Section 2.13(c) or a waiver thereof), extend the scheduled date of any interim amortization of any Loan or reduce any fees payable hereunder, (it being understood that any change to the definition of "Pricing Ratio" or in the component definitions thereof shall not constitute a reduction in the rate of interest or fees thereon), (3) postpone the scheduled date of payment of any interest on any Loan or LC Disbursement (other than interest accruing pursuant to Section 2.13(c) or a waiver thereof), or any fees payable hereunder, or reduce the amount of, waive or excuse any such payment, (B) without the written consent of each Lender directly and adversely affected thereby (including the Required Lenders) (1) postpone the final scheduled date of payment of the principal amount of any Loan or LC Disbursement or (2) postpone the scheduled date of expiration of any Commitment (it being understood that a waiver of any condition precedent in Section 4.01 or Section 4.02 or the waiver of any Default or Event of Default, mandatory prepayment or mandatory reduction of the Commitments shall not be an extension of a Commitment of any Lender) and (C) without the written consent of each Lender (1) change any of the provisions of this Section or the definition of "Required Lenders," (2) release all or substantially all of the value of the Guarantees of the Obligations by the Subsidiary Loan Parties, (3) release all or substantially all of the Collateral from the Liens of the Security Documents (it being understood that the determination that any assets acquired after the Effective Date shall not constitute Collateral shall not be deemed a release of Collateral) or (4) change Section 2.18(b) , (c) or (f) in a manner that would alter the pro rata sharing of payments required thereby (except that modifications to such pro rata sharing provisions in connection with (x) loan buy back or similar programs, (y) "amend and extend" transactions or (z) adding one or more tranches of Loans (which may but are not required to be new money tranches of Loans), which, in each case, shall only require the written consent of the Required Lenders and each Lender participating in such transaction); provided further that (1) no such agreement shall amend, modify or otherwise affect the rights or duties of the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Bank or the Swingline Lender without the prior written consent of the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Bank or the Swingline Lender, as the case may be, and (2) notwithstanding the terms of clause (ii) above, any waiver, amendment or modification of this Agreement that by its terms affects the rights or duties under this Agreement of the Revolving Lenders (but not the Term Lenders) or the Term Lenders (but not the Revolving Lenders) may be effected by an agreement or agreements in writing entered into by the Borrower and requisite percentage in interest of the affected Class of Lenders.

 
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Section 10.03.            Expenses; Indemnity; Damage Waiver .

(a)            Expenses .  The Borrower shall pay, within 30 days of a written demand therefore (together with reasonable backup documentation supporting such reimbursement request), (i) all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred by the Administrative Agent and its Affiliates, including the reasonable fees, charges and disbursements of counsel (limited to one primary counsel for the Administrative Agent and the Lenders and one additional counsel in each jurisdiction in which the Mortgaged Property is located), in connection with the syndication of the credit facilities provided for herein, the preparation, execution, delivery and administration of the Loan Documents or any amendments, modifications or waivers of the provisions thereof (whether or not the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby shall be consummated), in connection with the enforcement or protection of its rights in connection with the Loan Documents, including its rights under this Section 10.03 , or in connection with the Loans made or Letters of Credit issued hereunder, including all such out-of-pocket expenses incurred during any workout, restructuring or negotiations in respect of such Loans or Letters of Credit; (ii) all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred by the Issuing Bank in connection with the issuance, amendment, renewal or extension of any Letter of Credit or any demand for payment thereunder and (iii) all out-of-pocket expenses incurred by the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Bank or any Lender, including the fees, charges and disbursements of counsel (limited to one counsel to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders, one additional counsel in each jurisdiction in which any Collateral is located or any proceedings are held and, in the case of an actual or perceived conflict of interest, one additional counsel to the Lenders), in connection with the enforcement or protection of its rights in connection with the Loan Documents, including its rights under this Section 10.03 , or in connection with the Loans made or Letters of Credit issued hereunder.

(b)            Indemnity .  THE BORROWER SHALL INDEMNIFY THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT, THE ISSUING BANK AND EACH LENDER, AND EACH RELATED PARTY OF ANY OF THE FOREGOING PERSONS (EACH SUCH PERSON BEING CALLED AN " INDEMNITEE ") AGAINST, AND HOLD EACH INDEMNITEE HARMLESS FROM, ANY AND ALL LOSSES, CLAIMS, DAMAGES, LIABILITIES AND RELATED EXPENSES, INCLUDING THE FEES, CHARGES AND DISBURSEMENTS OF ANY COUNSEL FOR ANY INDEMNITEE (LIMITED TO ONE COUNSEL TO THE INDEMNITEES AND ONE ADDITIONAL COUNSEL IN EACH JURISDICTION IN WHICH ANY COLLATERAL IS LOCATED OR ANY PROCEEDINGS ARE HELD AND, IN THE CASE OF AN ACTUAL OR PERCEIVED CONFLICT OF INTEREST, ONE ADDITIONAL COUNSEL TO THE INDEMNITEES, TAKEN AS A WHOLE), INCURRED BY OR ASSERTED AGAINST ANY INDEMNITEE ARISING OUT OF, IN CONNECTION WITH, OR AS A RESULT OF (I) THE SYNDICATION OF THE COMMITMENTS OR THE LOANS, THE EXECUTION OR DELIVERY OF ANY LOAN DOCUMENT OR ANY OTHER AGREEMENT OR INSTRUMENT CONTEMPLATED HEREBY, THE PERFORMANCE BY THE PARTIES TO THE LOAN DOCUMENTS OF THEIR RESPECTIVE OBLIGATIONS THEREUNDER OR THE CONSUMMATION OF THE TRANSACTIONS, ANY OTHER ACQUISITION PERMITTED HEREBY  OR ANY OTHER TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY, (II) ANY LOAN OR LETTER OF CREDIT OR THE USE OF THE PROCEEDS THEREFROM (INCLUDING ANY REFUSAL BY THE ISSUING BANK TO HONOR A DEMAND FOR PAYMENT UNDER A LETTER OF CREDIT IF THE DOCUMENTS PRESENTED IN CONNECTION WITH SUCH DEMAND DO NOT STRICTLY COMPLY WITH THE TERMS OF SUCH LETTER OF CREDIT), (III) ANY ACTUAL OR ALLEGED PRESENCE OR RELEASE OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS ON OR FROM ANY MORTGAGED PROPERTY OR ANY OTHER PROPERTY CURRENTLY OR FORMERLY OWNED OR OPERATED BY THE BORROWER OR ANY OF ITS SUBSIDIARIES, OR ANY ENVIRONMENTAL LIABILITY RELATED IN ANY WAY TO THE BORROWER OR ANY OF ITS SUBSIDIARIES, OR (IV) ANY ACTUAL OR PROSPECTIVE CLAIM, LITIGATION, INVESTIGATION OR PROCEEDING RELATING TO ANY OF THE FOREGOING, WHETHER BASED ON CONTRACT, TORT OR ANY OTHER THEORY AND REGARDLESS OF WHETHER ANY INDEMNITEE IS A PARTY THERETO; PROVIDED THAT SUCH INDEMNITY SHALL NOT, AS TO ANY INDEMNITEE, BE AVAILABLE TO THE EXTENT THAT SUCH LOSSES, CLAIMS, DAMAGES, LIABILITIES OR RELATED EXPENSES RESULTED FROM THE GROSS NEGLIGENCE, BAD FAITH OR WILLFUL MISCONDUCT OF, OR A MATERIAL BREACH OF ANY OBLIGATION UNDER THE LOAN DOCUMENTS BY, SUCH INDEMNITEE AS DETERMINED BY A FINAL, NON-APPEALABLE JUDGEMENT OF A COURT OF COMPETENT JURISDICTION OR ANY DISPUTE SOLELY AMONG THE INDEMNITEES (OTHER THAN A COMMITMENT PARTY, AN ARRANGER OR THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT ACTING IN THEIR RESPECTIVE CAPACITY AS SUCH) AND NOT ARISING OUT OF ANY ACT OR OMISSION OF THE BORROWER OR GRIFFIN OR ANY OF THEIR AFFILIATES OR RELATED TO THE PRESENCE OR RELEASE OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS OR VIOLATIONS OF ENVIRONMENTAL LAWS THAT FIRST OCCUR AT A PROPERTY OWNED OR LEASED BY BORROWER OR ITS SUBSIDIARIES AFTER SUCH PROPERTY IS TRANSFERRED TO AN INDEMNITEE OR ITS SUCCESSORS OR ASSIGNS BY WAY OF A FORECLOSURE, DEED–IN–LIEU OF FORECLOSURE OR SIMILAR TRANSFER.  NOTWITHSTANDING THE FOREGOING, EACH INDEMNITEE SHALL BE OBLIGATED TO REFUND AND RETURN ANY AND ALL AMOUNTS PAID BY YOU UNDER THIS PARAGRAPH TO SUCH INDEMNITEE FOR ANY SUCH FEES, EXPENSES OR DAMAGES TO THE EXTENT SUCH INDEMNIFIED PERSON IS NOT ENTITLED TO PAYMENT OF SUCH AMOUNT IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE TERMS HEREOF.

 
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(c)            Lender's Agreement to Pay .  To the extent that the Borrower fails to pay any amount required to be paid by it to the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Bank or the Swingline Lender under paragraph (a) or (b) of this Section 10.03 , each Lender severally agrees to pay to the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Bank or the Swingline Lender, as the case may be, such Lender's pro rata share (determined as of the time that the applicable unreimbursed expense or indemnity payment is sought) of such unpaid amount; provided that the unreimbursed expense or indemnified loss, claim, damage, liability or related expense, as the case may be, was incurred by or asserted against the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Bank or the Swingline Lender in its capacity as such.  For purposes hereof, a Lender's "pro rata share" shall be determined based upon its share of the sum of the total Revolving Exposures, outstanding Term Loans and unused Commitments at the time.

 
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(d)            Waiver of Damages .  To the extent permitted by applicable law, none of parties hereto shall assert, and each 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, any Loan Document or any agreement or instrument contemplated hereby, the Transactions, any Loan or Letter of Credit or the use of the proceeds thereof.

(e)            Payment .  Unless otherwise specified, all amounts due under this Section 10.03 shall be payable not later than 30 days after written demand therefor.

Section 10.04.         Successors and Assigns .

(a)            Successors and Assigns .  The provisions of this Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns permitted hereby (including any Affiliate of the Issuing Bank that issues any Letter of Credit), except that (i) the Borrower may not assign or otherwise transfer any of its rights or obligations hereunder without the prior written consent of each Lender except as otherwise permitted under Section 6.03 (and any attempted assignment or transfer by the Borrower without such consent shall be null and void) and (ii) no Lender may assign or otherwise transfer its rights or obligations hereunder except in accordance with this Section 10.04 .  Nothing in this Agreement, expressed or implied, shall be construed to confer upon any Person (other than the parties hereto, their respective successors and assigns permitted hereby (including any Affiliate of the Issuing Bank that issues any Letter of Credit and any Secured Party related to any Lender), Participants (to the extent provided in paragraph (c) of this Section 10.04 ) and, to the extent expressly contemplated hereby, the Secured Parties and other Related Parties of each of the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Bank and the Lenders), any legal or equitable right, remedy or claim under or by reason of this Agreement.

(b)            Assignment .  i) Subject to the conditions set forth in paragraph (b)(ii) below, any Lender may assign to one or more assignees (except to the Borrower, any Subsidiary or a Disqualified Institution) all or a portion of its rights and obligations under this Agreement (including all or a portion of its Commitment and the Loans at the time owing to it) with the prior written consent (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld, delayed or conditioned) of:

(A)            the Borrower; provided that no consent of the Borrower shall be required for (1) an assignment of (x) any Revolving Commitment to an assignee that is a Lender with a Revolving Commitment immediately prior to giving effect to such assignment or (y) all or any portion of a Term Loan to a Lender, an Affiliate of a Lender or an Approved Fund or (2) if an Event of Default under Sections 8.01(a) , (b) , (g) or (h) exists, an assignment to any other assignee;

(B)            the Administrative Agent; provided that no consent of the Administrative Agent shall be required for an assignment of all or any portion of a Term Loan to a Lender, an Affiliate of a Lender or an Approved Fund; and

(C)            to the extent the assignment relates to the Revolving Facility, any Issuing Bank that has issued Letters of Credit in an aggregate face amount in excess of $5,000,000.

(ii)            Assignments shall be subject to the following additional conditions:

 
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(A)            except in the case of an assignment to a Lender, an Affiliate of a Lender or an Approved Fund or an assignment of the entire remaining amount of the assigning Lender's Commitment or Loans of any Class, the amount of the Commitment or Loans of the assigning Lender subject to each such assignment (determined as of the date the Assignment and Assumption with respect to such assignment is delivered to the Administrative Agent) shall not be less than (1) $1,000,000 in the case of the Term Facility and (2) $5,000,000 in the case of the Revolving Facility unless each of the Borrower and the Administrative Agent otherwise consent (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld, delayed or conditioned);

(B)            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; provided that this clause shall not be construed to prohibit the assignment of a proportionate part of all the assigning Lender's rights and obligations in respect of one Class of Commitments or Loans;

(C)            the parties to each assignment shall execute and deliver to the Administrative Agent an Assignment and Assumption, together with a processing and recordation fee of $3,500; and

(D)            the assignee, if it shall not be a Lender, shall deliver to the Administrative Agent an Administrative Questionnaire in which the assignee designates one or more credit contacts to whom all syndicate-level information (which may contain material non-public information about the Loan Parties and their related parties or their respective securities) will be made available and who may receive such information in accordance with the assignee’s compliance procedures and applicable laws, including Federal and state securities laws.

(iii)            Subject to acceptance and recording thereof pursuant to paragraph (b)(iv) of this Section 10.04 , from and after the effective date specified in each Assignment and Assumption, the assignee thereunder shall be a party hereto and, to the extent of the interest assigned by such Assignment and Assumption, 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 Assumption, be released from its obligations under this Agreement (and, in the case of an Assignment and Assumption 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 2.15 , 2.16 , 2.17 and 10.03 ).  Any assignment or transfer by a Lender of rights or obligations under this Agreement that does not comply with this Section 10.04 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 paragraph (c) of this Section 10.04 .

(iv)            The Administrative Agent, acting for this purpose as an agent of the Borrower, shall maintain at one of its offices a copy of each Assignment and Assumption delivered to it and a register for the recordation of the names and addresses of the Lenders, and the Commitment of, and principal amount (and stated interest) of the Loans and LC Disbursements owing to, each Lender pursuant to the terms hereof from time to time (the " Register ").  The entries in the Register shall be conclusive, absent manifest error, and the Borrower, the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Bank and the Lenders shall 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, the Issuing Bank and any Lender, at any reasonable time and from time to time upon reasonable prior notice (it being understood that no Lender shall be entitled to view any information in the Register except such information contained therein with respect to the Class and amount of Obligations owing to such Lender).

 
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(v)            Upon its receipt of a duly completed Assignment and Assumption executed by an assigning Lender and an assignee, the assignee's completed Administrative Questionnaire (unless the assignee shall already be a Lender hereunder), the processing and recordation fee referred to in paragraph (b) of this Section 10.04 and any written consent to such assignment required by paragraph (b) of this Section 10.04 , the Administrative Agent shall accept such Assignment and Assumption and record the information contained therein in the Register; provided that if either the assigning Lender or the assignee shall have failed to make any payment required to be made by it pursuant to Sections 2.04(c) , 2.05(d)  or  (e) , 2.06(b) , 2.18(c) or (d) or 10.03(c) , the Administrative Agent shall have no obligation to accept such Assignment and Assumption and record the information therein in the Register unless and until such payment shall have been made in full, together with all accrued interest thereon.  No assignment shall be effective for purposes of this Agreement unless it has been recorded in the Register as provided in this paragraph (v) .

(c)            Participations .  ii) Any Lender may, without the consent of any other Person, sell participations to one or more banks or other entities except the Borrower, any Subsidiary or a Disqualified Institution (a " Participant ") in 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 owing to it); provided that (A) such Lender's obligations under this Agreement shall remain unchanged, (B) such Lender shall remain solely responsible to the other parties hereto for the performance of such obligations and (C) the Borrower, the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Bank and the other Lenders shall continue to deal solely and directly with such Lender in connection with such Lender's rights and obligations under this Agreement.  Any agreement or instrument pursuant to which a Lender sells such a participation shall provide that such Lender shall retain the sole right to enforce this Agreement and to approve any amendment, modification or waiver of any provision of this Agreement; provided that such agreement or instrument may provide that such Lender will not, without the consent of the Participant, agree to any amendment, modification or waiver described in the first proviso to Section 10.02(b) that affects such Participant.  Subject to paragraph (c)(ii) of this Section 10.04 , the Borrower agrees that each Participant shall be entitled to the benefits of, and subject to the limitations of, Sections 2.15 , 2.16 and 2.17 to the same extent as if it were a Lender and had acquired its interest by assignment pursuant to paragraph (b) of this Section 10.04 .  To the extent permitted by law, each Participant also shall be entitled to the benefits of Section 10.08 as though it were a Lender, provided such Participant agrees to be subject to Section 2.18(c) as though it were a Lender.

(ii)            Each Lender that sells a participation, acting solely for this purpose as a non-fiduciary agent of the Borrower solely for United States federal tax purposes, shall maintain a register on which it enters the name and address of each Participant and the principal amounts (and stated interest) of each Participant’s interest in the Loans or other obligations under this Agreement (the " Participant Register "); provided that no Lender shall have any obligation to disclose all or any portion of the Participant Register to any Person (including the identity of any Participant or any information relating to a Participant’s interest in any Commitments, Loans, Letters of Credit or its other obligations under this Agreement or any other Loan Document) except to the extent that such disclosure is necessary to establish that such Commitment, Loan, Letter of Credit or other obligation is in registered form under Section 5f.103-1(c) of the United States Treasury Regulations. The entries in the Participant Register shall be conclusive absent manifest error, and such Lender, each Loan Party and the Administrative Agent shall treat each person whose name is recorded in the Participant Register pursuant to the terms hereof as the owner of such participation for all purposes of this Agreement, notwithstanding notice to the contrary.

(d)            Pledge .  Any Lender may, in accordance with applicable law, at any time pledge or assign a security interest in all or any portion of its rights under this Agreement to secure obligations of such Lender, including any pledge or assignment to secure obligations to a Federal Reserve Bank, and this Section 10.04 shall not apply to any such pledge or assignment of a security interest; provided that no such pledge or assignment of a security interest shall release a Lender from any of its obligations hereunder or substitute any such pledgee or assignee for such Lender as a party hereto.

 
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Section 10.05.            Survival .  All covenants, agreements, representations and warranties made by the Loan Parties in the Loan Documents and in the certificates or other instruments delivered in connection with or pursuant to this Agreement or any other Loan Document shall be considered to have been relied upon by the other parties hereto and shall survive the execution and delivery of the Loan Documents and the making of any Loans and issuance of any Letters of Credit, regardless of any investigation made by any such other party or on its behalf and notwithstanding that the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Bank or any Lender may have had notice or knowledge of any Default or incorrect representation or warranty at the time any credit is extended hereunder.  The provisions of Sections 2.15 , 2.16 , 2.17 and 10.03 and Article IX shall survive and remain in full force and effect regardless of the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby, the repayment of the Loans, the expiration or termination of the Letters of Credit and the Commitments or the termination of this Agreement or any provision hereof.  For the avoidance of doubt, if any entity ceases to be a Lender under this Agreement pursuant to an Assignment and Acceptance, such entity shall be entitled to the benefits of the surviving provisions in the previous sentence but only with respect to the period during which such entity was a Lender under this Agreement.

Section 10.06.            Counterparts; Integration; Effectiveness .  This Agreement may be executed in counterparts (and by different parties hereto on different counterparts), each of which shall constitute an original, but all of which when taken together shall constitute a single contract.  THIS AGREEMENT, THE OTHER LOAN DOCUMENTS AND ANY SEPARATE LETTER AGREEMENTS WITH RESPECT TO FEES PAYABLE TO THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT EMBODY THE FINAL, ENTIRE AGREEMENT AMONG THE PARTIES RELATING TO THE SUBJECT MATTER HEREOF AND SUPERSEDE ANY AND ALL PREVIOUS COMMITMENTS, AGREEMENTS, REPRESENTATIONS AND UNDERSTANDINGS, WHETHER ORAL OR WRITTEN, RELATING TO THE SUBJECT MATTER HEREOF AND MAY NOT BE CONTRADICTED OR VARIED BY EVIDENCE OF PRIOR, CONTEMPORANEOUS OR SUBSEQUENT ORAL AGREEMENTS OR DISCUSSIONS OF THE PARTIES HERETO.  THERE ARE NO UNWRITTEN ORAL AGREEMENTS AMONG THE PARTIES HERETO.  Except as provided in Section 4.01 , this Agreement shall become effective when it shall have been executed by the Administrative Agent and when the Administrative Agent shall have received counterparts hereof which, when taken together, bear the signatures of each of the other parties hereto (which may be sent on pages designated only as "Signature Pages to Credit Agreement", "Signature Pages to Darling International Inc. Credit Agreement," or similar descriptions without page numbers or other identifying information), and thereafter shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors and permitted assigns.  Delivery of an executed counterpart of a signature page of this Agreement by telecopy or email or other electronic means (including a ".pdf" or ".tif" file) shall be effective as delivery of a manually executed counterpart of this Agreement.

Section 10.07.            Severability .  Any provision of this Agreement held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any jurisdiction shall, as to such jurisdiction, be ineffective to the extent of such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability without affecting the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions hereof; and the invalidity of a particular provision in a particular jurisdiction shall not invalidate such provision in any other jurisdiction.

Section 10.08.            Right of Setoff .  If an Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, each Lender and each of its Affiliates is hereby authorized at any time and from time to time, to the fullest extent permitted by law, to set off and apply any and all deposits (general or special, time or demand, provisional or final) at any time held and other obligations at any time owing by such Lender or Affiliate to or for the credit or the account of the Borrower against any of and all the Loan Obligations held by such Lender, irrespective of whether or not such Lender shall have made any demand under this Agreement and although such obligations may be unmatured.  Each party exercising rights under this Section 10.08 shall promptly notify the Borrower (with a copy to the Administrative Agent) after any such exercise; provided that the failure to give such notice shall not effect the validity of such right.  The rights of each Lender under this Section are in addition to other rights and remedies (including other rights of setoff) which such Lender may have.

 
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Section 10.09.            Governing Law; Jurisdiction; Consent to Service of Process .

(a)            Governing Law .  This Agreement shall be construed in accordance with and governed by the law of the State of New York without regard to conflicts of law principles.

(b)            Jurisdiction .  EACH LENDER, EACH LOAN PARTY AND THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT HEREBY IRREVOCABLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY SUBMITS, FOR ITSELF AND ITS PROPERTY, TO THE EXCLUSIVE JURISDICTION OF ANY FEDERAL OR STATE COURT LOCATED IN THE BOROUGH OF MANHATTAN IN THE CITY OF NEW YORK, AND ANY APPELLATE COURT FROM ANY THEREOF, IN ANY ACTION OR PROCEEDING ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO ANY LOAN DOCUMENT (EXCLUDING THE ENFORCEMENT OF THE SECURITY DOCUMENTS TO THE EXTENT SUCH SECURITY DOCUMENTS EXPRESSLY PROVIDE OTHERWISE), OR FOR RECOGNITION OR ENFORCEMENT OF ANY JUDGMENT, AND EACH OF SUCH PARTIES HERETO HEREBY IRREVOCABLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY AGREES THAT ALL CLAIMS IN RESPECT OF ANY SUCH ACTION OR PROCEEDING MAY BE HEARD AND DETERMINED IN SUCH NEW YORK STATE OR, TO THE EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, IN SUCH FEDERAL COURT.  EACH OF SUCH PARTIES HERETO AGREES THAT A FINAL JUDGMENT IN ANY SUCH ACTION OR PROCEEDING SHALL BE CONCLUSIVE AND MAY BE ENFORCED IN OTHER JURISDICTIONS BY SUIT ON THE JUDGMENT OR IN ANY OTHER MANNER PROVIDED BY LAW.

(c)            Venue .  Each Loan Party and each other party to this Agreement hereby irrevocably and unconditionally waives, to the fullest extent it may legally and effectively do so, any objection which it may now or hereafter have to the laying of venue of any suit, action or proceeding arising out of or relating to this Agreement or any other Loan Document in any court referred to in paragraph (b) of this Section 10.09 .  Each of the parties hereto hereby irrevocably waives, to the fullest extent permitted by law, the defense of an inconvenient forum to the maintenance of such action or proceeding in any such court.

(d)            Service of Process .  Each Loan Party and each other party to this Agreement irrevocably consents to service of process in the manner provided for notices in Section 10.01 .  Nothing in this Agreement or any other Loan Document will affect the right of any party to this Agreement to serve process in any other manner permitted by law.

Section 10.10.            WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL .  EACH LOAN PARTY AND EACH OTHER PARTY HERETO HEREBY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ANY RIGHT IT MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY LEGAL PROCEEDING DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT, ANY OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY (WHETHER BASED ON CONTRACT, TORT OR ANY OTHER THEORY).  EACH LOAN PARTY AND EACH OTHER PARTY HERETO (A) CERTIFIES THAT NO REPRESENTATIVE, AGENT OR ATTORNEY OF ANY OTHER PARTY HAS REPRESENTED, EXPRESSLY OR OTHERWISE, THAT SUCH OTHER PARTY WOULD NOT, IN THE EVENT OF LITIGATION, SEEK TO ENFORCE THE FOREGOING WAIVER AND (B) ACKNOWLEDGES THAT IT AND THE OTHER PARTIES HERETO HAVE BEEN INDUCED TO ENTER INTO THE LOAN DOCUMENTS BY, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THE MUTUAL WAIVERS AND CERTIFICATIONS IN THIS SECTION 10.10 .

 
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Section 10.11.            Headings .  Article and Section headings and the Table of Contents used herein are for convenience of reference only, are not part of this Agreement and shall not affect the construction of, or be taken into consideration in interpreting, this Agreement.

Section 10.12.            Confidentiality .  Each of the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Bank and the Lenders agrees to maintain the confidentiality of the Information (as defined below), except that Information may be disclosed:  (a) to its Related Parties, including accountants, legal counsel and other advisors on a "need-to-know" basis (it being understood that the Persons to whom such disclosure is made will be informed of the confidential nature of such Information and instructed to keep such Information confidential and the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Bank and the Lenders shall be responsible for the compliance with this paragraph by its Related Parties), (b) to the extent requested by any Governmental Authority, (c) to the extent required by applicable laws or regulations or by any subpoena or similar legal process (in which case, to the extent permitted by law, the party in receipt of such request shall promptly inform the Borrower in advance other than in connection with any examination of the financial condition or other routine examination of such Lender), (d) to any other party to this Agreement, (e) in connection with the exercise of any remedies hereunder 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 not less restrictive than those of this Section 10.12 , to (i) any assignee of or Participant in, or any prospective assignee of or Participant in, any of its rights or obligations under this Agreement (but excluding any Disqualified Institution) or (ii) any actual or prospective direct or indirect counterparty (or its advisors) to any swap or derivative transaction relating to any Loan Party and its obligations, (g) with the written consent of the Borrower (h) to the extent such Information becomes publicly available other than as a result of a breach of this Section 10.12 or (i) to any rating agency when required by it, provided that, prior to any disclosure, such rating agency shall undertake to preserve the confidentiality of any confidential Information relating to the Loan Parties received by it from such Person.  In addition, the Administrative Agent and the Lenders may disclose the existence of this Agreement and any customary information about this Agreement required for league table or similar credit.  For the purposes of this Section, "Information" means all information received from the Borrower relating to the Borrower or its business.  Any Person required to maintain the confidentiality of Information as provided in this Section 10.12 shall be considered to have complied with its obligation to do so if such Person has exercised the same degree of care to maintain the confidentiality of such Information as such Person would accord to its own confidential information.  EACH LENDER ACKNOWLEDGES THAT INFORMATION AS DEFINED IN THIS SECTION FURNISHED TO IT PURSUANT TO THIS AGREEMENT MAY INCLUDE MATERIAL NON-PUBLIC INFORMATION CONCERNING THE LOAN PARTIES AND THEIR RELATED PARTIES OR THEIR RESPECTIVE SECURITIES, AND CONFIRMS THAT IT HAS DEVELOPED COMPLIANCE PROCEDURES REGARDING THE USE OF MATERIAL NON-PUBLIC INFORMATION AND THAT IT WILL HANDLE SUCH MATERIAL NON-PUBLIC INFORMATION IN ACCORDANCE WITH THOSE PROCEDURES AND APPLICABLE LAW, INCLUDING FEDERAL AND STATE SECURITIES LAWS.  ALL INFORMATION, INCLUDING REQUESTS FOR WAIVERS AND AMENDMENTS, FURNISHED BY THE BORROWER OR THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT PURSUANT TO, OR IN THE COURSE OF ADMINISTERING, THIS AGREEMENT WILL BE SYNDICATE-LEVEL INFORMATION, WHICH MAY CONTAIN MATERIAL NON-PUBLIC INFORMATION ABOUT THE LOAN PARTIES AND THEIR RELATED PARTIES OR THEIR RESPECTIVE SECURITIES.  ACCORDINGLY, EACH LENDER REPRESENTS TO THE BORROWER AND THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT THAT IT HAS IDENTIFIED IN ITS ADMINISTRATIVE QUESTIONNAIRE A CREDIT CONTACT WHO MAY RECEIVE INFORMATION THAT MAY CONTAIN MATERIAL NON-PUBLIC INFORMATION IN ACCORDANCE WITH ITS COMPLIANCE PROCEDURES AND APPLICABLE LAW.  Notwithstanding anything in this Section 10.12 to the contrary, to the extent any legal counsel, independent auditors, professionals and other experts or agents of a Lender receives any Information, such legal counsel, independent auditors, professionals and other experts or agents shall sign an undertaking that they will treat such Information as confidential (subject to certain customary exceptions) unless there are established and enforceable codes of professional conduct governing the confidential treatment of such Information so received.

 
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Section 10.13.            Maximum Interest Rate .

(a)            Limitation to Maximum Rate; Recapture .  No interest rate specified in any Loan Document shall at any time exceed the Maximum Rate.  If at any time the interest rate (the " Contract Rate ") for any obligation under the Loan Documents shall exceed the Maximum Rate, thereby causing the interest accruing on such obligation to be limited to the Maximum Rate, then any subsequent reduction in the Contract Rate for such obligation shall not reduce the rate of interest on such obligation below the Maximum Rate until the aggregate amount of interest accrued on such obligation equals the aggregate amount of interest which would have accrued on such obligation if the Contract Rate for such obligation had at all times been in effect.  As used herein, the term " Maximum Rate " means, at any time with respect to any Lender, the maximum rate of nonusurious interest under applicable law that such Lender may charge Borrower.  The Maximum Rate shall be calculated in a manner that takes into account any and all fees, payments, and other charges contracted for, charged, or received in connection with the Loan Documents that constitute interest under applicable law.  Each change in any interest rate provided for herein based upon the Maximum Rate resulting from a change in the Maximum Rate shall take effect without notice to Borrower at the time of such change in the Maximum Rate.  For purposes of determining the Maximum Rate under Texas law, the applicable rate ceiling shall be the weekly rate ceiling described in, and computed in accordance with, Chapter 303 of the Texas Finance Code.

(b)            Cure Provisions .  No provision of any Loan Document shall require the payment or the collection of interest in excess of the Maximum Rate.  If any excess of interest in such respect is hereby provided for, or shall be adjudicated to be so provided, in any Loan Document or otherwise in connection with this loan transaction, the provisions of this Section 10.13 shall govern and prevail and neither Borrower nor the sureties, guarantors, successors, or assigns of Borrower shall be obligated to pay the excess amount of such interest or any other excess sum paid for the use, forbearance, or detention of sums loaned pursuant hereto.  In the event any Lender ever receives, collects, or applies as interest any such sum, such amount which would be in excess of the maximum amount permitted by applicable law shall be applied as a payment and reduction of the principal of the obligations outstanding hereunder, and, if the principal of the obligations outstanding hereunder has been paid in full, any remaining excess shall forthwith be paid to the Borrower.  In determining whether or not the interest paid or payable exceeds the Maximum Rate, Borrower and each Lender shall, to the extent permitted by applicable law, (a) characterize any non-principal payment as an expense, fee, or premium rather than as interest, (b) exclude voluntary prepayments and the effects thereof, and (c) amortize, prorate, allocate, and spread in equal or unequal parts the total amount of interest throughout the entire contemplated term of the obligations outstanding hereunder so that interest for the entire term does not exceed the Maximum Rate.

(c)            Chapter 346 of the Texas Finance Code .  The provisions of Chapter 346 of the Finance Code of Texas are specifically declared by the parties hereto not to be applicable to this Agreement  or to the transactions contemplated hereby.

Section 10.14.            Limitation of Liability .  None of Loan Parties, the Administrative Agent, any Lender, or any of their respective Related Parties shall have any liability with respect to, and the Borrower, the Administrative Agent and each Lender and, by the execution of the Loan Documents to which it is a party, each other Loan Party, hereby waives, releases, and agrees not to sue any of them upon, any claim for any special, indirect, incidental, consequential or punitive damages suffered or incurred by such party in connection with, arising out of, or in any way related to any of the Loan Documents, or any of the transactions contemplated by any of the Loan Documents.

 
CREDIT AGREEMENT, Page 97

 

Section 10.15.            No Duty .  All attorneys, accountants, appraisers, and other professional Persons and consultants retained by the Administrative Agent or any Lender shall have the right to act exclusively in the interest of the Administrative Agent and the Lenders and shall have no duty of disclosure, duty of loyalty, duty of care, or other duty or obligation of any type or nature whatsoever to Borrower, any other Loan Party, any of the Borrower's shareholders or any other Person.

Section 10.16.            No Fiduciary Relationship .  The relationship between the Loan Parties on the one hand and the Administrative Agent, each other agent party hereto and each Lender on the other is solely that of debtor and creditor, and neither the Administrative Agent, nor any other agent party hereto nor any Lender has any fiduciary or other special relationship with any Loan Party, and no term or condition of any of the Loan Documents shall be construed so as to deem the relationship between the Loan Parties on the one hand and the Administrative Agent, each other agent party hereto and each Lender on the other to be other than that of debtor and creditor.  In addition, the Administrative Agent, each other agent party hereto and each Lender and their Affiliates may have economic interests that conflict with those of the Loan Parties, their stockholders and/or their Affiliates.  The Loan Parties acknowledge and agree that (i) the transactions contemplated by the Loan Documents (including the exercise of rights and remedies hereunder and thereunder) are arm’s-length commercial transactions between the Lenders, on the one hand, and the Loan Parties, on the other, and (ii) in connection therewith (x) no Lender has assumed an advisory or fiduciary responsibility in favor of any Loan Party, its stockholders or its Affiliates with respect to the transactions contemplated hereby (or the exercise of rights or remedies with respect thereto) or the process leading thereto (irrespective of whether any Lender has advised, is currently advising or will advise any Loan Party, its stockholders or its Affiliates on other matters) or any other obligation to any Loan Party except the obligations expressly set forth in the Loan Documents and (y) each Lender is acting solely as principal and not as the agent or fiduciary of any Loan Party, its management, stockholders, creditors or any other Person.  Each Loan Party acknowledges and agrees that it has consulted its own legal and financial advisors to the extent it deemed appropriate and that it is responsible for making its own independent judgment with respect to such transactions and the process leading thereto.  Each Loan Party agrees that it will not claim that any Lender has rendered advisory services of any nature or respect, or owes a fiduciary or similar duty to such Loan Party, in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby.

Section 10.17.            Construction .  Each Loan Party, the Administrative Agent and each Lender acknowledges that each of them has had the benefit of legal counsel of its own choice and has been afforded an opportunity to review the Loan Documents with its legal counsel and that the Loan Documents shall be construed as if jointly drafted by the parties thereto.

Section 10.18.            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 " Patriot Act ") hereby notifies each Loan Party that pursuant to the requirements of the Patriot Act, it is required to obtain, verify and record information that identifies such Loan Party, which information includes the name and address of such Loan Party and other information that will allow such Lender to identify such Loan Party in accordance with the Patriot Act.

[Signature Pages Begin on the Next Page]
 
 
CREDIT AGREEMENT, Page 98

 
 
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be duly executed by their respective authorized officers as of the day and year first above written.
 
 
DARLING INTERNATIONAL INC.
     
 
By:
/s/ John O. Muse
   
Name: John O. Muse
   
Title:   Executive Vice President,
   
Finance and Administration
 
SIGNATURE PAGE TO DARLING INTERNATIONAL INC. CREDIT AGREEMENT
 
 

 
 
 
JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A.,
 
individually and as Administrative Agent
     
 
By:
/s/ Laura F. Simmons
     
 
Name:
Laura F. Simmons
 
Title:
SVP
 
SIGNATURE PAGE TO DARLING INTERNATIONAL INC. CREDIT AGREEMENT
 
 

 
 
 
Bank of Montreal
     
 
By:
/s/ Philip Langheim
     
 
Name:
Philip Langheim
 
Title:
Managing Director
 
SIGNATURE PAGE TO DARLING INTERNATIONAL INC. CREDIT AGREEMENT
 
 

 
 
 
PNC BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION
     
 
By:
/s/ Christopher T. Belletti
     
 
Name:
Christopher T. Belletti
 
Title:
Senior Vice President
 
SIGNATURE PAGE TO DARLING INTERNATIONAL INC. CREDIT AGREEMENT
 
 

 
 
 
COMERICA BANK
     
 
By:
/s/ Jason D Baker
     
 
Name:
Jason D Baker
 
Title:
Assistant Vice President
 
SIGNATURE PAGE TO DARLING INTERNATIONAL INC. CREDIT AGREEMENT
 
 

 
 
 
Cooperatieve Centrale Raiffeisen-Boerenleenbank, B.A.
 
“Rabobank Nederland”, New York Branch
     
 
By:
/s/ Pamela Beal
     
 
Name:
Pamela Beal
 
Title:
Executive Director
     
 
By:
/s/ Izumi Fukushima
     
 
Name:
Izumi Fukushima
 
Title:
Executive Director
 
SIGNATURE PAGE TO DARLING INTERNATIONAL INC. CREDIT AGREEMENT
 
 

 
 
 
BRANCH BANKING AND TRUST COMPANY
     
 
By:
/s/ Sarah Bryson
     
 
Name:
Sarah Bryson
 
Title:
Vice President
 
SIGNATURE PAGE TO DARLING INTERNATIONAL INC. CREDIT AGREEMENT
 
 

 
 
 
CITIBANK, N.A.
     
 
By:
/s/ Deborah T. Purvin
     
 
Name:
Deborah T. Purvin
 
Title:
Vice President
 
SIGNATURE PAGE TO DARLING INTERNATIONAL INC. CREDIT AGREEMENT
 
 

 
 
 
COMPASS BANK
     
 
By:
/s/ John R. Bozalis, Jr.
     
 
Name:
John R. Bozalis, Jr.
 
Title:
Senior Vice President
 
SIGNATURE PAGE TO DARLING INTERNATIONAL INC. CREDIT AGREEMENT
 
 

 
 
 
GOLDMAN SACHS BANK USA
     
 
By:
/s/ Alexis Maged
     
 
Name:
Alexis Maged
 
Title:
Authorized Signatory
 
SIGNATURE PAGE TO DARLING INTERNATIONAL INC. CREDIT AGREEMENT
 
 

 
 
 
Commerce Bank, N.A.
     
 
By:
/s/ Wayne C. Lewis
     
 
Name:
Wayne C. Lewis
 
Title:
Vice President
 
 
SIGNATURE PAGE TO DARLING INTERNATIONAL INC. CREDIT AGREEMENT
 
 

 
EXHIBIT 10.2
SECURITY AGREEMENT
 
THIS SECURITY AGREEMENT (the “ Agreement ”), dated as of December 17, 2010, by and among DARLING INTERNATIONAL INC., a Delaware corporation (the “ Borrower ”), the undersigned Subsidiary Loan Parties and any other Subsidiary Loan Party who may become a party hereto pursuant to the execution and delivery of a Subsidiary Joinder Agreement (each a “ Debtor ” and collectively the “ Debtors ”) and JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., as administrative agent for the Secured Parties (the “ Agent ”).

R E C I T A L S :
 
The Borrower is entering into that certain Credit Agreement dated as of even date herewith with the lenders from time to time party thereto (each individually, a “ Lender ” and collectively, the “ Lenders ”), the Agent, Bank of Montreal, acting under its trade name BMO Capital Markets, as Syndication Agent, PNC Bank, N.A. and Goldman Sachs Bank USA, as Documentation Agents and the other agents party thereto (such agreement, as it may be amended, restated, amended and restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “ Credit Agreement ”).  The execution and delivery of this Agreement is a condition to the Agent’s and the Lenders’ entering into the Credit Agreement and making the extensions of credit thereunder.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and for other good and valuable consideration, the adequacy, receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, and in order to induce the Agent and Lenders to extend credit under the Credit Agreement, the parties hereto hereby agree as follows:
ARTICLE 1.
 
Definitions
 
Section 1.1   Definitions .  As used in this Agreement, the following terms have the following meanings:
 
Collateral ” has the meaning specified in Section 2.1 .
 
 “ Copyrights ” means all of the following:  (a) all works of authorship, copyrights, works protectable by copyright, copyright registrations and copyright applications, including those identified for each Debtor on Schedule 3.4 ; (b) all renewals, extensions and modifications thereof; (c) all income, royalties, damages, profits and payments relating to or payable under any of the foregoing; (d) the right to sue for past, present or future infringements of any of the foregoing; and (e) all other rights and benefits relating to any of the foregoing throughout the world.
 
Copyright Security Agreement ” means, with respect to a Debtor, a security agreement substantially in the form of Annex A attached hereto pursuant to which such Debtor grants to the Agent, for the benefit of the Secured Parties, a
 

 
 

 

security interest in the Copyrights for purposes of recording such security interest with any copyright office of a governmental unit.
 
Infringement ” or “ Infringe ” means infringement, misappropriation, dilution or other impairment or violation.
 
Intellectual Property ” means all intellectual property whether arising under United States, multinational or foreign laws or otherwise, including without limitation, the Copyrights, Patents and Trademarks.
 
Intellectual Property License ” means any agreement, whether written or oral, pursuant to which (a) any Debtor grants any right under any Copyright, Patent or Trademark or (b) any Debtor is granted any right under any Copyright, Patent or Trademark, including those listed on Schedule 3.4 .
 
Intellectual Property Security Agreements ” means, collectively, any Copyright Security Agreement, any Patent Security Agreement and any Trademark Security Agreement.
 
Obligations ” means, with respect to each Debtor, all “ Obligations ” (as such term is defined in the Credit Agreement) of such Debtor to the Agent and the Secured Parties arising under the Loan Documents to which such Debtor is a party; provided that with respect to each Subsidiary Loan Party, the obligations secured by this Agreement shall be limited, with respect to each Subsidiary Loan Party, to an aggregate amount equal to the largest amount that would not render such Subsidiary Loan Party’s obligations hereunder and under the other Loan Documents subject to avoidance under Section 544 or 548 of the United States Bankruptcy Code or under any applicable state law relating to fraudulent transfers or conveyances.
 
 “ Patent Security Agreement ” means, with respect to a Debtor, a security agreement substantially in the form of Annex A attached hereto pursuant to which such Debtor grants to the Agent, for the benefit of the Secured Parties, a security interest in the Patents for purposes of recording such security interest with any patent office of a governmental unit.
 
Patents ” means all of the following:  (a) all patents, patent applications and patentable inventions, including those identified for each Debtor on Schedule 3.4 , and all of the inventions and improvements described and claimed therein; (b) all continuations, divisions, renewals, extensions, modifications, substitutions, continuations-in-part or reissues of any of the foregoing; (c) all income, royalties, profits, damages, awards and payments relating to or payable under any of the foregoing; (d) the right to sue for past, present and future infringements of any of the foregoing; and (e) all other rights and benefits relating to any of the foregoing throughout the world.
 
Pledged Shares ” means, with respect to a Debtor, the Equity Interests identified for such Debtor on Schedule 2.1(b) or (c) attached hereto (as may be
 

 
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amended pursuant to a Subsidiary Joinder Agreement) or on Schedule 1 to an amendment to this Agreement in the form of Exhibit A .
 
Registered Intellectual Property ” means all registrations and applications for registration of Trademarks, Patents and Copyrights.
 
Subsidiary Joinder Agreement ” means a Subsidiary Joinder Agreement in substantially the form of Exhibit B .
 
 “ Trademarks ” means all of the following:  (a) all trademarks, trade names, corporate names, company names, business names, fictitious business names, trade styles, service marks, logos, other business identifiers, prints and labels on which any of the foregoing appear, all registrations and recordings thereof and all applications in connection therewith, including registrations, recordings and applications in the United States Patent and Trademark Office or in any similar office or agency of the United States, any state thereof or any other country or any political subdivision thereof, including those identified for each Debtor on Schedule 3.4 ; (b) all reissues, extensions and renewals thereof; (c) all income, royalties, damages and payments now or hereafter relating to or payable under any of the foregoing, including damages or payments for past or future infringements of any of the foregoing; (d) the right to sue for past, present and future infringements of any of the foregoing; (e) all rights corresponding to any of the foregoing throughout the world; and (f) all goodwill associated with and symbolized by any of the foregoing.
 
Trademark Security Agreement ” means, with respect to a Debtor, a security agreement substantially in the form of Annex A attached hereto pursuant to which such Debtor grants to the Agent, for the benefit of the Secured Parties, a security interest in the Trademarks and the Trademark Licenses for purposes of recording such security interest with the trademark office of any governmental unit.
 
UCC ” means the Uniform Commercial Code as in effect from time to time in the State of New York.
 
Section 1.2   Other Definitional Provisions .  Terms used herein that are defined in the Credit Agreement and are not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings therefor specified in the Credit Agreement.  The words “include”, “includes” and “including” shall be deemed to be followed by the phrase “without limitation”.  Any definition of or reference to any agreement or other documentation herein shall be construed as referring to such agreement or documentation as from time to time the same may be amended, restated, amended and restated, supplemented, extended, renewed, replaced or otherwise modified from time to time.  References to “Articles,” “Sections,” “subsections,” “Exhibits” and “Schedules” shall be to Articles, Sections, subsections, Exhibits and Schedules, respectively, of this Agreement unless otherwise specifically provided.  All definitions contained in this Agreement are equally applicable to the singular and plural forms of the terms defined.  All references to statutes and regulations shall include any amendments of the same and any successor statutes and regulations.  Terms used
 

 
3

 

herein, which are defined in the UCC, unless otherwise defined herein or in the Credit Agreement, shall have the meanings determined in accordance with the UCC.
 
ARTICLE 2.
 
Security Interest
 
Section 2.1   Security Interest .  As security for the prompt payment and performance in full when due of its Obligations (whether at stated maturity, by acceleration or otherwise), each Debtor hereby pledges to the Agent, and grants to the Agent a continuing security interest in, all of the Debtor’s right, title and interest in and to the following personal property, whether now owned or hereafter arising or acquired and wherever located (collectively with respect to any Debtor or all Debtors, as the context requires, the “ Collateral ”):
 
(a)   all accounts, money, documents, chattel paper, instruments (including or in addition, the promissory notes described on Schedule 2.1(a) ), commercial tort claims (including commercial tort claims identified in Schedule 2.1(b) ), deposit accounts (including the deposit accounts identified on Schedule 3.2 ), general intangibles (including all supporting obligations, all Intellectual Property and Intellectual Property Licenses and all right, title and interest in all documentation executed and delivered in connection with the Bluegrass Acquisition and all the documentation executed and delivered in connection with any acquisition consummated under the permissions of the Credit Agreement), all goods and all products and proceeds of any of the foregoing; and
 
(b)   all investment property, including or in addition, the following:
 
i.   all the Equity Interests issued by, and all other ownership interest in, the Domestic Subsidiaries described on Schedule 2.1(c) and each other Restricted Subsidiary (that is not either (A) a Foreign Subsidiary or (B) a Domestic Subsidiary with substantially all of its assets comprised of the equity of one or more direct or indirect Foreign Subsidiaries) hereafter created or acquired and owned by the Debtor, including the Equity Interests described on Schedule 2.1(c) ;
 
ii.   all the Equity Interests described on Schedule 2.1(d) and so much of the Debtor’s right, title and interest in any other Equity Interests issued by its Foreign Subsidiaries and any Domestic Subsidiary with substantially all of its assets comprised of the equity of one or more direct or indirect Foreign Subsidiaries, so that sixty–five percent (65%) of the total combined voting Equity Interests of each of such Subsidiary is pledged in total hereunder;
 
iii.   all commodity accounts and securities accounts (including the commodity accounts and securities accounts described in Schedule 3.2 ); and
 
iv.   all products and proceeds of the foregoing;
 
(c)   all equipment, fixtures, inventory and other goods and all accessions thereto and all products and proceeds thereof; and
 

 
4

 

(d)   all books and records pertaining to the Collateral.
 
Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, in no event shall the security interest granted hereunder attach to, and the term “Collateral” (and any component terms thereof) shall not include, the following:

(p)   any lease, license, intellectual property right, contract right, property right, permit, agreement or other general intangible to which any Debtor is a party or that a Debtor otherwise owns or any of its rights or interests thereunder if, and for so long as, the grant of such security interest shall constitute or result in (i) the abandonment, invalidation or unenforceability of any right, title or interest of any Debtor therein, (ii) a breach or termination pursuant to the terms of, or a default under, any such lease, license, intellectual property right, contract right, property right, permit, agreement or other general intangible, (iii) a breach of any law or regulation which prohibits the creation of a security interest thereunder (other than to the extent that any such term specified in clause (i) , (ii) or (iii) would be rendered ineffective pursuant to Sections 9-406, 9-407, 9-408 or 9-409 of the Uniform Commercial Code (or any successor provision or provisions) of any relevant jurisdiction or any other applicable law) or (iv) require the consent of any Governmental Authority to permit the grant of a security interest therein (and such consent has not been obtained following the use of commercially reasonable effort to obtain such consent by the applicable Debtor); provided , however , that such security interest shall attach immediately at such time as the condition causing such abandonment, invalidation or unenforceability shall be remedied and, to the extent severable, shall attach immediately to any portion of such lease, license, intellectual property right, contract right, property right or agreement that does not result in any of the consequences specified in clause (i) , (ii) , (iii) or (iv) of this paragraph, including any proceeds of such lease, license, intellectual property right, contract right, property right, agreement or other general intangible;
 
(q)   any capital stock, partnership interests, membership interests and other ownership interests issued by, or any other ownership interest in, (i) any Unrestricted Subsidiary, (ii) any Foreign Subsidiary with respect to which a pledge of such Foreign Subsidiary’s Equity Interests is prohibited by applicable law, (iii) voting Equity Interests of a directly owned Foreign Subsidiary of such Debtor in excess of 65% of all classes of capital stock of such directly owned Foreign Subsidiary of such Debtor entitled to vote and (iv) any of the outstanding Equity Interests of any indirectly owned Foreign Subsidiary of such Debtor;
 
(r)   any leasehold interest in real property;
 
(s)   any letter of credit rights;
 
(t)   deposit accounts and cash and cash equivalents maintained in such deposit accounts, in each case, exclusively used for (i) payroll, payroll taxes and other employee wage and benefit payments to or for the benefit of any Debtors
 

 
5

 

employees and (ii) all taxes required to be collected or withheld (including, without limitation, federal and state withholding taxes (including the employer's share thereof), taxes owing to any governmental unit thereof, sales, use and excise taxes, customs duties, import duties and independent customs brokers' charges), other taxes or fiduciary funds for which a Debtor may become liable;
 
(u)   interests in partnerships, joint ventures and non-wholly-owned Subsidiaries which cannot be pledged without the consent of one or more third parties; provided , however , that such security interest shall attach immediately at such time as the condition creating such consent right shall cease to apply and, to the extent severable, shall attach immediately to any portion of such interest that is not subject to such consent right, including any proceeds of such interest;
 
(v)   any right, title or interest in any Collateral, to the extent (i) the granting of a security interest therein would result in adverse tax consequences as reasonably determined by the Borrower and Agent and (ii) the Debtors are prohibited from granting a security interest in, pledge of, or charge, mortgage or Lien upon any such Collateral by reason of (A) in the case of a contract, enforceable anti-assignment provisions in such contract, (B) with respect to any other property or assets, the terms of any contract (including any negative pledge provision) governing the purchase, financing or ownership of such assets or the triggering of any "change of control" or similar provision under such contract and (C) applicable law or regulation which such Debtor is subject to, in each case of clauses (A) , (B) and (C) above, after giving effect to relevant provisions of the UCC and other applicable law;
 
(w)   any United States intent-to-use Trademark application prior to the filing and the acceptance by the United States Patent and Trademark Office of a “Statement of Use” or “Amendment to Allege Use” with respect thereto, to the extent, if any, that, and solely during the period, if any, in which the grant of a security interest therein would impair the validity or enforceability of such intent-to-use Trademark application under applicable United States federal law;
 
(x)   any property or assets subject to Liens permitted by Section 6.02(o) , (p) or (w) (to the extent such Lien permitted by clause (w) is of the type specified in Section 6.02(o) or (p) ) of the Credit Agreement to third parties;
 
(y)   vehicles, rolling stock and any other assets subject to certificates of title to the extent a perfected security interest in such assets cannot be obtained by the filing of a financing statement under the applicable Uniform Commercial Code; or
 
(z)   any direct proceeds, substitutions or replacements of the foregoing, but only to the extent such proceeds, substitutions or replacements would otherwise qualify for exclusion under clauses (p) through (y) above.
 

 
6

 


 
Section 2.2   Debtor Remains Liable .  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein:  (a) each Debtor shall remain liable under the documentation included in the Collateral to the extent set forth therein to perform all of its duties and obligations thereunder to the same extent as if this Agreement had not been executed; (b) the exercise by the Agent of any of its rights or remedies hereunder shall not release any Debtor from any of its duties or obligations under such documentation; (c) the Agent shall not have any obligation under any of such documentation included in the Collateral by reason of this Agreement; and (d) the Agent shall not be obligated to perform any of the obligations of any Debtor thereunder or to take any action to collect or enforce any claim for payment assigned hereunder.
 
ARTICLE 3.
 
Representations and Warranties
 
To induce the Agent and the Lenders to enter into this Agreement and the Credit Agreement, as applicable, each Debtor represents and warrants to the Agent and the Lenders that:
 
Section 3.1   Location of Equipment, Fixtures and Inventory; Third Parties in Possession .  As of the date hereof, all of its equipment, fixtures and inventory (other than such property which is in transit, property under repair, containers for the collection of raw materials held by customers in the ordinary course of business and other property that has a book value in the aggregate which is less than $5,000,000) are located at the places specified in Schedule 3.1 for such Debtor.   Schedule 3.1 identifies the landlords or mortgagees, if any, of each of its locations identified in Schedule 3.1 .  Except as identified on Schedule 3.1 , as of the Effective Date, the Debtor does not own:  (i) any vessels documented under Chapter 121, Title 46, United States Code (the Ship Mortgage Act) or for which an application for documentation is pending nor (ii) any aircraft.
 
Section 3.2   Deposit, Commodity and Securities Accounts; Other Investment Property .  As of the date hereof, Schedule 3.2 identifies all deposit accounts, commodity accounts and securities accounts owned by Debtor and the institutions holding such accounts.  As of the date hereof, none of the Collateral consisting of interests in a partnership or limited liability company are evidenced by a certificate, except as set forth on Schedule 2.1(b) , nor has any such interest been designated a “ security ” governed by the provisions of Article 8 of the UCC.
 
Section 3.3   Office Locations; Fictitious Names; Predecessor Companies; Tax and Organizational Identification Numbers .  As of the date hereof, each Debtor’s chief executive office and jurisdiction of organization are located at the place or places identified for it on Schedule 3.1 (if applicable, as modified in accordance with Section 4.4 ).  Within the last four completed calendar months prior to the date hereof each Debtor has not had any other chief executive office or jurisdiction of organization except as disclosed on Schedule 3.1 .   Schedule 3.1 also sets forth as of the date hereof all other places where it keeps its books and records relating to the Collateral and all other locations where it has a place of business that conducts business that is material to the operations of the Debtors, taken as a whole.  It does not do business and has not done business during the past five completed calendar years prior to the date hereof under any name, trade-name or fictitious business name except as disclosed on Schedule 3.3 .   Schedule 3.3 sets forth a list of all names of all of its predecessor companies
 

 
7

 

including the names of any entities it acquired (by stock purchase, asset purchase, merger or otherwise) and the chief executive office and jurisdiction of organization of each such predecessor company and each jurisdiction in which any Collateral purchased from such companies was located at the time of purchase.  For purposes of the foregoing, a “predecessor company” shall mean, with respect to a Debtor, any entity whose assets or equity interests were acquired by the Debtor or who was merged with or into the Debtor, in each case, within the last four months prior to the date hereof.  Each Debtor is a registered organization and its United States Federal Income Tax identification number and organizational identification number are each identified on Schedule 3.3 (if applicable, as modified in accordance with Section 4.4 ).
 
Section 3.4   Intellectual Property .   Schedule 3.4 lists all Registered Intellectual Property owned by such Debtor in its own name on the date hereof, noting in each case the relevant registration, application or serial number and the jurisdiction of registration or application.  Schedule 3.4 lists all Intellectual Property Licenses pursuant to which such Debtor is granted any exclusive right under any Registered Intellectual Property, noting in each case the title of each Intellectual Property License, the counterparty to such Intellectual Property License and the date of such Intellectual Property License.  Except as could not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect, (a) each Debtor owns or has the right to use all Intellectual Property that is necessary to its business as currently conducted or as proposed to be conducted, free of all Liens, except for Liens permitted by Section 6.02 of the Credit Agreement and (b) to the knowledge of such Debtor, the use of such Intellectual Property by such Debtor does not Infringe upon the rights of any other Person.  On the date hereof, to the knowledge of such Debtor, all material Registered Intellectual Property owned or exclusively licensed by such Debtor is valid, unexpired and enforceable, and is not being Infringed by any other Person.  On the date hereof, to the knowledge of such Debtor, no holding, decision or judgment has been rendered by any Governmental Authority or arbitrator which would limit, cancel or challenge the validity, enforceability, ownership or use of, or such Debtor’s rights in, any Intellectual Property owned by such Debtor in any respect, and such Debtor knows of no valid basis for the same, in each case that could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect. On the date hereof, to the knowledge of such Debtor, no action or proceeding is pending, threatened, or imminent seeking to limit, cancel or challenge the validity, enforceability, ownership or use of any Intellectual Property or such Debtor’s interest therein, which, if adversely determined, could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect.
 
Section 3.5   Perfected Security Interests .  (a)  Subject to the limitations set forth in clause (b) of this Section 3.5 , the security interests granted pursuant to this Agreement (i) will constitute valid perfected security interests in the Collateral (with respect to perfection, as to which perfection may be obtained by the filing or other actions described in this Section 3.5(a) ) in favor of the Agent, for the ratable benefit of the Secured Parties, as collateral security for the Obligations, upon (A) the filing of financing statements naming each Debtor as debtor and the Agent as secured party and describing the Collateral in the applicable filing offices; (B) in the case of instruments and certificated securities, upon the earlier of the delivery thereof to the Agent and the filing of the financing statements referred to in clause (A) , and/or (C) in the case of Registered Intellectual Property included in the Collateral, the completion of the filing, registration and recording of fully executed Patent Security Agreements, Trademark Security Agreements and Copyright Security Agreements, as the case may be, (x) with respect to Patents and Trademarks, in the United States Patent and Trademark Office within the three-month period
 

 
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commencing as of the date hereof or, in the case of Patents or Trademarks acquired after the date hereof, within the three-month period commencing as of the date of such acquisition and (y) with respect to Copyrights, in the United States Copyright Office within the one-month period commencing as of the date hereof or, in the case of Copyrights acquired after the date hereof, within the one-month period commencing as of the date of such acquisition, and (z) otherwise as may be required pursuant to the laws of any other jurisdiction to the extent that a security interest may be perfected by such filings, registrations and recordings, and (ii) are prior to all other Liens on the Collateral other than Liens permitted by Section 6.02 of the Credit Agreement.
 
(b)   Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, no Debtor shall be required to perfect the security interests created hereby by any means other than (i) filings pursuant to the Uniform Commercial Codes of the relevant States of such Debtors, (ii) filings with United States’ governmental offices with respect to Registered Intellectual Property and (iii) in the case of Collateral that constitutes instruments, certificated securities or negotiable documents, possession by the Agent in the United States; provided that (x) a foreign pledge or security agreement may be required, in the reasonable discretion of the Agent, in the case of a material Investment by any Debtor where United States law (or the law of any applicable State or instrumentality thereof) would not recognize a perfected lien on such Investment or the assets or interests of any Debtor relating thereto and (y) any commercial tort claim of a Debtor where the amount in controversy is equal to or exceeds $5,000,000 shall be required to be perfected.
 
Section 3.6   Commercial Tort Claims .  As of the date hereof, Schedule 2.1(b) identifies all of its commercial tort claims where the amount in controversy is equal to or exceeds $5,000,000.
 
ARTICLE 4.
 
Covenants
 
Each Debtor covenants and agrees with the Agent that until the Obligations are Fully Satisfied in accordance with terms and provisions of the Credit Agreement:
 
Section 4.1   Accounts; Modifications .  It shall, in accordance with its customary business practices, endeavor to collect or cause to be collected, as and when due, any and all amounts owing under its accounts and payment intangibles.  During the existence and continuance of an Event of Default, the Debtor shall not, after written notice from the Agent under this sentence unless the Agent otherwise consents, do any of the following outside the ordinary course of business:  (a) grant any extension of time for any payment with respect to any of its accounts or payment intangibles beyond 120 days after such payment’s due date; (b) compromise, compound, or settle any of its accounts or payment intangibles for less than the full amount thereof; (c) release, in whole or in part, any Person liable for payment of any of its accounts or payment intangibles; (d) allow any credit or discount for payment with respect to any of its accounts or payment intangibles other than trade or other customary discounts granted in the ordinary course of business; or (e) release any Lien, guaranty or other supporting obligation
 

 
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securing any of its accounts or payment intangibles unless the amounts secured thereby have been paid.
 
Section 4.2   Further Assurances; Exceptions to Perfection .  Subject to Section 3.5(b) and Section 5.10 of the Credit Agreement, at any time and from time to time, upon the reasonable request of the Agent, and at the Debtor’s sole expense, each Debtor shall, promptly execute and deliver all such further documentation and take such further action as the Agent may reasonably deem necessary or appropriate to preserve, perfect and protect its security interest in the Collateral and carry out the provisions and purposes of this Agreement and to enable the Agent to exercise and enforce its rights and remedies hereunder with respect to any of the Collateral.  In furtherance of the foregoing, each Debtor hereby authorizes the Agent to file, in the offices of the appropriate governmental unit or units, financing statements naming it as debtor and the Agent as secured party, in substantially the form attached as Exhibit C , and in the case of United States Registered Intellectual Property included in the Collateral, Intellectual Property Security Agreements substantially in the form of Annex A , in each case as the Agent may reasonably deem appropriate.
 
(a)   Specific Required Actions .
 
Without limiting the generality of the foregoing provisions of this Section 4.2 , each Debtor shall:
 
i.   execute and deliver short form Intellectual Property Security Agreements substantially in the form of Annex A , as applicable, describing all its Registered Intellectual Property included in the Collateral; and
 
ii.   execute and deliver to the Agent such other documentation as the Agent may reasonably require to perfect, protect and maintain the validity, effectiveness and priority of the Liens intended to be created by this Agreement.
 
(b)   Exceptions to Perfection .  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, if no Event of Default exists:
 
i.   a Debtor may retain for collection checks representing proceeds of accounts received in the ordinary course of business;
 
ii.   a Debtor may retain any money received or held in the ordinary course of business;
 
iii.   a Debtor may retain and utilize all dividends and interest paid in respect to any of the Pledged Shares or any other investment property;
 
iv.   a Debtor may retain any documents received and further negotiated; and
 
v.   a Debtor shall not be required to:
 

 
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(A)   obtain and deliver to the Agent any waivers, subordinations or acknowledgments from any third party who has possession or control of any Collateral, including any agent, landlord, warehousemen, shipper, consignee, processor or bailee; or
 
(B)   deliver to the Agent any instruments unless the aggregate amount payable under all such instruments which have not been delivered to the Agent exceeds $2,500,000, in which event only the instruments which cause the aggregate amount payable to exceed the $2,500,000 amount shall be delivered to the Agent;
 
If an Event of Default occurs and is continuing and the Agent requests, then, subject to Section 3.5(b) and Section 5.10 of the Credit Agreement, the Debtors shall take such action as the Agent may reasonably request to perfect and protect the security interests of the Agent in all of the Collateral including any of the Collateral described in clauses (A) and (B) above, including the following actions:  (i) the delivery to the Agent of all Collateral the possession of which is necessary to perfect the security interest of the Agent therein and (ii)  any other of the actions described in clauses (A) and (B) above.  Each Debtor agrees that if any proceeds of any Collateral (including payments made in respect of accounts or payment intangibles) shall be received by it after the Agent’s request under this paragraph, it shall promptly deliver such proceeds to the Agent with any necessary endorsements, and until such proceeds are delivered to the Agent, such proceeds shall be held in trust by it for the benefit of the Agent and shall not be commingled with any other funds or property of it.

Section 4.3   Third Parties in Possession of Collateral .  Except as otherwise permitted by Section 4.2 , Debtor shall not permit any third Person (including any warehouseman, bailee, agent, consignee or processor) to hold any Collateral (other than Collateral in transit, Collateral under repair, containers for the collection of raw materials held by customers in the ordinary course of business and other Collateral that has a book value in the aggregate which is less than $5,000,000), unless it shall:  (a) notify such third Person of the security interests created hereby; (b) instruct such Person to hold all such Collateral for the Agent’s account subject to the Agent’s instructions; and (c) take all other actions the Agent reasonably deems necessary to perfect and protect its and the Debtor’s interests in such Collateral pursuant to the requirements of the Uniform Commercial Code of the applicable jurisdiction where the warehouseman, bailee, consignee, agent, processor or other third Person is located (including, in the case of a consignee, the filing of a financing statement in the proper jurisdiction naming the applicable third Person as debtor and it as secured party and notifying the third Person’s secured lenders of its interest in such Collateral before the third Person receives possession of the Collateral in question).
 
Section 4.4   Corporate Changes .  Each Debtor will furnish to the Agent prompt written notice of any change (i) in its legal name, (ii) in its jurisdiction of incorporation or organization, (iii) in its identity or type of organization or corporate structure or (iv) in its Federal Taxpayer Identification Number or organizational identification number.  Each Debtor agrees promptly to provide the Agent with certified organization documents reflecting any of the changes described in the first sentence of this paragraph.  Each Debtor agrees to take (and hereby authorizes the Agent to take) all action reasonably deemed necessary by the Agent to protect the Agent’s
 

 
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security interest in all the Collateral having at least the priority described in Section 3.5(a) and required by the terms and provisions of the Credit Agreement.
 
Section 4.5   Equipment, Fixtures and Inventory; Third Parties in Possession .  Each Debtor shall keep all its equipment, fixtures and inventory (other than such property which is in transit, under repair, containers for the collection of raw materials held by customers in the ordinary course of business or has an aggregate book value that is less than $5,000,000) within the United States of America, unless all action required to perfect and protect the Agent’s security interest in such Collateral with the priority required by the Credit Agreement shall have been taken.  It shall notify the Agent if it acquires after the date hereof any vessel subject to the Ship Mortgage Act of 1920 or any aircraft and shall take all action reasonably deemed necessary or desirable by the Agent to create, perfect and protect its interest in such Collateral with the priority required by the Credit Agreement.
 
Section 4.6   Warehouse Receipts Non Negotiable .  Each Debtor agrees that if any warehouse receipt or receipt in the nature of a warehouse receipt is issued in respect of any portion of the Collateral, such warehouse receipt or receipt in the nature thereof shall not be negotiable unless such warehouse receipt or receipt in the nature thereof is delivered to the Agent or unless the aggregate book value of all Collateral covered by negotiable warehouse receipts does not exceed $2,500,000, in which event only the negotiable warehouse receipts in respect of Collateral with an aggregate book value in excess of $2,500,000 shall be delivered to the Agent.
 
Section 4.7   Voting Rights; Distributions, etc.   So long as no Event of Default exists each Debtor shall be entitled to exercise any and all voting and other consensual rights (including the right to give consents, waivers and notifications) pertaining to any of the Pledged Shares or any other investment property; provided , however , that no vote shall be cast or consent, waiver or ratification given or action taken without the prior written consent of the Agent which would violate any provision of this Agreement or any other Loan Document.
 
Section 4.8   Additional Investment Property and Instruments .  Each Debtor agrees that it will:  (a) not permit any Restricted Subsidiary to issue any Equity Interests, any notes or other securities or instruments in addition to or in substitution for any of the Collateral unless permitted by or not prohibited by the Credit Agreement; and (b) promptly deliver to the Agent an amendment hereto, duly executed by it, in substantially the form of Exhibit A (an “ Amendment ”), in respect of any and all Equity Interests (including any of the same received from a Restricted Subsidiary created, acquired or designated after the date hereof; provided that a Debtor shall not be required to pledge more than 65% of the total combined voting power of (i) any Foreign Subsidiary or (ii) any Domestic Subsidiary with substantially all of its assets comprised of the equity of one or more direct or indirect Foreign Subsidiaries) and notes or other securities or instruments, together with all certificates evidencing such Equity Interests, and subject to the terms of Section 4.2(b)(v)(B) , all such notes or other instruments representing or evidencing the same.  It hereby (a) authorizes the Agent to attach each Amendment to this Agreement and (b) agrees that all such Equity Interests, notes or other securities or instruments listed on any Amendment delivered to the Agent shall for all purposes hereunder constitute Collateral.  If any of the Collateral consists of interests in a partnership or limited liability company, it shall not permit such interest to become a “security” governed by the provisions of
 

 
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Article 8 of the UCC unless, at the time such interest is pledged hereunder, such interest is already a “security” governed by the provisions of Article 8 of the UCC.
 
Section 4.9   Intellectual Property Covenants .
 
(a)   Whenever such Debtor shall acquire or file an application for any Registered Intellectual Property included in the Collateral or obtain rights thereto or becomes entitled to the benefit of any Registered Intellectual Property, it shall give to Agent prompt written notice thereof describing any such new Registered Intellectual Property, and upon the reasonable request of the Agent, shall promptly execute and deliver, and have recorded, any and all agreements, instruments, documents, and papers as the Agent may request to evidence the Agent’s and the Lenders’ security interest in any such Registered Intellectual Property, including forms substantially in the form of Annex A , as applicable.
 
(b)   Such Debtor shall:  (i) take reasonable and necessary steps to maintain and pursue each application (and to obtain the relevant registration) and to maintain each registration of the material Registered Intellectual Property owned by such Debtor; (ii) file applications to register all new material Copyrights, Patents and Trademarks owned by such Debtor as such Debtor may reasonably deem appropriate; (iii) preserve and maintain all rights in all material Intellectual Property owned by such Debtor; and (iv) use commercially reasonable efforts to obtain any consents, waivers or agreements necessary to enable Agent to exercise its remedies under this Agreement with respect to the Intellectual Property owned by such Debtor; provided that in the case of clauses (i) , (ii) and (iii) , such covenants shall not apply if such Debtor has determined in its reasonable business judgment that such material Registered Intellectual Property, Copyrights, Patents, Trademarks or Intellectual Property, as the case may be, are no longer necessary for or desirable in the conduct of such Debtor’s business.
 
(c)   Such Debtor will not do any act that knowingly uses any Intellectual Property to knowingly Infringe the Intellectual Property rights of any other Person.
 
(d)   In the event that such Debtor knows that any material Intellectual Property owned by such Debtor is Infringed by a third party, such Debtor shall (i) take such actions as such Debtor shall reasonably deem appropriate under the circumstances to protect such Intellectual Property (including, where appropriate in Debtor’s reasonable business judgment, suing for Infringement and/or seeking injunctive relief) and (ii) promptly notify the Agent after it obtains knowledge of such Infringement.
 
(e)   Such Debtor will promptly notify the Agent and the Lenders if it knows, or has reason to know, that any Registered Intellectual Property owned by such Debtor may become forfeited, abandoned or dedicated to the public, or of any adverse determination by any Governmental Authority regarding such Debtor’s rights in, or the validity, enforceability, ownership or use of, any Registered Intellectual Property owned by such Debtor, including, without limitation, such Debtor’s right to register or to maintain the same, unless (in any case) such Debtor has determined in its reasonable business judgment that the right to register or the maintenance of such Registered Intellectual Property is no longer necessary for or desirable in the conduct of such Debtor’s business.
 

 
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Section 4.10   Deposit, Commodity and Security Accounts .  Promptly upon opening any new deposit account, commodity account or securities account other than the accounts identified on Schedule 3.2 each Debtor shall have given the Agent notice thereof.
 
Section 4.11   Chattel Paper and Letters of Credit .  Upon the Agent’s reasonable request, it will place a legend on any chattel paper indicating that Agent has a security interest in the chattel paper.
 
Section 4.12   Commercial Tort Claims .  Each Debtor will promptly give notice to the Agent of any commercial tort claim where the amount in controversy is equal to or exceeds $5,000,000 and will amend Schedule 2.1(b) hereto and otherwise grant to the Agent a perfected security interest in any such commercial tort claim that arises after the date hereof.
 
Section 4.13   Timing of Actions and Deliverables .  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, all actions and deliverables required under this Agreement shall be deemed taken or delivered “promptly” if such actions or deliverables are taken or delivered upon the later of (i) the next delivery date of the financials contemplated by Section 5.01(a) and 5.01(b) of the Credit Agreement and (ii) the date expressly requested by the Administrative Agent acting in its reasonable discretion.
 
ARTICLE 5.
 
Rights of the Agent
 
Section 5.1   POWER OF ATTORNEY .  EACH DEBTOR HEREBY IRREVOCABLY CONSTITUTES AND APPOINTS THE AGENT AND ANY OFFICER OR AGENT THEREOF, WITH FULL POWER OF SUBSTITUTION, AS ITS TRUE AND LAWFUL ATTORNEY IN FACT WITH FULL IRREVOCABLE POWER AND AUTHORITY IN THE NAME OF SUCH DEBTOR OR IN ITS OWN NAME, TO TAKE, ANY AND ALL ACTIONS AND TO EXECUTE ANY AND ALL DOCUMENTATION WHICH THE AGENT AT ANY TIME WHEN AN EVENT OF DEFAULT EXISTS AND IS CONTINUING DEEMS NECESSARY OR DESIRABLE TO ACCOMPLISH THE PURPOSES OF THIS AGREEMENT AND, WITHOUT LIMITING THE GENERALITY OF THE FOREGOING, IT HEREBY GIVES THE AGENT THE POWER AND RIGHT ON ITS BEHALF AND IN AGENT’S OWN NAME TO DO ANY OF THE FOLLOWING WHEN AN EVENT OF DEFAULT EXISTS AND IS CONTINUING, WITH NOTICE TO BORROWER BUT WITHOUT THE CONSENT OF ANY DEBTOR:
 
(a)   to demand, sue for, collect or receive, in the applicable Debtor’s name or in Agent’s own name, any money or property at any time payable or receivable on account of or in exchange for any of the Collateral and, in connection therewith, endorse checks, notes, drafts, acceptances, money orders, documents or any other instruments for the payment of money under the Collateral or any policy of insurance;
 
(b)   to pay or discharge taxes, Liens or other encumbrances levied or placed on or threatened against the Collateral;
 

 
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(c)   (i) to direct account debtors and any other parties obligated on the Collateral to make payment of any and all monies due and to become due thereunder directly to, or otherwise render performance to or for the benefit of, the Agent or as the Agent shall direct; (ii) to receive payment of and receipt for any and all monies, claims and other amounts due and to become due at any time in respect of or arising out of any Collateral; (iii) to sign and endorse any invoices, freight or express bills, bills of lading, storage or warehouse receipts, drafts against debtors, assignments, proxies, stock powers, verifications and notices in connection with the Collateral; (iv) to commence and prosecute any suit, action or proceeding at law or in equity in any court of competent jurisdiction to collect the Collateral or any part thereof and to enforce any other right in respect of any Collateral (including any Liens or any supporting obligation securing or supporting the payment thereof); (v) to defend any suit, action or proceeding brought against it with respect to any Collateral; (vi) to settle, compromise or adjust any suit, action or proceeding described above and, in connection therewith, to give such discharges or releases as the Agent may deem appropriate; (vii) to exchange any of the Collateral for other property upon any merger, consolidation, reorganization, recapitalization or other readjustment of the issuer thereof and, in connection therewith, deposit any of the Collateral with any committee, depositary, transfer agent, registrar or other designated agency upon such terms as the Agent may determine; (viii) to add or release any guarantor, endorser, surety or other party to any of the Collateral; (ix) to renew, extend or otherwise change the terms and conditions of any of the Collateral; (x) to grant or issue any exclusive or nonexclusive license under or with respect to any of the Intellectual Property included in the Collateral (subject to the rights of any Person under pre-existing Intellectual Property Licenses or other agreements); (xi) to endorse its name on all applications and other documentation necessary or desirable in order for the Agent to use any of the Intellectual Property included in the Collateral; (xii) to make, settle, compromise or adjust any claims under or pertaining to any of the Collateral (including claims under any policy of insurance); and (xiii)  to sell, transfer, pledge, convey, make any agreement with respect to or otherwise deal with any of the Collateral as fully and completely as though the Agent were the absolute owner thereof for all purposes, and to do, at the Agent’s option and the Debtors’ expense, at any time, or from time to time, all acts and things which the Agent deems necessary to protect, preserve, maintain, or realize upon the Collateral and the Agent’s security interest therein.
 
THIS POWER OF ATTORNEY IS A POWER COUPLED WITH AN INTEREST AND SHALL BE IRREVOCABLE UNTIL TERMINATION OF THIS AGREEMENT IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 7.10 .  The Agent shall be under no duty to exercise or withhold the exercise of any of the rights, powers, privileges and options expressly or implicitly granted to the Agent in this Agreement, and shall not be liable for any failure to do so or any delay in doing so.  Neither the Agent nor any Person designated by the Agent shall be liable for any act or omission or for any error of judgment or any mistake of fact or law, except any of the same resulting from its or their gross negligence or willful misconduct or material breach of its obligations under the Loan Documents.  This power of attorney is conferred on the Agent solely to protect, preserve, maintain and realize upon its security interest in the Collateral.  The Agent shall not be responsible for any decline in the value of the Collateral and shall not be required to take any steps to preserve rights against prior parties or to protect, preserve or maintain any Lien or supporting obligation given to secure the Collateral.

 
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Section 5.2   Possession; Reasonable Care .  The Agent may, from time to time, in its sole discretion, appoint one or more agents to hold physical custody, for the account of the Agent, of any or all of the Collateral that the Agent has a right to possess.  The Agent shall be deemed to have exercised reasonable care in the custody and preservation of the Collateral in its possession if the Collateral is accorded treatment substantially equal to that which the Agent accords its own property, it being understood that the Agent shall not have any responsibility for:  (a) ascertaining or taking action with respect to calls, conversions, exchanges, maturities, tenders or other matters relative to any Collateral, whether or not the Agent has or is deemed to have knowledge of such matters, or (b) taking any necessary steps to preserve rights against any parties with respect to any Collateral.
 
ARTICLE 6.
 
Default
 
Section 6.1   Rights and Remedies .  If an Event of Default exists and is continuing, the Agent shall have the following rights and remedies:
 
(a)   In addition to all other rights and remedies granted to the Agent in this Agreement (including those set forth in Article 5 hereof) or in any other Loan Document or by applicable law, the Agent shall have all of the rights and remedies of a secured party under the UCC (whether or not the UCC applies to the affected Collateral).  Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Agent may:  (i) without demand or notice to any Debtor, collect, receive or take possession of the Collateral or any part thereof and for that purpose the Agent may (subject to the rights of third parties with respect thereto) enter upon any premises on which the Collateral is located and remove the Collateral therefrom or render it inoperable and in the event the Agent seeks to take possession of any or all of the Collateral by judicial process, each Debtor hereby irrevocably waives any bonds and any surety or security relating thereto that may be required by applicable law as an incident to such possession, and waives any demand for possession prior to the commencement of any such suit or action; (ii) apply the balance of Debtor’s deposit account held at the Agent to Debtor’s Obligation owed to the Agent in its capacity as a Lender; and/or (iii) sell, lease or otherwise dispose of the Collateral, or any part thereof, in one or more parcels at public or private sale or sales, at the Agent’s offices or elsewhere, for cash, on credit or for future delivery, on an “as is” and “with all faults” basis, with a disclaimer of all warranties (including warranties of title, possession, quiet enjoyment and the like and all warranties of merchantability and fitness) and upon such other terms as the Agent may deem commercially reasonable or otherwise as may be permitted by law.  Neither the Agent nor any Secured Party shall have any obligation to clean–up or otherwise prepare the Collateral for sale if the Agent determines that it is not beneficial to do so or if its costs to do so outweigh the benefits expected to be received thereby.  The Agent shall have the right at any public sale or sales, and, to the extent permitted by applicable law, at any private sale or sales, to bid (which bid may be, in whole or in part, in the form of cancellation of indebtedness) and become a purchaser of the Collateral or any part thereof.  Upon the reasonable request of the Agent, each Debtor shall within ten (10) days (or within such longer number of days as the Agent may approve):  (i) assemble its Collateral and (ii) make it available to the Agent at any place or places designated by the Agent that are reasonably convenient to it and the Agent.  Each Debtor agrees that the Agent shall not be
 

 
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obligated to give more than ten (10) days prior written notice of the time and place of any public sale or of the time after which any private sale may take place and that such notice shall constitute reasonable notice of such matters; provided that no such notice shall be required with respect to any Collateral that is perishable, that threatens to decline speedily in value or is a type customarily sold on the recognized market.  The Agent shall not be obligated to make any sale of Collateral if it shall determine not to do so, regardless of the fact that notice of sale of Collateral may have been given.  The Agent may, without notice or publication, adjourn any public or private sale or cause the same to be adjourned from time to time by announcement at the time and place fixed for sale, and such sale may, without further notice, be made at the time and place to which the same was so adjourned.  Each Debtor shall be liable for all reasonable expenses of retaking, holding, preparing for sale or the like, and all reasonable attorneys’ fees, legal expenses and other costs and expenses incurred by the Agent in connection with the collection of its Obligations and the enforcement of the Agent’s rights under this Agreement and arising as a result hereof (in each case, subject to the limitations set forth in the Credit Agreement).  Each Debtor shall remain liable for any deficiency if the proceeds of any sale or other disposition of the Collateral applied to its Obligations are insufficient to Fully Satisfy the Obligations in accordance with the terms and provisions of the Credit Agreement.  The Agent may apply the Collateral against the Obligations as provided in the Credit Agreement and when applying the Collateral against the Obligations, unless otherwise provided in the Credit Agreement, any Obligations which are purchase money obligations or represent proceeds of loans utilized to acquire the Collateral shall be deemed to be paid last.  Each Debtor waives all rights of marshalling, valuation and appraisal in respect of the Collateral.  Any proceeds received or held by the Agent in respect of any sale of, collection from or other realization upon all or any part of the Collateral may, in the discretion of the Agent, be held by the Agent as collateral for, and then or at any time thereafter applied in whole or in part by the Agent against, the Obligations in the order permitted by the Credit Agreement.  Any surplus of such proceeds and interest accrued thereon, if any, held by the Agent and remaining after the Obligations have been Fully Satisfied in accordance with the terms and provisions of the Credit Agreement shall be promptly paid over to the Debtor entitled thereto or to whomsoever may be lawfully entitled to receive such surplus.  The Agent shall have no obligation to invest or otherwise pay interest on any amounts held by it in connection with or pursuant to this Agreement.
 
(b)   The Agent may cause any or all of the Collateral held by it to be transferred into the name of the Agent or the name or names of the Agent’s nominee or nominees.
 
(c)   The Agent may exercise any and all of the rights and remedies of any Debtor under or in respect of the Collateral, including any and all rights to demand or otherwise require payment of any amount under, or performance of any provision of, any of the Collateral and any and all voting rights and corporate powers in respect of the Collateral.  Each Debtor shall execute and deliver (or cause to be executed and delivered) to the Agent all such proxies and other documentation as the Agent may reasonably request for the purpose of enabling the Agent to exercise the voting and other rights which it is entitled to exercise pursuant to this clause (c) and to receive the dividends, interest and other amounts which it is entitled to receive hereunder.
 

 
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(d)   The Agent may collect or receive all money or property at any time payable or receivable on account of or in exchange for any of the Collateral, but shall be under no obligation to do so.
 
(e)   On any sale of the Collateral, the Agent is hereby authorized to comply with any limitation or restriction with which compliance is necessary, in the view of the Agent’s counsel, in order to avoid any violation of applicable law or in order to obtain any required approval of the purchaser or purchasers by any applicable governmental unit.  Such compliance will not be considered to adversely affect the commercial reasonableness of any sale of any Collateral.
 
(f)   For purposes of enabling the Agent to exercise its rights and remedies under this Section 6.1 and enabling the Agent and its successors and permitted assigns to enjoy the full benefits of the Collateral in each case as the Agent shall be entitled to exercise its rights and remedies under this Section 6.1 , each Debtor hereby grants to the Agent a nonexclusive license (exercisable solely during the continuance of any Event of Default and without payment of royalty or other compensation to it) to use, assign, license or sublicense any of its Intellectual Property included in the Collateral (subject to the rights of any Person under pre-existing Intellectual Property Licenses or other agreements), including in such license reasonable access to all media in which any of the licensed items may be recorded or stored and all computer programs used for the completion or printout thereof and further including in such license such rights of quality control and inspection as are reasonably necessary to prevent the Trademarks included in such license from claims of invalidation.  This license shall also inure to the benefit of all successors and permitted assigns and transferees of the Agent.
 
(g)   If Agent sells any of the Collateral of a Debtor on credit, such Debtor will be credited only with payments actually made by the purchaser, received by Agent and applied to the indebtedness of the purchaser.  In the event the purchaser fails to pay for the Collateral, Agent may resell the Collateral and the applicable Debtor shall be credited with the proceeds of the sale.
 
Section 6.2   Private Sales .  Each Debtor recognizes that the Agent may be unable to effect a public sale of any or all of the Collateral by reason of certain prohibitions contained in the laws of any jurisdiction outside the United States or in the Securities Act of 1933, as amended from time to time (the “ Securities Act ”) and applicable state securities laws, but may be compelled to resort to one or more private sales thereof to a restricted group of purchasers who will be obliged to agree, among other things, to acquire such Collateral for their own account for investment and not with a view to the distribution or resale thereof.  Each Debtor acknowledges and agrees that any such private sale may result in prices and other terms less favorable to the seller than if such sale were a public sale and, notwithstanding such circumstances, agrees that any such private sale shall, to the extent permitted by law, be deemed to have been made in a commercially reasonable manner.  Neither the Agent nor any Secured Party shall be under any obligation to delay a sale of any of the Collateral for the period of time necessary to permit the issuer of such securities to register such securities under the laws of any jurisdiction outside the United States, under the Securities Act or under any applicable state securities laws, even if such issuer would agree to do so.  Each Debtor further agrees to do or cause to be done, to the extent that it may do so under applicable law, all such other reasonable acts and things as may be
 

 
18

 

necessary to make such sales or resales of any portion or all of the Collateral valid and binding and in compliance with any and all applicable laws, regulations, orders, writs, injunctions, decrees or awards of any and all courts, arbitrators or governmental units, domestic or foreign, having jurisdiction over any such sale or sales, all at the Debtors’ expense.
 
Section 6.3   Standards for Exercising Remedies .  To the extent that applicable law imposes duties on Agent to exercise remedies in a commercially reasonable manner, each Debtor acknowledges and agrees that it is not commercially unreasonable for Agent:  (a) to fail to incur expenses reasonably deemed significant by Agent to prepare any Collateral for disposition or otherwise to complete raw material for work-in-process into finished goods or other finished products for disposition; (b) except as required by applicable law, to fail to obtain third party consents for access to Collateral to be disposed of, or to obtain or if not required by other law, to fail to obtain governmental or third party consents for the collection or disposition of the Collateral to be collected or disposed of; (c) to fail to exercise collection remedies against account debtors or other persons obligated on Collateral or to remove liens on or any adverse claims against the Collateral; (d) to exercise collection remedies against account debtors and other persons obligated on Collateral directly or through the use of collection agencies and other collection specialists; (e) to advertise dispositions of Collateral through publications or media of general circulation, whether or not the Collateral is of a specialized nature; (f) to contact other persons, whether or not in the same business as Debtor, for expressions of interest in acquiring all or any portion of the Collateral; (g) to hire one or more professional auctioneers to assist in the disposition of Collateral, whether or not the Collateral is of a specialized nature; (h) to dispose of Collateral by utilizing Internet sites that provide for the auction of assets of the types included in the Collateral, that have the reasonable capability of doing so, and that match buyers and sellers of assets; (i) to dispose of assets in wholesale rather than retail markets; (j) to disclaim disposition warranties; (k) to purchase insurance or credit enhancements to insure Agent against risks of loss, collection or disposition of Collateral or to provide Agent a guaranteed return from the collection or disposition of Collateral; (l) to the extent deemed appropriate by Agent, to obtain the services of brokers, investment bankers, consultants and other professionals (including Agent and its affiliates) to assist Agent in the collection or disposition of any of the Collateral; or (m) to comply with any applicable state or federal law requirement in connection with the disposition or collection of the Collateral.  Each Debtor acknowledges that this Section 6.3 is intended to provide non-exhaustive indications of what actions or omissions by Agent would not be commercially unreasonable in Agent’s exercise of remedies against the Collateral and that other actions or omissions by Agent shall not be deemed commercially unreasonable solely by not being included in this Section 6.3 .  Without limitation upon the foregoing, nothing contained in this Section 6.3 shall be construed to grant any rights to any Debtor or to impose any duties upon Agent that would not have been granted or imposed by this Agreement or by applicable law in the absence of this Section 6.3 .
 
ARTICLE 7.
 
Miscellaneous
 
Section 7.1   No Waiver; Cumulative Remedies .  No failure on the part of the Agent to exercise and no delay in exercising, and no course of dealing with respect to, any right, power or privilege under this Agreement shall operate as a waiver thereof, nor shall any single or partial
 

 
19

 

exercise of any right, power or privilege under this Agreement preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right, power, or privilege.  The rights and remedies provided for in this Agreement are cumulative and not exclusive of any rights and remedies provided by law or the other Loan Documents.
 
Section 7.2   Successors and Assigns .  This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of each Debtor, the Agent, the Secured Parties and respective successors and permitted assigns, except that no Debtor may assign any of its rights or obligations under this Agreement without the prior written consent of the Lenders and Agent may not appoint a successor Agent except in accordance with the Credit Agreement.
 
Section 7.3   AMENDMENT; ENTIRE AGREEMENT .  THIS AGREEMENT AND THE OTHER LOAN DOCUMENTS EMBODY THE FINAL, ENTIRE AGREEMENT AMONG THE PARTIES HERETO AND SUPERSEDES ANY AND ALL PRIOR COMMITMENTS, AGREEMENTS, REPRESENTATIONS AND UNDERSTANDINGS, WHETHER WRITTEN OR ORAL, RELATING TO THE SUBJECT MATTER HEREOF AND MAY NOT BE CONTRADICTED OR VARIED BY EVIDENCE OF PRIOR, CONTEMPORANEOUS OR SUBSEQUENT ORAL AGREEMENTS OR DISCUSSIONS OF THE PARTIES HERETO.  THERE ARE NO UNWRITTEN ORAL AGREEMENTS AMONG THE PARTIES HERETO.  Except as contemplated by the execution and delivery of a Subsidiary Joinder Agreement or an Amendment (which only needs to be signed by the party thereto), the provisions of this Agreement may be amended or waived only by an instrument in writing signed by the parties hereto (with the consent of and the number of Lenders required by the Credit Agreement).
 
Section 7.4   Notices .  All notices and other communications provided for in this Agreement shall be given or made in accordance with the Credit Agreement and if to any Debtor, at the address for notices of the Borrower set forth therein.
 
Section 7.5   Governing Law .  This Agreement shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of New York.
 
Section 7.6   Headings .  The headings, captions, and arrangements used in this Agreement are for convenience only and shall not affect the interpretation of this Agreement.
 
Section 7.7   Survival of Representations and Warranties .  All representations, warranties and certifications made in this Agreement or in any documentation delivered pursuant hereto shall survive the execution and delivery of this Agreement, and no investigation by the Agent shall affect the representations, warranties and certifications or the right of the Agent or any Secured Party to rely upon them.
 
Section 7.8   Counterparts .  This Agreement may be executed in counterparts (and by different parties hereto on different counterparts), each of which shall constitute an original, but all of which when taken together shall constitute a single contract.  Delivery of an executed counterpart of a signature page of this Agreement by telecopy or email or other electronic means (including a “.pdf” or “.tif” file) shall be effective as delivery of a manually executed counterpart of this Agreement.
 

 
20

 

Section 7.9   Severability .  Any provision of this Agreement which is determined by a court of competent jurisdiction to be 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 of this Agreement, and any such prohibition or unenforceability in any jurisdiction shall not invalidate or render unenforceable such provision in any other jurisdiction.
 
Section 7.10   Termination .  Upon the effectiveness of the authorization for release set forth in Section 9.10 of the Credit Agreement, the security interests created hereby shall terminate automatically and the Agent shall, upon the written request of any Debtor, execute and deliver to the Debtors proper documentation acknowledging the release and termination of the security interests created by this Agreement, and shall duly assign and deliver to each Debtor (without recourse and without any representation or warranty) such of the Collateral as may be in the possession of the Agent and has not previously been sold or otherwise applied pursuant to this Agreement.
 
Section 7.11   Obligations Absolute .  All rights and remedies of the Agent hereunder, and all obligations of each Debtor hereunder, shall be absolute and unconditional irrespective of:  (a) any lack of validity or enforceability of any of the Loan Documents; (b) any change in the time, manner, or place of payment of, or in any other term of, all or any of the Obligations, or any other amendment or waiver of or any consent to any departure from any of the Loan Documents; (c) any exchange, release, or nonperfection of any Collateral, or any release or amendment or waiver of or consent to any departure from any guarantee or other supporting obligation, for all or any of the Obligations; or (d) any other circumstance that might otherwise constitute a defense available to, or a discharge of, a third party pledgor or surety other than the Full Satisfaction of the Obligations in accordance with the terms and provisions of the Credit Agreement.
 
[SIGNATURE PAGES BEGIN ON NEXT PAGE]
 

 
21

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have duly executed this Agreement as of the day and year first written above.
 
 
  DEBTORS
   
 
DARLING INTERNATIONAL INC.
 
By
 
By:
/s/ John O. Muse
   
Name:
John O. Muse
   
Title:
Executive Vice President, Finance and Administration
 
 
 
GRIFFIN INDUSTRIES, INC.
 
By
 
By:
/s/ John O. Muse
   
Name:
John O. Muse
   
Title:
Executive Vice President, Finance and Administration
 
 
DARLING INTERNATIONAL LLC
 
By
 
By:
/s/ John O. Muse
   
Name:
John O. Muse
   
Title:
Executive Vice President, Finance and Administration
 
 
 
CRAIG PROTEIN DIVISION, INC.
 
By
 
By:
/s/ John O. Muse
   
Name:
John O. Muse
   
Title:
Executive Vice President, Finance and Administration
 
 
 
 
SIGNATURE PAGE TO SECURITY AGREEMENT
 
 

 
 
 
 
AGENT:
 
JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A.,
 
as Agent for the Secured Parties
 
 
By:
/s/ Laura F. Simmons
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

SIGNATURE PAGE TO SECURITY AGREEMENT
 
 

 

EXHIBIT A
 
TO
 
SECURITY AGREEMENT
 
FORM OF AMENDMENT
 
This Amendment, dated _______________, _____, is delivered pursuant to Section 4.8 of the Security Agreement (as herein defined) referred to below.  The undersigned hereby agrees that this Amendment may be attached to the Security Agreement dated as of December [  ], 2010 among the undersigned, certain of its affiliates and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as agent for the ratable benefit of the Secured Parties referred to therein (the “ Security Agreement ”), and that the Equity Interests, notes or other instruments listed on Schedule 1 annexed hereto shall be and become part of the Collateral referred to in the Security Agreement and shall secure payment and performance of all of the undersigned’s Obligations as provided in the Security Agreement.
 
Capitalized terms used herein but not defined herein shall have the meanings therefor provided in the Security Agreement.
 
     
       
 
By:
   
    Name   
    Title   
       
 
 
 
 
 
                                                  
 
 

Exhibit A to Security Agreement, Solo Page
 
 

 

Schedule 1
to
Security Agreement Amendment
 
A.  
Equity Interests
 
Equity Issuer
Class of Stock
or Type of Equity
Stock
Certificate No(s).
Par
Value
Number of Shares or Units
Percentage of Total Ownership Interest
           
           
 
B.  
Notes and Other Instruments
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Schedule 1 to Security Agreement Amendment
 
 
 

 

SUBSIDIARY JOINDER AGREEMENT
 
This SUBSIDIARY JOINDER AGREEMENT (the “ Agreement ”) dated as of ____________________, ____ is executed by the undersigned (the “ Debtor ”) for the benefit of JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., in its capacity as agent for the lenders party to the hereafter identified Credit Agreement and the other secured parties (in such capacity herein, the “ Agent ”) and for the benefit of such lenders and other secured parties in connection with that certain Credit Agreement dated as of December 17, 2010 among the Agent, DARLING INTERNATIONAL INC. (the “ Borrower ), the other agents party thereto and  the Lenders party thereto (as amended, amended and restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “ Credit Agreement ”, and capitalized terms not otherwise defined herein being used herein as defined in the Credit Agreement).
 
The Debtor is a newly formed, established or acquired Restricted Subsidiary and is required to execute this Agreement pursuant to the terms of the Credit Agreement.
 
NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the Debtor hereby agrees as follows:
 
The Debtor assumes all the obligations of a “Debtor” under the Security Agreement and agrees that from and after the date hereof it is a “Debtor” and bound as a “Debtor” under the terms of the Security Agreement as if a direct signatory thereto.  In furtherance of the foregoing, the Debtor hereby pledges and grants to Agent a security interest in all of its right, title and interest in and to Debtor’s Collateral (as defined in the Security Agreement) to secure its Obligations (as defined in the Security Agreement) under the terms of the Security Agreement.
 
Schedules 2.1(a), 2.1(b), 2.1(c), 2.1(d), 3.1, 3.2, 3.3 and 3.4 of the Security Agreement are hereby amended to add the information relating to Debtor set out on Schedules 2.1(a) , 2.1(b), 2.1(c) , 2.1(d) , 3.1 , 3.2 , 3.3 and 3.4 hereof.  The Debtor hereby confirms that the representations and warranties set forth in Article 3 of the Security Agreement applicable to it and its Collateral and the representations and warranties set forth in the Credit Agreement applicable to it are true and correct in all material respects after giving effect to such amendment to the Schedules with the phrases “as of the date hereof” or “as of the Effective Date” or similar phrases as used therein meaning the date of this Agreement.
 
In furtherance of its obligations under Section 4.2 of the Security Agreement but subject to the exceptions set forth therein, Debtor authorized the filing of such UCC financing statements naming it as debtor, the Agent as secured party and describing its Collateral and such other documentation (including Intellectual Property Security Agreements substantially in the form of Annex A to the Security Agreement) as the Agent may require to evidence, protect and perfect the Liens created by the Security Agreement as modified hereby.
 
The Debtor hereby assumes all the obligations of a “Guarantor” under the Guaranty Agreement and agrees that from and after the date hereof it is a “Guarantor” and bound as a “Guarantor” under the terms of the Guaranty Agreement as if it had been an original signatory thereto.  In accordance with the forgoing and for valuable consideration, the receipt and
 

Subsidiary Joinder Agreement – Page 1
 
 

 

adequacy of which are hereby acknowledged, Debtor irrevocably and unconditionally guarantees to the Agent and the Lenders the full and prompt payment and performance of the Guaranteed Indebtedness (as defined in the Guaranty Agreement) upon the terms and conditions set forth in the Guaranty Agreement.
 
This Agreement shall be deemed to be part of, and a modification to, the Security Agreement and the Guaranty Agreement and shall be governed by all the terms and provisions of the Security Agreement and the Guaranty Agreement, which terms are incorporated herein by reference, are ratified and confirmed and shall continue in full force and effect as valid and binding agreements of the Debtor enforceable against the Debtor.  The Debtor hereby waives notice of the Agent’s or any Lender’s acceptance of this Agreement.
 
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Debtor has executed this Agreement as of the day and year first written above.
 
  Debtor :  
       
 
By:
   
    Name:     
    Title:     
       
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Subsidiary Joinder Agreement – Page 2
 
 

 

INDEX OF SCHEDULES, EXHIBITS AND ANNEXES
 
Schedule 2.1(a)
Chattel Paper, Promissory Notes and Letters of Credit
Schedule 2.1(b)
Commercial Tort Claims
Schedule 2.1(c)
Pledged Shares – Domestic Subsidiaries
Schedule 2.1(d)
Pledged Shares – Foreign Subsidiaries
Schedule 3.1
Locations
Schedule 3.2
Deposit, Commodity and Security Accounts
Schedule 3.3
Trade and Other Names; Tax I.D. Number
Schedule 3.4
Intellectual Property
     
Exhibit A
Form of Amendment
Exhibit B
Subsidiary Joinder Agreement
Exhibit C
Financing Statement
     
Annex A
Form of Grant of Security Interest in Intellectual Property
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
ndex of Schedules and Exhibits, Solo Page
 
 
 

 
Annex A

GRANT OF
 
SECURITY INTEREST IN [TRADEMARK/PATENT/COPYRIGHT] RIGHTS
 
This GRANT OF SECURITY INTEREST IN [TRADEMARK/ PATENT/ COPYRIGHT] RIGHTS (“ Agreement ”), effective as of  ________  __, 20[  ] is made by [Debtor] , a [state] [form of entity] , located at [address] (the “ Debtor ”), in favor of JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent (in such capacity, the “Agent”) for the banks and other financial institutions or entities (the “ Lenders ”) from time to time parties to the Credit Agreement, dated as of December 17, 2010 (as amended, restated, amended and restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “ Credit Agreement ”), among Darling International Inc. (the “ Borrower ”), the Lenders party thereto from time to time, the agents party thereto and the Agent.
 
W I T N E S S E T H :
 
WHEREAS, pursuant to the Credit Agreement, the Lenders have severally agreed to make extensions of credit to the Borrower upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth therein; and
 
WHEREAS, in connection with the Credit Agreement, the Debtors have executed and delivered a Security Agreement, dated as of the date of the Credit Agreement, in favor of the Agent (as amended, restated, amended and restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “ Security Agreement ”);
 
WHEREAS, pursuant to the Security Agreement, the Debtor pledged and granted to the Agent for the benefit of the Secured Parties a continuing security interest in all Intellectual Property included in the Collateral, including the [Trademarks/Patents/Copyrights] included in the Collateral; and
 
WHEREAS, the Debtor has duly authorized the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement;
 
NOW THEREFORE, for good and valuable consideration, the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged, and in order to induce the Lenders to make extensions of credit to the Borrower pursuant to the Credit Agreement, the Debtor agrees, for the benefit of the Agent and the Secured Parties, as follows:
 
1.   Definitions .  Unless otherwise defined herein or the context otherwise requires, terms used in this Agreement, including its preamble and recitals, have the meanings provided or provided by reference in the Credit Agreement and the Security Agreement.
 
2.   Grant of Security Interest .  Subject to Section 2.1 of the Security Agreement, Debtor hereby pledges and grants a continuing security interest in all of the Debtor’s right, title and interest in, to and under the [Trademarks/Patents/Copyrights] owned by such Debtor (including, without limitation, those items listed on Schedule A hereto) (collectively, the “[ Trademark][Patent][Copyright] Collateral ”), to the Agent for the benefit of the Agent and the Secured Parties to secure payment, performance and observance of the Obligations.
 

Annex A - 1
 
 

 

3.   Purpose .  This Agreement has been executed and delivered by the Debtor for the purpose of recording the grant of security interest herein with the [United States / other jurisdiction] [Patent and Trademark][Copyright] Office.  The security interest granted hereby has been granted to the Lenders in connection with the Security Agreement and is expressly subject to the terms and conditions thereof.  The Security Agreement (and all rights and remedies of the Lenders thereunder) shall remain in full force and effect in accordance with its terms.
 
4.   Acknowledgment .  The Debtor does hereby further acknowledge and  affirm that the rights and remedies of the Lenders with respect to the security interest in the [Trademark][Patent][Copyright] Collateral granted hereby are more fully set forth in the Credit Agreement and the Security Agreement, the terms and provisions of which (including the remedies provided for therein) are incorporated by reference herein as if fully set forth herein.  In the event of any conflict between the terms of this Agreement and the terms of the Security Agreement, the terms of the Security Agreement shall govern.
 
5.   Counterparts .  This Agreement may be executed in counterparts (and by different parties hereto on different counterparts), each of which will be deemed an original, but all of which when taken together constitute a single contract.  Delivery of an executed counterpart of a signature page of this Agreement by telecopy or email or other electronic means (including a “.pdf” or “.tif” file) shall be effective as delivery of a manually executed counterpart of this Agreement.
 
(Remainder of the page intentionally left blank)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Annex A - 2
 
 

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be duly executed and delivered by their respective officers thereunto duly authorized as of the day and year first above written.
 
 
  [DEBTOR]  
       
 
By:
   
    Name:     
    Title:     
       
 
 
 
 
JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., as
Administrative Agent for the Secured Parties
 
       
 
By:
   
    Name:     
    Title:     
       
 
 
 
 
 
 
EXHIBIT 10.3
GUARANTY AGREEMENT
 
This GUARANTY AGREEMENT, dated as of December 17, 2010 (this “ Guaranty Agreement ”), is made by each of the undersigned Subsidiary Loan Parties and any Subsidiary Loan Party hereafter added as a Guarantor (as defined below).
 
WHEREAS, DARLING INTERNATIONAL INC., a Delaware corporation (the “ Borrower ”) has entered into that certain Credit Agreement dated December 17, 2010, among the Borrower, the lenders from time to time party thereto (the “ Lenders ”), JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., as the administrative agent (the “ Agent ”), Bank of Montreal, acting under its trade name BMO Capital Markets, as Syndication Agent, PNC Bank, N.A. and Goldman Sachs Bank USA, as Documentation Agents, and the other agents party thereto (such Credit Agreement, as it may hereafter be amended, restated, amended and restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, being hereinafter referred to as the “ Credit Agreement ”; capitalized terms used herein but not otherwise defined herein shall have the same meaning assigned to such terms in the Credit Agreement);
 
WHEREAS, the execution and delivery of this Guaranty Agreement is a condition precedent to the effectiveness of the Credit Agreement;
 
NOW, THEREFORE, for valuable consideration, the receipt and adequacy of which are hereby acknowledged, each of the undersigned Subsidiary Loan Parties and any Subsidiary Loan Party hereafter added as a “ Guarantor ” hereto pursuant to a Subsidiary Joinder Agreement in the form attached as Exhibit B to the Security Agreement (individually a “ Guarantor ” and collectively the “ Guarantors ”), hereby irrevocably and unconditionally guarantees to the Secured Parties the full and prompt payment and performance of the Guaranteed Indebtedness (hereinafter defined), this Guaranty Agreement being upon the following terms:
 
1.   The term “ Guaranteed Indebtedness ”, as used herein, means all of the Obligations, as defined in the Credit Agreement, the terms and provision of the Credit Agreement and the other Loan Documents.  The “Guaranteed Indebtedness” shall include (a) any increases, extensions and rearrangements of the Obligations under any amendments, restatements, amendment and restatements, supplements or other modifications of the documents and agreements creating the Obligations and (b) any and all post-petition interest and expenses (including attorneys’ fees in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Credit Agreement) arising in connection with any proceeding under any bankruptcy, insolvency, or other similar law whether or not allowed in such proceeding; provided that the Guaranteed Indebtedness shall be limited, with respect to each Guarantor, to an aggregate amount equal to the largest amount that would not render such Guarantor’s obligations hereunder subject to avoidance under Section 544 or 548 of the United States Bankruptcy Code or under any applicable state law relating to fraudulent transfers or conveyances.
 
2.   The Guarantors together desire to allocate among themselves (collectively, the “ Contributing Guarantors ”), in a fair and equitable manner, their obligations arising under this Guaranty Agreement.  Accordingly, in the event any payment or distribution is made by a Guarantor under this Guaranty Agreement (a “ Funding Guarantor ”) that exceeds its Fair Share (as defined below), that Funding Guarantor shall be entitled to a contribution from each of the other Contributing Guarantors in the amount of such other Contributing Guarantor’s Fair Share Shortfall (as defined below), with the result that all such contributions will cause each Contributing Guarantor’s Aggregate Payments (as defined below) to equal its Fair Share.  “ Fair Share ” means, with respect to a Contributing Guarantor as of any date of determination, an amount equal to (a) the ratio of (i) the Adjusted Maximum Amount (as defined below) with respect to such Contributing Guarantor to (ii) the aggregate of the Adjusted Maximum Amounts with respect to all Contributing Guarantors, multiplied by (b) the aggregate amount paid or
 

 
 

 

distributed on or before such date by all Funding Guarantors under this Guaranty Agreement in respect of the obligations guarantied.  “ Fair Share Shortfall ” means, with respect to a Contributing Guarantor as of any date of determination, the excess, if any, of the Fair Share of such Contributing Guarantor over the Aggregate Payments of such Contributing Guarantor.  “ Adjusted Maximum Amount ” means, with respect to a Contributing Guarantor as of any date of determination, the maximum aggregate amount of the obligations of such Contributing Guarantor under this Guaranty Agreement determined in accordance with the provisions hereof; provided that, solely for purposes of calculating the “ Adjusted Maximum Amount ” with respect to any Contributing Guarantor for purposes of this paragraph 2 , the assets or liabilities arising by virtue of any rights to or obligations of contribution hereunder shall not be considered as assets or liabilities of such Contributing Guarantor.  “ Aggregate Payments ” means, with respect to a Contributing Guarantor as of any date of determination, the aggregate amount of all payments and distributions made on or before such date by such Contributing Guarantor in respect of this Guaranty Agreement (including, without limitation, in respect of this paragraph 2 ).  The amounts payable as contributions hereunder shall be determined as of the date on which the related payment or distribution is made by the applicable Funding Guarantor.  The allocation among Contributing Guarantors of their obligations as set forth in this paragraph 2 shall not be construed in any way to limit the liability of any Contributing Guarantor hereunder.
 
3.   This instrument shall be an absolute, continuing, irrevocable and unconditional guaranty of payment and performance, and not a guaranty of collection, and each Guarantor shall remain liable on its obligations hereunder until the Full Satisfaction of the Guaranteed Indebtedness in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Credit Agreement.  No set-off, counterclaim, recoupment, reduction, or diminution of any obligation, or any defense of any kind or nature which the Borrower may have against any Secured Party or any other party, or which any Guarantor may have against the Borrower, any Secured Party or any other party, shall be available to, or shall be asserted by, any Guarantor against any Secured Party or any subsequent holder of the Guaranteed Indebtedness or any part thereof or against payment of the Guaranteed Indebtedness or any part thereof until the Full Satisfaction of the Guaranteed Indebtedness in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Credit Agreement.
 
4.   If a Guarantor becomes liable for any Indebtedness owing by the Borrower to any Secured Party by endorsement or otherwise, other than under this Guaranty Agreement, such liability shall not be in any manner impaired or affected hereby, and the rights of the Secured Parties hereunder shall be cumulative of any and all other rights that any Secured Party may ever have against such Guarantor.  The exercise by any Secured Party of any right or remedy hereunder or under any other instrument, or at law or in equity, shall not preclude the concurrent or subsequent exercise of any other right or remedy.
 
5.   Upon the occurrence and continuance of an Event of Default arising from the Borrower’s default in payment of the Guaranteed Indebtedness, or any part thereof, when such Guaranteed Indebtedness becomes due, whether by its terms, by acceleration, or otherwise, the Guarantors shall, jointly and severally, promptly pay the amount due thereon to Agent, without notice or demand, in lawful currency of the United States of America, and it shall not be necessary for Agent or any other Secured Party, in order to enforce such payment by any Guarantor, first to institute suit or exhaust its remedies against the Borrower or others liable on such Guaranteed Indebtedness, or to enforce any rights against any Collateral which shall have been given to secure such Guaranteed Indebtedness.  In the event such payment is made by a Guarantor, then such Guarantor shall be subrogated to the rights then held by Agent and any other Secured Party with respect to the Guaranteed Indebtedness to the extent the Guaranteed Indebtedness was discharged by such Guarantor and, in addition, upon payment by such Guarantor of any sums to Agent or any other Secured Party hereunder, all rights of such Guarantor against the Borrower, any other Guarantor or any collateral arising as a result therefrom by way of right of subrogation, reimbursement, or otherwise shall in all respects be subordinate and junior in right of payment to the Full
 

 
GUARANTY AGREEMENT, Page 2

 

Satisfaction of the Guaranteed Indebtedness in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Credit Agreement.  All payments received by the Agent hereunder shall be applied by the Agent to payment of the Guaranteed Indebtedness in the order provided for in Section 2.18(f) of the Credit Agreement.
 
6.   If acceleration of the time for payment of any amount payable by the Borrower under the Guaranteed Indebtedness is stayed upon the insolvency, bankruptcy, reorganization or any similar proceeding of the Borrower, all such amounts otherwise subject to acceleration under the terms of the Guaranteed Indebtedness shall nonetheless be payable by the Guarantors hereunder forthwith on demand by Agent or the Required Lenders.
 
7.   Each Guarantor hereby agrees that its obligations under this Guaranty Agreement shall not be released, discharged, diminished, impaired, reduced, or affected for any reason or by the occurrence of any event which affects the Guaranteed Indebtedness, including, without limitation, one or more of the following events, whether or not with notice to or the consent of any Guarantor:  (a) the taking or accepting of Collateral as security for any or all of the Guaranteed Indebtedness or the release, surrender, exchange, or subordination of any Collateral now or hereafter securing any or all of the Guaranteed Indebtedness; (b) any partial release of the liability of any Guarantor hereunder, or the full or partial release of any other guarantor from liability for any or all of the Guaranteed Indebtedness; (c) any disability of the Borrower, or the dissolution, insolvency, bankruptcy, or any similar proceeding of the Borrower, any Guarantor, or any other party at any time liable for the payment of any or all of the Guaranteed Indebtedness; (d) any renewal, extension, modification, waiver, amendment, restatement, amendment and restatement or rearrangement of any or all of the Guaranteed Indebtedness or any instrument, document, or agreement evidencing, securing, or otherwise relating to any or all of the Guaranteed Indebtedness; (e) any adjustment, indulgence, forbearance, waiver, or compromise that may be granted or given by Agent or any other Secured Party to Borrower, any Guarantor, or any other party ever liable for any or all of the Guaranteed Indebtedness; (f) any neglect, delay, omission, failure, or refusal of Agent or any other Secured Party to take or prosecute any action for the collection of any of the Guaranteed Indebtedness or to foreclose or take or prosecute any action in connection with any instrument, document, or agreement evidencing, securing, or otherwise relating to any or all of the Guaranteed Indebtedness; (g) the unenforceability or invalidity of any or all of the Guaranteed Indebtedness or of any instrument, document, or agreement evidencing, securing, or otherwise relating to any or all of the Guaranteed Indebtedness; (h) any payment by Borrower or any other party to Agent or any other Secured Party is held to constitute a preference under applicable bankruptcy or insolvency law or if for any other reason Agent or any other Secured Party is required to refund any payment or pay the amount thereof to someone else; (i) the settlement or compromise of any of the Guaranteed Indebtedness; (j) the non-perfection of any security interest or lien securing any or all of the Guaranteed Indebtedness; (k) any impairment of any Collateral securing any or all of the Guaranteed Indebtedness; (l) the failure of Agent or any other Secured Party to sell any Collateral securing any or all of the Guaranteed Indebtedness in a commercially reasonable manner or as otherwise required by law; (m) any change in the corporate existence, structure, or ownership of Borrower or any Guarantor; or (n) any other circumstance which might otherwise constitute a defense available to, or discharge of, Borrower or any other Guarantor (in any cases other than the Full Satisfaction of the Guaranteed Indebtedness in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Credit Agreement).
 
8.   Each Guarantor represents and warrants to Agent and the Lenders as follows:
 
(a)           The representations and warranties in Sections 3.01, 3.02 and 3.03 of the Credit Agreement relating to it are true and correct in all material respects as of the date hereof and on each date the representations and warranties hereunder are restated pursuant to any of the Loan Documents with the same force and effect as if such representations and warranties had been
 

 
GUARANTY AGREEMENT, Page 3

 

made on and as of such date except to the extent that such representations and warranties relate specifically to another date.
 
(b)           It has, independently and without reliance upon Agent or any Lender and based upon such documents and information as it has deemed appropriate, made its own analysis and decision to enter into the Loan Documents to which it is a party.
 
(c)           It is not relying upon Agent or any Lender to provide (and neither the Agent nor any Lender shall have any duty to provide) any information concerning the financial condition and assets of Borrower to it either now or in the future.
 
(d)           Each Loan Party is a member of an affiliated group and the Loan Parties are collectively engaged in a common enterprise with one another.  Each Loan Party will receive reasonably equivalent value in exchange for the obligations incurred under the Loan Documents to which each is a party.  Each Loan Party will derive substantial benefit from the credit extended pursuant to the Credit Agreement in an amount at least equal to its obligations under the Loan Documents to which it is a party.
 
9.   Each Guarantor covenants and agrees that, until the Loan Obligations have been Fully Satisfied, it will comply with all covenants set forth in the Credit Agreement that are applicable to it.
 
10.   When an Event of Default exists and is continuing and subject to the terms and conditions of the Credit Agreement, Agent and each other Secured Party shall, to the fullest extent permitted by law, have the right to set-off and apply against this Guaranty Agreement or the Guaranteed Indebtedness constituting Loan Obligations or both, at any time and without notice to any Guarantor, any and all deposits (general or special, time or demand, provisional or final) or other sums at any time credited by or owing from Agent and each other Secured Party to any Guarantor whether or not the Guaranteed Indebtedness is then due and irrespective of whether or not Agent or any other Secured Party shall have made any demand under this Guaranty Agreement.  Each Secured Party agrees promptly to notify the Borrower in writing (with a copy to the Agent) after any such setoff and application; provided that the failure to give such notice shall not affect the validity of such setoff and application.  The rights and remedies of Agent and other Secured Parties hereunder are in addition to other rights and remedies (including, without limitation, other rights of set-off) which Agent or any other Secured Party may have.
 
 
11.   (a)           Each Guarantor agrees that any and all Liens (including any judgment liens), upon any Debtor’s assets securing payment of any Subordinated Indebtedness shall be and remain inferior and subordinate to any and all Liens upon any Debtor’s assets securing payment of the Guaranteed Indebtedness or any part thereof, regardless of whether such Liens that are in favor of a Guarantor, Agent  or any other Secured Party presently exist or are hereafter created or attached.  Without the prior written consent of Agent (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld), no Guarantor shall (i) file suit against any Debtor or exercise or enforce any other creditor’s right it may have against any Debtor, or (ii) foreclose, repossess, sequester, or otherwise take steps or institute any action or proceedings (judicial or otherwise, including without limitation the commencement of, or joinder in, any liquidation, receivership, bankruptcy, reorganization, rearrangement, debtor’s relief or other insolvency proceeding) to enforce any obligations of any Debtor to such Guarantor or any Liens held by such Guarantor on assets of any Debtor.
 
(b)           In the event of any liquidation, receivership, bankruptcy, reorganization, rearrangement, debtor’s relief or other insolvency proceeding involving any Debtor as debtor, Agent shall have the right to prove and, to the extent permitted by applicable law, vote any claim under the
 

 
GUARANTY AGREEMENT, Page 4

 

Subordinated Indebtedness and to receive directly from the receiver, trustee or other court custodian all dividends, distributions, and payments made in respect of the Subordinated Indebtedness until the Guaranteed Indebtedness has been Fully Satisfied in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Credit Agreement.  Agent may apply any such dividends, distributions, and payments against the Guaranteed Indebtedness in accordance with the Credit Agreement.
 
12.   Except for modifications made pursuant to the execution and delivery of a Subsidiary Joinder Agreement or as otherwise provided in the Credit Agreement, no amendment or waiver of any provision of this Guaranty Agreement or consent to any departure by any Guarantor therefrom shall in any event be effective unless the same shall be in writing and signed by the Guarantors and Agent (with the consent of the Required Lenders).  No failure on the part of Agent or any other Secured Party to exercise, and no delay in exercising, any right, power, or privilege hereunder shall operate as a waiver thereof; nor shall any single or partial exercise of any right, power, or privilege hereunder preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right, power, or privilege.  The remedies herein provided are cumulative and not exclusive of any remedies provided by law.
 
13.   This Guaranty Agreement is for the benefit of the Secured Parties and their successors and permitted assigns, and in the event of an assignment of the Guaranteed Indebtedness, or any part thereof, the rights and benefits hereunder, to the extent applicable to the indebtedness so assigned, may be transferred with such indebtedness.  This Guaranty Agreement is binding not only on each Guarantor, but on each Guarantor’s successors and assigns.
 
14.   Each Guarantor recognizes that Agent and the Lenders are relying upon this Guaranty Agreement and the undertakings of each Guarantor hereunder and under the other Loan Documents to which each is a party in making extensions of credit to Borrower under the Credit Agreement and further recognizes that the execution and delivery of this Guaranty Agreement and the other Loan Documents to which each Guarantor is a party is a material inducement to Agent and the Lenders in entering into the Credit Agreement and continuing to extend credit thereunder.  Each Guarantor hereby acknowledges that there are no conditions to the full effectiveness of this Guaranty Agreement or any other Loan Document to which it is a party other than as may be set forth herein or in the other Loan Documents.
 
15.   Any notice or demand to any Guarantor under or in connection with this Guaranty Agreement or any other Loan Document to which it is a party shall be deemed effective if given to the Guarantor (care of the Borrower) in accordance with the notice provisions in the Credit Agreement.
 
16.   Except as otherwise specifically provided in the Credit Agreement, each Guarantor hereby waives promptness, diligence, notice of any default under the Guaranteed Indebtedness, demand of payment, notice of acceptance of this Guaranty Agreement, presentment, notice of protest, notice of dishonor, notice of the incurring by Borrower of additional indebtedness, and all other notices and demands with respect to the Guaranteed Indebtedness and this Guaranty Agreement.
 
17.   THIS GUARANTY AGREEMENT EMBODIES THE FINAL, ENTIRE AGREEMENT OF EACH GUARANTOR, AGENT AND THE OTHER SECURED PARTIES WITH RESPECT TO EACH GUARANTOR’S GUARANTY OF THE GUARANTEED INDEBTEDNESS AND SUPERSEDES ANY AND ALL PRIOR COMMITMENTS, AGREEMENTS, REPRESENTATIONS, AND UNDERSTANDINGS, WHETHER WRITTEN OR ORAL, RELATING TO THE SUBJECT MATTER HEREOF.  THIS GUARANTY AGREEMENT IS INTENDED BY EACH GUARANTOR, AGENT AND THE OTHER SECURED PARTIES AS A FINAL AND COMPLETE EXPRESSION OF THE TERMS OF THE GUARANTY AGREEMENT, AND NO COURSE OF DEALING AMONG ANY GUARANTOR, AGENT AND ANY OTHER SECURED PARTY, NO COURSE OF PERFORMANCE, NO TRADE PRACTICES, AND NO EVIDENCE OF PRIOR,
 

 
GUARANTY AGREEMENT, Page 5

 

CONTEMPORANEOUS OR SUBSEQUENT ORAL AGREEMENTS OR DISCUSSIONS OR OTHER EXTRINSIC EVIDENCE OF ANY NATURE SHALL BE USED TO CONTRADICT, VARY, SUPPLEMENT OR MODIFY ANY TERM OF THIS GUARANTY AGREEMENT.  THERE ARE NO ORAL AGREEMENTS AMONG ANY GUARANTOR, AGENT AND ANY OTHER SECURED PARTY.  This Guaranty Agreement may be executed in counterparts (and by different parties hereto on different counterparts), each of which shall constitute an original, but all of which when taken together shall constitute a single contract.  Delivery of an executed counterpart of a signature page of this Guaranty Agreement by telecopy or email or other electronic means (including a “.pdf” or “.tif” file) shall be effective as delivery of a manually executed counterpart of this Guaranty Agreement.
 
18.   This Guaranty Agreement shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of New York.
 
19.   EACH PARTY HERETO HEREBY IRREVOCABLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY SUBMITS, FOR ITSELF AND ITS PROPERTY, TO THE EXCLUSIVE JURISDICTION OF ANY FEDERAL OR STATE COURT LOCATED IN THE BOROUGH OF MANHATTAN IN THE CITY OF NEW YORK, AND ANY APPELLATE COURT FROM ANY THEREOF, IN ANY ACTION OR PROCEEDING ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO ANY LOAN DOCUMENT (EXCLUDING THE ENFORCEMENT OF THE SECURITY DOCUMENTS TO THE EXTENT SUCH SECURITY DOCUMENTS EXPRESSLY PROVIDE OTHERWISE), OR FOR RECOGNITION OR ENFORCEMENT OF ANY JUDGMENT, AND EACH OF SUCH PARTIES HERETO HEREBY IRREVOCABLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY AGREES THAT ALL CLAIMS IN RESPECT OF ANY SUCH ACTION OR PROCEEDING MAY BE HEARD AND DETERMINED IN SUCH NEW YORK STATE OR, TO THE EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, IN SUCH FEDERAL COURT.  EACH OF SUCH PARTIES HERETO AGREES THAT A FINAL JUDGMENT IN ANY SUCH ACTION OR PROCEEDING SHALL BE CONCLUSIVE AND MAY BE ENFORCED IN OTHER JURISDICTIONS BY SUIT ON THE JUDGMENT OR IN ANY OTHER MANNER PROVIDED BY LAW.
 
[SIGNATURE PAGE BEGINS ON NEXT PAGE]
 

 
GUARANTY AGREEMENT, Page 6

 

EXECUTED as of the first date written above.
 
GUARANTORS :
 
     
 
GRIFFIN INDUSTRIES, INC.
 
         
         
 
By:
/s/ John O. Muse
 
   
Name:
John O. Muse
 
   
Title:
Executive Vice President
 
     
Finance and Administration
 
         
         
 
DARLING NATIONAL LLC
 
         
         
 
By:
/s/ John O. Muse
 
   
Name:
John O. Muse
 
   
Title:
Executive Vice President
 
     
Finance and Administration
 
         
         
         
         
 
CRAIG PROTEIN DIVISION, INC.
 
         
         
 
By:
/s/ John O. Muse
 
   
Name:
John O. Muse
 
   
Title:
Executive Vice President
 
     
Finance and Administration
 
         
 

 
SIGNATURE PAGE TO GUARANTY AGREEMENT
 

 
EXHIBIT 10.4
 
 
  EXECUTION VERSION
 
 
REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT
 
This REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT dated December 17, 2010 (this “ Agreement ”) is entered into by and among Darling International Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “ Company ”), the guarantors   listed in Schedule 1 hereto (the “ Initial Guarantors ”), and J.P. Morgan Securities LLC (“ J.P. Morgan ”), Goldman, Sachs & Co., BMO Capital Markets, Corp. and PNC Capital Markets LLC (collectively the “ Initial Purchasers ”).
 
The Company, the Initial Guarantors and the Initial Purchasers are parties to the Purchase Agreement dated December 3, 2010, as supplemented by the Joinder to the Purchase Agreement dated the date hereof (together, the “ Purchase Agreement ”), which provides for the sale by the Company to the Initial Purchasers of $250,000,000 aggregate principal amount of the Company’s 8.5% Senior Notes due 2018 (the “ Securities ”) which will be guaranteed on a senior unsecured basis by each of the Guarantors.  As an inducement to the Initial Purchasers to enter into the Purchase Agreement, the Company and the Guarantors have agreed to provide to the Initial Purchasers and their direct and indirect transferees the registration rights set forth in this Agreement.  The execution and delivery of this Agreement is a condition to the closing under the Purchase Agreement.
 
In consideration of the foregoing, the parties hereto agree as follows:
 
1.            Definitions .  As used in this Agreement, the following terms shall have the following meanings:
 
Additional Guarantor ” shall mean any subsidiary of the Company that executes a Guarantee under the Indenture after the date of this Agreement.
 
Business Day ” shall mean any day that is not a Saturday, Sunday or other day on which commercial banks in New York City are authorized or required by law to remain closed.
 
Company ” shall have the meaning set forth in the preamble and shall also include the Company’s successors.
 
Exchange Act ” shall mean the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended from time to time.
 
Exchange Dates ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2(a)(ii) hereof.
 
Exchange Offer ” shall mean the exchange offer by the Company and the Guarantors of Exchange Securities for Registrable Securities pursuant to Section 2(a) hereof.
 

 
 

 

Exchange Offer Registration ” shall mean a registration under the Securities Act effected pursuant to Section 2(a) hereof.
 
Exchange Offer Registration Statement ” shall mean an exchange offer registration statement on Form S-4 (or, if applicable, on another appropriate form) and all amendments and supplements to such registration statement, in each case including the Prospectus contained therein or deemed a part thereof, all exhibits thereto and any document incorporated by reference therein.
 
Exchange Securities ” shall mean senior notes issued by the Company and guaranteed by the Guarantors under the Indenture containing terms identical to the Securities (except that the Exchange Securities will not be subject to restrictions on transfer or to any increase in annual interest rate for failure to comply with this Agreement) and to be offered to Holders of Securities in exchange for Securities pursuant to the Exchange Offer.
 
FINRA ” means the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc.
 
Free Writing Prospectus ” means each free writing prospectus (as defined in Rule 405 under the Securities Act) prepared by or on behalf of the Company or used or referred to by the Company in connection with the sale of the Securities or the Exchange Securities.
 
Griffin ” shall mean Griffin Industries, Inc., a Kentucky corporation.
 
Guarantees ” shall mean the guarantees of the Securities and guarantees of the Exchange Securities by the Guarantors under the Indenture.
 
Guarantors ” shall mean the Initial Guarantors, any Additional Guarantors and any Guarantor's successor that Guarantees the Securities.
 
Holders ” shall mean the Initial Purchasers, for so long as they own any Registrable Securities, and each of their successors, assigns and direct and indirect transferees who become owners of Registrable Securities; provided that, for purposes of Section 4 and Section 5 hereof, the term “Holders” shall include Participating Broker-Dealers.
 
Indemnified Person ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 5(c) hereof.
 
Indemnifying Person ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 5(c) hereof.
 
Indenture ” shall mean the Indenture relating to the Securities dated as of December 17, 2010 among the Company, the Guarantors and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee, and as the same may be amended from time to time in accordance with the terms thereof.
 

 
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Initial Purchasers ” shall have the meaning set forth in the preamble.
 
Inspector ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3(a)(xiv) hereof.
 
Issuer Information ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 5(a) hereof.
 
J.P. Morgan ” shall have the meaning set forth in the preamble.
 
Majority Holders ” shall mean the Holders of a majority of the aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Registrable Securities; provided that whenever the consent or approval of Holders of a specified percentage of Registrable Securities is required hereunder, any Registrable Securities owned directly or indirectly by the Company or any of its affiliates shall not be counted in determining whether such consent or approval was given by the Holders of such required percentage or amount; and provided , further , that if the Company shall issue any additional Securities under the Indenture prior to consummation of the Exchange Offer or, if applicable, the effectiveness of any Shelf Registration Statement, such additional Securities and the Registrable Securities to which this Agreement relates shall be treated together as one class for purposes of determining whether the consent or approval of Holders of a specified percentage of Registrable Securities has been obtained.
 
Merger ” means the proposed merger of Griffin with and into DG Acquisition Corp., a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company (“ Merger Sub ”), pursuant to the Agreement and Plan of Merger dated November 9, 2010 (the “ Merger Agreement ”), among the Company, Merger Sub, Griffin and Robert A. Griffin, as the shareholders’ representative.
 
Notice and Questionnaire ” shall mean a notice of registration statement and selling security holder questionnaire distributed to a Holder by the Company upon receipt of a Shelf Request from such Holder.
 
Participating Broker-Dealers ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 4(a) hereof.
 
Participating Holder ” shall mean any Holder of Registrable Securities that has returned a completed and signed Notice and Questionnaire to the Company in accordance with Section 2(b) hereof.
 
Person ” shall mean an individual, partnership, limited liability company, corporation, trust or unincorporated organization, or a government or agency or political subdivision thereof.
 
Prospectus ” shall mean the prospectus included in, or, pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities Act, deemed a part of, a Registration Statement, including any preliminary prospectus, and any such prospectus as amended or supplemented by any prospectus supplement, including a
 

 
3

 

prospectus supplement with respect to the terms of the offering of any portion of the Registrable Securities covered by a Shelf Registration Statement, and by all other amendments and supplements to such prospectus, and in each case including any document incorporated by reference therein.
 
Purchase Agreement ” shall have the meaning set forth in the preamble.
 
Registrable Securities ” shall mean the Securities; provided that the Securities shall cease to be Registrable Securities (i) when a Registration Statement with respect to such Securities has become effective under the Securities Act and such Securities have been exchanged or disposed of pursuant to such Registration Statement, (ii) when such Securities are sold pursuant to Rule 144 under the Securities Act (or any similar provision then in force, but not Rule 144A), if following such resale such Securities do not bear any restrictive legend relating to the Securities Act and do not bear a restricted CUSIP number, (iii) when such Securities cease to be outstanding, (iv) except in the case of Securities that otherwise remain Registrable Securities and that are held by an Initial Purchaser and that are ineligible to be exchanged in the Exchange Offer, when the Exchange Offer is consummated or (v) the second anniversary of the closing date of the Merger; provided that such date shall be extended by the number of days of any permitted extension pursuant to Section 3(d) hereof.
 
Registration Default ” shall mean the occurrence of any of the following: (i) the Exchange Offer is not completed on or prior to the Target Registration Date, (ii) the Shelf Registration Statement, if required pursuant to Section 2(b)(i) or Section 2(b)(ii) hereof, has not become effective on or prior to the Target Registration Date, (iii) if the Company receives a Shelf Request pursuant to Section 2(b)(iii), the Shelf Registration Statement required to be filed thereby has not become effective by the later of (a) the Target Registration Date and (b) 90 days after delivery of such Shelf Request or (iv) the Shelf Registration Statement, if required by this Agreement, has become effective and thereafter ceases to be effective or the Prospectus contained therein ceases to be usable, in each case whether or not permitted by this Agreement, at any time during the Shelf Effectiveness Period, and such failure to remain effective or usable exists for more than 30 days (whether or not consecutive) in any 12-month period.
 
Registration Expenses ” shall mean any and all expenses incident to performance of or compliance by the Company and the Guarantors with this Agreement, including without limitation: (i) all SEC, stock exchange or FINRA registration and filing fees, (ii) all fees and expenses incurred in connection with compliance with state securities or blue sky laws (including reasonable fees and disbursements of counsel for any Underwriters or Holders in connection with blue sky qualification of any Exchange Securities or Registrable Securities), (iii) all expenses of any Persons in preparing or assisting in preparing, word processing, printing and distributing any Registration Statement, any Prospectus, any Free Writing Prospectus and any amendments or supplements thereto, any underwriting agreements, securities sales agreements or other similar
 

 
4

 

agreements and any other documents relating to the performance of and compliance with this Agreement, (iv) all rating agency fees, (v) all fees and disbursements relating to the qualification of the Indenture under applicable securities laws, (vi) the fees and disbursements of the Trustee and its counsel, (vii) the fees and disbursements of counsel for the Company and the Guarantors and, in the case of a Shelf Registration Statement, the reasonable fees and disbursements of one counsel for the Participating Holders (which counsel shall be selected by the Participating Holders holding a majority of the aggregate principal amount of Registrable Securities held by such Participating Holders and which counsel may also be counsel for the Initial Purchasers) and (viii) the fees and disbursements of the independent registered public accountants of the Company and the Guarantors, including the expenses of any special audits or “comfort” letters required by or incident to the performance of and compliance with this Agreement, but excluding fees and expenses of counsel to the Underwriters (other than fees and expenses set forth in clause (ii) above) or the Holders and underwriting discounts and commissions, brokerage commissions and transfer taxes, if any, relating to the sale or disposition of Registrable Securities by a Holder pursuant to the Registration Statement.
 
Registration Statement ” shall mean any registration statement of the Company and the Guarantors that covers any of the Exchange Securities or Registrable Securities pursuant to the provisions of this Agreement and all amendments and supplements to any such registration statement, including post-effective amendments, in each case including the Prospectus contained therein or deemed a part thereof, all exhibits thereto and any document incorporated by reference therein.
 
SEC ” shall mean the United States Securities and Exchange Commission.
 
Securities ” shall have the meaning set forth in the preamble.
 
Securities Act ” shall mean the Securities Act of 1933, as amended from time to time.
 
Shelf Effectiveness Period ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2(b) hereof.
 
Shelf Registration ” shall mean a registration effected pursuant to Section 2(b) hereof.
 
Shelf Registration Statement ” shall mean a “shelf” registration statement of the Company and the Guarantors that covers all or a portion of the Registrable Securities (but no other securities unless approved by a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Securities held by the Participating Holders) on an appropriate form under Rule 415 under the Securities Act, or any similar rule that may be adopted by the SEC, and all amendments and supplements to such
 

 
5

 

registration statement, including post-effective amendments, in each case including the Prospectus contained therein or deemed a part thereof, all exhibits thereto and any document incorporated by reference therein.
 
Shelf Request ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2(b) hereof.
 
Staff ” shall mean the staff of the SEC.
 
Target Registration Date ” shall mean 270   days after the closing date of the Merger.
 
Trust Indenture Act ” shall mean the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended from time to time.
 
Trustee ” shall mean the trustee with respect to the Securities under the Indenture.
 
Underwriter ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3(e) hereof.
 
Underwritten Offering ” shall mean an offering in which Registrable Securities are sold to an Underwriter for reoffering to the public.
 
2.            Registration Under the Securities Act .  (a)  To the extent not prohibited by any applicable law or applicable interpretations of the Staff, the Company and the Guarantors shall use their reasonable best efforts to (x) cause to be filed with the SEC an Exchange Offer Registration Statement covering an offer to the Holders to exchange all the Registrable Securities for Exchange Securities and (y) have such Registration Statement become and remain effective until 180 days after the last Exchange Date for use by one or more Participating Broker-Dealers.  The Company and the Guarantors shall commence the Exchange Offer promptly after the Exchange Offer Registration Statement is declared effective by the SEC and use their reasonable best efforts to complete the Exchange Offer not later than 60 days after such effective date.
 
The Company and the Guarantors shall commence the Exchange Offer by mailing the related Prospectus, appropriate letters of transmittal and other accompanying documents, if any, to each Holder stating, in addition to such other disclosures as are required by applicable law, substantially the following:
 
(i)  
that the Exchange Offer is being made pursuant to this Agreement and that all Registrable Securities validly tendered and not properly withdrawn will be accepted for exchange;
 
(ii)  
the dates of acceptance for exchange (which shall be a period of at least 20 Business Days from the date such notice is mailed) (the “ Exchange Dates ”);
 

 
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(iii)  
that any Registrable Security not tendered will remain outstanding and continue to accrue interest but will not retain any rights under this Agreement, except as otherwise specified herein;
 
(iv)  
that any Holder electing to have a Registrable Security exchanged pursuant to the Exchange Offer will be required to (A) surrender such Registrable Security, together with the appropriate letters of transmittal, to the institution and at the address and in the manner specified in the notice, or (B) effect such exchange otherwise in compliance with the applicable procedures of the depositary for such Registrable Security, in each case prior to the close of business on the last Exchange Date; and
 
(v)  
that any Holder will be entitled to withdraw its election, not later than the close of business on the last Exchange Date, by (A) sending to the institution and at the address specified in the notice, a telegram, facsimile transmission or letter setting forth the name of such Holder, the principal amount of Registrable Securities delivered for exchange and a statement that such Holder is withdrawing its election to have such Securities exchanged or (B) effecting such withdrawal in compliance with the applicable procedures of the depositary for the Registrable Securities.
 
As a condition to participating in the Exchange Offer, a Holder will be required to represent in writing to the Company and the Guarantors prior to the consummation of the Exchange Offer (which representation shall be contained in the letter of transmittal or other document accompanying the Exchange Offer Registration Statement) that (1) any Exchange Securities to be received by it will be acquired in the ordinary course of its business, (2) at the time of the commencement of the Exchange Offer it has no arrangement or understanding with any Person to participate in the distribution (within the meaning of the Securities Act) of the Exchange Securities in violation of the provisions of the Securities Act, (3) it is not an “affiliate” (within the meaning of Rule 405 under the Securities Act) of the Company or any Guarantor and (4) if such Holder is a broker-dealer that will receive Exchange Securities for its own account in exchange for Registrable Securities that were acquired as a result of market-making or other trading activities, then such Holder will deliver a Prospectus (or, to the extent permitted by law, make available a Prospectus to purchasers) in connection with any resale of such Exchange Securities.
 
As soon as practicable after the last Exchange Date, the Company and the Guarantors shall use their reasonable best efforts:
 
(I)
accept for exchange Registrable Securities or portions thereof validly tendered and not properly withdrawn pursuant to the Exchange Offer; and
 
(II)
deliver, or cause to be delivered, to the Trustee for cancellation all Registrable Securities or portions thereof so accepted for exchange by the Company and issue, and cause the Trustee to promptly authenticate and
 

 
7

 

 
deliver to each Holder, Exchange Securities equal in principal amount to the principal amount of the Registrable Securities validly tendered by such Holder and accepted for exchange pursuant to the Exchange Offer.
 
The Company and the Guarantors shall use their reasonable best efforts to complete the Exchange Offer as provided above and shall comply with the applicable requirements of the Securities Act, the Exchange Act and other applicable laws and regulations in connection with the Exchange Offer.  The Exchange Offer shall not be subject to any conditions, other than that the Exchange Offer does not violate any applicable law or applicable interpretations of the Staff.
 
(b)           In the event that (i) the Company and the Guarantors determine that the Exchange Offer Registration provided for in Section 2(a) hereof is not available or the Exchange Offer may not be completed as soon as practicable after the last Exchange Date in each case because it would violate any applicable law or applicable interpretations of the Staff, (ii) the Exchange Offer is not for any other reason completed by the Target Registration Date or (iii) upon receipt of a written request (a “ Shelf Request ”) from any Initial Purchaser representing that it holds Registrable Securities that are or were ineligible to be exchanged in the Exchange Offer, the Company and the Guarantors shall use their reasonable best efforts to cause to be filed as soon as practicable after such determination, date or Shelf Request, as the case may be, a Shelf Registration Statement providing for the sale of all the Registrable Securities by the Holders thereof and to have such Shelf Registration Statement become effective; provided that no Holder will be entitled to have any Registrable Securities included in any Shelf Registration Statement, or entitled to use the prospectus forming a part of such Shelf Registration Statement, until such Holder shall have delivered a completed and signed Notice and Questionnaire and provided such other information regarding such Holder to the Company as is contemplated by Section 3(b) hereof.
 
In the event that the Company and the Guarantors are required to file a Shelf Registration Statement pursuant to clause (iii) of the preceding sentence, the Company and the Guarantors shall use their reasonable best efforts to file and have become effective both an Exchange Offer Registration Statement pursuant to Section 2(a) hereof with respect to all Registrable Securities and a Shelf Registration Statement (which may be a combined Registration Statement with the Exchange Offer Registration Statement) with respect to offers and sales of Registrable Securities held by the Initial Purchasers after completion of the Exchange Offer.
 
The Company and the Guarantors agree to use their reasonable best efforts to keep the Shelf Registration Statement continuously effective until the Securities cease to be Registrable Securities (the Shelf Effectiveness Period ).  The Company and the Guarantors further agree to supplement or amend the Shelf Registration Statement, the related Prospectus and any Free Writing
 

 
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Prospectus if required by the rules, regulations or instructions applicable to the registration form used by the Company for such Shelf Registration Statement or by the Securities Act or by any other rules and regulations thereunder or if reasonably requested by a Holder of Registrable Securities with respect to information relating to such Holder, and to use their reasonable best efforts to cause any such amendment to become effective, if required, and such Shelf Registration Statement, Prospectus or Free Writing Prospectus, as the case may be, to become usable as soon as thereafter practicable.  The Company and the Guarantors agree to furnish to the Participating Holders copies of any such supplement or amendment as promptly as practicable after its being used or filed with the SEC.
 
(c)           The Company and the Guarantors shall pay all Registration Expenses in connection with any registration pursuant to Section 2(a) or Section 2(b) hereof.  Each Holder shall pay all underwriting discounts and commissions, brokerage commissions and transfer taxes, if any, relating to the sale or disposition of such Holder’s Registrable Securities pursuant to the Shelf Registration Statement.
 
(d)           An Exchange Offer Registration Statement pursuant to Section 2(a) hereof will not be deemed to have become effective unless it has been declared effective by the SEC.  A Shelf Registration Statement pursuant to Section 2(b) hereof will not be deemed to have become effective unless it has been declared effective by the SEC or is automatically effective upon filing with the SEC as provided by Rule 462 under the Securities Act.
 
If a Registration Default occurs, the interest rate on the Registrable Securities will be increased by (i) 0.25% per annum for the first 90-day period beginning on the day immediately following such Registration Default and (ii) an additional 0.25% per annum with respect to each subsequent 90-day period, in each case until and including the date such Registration Default ends, up to a maximum increase of 1.00% per annum.  A Registration Default ends when the Securities cease to be Registrable Securities or, if earlier, (1) in the case of a Registration Default under clause (i) of the definition thereof, when the Exchange Offer is completed, (2) in the case of a Registration Default under clause (ii) or clause (iii) of the definition thereof, when the Shelf Registration Statement becomes effective or (3) in the case of a Registration Default under clause (iv) of the definition thereof, when the Shelf Registration Statement again becomes effective or the Prospectus again becomes usable.  If at any time more than one Registration Default has occurred and is continuing, then, until the next date that there is no Registration Default, the increase in interest rate provided for by this paragraph shall apply as if there occurred a single Registration Default that begins on the date that the earliest such Registration Default occurred and ends on such next date that there is no Registration Default.
 
(e)           Without limiting the remedies available to the Initial Purchasers and the Holders, the Company and the Guarantors acknowledge that any failure by
 

 
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the Company or the Guarantors to comply with their obligations under Section 2(a) and Section 2(b) hereof may result in material irreparable injury to the Initial Purchasers or the Holders for which there is no adequate remedy at law, that it will not be possible to measure damages for such injuries precisely and that, in the event of any such failure, the Initial Purchasers or any Holder may obtain such relief as may be required to specifically enforce the Company’s and the Guarantors' obligations under Section 2(a) and Section 2(b) hereof.
 
3.            Registration Procedures .  (a) In connection with their obligations pursuant to Section 2(a) and Section 2(b) hereof, the Company and the Guarantors shall as soon as practicable:
 
(i)           prepare and file with the SEC a Registration Statement on the appropriate form under the Securities Act, which form (A) shall be selected by the Company and the Guarantors, (B) shall, in the case of a Shelf Registration, be available for the sale of the Registrable Securities by the Holders thereof and (C) shall comply as to form in all material respects with the requirements of the applicable form and include all financial statements required by the SEC to be filed therewith; and use their reasonable best efforts to cause such Registration Statement to become effective and remain effective for the applicable period in accordance with Section 2 hereof;
 
(ii)           prepare and file with the SEC such amendments and post-effective amendments to each Registration Statement as may be necessary to keep such Registration Statement effective for the applicable period in accordance with Section 2 hereof and cause each Prospectus to be supplemented by any required prospectus supplement and, as so supplemented, to be filed pursuant to Rule 424 under the Securities Act; and keep each Prospectus current during the period described in Section 4(3) of and Rule 174 under the Securities Act that is applicable to transactions by brokers or dealers with respect to the Registrable Securities or Exchange Securities;
 
(iii)           to the extent any Free Writing Prospectus is used, file with the SEC any Free Writing Prospectus that is required to be filed by the Company or the Guarantors with the SEC in accordance with the Securities Act and to retain any Free Writing Prospectus not required to be filed;
 
(iv)           in the case of a Shelf Registration, furnish to each Participating Holder, to counsel for the Initial Purchasers (if any Registrable Securities held by the Initial Purchasers are included in such registration statement), to counsel for such Participating Holders and to each Underwriter of an Underwritten Offering of Registrable Securities, if any, without charge, as many copies of each Prospectus, preliminary prospectus or Free Writing Prospectus, and any amendment or supplement thereto, as such Participating Holder, counsel or Underwriter may reasonably request in order to facilitate the sale or other disposition of the Registrable Securities thereunder; and, subject to Section 3(c) hereof, the Company and the Guarantors consent to the use of such Prospectus,
 

 
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preliminary prospectus or such Free Writing Prospectus and any amendment or supplement thereto in accordance with applicable law by each of the Participating Holders and any such Underwriters in connection with the offering and sale of the Registrable Securities covered by and in the manner described in such Prospectus, preliminary prospectus or such Free Writing Prospectus or any amendment or supplement thereto in accordance with applicable law;
 
(v)           use their reasonable best efforts to register or qualify the Registrable Securities under all applicable state securities or blue sky laws of such jurisdictions as any Participating Holder shall reasonably request in writing by the time the applicable Registration Statement becomes effective; cooperate with such Participating Holders in connection with any filings required to be made with FINRA; and do any and all other acts and things that may be reasonably necessary or advisable to enable each Participating Holder to complete the disposition in each such jurisdiction of the Registrable Securities owned by such Participating Holder; provided that neither the Company nor any Guarantor shall be required to (1) qualify as a foreign corporation or other entity or as a dealer in securities in any such jurisdiction where it would not otherwise be required to so qualify, (2) file any general consent to service of process in any such jurisdiction, (3) subject itself to taxation in any such jurisdiction if it is not so subject or (4) make any changes to its incorporating or organizational documents or any other agreement between it and its stockholders or members, if any;
 
(vi)           notify counsel for the Initial Purchasers and, in the case of a Shelf Registration, notify each Participating Holder and counsel for such Participating Holders promptly and, if requested by any such Participating Holder or counsel, confirm such advice in writing (1) when a Registration Statement has become effective, when any post-effective amendment thereto has been filed and becomes effective, when any Free Writing Prospectus has been filed or any amendment or supplement to the Prospectus or any Free Writing Prospectus has been filed, (2) of any request by the SEC or any state securities authority for amendments and supplements to a Registration Statement, Prospectus or any Free Writing Prospectus or for additional information after the Registration Statement has become effective, (3) of the issuance by the SEC or any state securities authority of any stop order suspending the effectiveness of a Registration Statement or the initiation of any proceedings for that purpose, including the receipt by the Company of any notice of objection of the SEC to the use of a Shelf Registration Statement or any post-effective amendment thereto pursuant to Rule 401(g)(2) under the Securities Act, (4) if, between the applicable effective date of a Shelf Registration Statement and the closing of any sale of Registrable Securities covered thereby, the representations and warranties of the Company or any Guarantor contained in any underwriting agreement, securities sales agreement or other similar agreement, if any, relating to an offering of such Registrable Securities cease to be true and correct in all material respects or if the Company or any Guarantor receives any notification with respect to the suspension of the qualification of the Registrable Securities for sale in any jurisdiction or the initiation of any proceeding for such purpose, (5) of the
 

 
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happening of any event during the period a Registration Statement is effective that makes any statement made in such Registration Statement or the related Prospectus or any Free Writing Prospectus untrue in any material respect or that requires the making of any changes in such Registration Statement or Prospectus or any Free Writing Prospectus in order to make the statements therein not misleading and (6) of any determination by the Company or any Guarantor that a post-effective amendment to a Registration Statement or any amendment or supplement to the Prospectus or any Free Writing Prospectus would be appropriate;
 
(vii)           use their reasonable best efforts to obtain the withdrawal of any order suspending the effectiveness of a Registration Statement or, in the case of a Shelf Registration, the resolution of any objection of the SEC pursuant to Rule 401(g)(2) under the Securities Act, including by filing an amendment to such Registration Statement on the proper form, at the earliest possible moment and provide immediate notice to each Holder or Participating Holder of the withdrawal of any such order or such resolution;
 
(viii)           in the case of a Shelf Registration, furnish to each Participating Holder, without charge, at least one conformed copy of each Registration Statement and any post-effective amendment thereto (without any documents incorporated therein by reference or exhibits thereto, unless requested);
 
(ix)           in the case of a Shelf Registration, cooperate with the Participating Holders to facilitate the timely preparation and delivery of certificates representing Registrable Securities to be sold and not bearing any restrictive legends and enable such Registrable Securities to be issued in such denominations and registered in such names (consistent with the provisions of the Indenture) as such Participating Holders may reasonably request at least one Business Day prior to the closing of any sale of Registrable Securities;
 
(x)           upon the occurrence of any event contemplated by Section 3(a)(vi)(5) hereof, use their reasonable best efforts to prepare and file with the SEC a supplement or post-effective amendment to the applicable Exchange Offer Registration Statement or Shelf Registration Statement or the related Prospectus or any Free Writing Prospectus or any document incorporated therein by reference or file any other required document so that, as thereafter delivered (or, to the extent permitted by law, made available) to purchasers of the Registrable Securities, such Prospectus or Free Writing Prospectus, as the case may be, will not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading; and the Company shall notify the Participating Holders (in the case of a Shelf Registration Statement) and the Initial Purchasers and any Participating Broker-Dealers known to the Company (in the case of an Exchange Offer Registration Statement) to suspend use of the Prospectus or any Free Writing Prospectus as promptly as practicable after the occurrence of such an event, and such
 

 
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Participating Holders, such Participating Broker-Dealers and the Initial Purchasers, as applicable, hereby agree to suspend use of the Prospectus or any Free Writing Prospectus, as the case may be, until the Company and the Guarantors have amended or supplemented the Prospectus or the Free Writing Prospectus, as the case may be, to correct such misstatement or omission;
 
(xi)           a reasonable time prior to the filing of any Registration Statement, any Prospectus, any Free Writing Prospectus, any amendment to a Registration Statement or amendment or supplement to a Prospectus or a Free Writing Prospectus or of any document that is to be incorporated by reference into a Registration Statement, a Prospectus or a Free Writing Prospectus after initial filing of a Registration Statement, provide copies of such document to the Initial Purchasers and their counsel (and, in the case of a Shelf Registration Statement, to the Participating Holders and their counsel) and make such of the representatives of the Company and the Guarantors as shall be reasonably requested by the Initial Purchasers or their counsel (and, in the case of a Shelf Registration Statement, the Participating Holders or their counsel) available for discussion of such document; and the Company and the Guarantors shall not, at any time after initial filing of a Registration Statement, use or file any Prospectus, any Free Writing Prospectus, any amendment of or supplement to a Registration Statement or a Prospectus or a Free Writing Prospectus, or any document that is to be incorporated by reference into a Registration Statement, a Prospectus or a Free Writing Prospectus, of which the Initial Purchasers and their counsel (and, in the case of a Shelf Registration Statement, the Participating Holders and their counsel) shall not have previously been advised and furnished a copy or to which the Initial Purchasers or their counsel (and, in the case of a Shelf Registration Statement, the Participating Holders or their counsel) shall reasonably object within a reasonable time after receipt thereof, unless the Company believes such Prospectus or Free Writing Prospectus or document that is to be incorporated by reference into a  Registration statement is required by applicable law;
 
(xii)           obtain a CUSIP number for all Exchange Securities or Registrable Securities, as the case may be, not later than the initial effective date of a Registration Statement covering such Exchange Securities or Registrable Securities;
 
(xiii)           cause the Indenture to be qualified under the Trust Indenture Act in connection with the registration of the Exchange Securities or Registrable Securities, as the case may be; cooperate with the Trustee and the Holders to effect such changes to the Indenture as may be required for the Indenture to be so qualified in accordance with the terms of the Trust Indenture Act; and execute, and use their reasonable best efforts to cause the Trustee to execute, all documents as may be required to effect such changes and all other forms and documents required to be filed with the SEC to enable the Indenture to be so qualified in a timely manner;
 

 
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(xiv)           in the case of a Shelf Registration, make available for inspection by a representative of the Participating Holders (an “ Inspector ”), any Underwriter participating in any disposition pursuant to such Shelf Registration Statement, any attorneys and accountants designated by a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Securities held by the Participating Holders and any attorneys and accountants designated by such Underwriter, at reasonable times and in a reasonable manner, all pertinent financial and other records, documents and properties of the Company and its subsidiaries, and cause the respective officers, directors and employees of the Company and the Guarantors to supply all information reasonably requested by any such Inspector, Underwriter, attorney or accountant in connection with a Shelf Registration Statement; provided that if any such information is identified by the Company or any Guarantor as being confidential or proprietary, each Person receiving such information shall take such actions as are reasonably necessary to protect the confidentiality of such information to the extent such action is otherwise not inconsistent with, an impairment of or in derogation of the rights and interests of any Inspector, Holder or Underwriter);
 
(xv)           in the case of a Shelf Registration, use their reasonable best efforts to cause all Registrable Securities to be listed on any securities exchange or any automated quotation system on which similar securities issued or guaranteed by the Company or any Guarantor are then listed if requested by the Majority Holders, to the extent such Registrable Securities satisfy applicable listing requirements;
 
(xvi)           if reasonably requested by any Participating Holder, promptly include in a Prospectus supplement or post-effective amendment such information with respect to such Participating Holder as such Participating Holder reasonably requests to be included therein and make all required filings of such Prospectus supplement or such post-effective amendment as soon as the Company has received notification of the matters to be so included in such filing;
 
(xvii)           in the case of a Shelf Registration, enter into such customary agreements and take all such other actions in connection therewith (including those requested by the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Registrable Securities covered by the Shelf Registration Statement) in order to expedite or facilitate the disposition of such Registrable Securities including, but not limited to, an Underwritten Offering and in such connection, (1) to the extent possible, make such representations and warranties to the Participating Holders and any Underwriters of such Registrable Securities with respect to the business of the Company and its subsidiaries and the Registration Statement, Prospectus, any Free Writing Prospectus and documents incorporated by reference or deemed incorporated by reference, if any, in each case, in form, substance and scope as are customarily made by issuers to underwriters in underwritten offerings and confirm the same if and when required by the applicable underwriting agreement, (2) obtain opinions of counsel to the Company and the Guarantors (which counsel and opinions, in form, scope and substance, shall be
 

 
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reasonably satisfactory to the Participating Holders and such Underwriters and their respective counsel) addressed to each Participating Holder and Underwriter of Registrable Securities in customary form subject to customary limitations, assumptions and exclusions and covering the matters customarily covered in opinions requested in underwritten offerings, (3) obtain “comfort” letters from the independent registered public accountants of the Company and the Guarantors (and, if necessary, any other registered public accountant of any subsidiary of the Company or any Guarantor, or of any business acquired by the Company or any Guarantor for which financial statements and financial data are or are required to be included in the Registration Statement) addressed to each Participating Holder (to the extent permitted by applicable professional standards) and Underwriter of Registrable Securities, such letters to be in customary form and covering matters of the type customarily covered in “comfort” letters in connection with underwritten offerings, including but not limited to financial information contained in any preliminary prospectus, Prospectus or Free Writing Prospectus and (4) deliver such documents and certificates as may be reasonably requested by the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Registrable Securities being sold or the Underwriters, and which are customarily delivered in underwritten offerings, to evidence the continued validity of the representations and warranties of the Company and the Guarantors made pursuant to clause (1) above and to evidence compliance with any customary conditions contained in the applicable underwriting agreement; and
 
(xviii)           so long as any Registrable Securities remain outstanding, cause each Additional Guarantor upon the creation or acquisition by the Company of such Additional Guarantor (including without limitation, contemporaneously with the consummation of the Merger, Griffin and any subsidiary of Griffin that is an Additional Guarantor), to execute a counterpart to this Agreement in the form attached hereto as Annex A and to deliver such counterpart, together with an opinion of counsel as to the enforceability thereof against such entity, to the Initial Purchasers no later than five Business Days following the execution thereof.
 
(b)           In the case of a Shelf Registration Statement, the Company may require each Holder of Registrable Securities to furnish to the Company a Notice and Questionnaire and such other information regarding such Holder and the proposed disposition by such Holder of such Registrable Securities as the Company and the Guarantors may from time to time reasonably request in writing. For greater certainty, the Company and the Guarantors shall be entitled to refuse to include for registration the Registrable Securities held by a Holder who fails to comply with such request and provides the Notice and Questionnaire, and such Holder shall not be entitled to include for registration its Registrable Securities until it provides such information.
 
(c)           Each Participating Holder agrees that, upon receipt of any notice from the Company and the Guarantors of the happening of any event of the kind described in Section 3(a)(vi)(3) or Section 3(a)(vi)(5) hereof, such Participating Holder will forthwith discontinue disposition of Registrable Securities pursuant to
 

 
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the Shelf Registration Statement until such Participating Holder’s receipt of the copies of the supplemented or amended Prospectus and any Free Writing Prospectus contemplated by Section 3(a)(x) hereof and, if so directed by the Company and the Guarantors, such Participating Holder will deliver to the Company and the Guarantors all copies in its possession, other than permanent file copies then in such Participating Holder’s possession, of the Prospectus and any Free Writing Prospectus covering such Registrable Securities that is current at the time of receipt of such notice.
 
(d)           If the Company and the Guarantors shall give any notice to suspend the disposition of Registrable Securities pursuant to a Registration Statement, the Company and the Guarantors shall extend the period during which such Registration Statement shall be maintained effective pursuant to this Agreement by the number of days during the period from and including the date of the giving of such notice to and including the date when the Holders of such Registrable Securities shall have received copies of the supplemented or amended Prospectus or any Free Writing Prospectus necessary to resume such dispositions. The Company and the Guarantors may give any such notice only twice during any 365-day period and any such suspensions shall not exceed 30 days for each suspension and there shall not be more than two suspensions in effect during any 365-day period.
 
(e)           The Participating Holders who desire to do so may provide the Company with a written request requesting that the sale of such Registrable Securities be made in an Underwritten Offering.  In any such Underwritten Offering, the investment bank or investment banks and manager or managers (each an “ Underwriter ”) that will administer the offering will be selected by the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Registrable Securities included in such offering. Subject to the consent of the Company (not to be unreasonably withheld), such Holders shall be responsible for all underwriting commissions and discounts in connection therewith and shall agree to sell such Participating Holder’s Registrable Securities on the basis provided in any underwriting agreement by the person entitled to approve such arrangements, and shall complete and execute customary powers of attorney, indemnities or other documents and agreements required under such underwriting agreement.
 
4.            Participation of Broker-Dealers in Exchange Offer .  (a)  The Staff has taken the position that any broker-dealer that receives Exchange Securities for its own account in the Exchange Offer in exchange for Securities that were acquired by such broker-dealer as a result of market-making or other trading activities (a “ Participating Broker-Dealer ”) may be deemed to be an “underwriter” within the meaning of the Securities Act and must deliver a prospectus meeting the requirements of the Securities Act in connection with any resale of such Exchange Securities.
 
The Company and the Guarantors understand that it is the Staff’s position that if the Prospectus contained in the Exchange Offer Registration Statement
 

 
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includes a plan of distribution containing a statement to the above effect and the means by which Participating Broker-Dealers may resell the Exchange Securities, without naming the Participating Broker-Dealers or specifying the amount of Exchange Securities owned by them, such Prospectus may be delivered by Participating Broker-Dealers (or, to the extent permitted by law, made available to purchasers) to satisfy their prospectus delivery obligation under the Securities Act in connection with resales of Exchange Securities for their own accounts, so long as the Prospectus otherwise meets the requirements of the Securities Act.
 
(b)           In light of the above, and notwithstanding the other provisions of this Agreement, the Company and the Guarantors agree to use their reasonable best efforts to amend or supplement the Prospectus contained in the Exchange Offer Registration Statement for a period of up to 180 days after the last Exchange Date (as such period may be extended pursuant to Section 3(d) hereof), in order to expedite or facilitate the disposition of any Exchange Securities by Participating Broker-Dealers consistent with the positions of the Staff recited in Section 4(a) above.  The Company and the Guarantors further agree that Participating Broker-Dealers shall be authorized to deliver such Prospectus (or, to the extent permitted by law, make available) during such period in connection with the resales contemplated by this Section 4.
 
(c)           The Initial Purchasers shall have no liability to the Company, any Guarantor or any Holder with respect to any request that they may make pursuant to Section 4(b) hereof.
 
5.            Indemnification and Contribution .  (a)  The Company and each Guarantor, jointly and severally, agree to indemnify and hold harmless each Initial Purchaser and each Holder, their respective affiliates, directors and officers and each Person, if any, who controls any Initial Purchaser or any Holder within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act or Section 20 of the Exchange Act, from and against any and all losses, claims, damages and liabilities (including, without limitation, legal fees and other expenses incurred in connection with any suit, action or proceeding or any claim asserted, as such fees and expenses are incurred), joint or several, that arise out of, or are based upon, (1) any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in any Registration Statement or any omission or alleged omission to state therein a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements therein not misleading, or (2) any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in any Prospectus, any Free Writing Prospectus or any “issuer information” (“ Issuer Information ”) filed or required to be filed pursuant to Rule 433(d) under the Securities Act, or any omission or alleged omission to state therein a material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading, in each case except insofar as such losses, claims, damages or liabilities arise out of, or are based upon, any untrue statement or omission or alleged untrue statement or omission made in reliance upon and in
 

 
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conformity with any information relating to any Initial Purchaser or information relating to any Holder furnished to the Company in writing through J.P. Morgan or any selling Holder, respectively, expressly for use therein.  In connection with any Underwritten Offering permitted by Section 3, the Company and the Guarantors, jointly and severally, will also indemnify the Underwriters, if any, selling brokers, dealers and similar securities industry professionals participating in the distribution, their respective affiliates and each Person who controls such Persons (within the meaning of the Securities Act and the Exchange Act) to the same extent as provided above with respect to the indemnification of the Holders, if requested in connection with any Registration Statement, any Prospectus, any Free Writing Prospectus or any Issuer Information.
 
(b)           Each Holder agrees, severally and not jointly, to indemnify and hold harmless the Company, the Guarantors, the Initial Purchasers and the other selling Holders, the directors of the Company and the Guarantors, each officer of the Company and the Guarantors who signed the Registration Statement and each Person, if any, who controls the Company, the Guarantors, any Initial Purchaser and any other selling Holder within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act or Section 20 of the Exchange Act to the same extent as the indemnity set forth in paragraph (a) above, but only with respect to any losses, claims, damages or liabilities that arise out of, or are based upon, any untrue statement or omission or alleged untrue statement or omission made in reliance upon and in conformity with any information relating to such Holder furnished to the Company in writing by such Holder expressly for use in any Registration Statement, any Prospectus and any Free Writing Prospectus.
 
(c)           If any suit, action, proceeding (including any governmental or regulatory investigation), claim or demand shall be brought or asserted against any Person in respect of which indemnification may be sought pursuant to either paragraph (a) or (b) above, such Person (the “ Indemnified Person ”) shall promptly notify the Person against whom such indemnification may be sought (the “ Indemnifying Person ”) in writing; provided that the failure to notify the Indemnifying Person shall not relieve it from any liability that it may have under paragraph (a) or (b) above except to the extent that it has been materially prejudiced (through the forfeiture of substantive rights or defenses) by such failure; and provided , further , that the failure to notify the Indemnifying Person shall not relieve it from any liability that it may have to an Indemnified Person otherwise than under paragraph (a) or (b) above.  If any such proceeding shall be brought or asserted against an Indemnified Person and it shall have notified the Indemnifying Person thereof, the Indemnifying Person shall retain counsel reasonably satisfactory to the Indemnified Person to represent the Indemnified Person and any others entitled to indemnification pursuant to this Section 5 that the Indemnifying Person may designate in such proceeding and shall pay the fees and expenses of such proceeding and shall pay the fees and expenses of such counsel related to such proceeding, as incurred.  In any such proceeding, any Indemnified Person shall have the right to retain its own counsel, but the fees and expenses of such counsel shall be at the expense of such Indemnified
 

 
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Person unless (i) the Indemnifying Person and the Indemnified Person shall have mutually agreed to the contrary; (ii) the Indemnifying Person has failed within a reasonable time to retain counsel reasonably satisfactory to the Indemnified Person; (iii) the Indemnified Person shall have reasonably concluded that there may be legal defenses available to it that are different from or in addition to those available to the Indemnifying Person; or (iv) the named parties in any such proceeding (including any impleaded parties) include both the Indemnifying Person and the Indemnified Person and representation of both parties by the same counsel would be inappropriate due to actual or potential differing interests between them.  It is understood and agreed that the Indemnifying Person shall not, in connection with any proceeding or related proceeding in the same jurisdiction, be liable for the fees and expenses of more than one separate firm (in addition to any local counsel) for all Indemnified Persons, and that all such fees and expenses shall be reimbursed as they are incurred.  Any such separate firm (x) for any Initial Purchaser, its affiliates, directors and officers and any control Persons of such Initial Purchaser shall be designated in writing by J.P. Morgan, (y) for any Holder, its directors and officers and any control Persons of such Holder shall be designated in writing by the Majority Holders and (z) in all other cases shall be designated in writing by the Company.  The Indemnifying Person shall not be liable for any settlement of any proceeding effected without its written consent, but if settled with such consent or if there be a final judgment for the plaintiff, the Indemnifying Person agrees to indemnify each Indemnified Person from and against any loss or liability by reason of such settlement or judgment.  No Indemnifying Person shall, without the written consent of the Indemnified Person, effect any settlement of any pending or threatened proceeding in respect of which any Indemnified Person is or could have been a party and indemnification could have been sought hereunder by such Indemnified Person, unless such settlement (A) includes an unconditional release of such Indemnified Person, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to such Indemnified Person, from all liability on claims that are the subject matter of such proceeding and (B) does not include any statement as to or any admission of fault, culpability or a failure to act by or on behalf of any Indemnified Person.
 
(d)           If the indemnification provided for in paragraphs (a) and (b) above is unavailable to an Indemnified Person or insufficient in respect of any losses, claims, damages or liabilities referred to therein, then each Indemnifying Person under such paragraph, in lieu of indemnifying such Indemnified Person thereunder, shall contribute to the amount paid or payable by such Indemnified Person as a result of such losses, claims, damages or liabilities (i) in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect the relative benefits received by the Company and the Guarantors from the offering of the Securities and the Exchange Securities, on the one hand, and by the Holders from receiving Securities or Exchange Securities registered under the Securities Act, on the other hand, or (ii) if the allocation provided by clause (i) is not permitted by applicable law, in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect not only the relative benefits referred to in clause (i) but also the relative fault of the Company and the
 

 
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Guarantors on the one hand and the Holders on the other in connection with the statements or omissions that resulted in such losses, claims, damages or liabilities, as well as any other relevant equitable considerations.  The relative fault of the Company and the Guarantors on the one hand and the Holders on the other shall be determined by reference to, among other things, whether the untrue or alleged untrue statement of a material fact or the omission or alleged omission to state a material fact relates to information supplied by the Company and the Guarantors or by the Holders and the parties' relative intent, knowledge, access to information and opportunity to correct or prevent such statement or omission.
 
(e)           The Company, the Guarantors and the Holders agree that it would not be just and equitable if contribution pursuant to this Section 5 were determined by pro rata allocation (even if the Holders were treated as one entity for such purpose) or by any other method of allocation that does not take account of the equitable considerations referred to in paragraph (d) above.  The amount paid or payable by an Indemnified Person as a result of the losses, claims, damages and liabilities referred to in paragraph (d) above shall be deemed to include, subject to the limitations set forth above, any legal or other expenses incurred by such Indemnified Person in connection with any such action or claim.  Notwithstanding the provisions of this Section 5, in no event shall a Holder be required to contribute any amount in excess of the amount by which the total price at which the Securities or Exchange Securities sold by such Holder exceeds the amount of any damages that such Holder has otherwise been required to pay by reason of such untrue or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission.  No Person guilty of fraudulent misrepresentation (within the meaning of Section 11(f) of the Securities Act) shall be entitled to contribution from any Person who was not guilty of such fraudulent misrepresentation.  The Holders’ obligations to contribute pursuant to this Section 5 are several and not joint.
 
(f)           The remedies provided for in this Section 5 are not exclusive and shall not limit any rights or remedies that may otherwise be available to any Indemnified Person at law or in equity.
 
(g)           The indemnity and contribution provisions contained in this Section 5 shall remain operative and in full force and effect regardless of (i) any termination of this Agreement, (ii) any investigation made by or on behalf of the Initial Purchasers or any Holder or any Person controlling any Initial Purchaser or any Holder, or by or on behalf of the Company or the Guarantors or the officers or directors of or any Person controlling the Company or the Guarantors, (iii) acceptance of any of the Exchange Securities and (iv) any sale of Registrable Securities pursuant to a Shelf Registration Statement.
 
6.            General .
 
(a)            No Inconsistent Agreements.   The Company and the Guarantors represent, warrant and agree that (i) the rights granted to the Holders hereunder
 

 
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do not in any way conflict with and are not inconsistent with the rights granted to the holders of any other outstanding securities issued or guaranteed by the Company or any Guarantor under any other agreement and (ii) neither the Company nor any Guarantor has entered into, or on or after the date of this Agreement will enter into, any agreement that is inconsistent with the rights granted to the Holders of Registrable Securities in this Agreement or otherwise conflicts with the provisions hereof.
 
(b)            Amendments and Waivers.   The provisions of this Agreement, including the provisions of this sentence, may not be amended, modified or supplemented, and waivers or consents to departures from the provisions hereof may not be given unless the Company has obtained the written consent of Holders of at least a majority in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Registrable Securities affected by such amendment, modification, supplement, waiver or consent; provided that no amendment, modification, supplement, waiver or consent to any departure from the provisions of Section 5 hereof shall be effective as against any Holder of Registrable Securities unless consented to in writing by such Holder.  Any amendments, modifications, supplements, waivers or consents pursuant to this Section 6(b) shall be by a writing executed by each of the parties hereto.
 
(c)            Notices.   All notices and other communications provided for or permitted hereunder shall be made in writing by hand-delivery, registered first-class mail, telecopier, or any courier guaranteeing overnight delivery (i) if to a Holder, at the most current address given by such Holder to the Company by means of a notice given in accordance with the provisions of this Section 6(c), which address initially is, with respect to the Initial Purchasers, the address set forth in the Purchase Agreement; (ii) if to the Company and the Guarantors, initially at the Company’s address set forth in the Purchase Agreement and thereafter at such other address, notice of which is given in accordance with the provisions of this Section 6(c); and (iii) to such other persons at their respective addresses as provided in the Purchase Agreement and thereafter at such other address, notice of which is given in accordance with the provisions of this Section 6(c).  All such notices and communications shall be deemed to have been duly given: at the time delivered by hand, if personally delivered; five Business Days after being deposited in the mail, postage prepaid, if mailed; when receipt is acknowledged, if telecopied; and on the next Business Day if timely delivered to an air courier guaranteeing overnight delivery.  Copies of all such notices, demands or other communications shall be concurrently delivered by the Person giving the same to the Trustee, at the address specified in the Indenture.
 
(d)            Successors and Assigns. This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the successors, assigns and transferees of each of the parties, including, without limitation and without the need for an express assignment, subsequent Holders; provided that nothing herein shall be deemed to permit any assignment, transfer or other disposition of Registrable Securities in violation of the terms of the Purchase Agreement or the Indenture.  If any
 

 
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transferee of any Holder shall acquire Registrable Securities in any manner, whether by operation of law or otherwise, such Registrable Securities shall be held subject to all the terms of this Agreement, and by taking and holding such Registrable Securities such Person shall be conclusively deemed to have agreed to be bound by and to perform all of the terms and provisions of this Agreement and such Person shall be entitled to receive the benefits hereof.  The Initial Purchasers (in their capacity as Initial Purchasers) shall have no liability or obligation to the Company or the Guarantors with respect to any failure by a Holder to comply with, or any breach by any Holder of, any of the obligations of such Holder under this Agreement.
 
(e)            Third Party Beneficiaries.   Each Holder shall be a third party beneficiary to the agreements made hereunder between the Company and the Guarantors, on the one hand, and the Initial Purchasers, on the other hand, and shall have the right to enforce such agreements directly to the extent it deems such enforcement necessary or advisable to protect its rights or the rights of other Holders hereunder.
 
(f)            Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts and by the parties hereto in separate counterparts, each of which when so executed shall be deemed to be an original and all of which taken together shall constitute one and the same agreement.
 
(g)            Headings.   The headings in this Agreement are for convenience of reference only, are not a part of this Agreement and shall not limit or otherwise affect the meaning hereof.
 
(h)            Governing Law.   This Agreement, and any claim, controversy or dispute arising under or related to this Agreement, shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York.
 
(j)            Entire Agreement; Severability.   This Agreement contains the entire agreement between the parties relating to the subject matter hereof and supersedes all oral statements and prior writings with respect thereto.  If any term, provision, covenant or restriction contained in this Agreement is held by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, void or unenforceable or against public policy, the remainder of the terms, provisions, covenants and restrictions contained herein shall remain in full force and effect and shall in no way be affected, impaired or invalidated.  The Company, the Guarantors and the Initial Purchasers shall endeavor in good faith negotiations to replace the invalid, void or unenforceable provisions with valid provisions the economic effect of which  comes as close as possible to that of the invalid, void or unenforceable provisions.
 

 
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement as of the date first written above.
 
 
 
DARLING INTERNATIONAL INC.
 
By
 
By:
/s/ John O. Muse
   
Name:
John O. Muse
   
Title:
Executive Vice President, Finance and Administration
 
 
 
DARLING INTERNATIONAL LLC
 
By
 
By:
/s/ John O. Muse
   
Name:
John O. Muse
   
Title:
Executive Vice President, Finance and Administration
 
 
 
GRIFFIN INDUSTRIES, INC.
 
By
 
By:
/s/ John O. Muse
   
Name:
John O. Muse
   
Title:
Executive Vice President, Finance and Administration
 
 
 
CRAIG PROTEIN DIVISION, INC.
 
By
 
By:
/s/ John O. Muse
   
Name:
John O. Muse
   
Title:
Executive Vice President, Finance and Administration
 
 
 

Signature Page to Registration Rights Agreement
 
 

 

 
 
 
Confirmed and accepted as of the date first above written:
 
J.P. MORGAN SECURITIES LLC
 
For itself and on behalf of the
several Initial Purchasers
 
 
 
 
By:
/s/ John Stucker
 
  Authorized Signatory   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Signature Page to Registration Rights Agreement
 
 

 

Schedule 1
 
Initial Guarantors
 
Darling National LLC
Griffin Industries, Inc.
Craig Protein Division, Inc.

 
 

 

Annex A
 
Counterpart to Registration Rights Agreement
 
The undersigned hereby absolutely, unconditionally and irrevocably agrees as a Guarantor (as defined in the Registration Rights Agreement, dated December 17, 2010 by and among Darling International Inc., a Delaware corporation, the guarantors party thereto and J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, on behalf of itself and the other Initial Purchasers) to be bound by the terms and provisions of such Registration Rights Agreement.
 
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this counterpart as of _______________, 201_.
 
[GUARANTOR]
 
 
 
By___________________________
Name:
Title:
 
 
EXHIBIT 10.5
 
 
EXECUTION VERSION

 
REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT
 
This Registration Rights Agreement (this “ Agreement ”) is made and entered into as of December 17, 2010, and entered into by and among Darling International Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “ Company ”), and each of the stockholders listed on the signature pages hereto (individually, a “ Holder ,” and collectively, the “ Holders ”).
 
RECITALS
 
WHEREAS , the Company, each of the Holders and Robert A. Griffin, as the Investors’ Representative, are parties to that certain Rollover Agreement, dated as of November 9, 2010 (the “ Rollover Agreement ”);
 
WHEREAS ,   pursuant to the Rollover Agreement, the Holders are exchanging a portion of their common shares, no par value (“ Griffin Shares ”), of Griffin Industries, Inc. (“ Griffin ”) for shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share, of the Company (“ Common Stock ”);
 
WHEREAS , the Company is a party to that certain Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of November 9, 2010 (the “ Merger Agreement ”), by and among the Company, DG Acquisition Corp. (“ Merger Sub ”), Griffin and Robert A. Griffin, in his capacity as Shareholders’ Representative, pursuant to which, among other things, Merger Sub will be merged with and into Griffin, with Griffin continuing as the surviving corporation (the “ Merger ”);
 
WHEREAS , the Company desires to enter into this Agreement in order to provide the Holders with certain rights to register the Registrable Securities (as defined below) as provided herein.
 
AGREEMENT
 
NOW THEREFORE , in consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements contained herein, the parties hereto agree as follows:
 
1.   Definitions and Interpretive Matters .
 
(a)   Definitions . As used in this Agreement, the following capitalized terms shall have the following meanings:
 
Affiliate ” means, with respect to a Person, any other Person that, directly or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with, such Person and the term “control” (including the terms “controlled by” and “under common control with”) means the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of such Person, whether through ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise.
 
Agreement ” has the meaning set forth in the preamble hereto.
 

 
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Board ” means the board of directors of the Company.
 
Closing Date ” has the meaning set forth in Section 5(a)(xiii) .
 
Common Stock ” has the meaning set forth in the recitals hereto.
 
Company ” has the meaning set forth in the preamble hereto.
 
Damages ” has the meaning set forth in Section 6(a) .
 
Demand Notice ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2(a) .
 
Demand Request ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2(a) .
 
Demand Registration ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2(a) .
 
Exchange Act ” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended from time to time.
 
FINRA ” means the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority.
 
Griffin ” has the meaning set forth in the recitals hereto.
 
Griffin Shares ” has the meaning set forth in the recitals hereto.
 
Holder ” has the meaning set forth in the preamble hereto.
 
Inspectors ” has the meaning set forth in Section 5(a)(xvi) .
 
Merger ” has the meaning set forth in the recitals hereto.
 
Merger Agreement ” has the meaning set forth in the recitals hereto.
 
Permitted Assignee ” has the meaning set forth in Section 10(a) .
 
Person ” means an individual, partnership, limited partnership, limited liability company, joint venture, corporation, trust or unincorporated organization, a government or any department, agency or political subdivision thereof or other entity.
 
Piggyback Notice ” has the meaning set forth in Section 3(a) .
 
Piggyback Registration ” means a registration pursuant to Section 3 .
 
Prospectus ” means the prospectus included in any Registration Statement, as amended or supplemented by any prospectus supplement with respect to the terms of the offering of any portion of the Registrable Securities covered by such Registration Statement and by all other amendments and supplements to the prospectus, including post-effective amendments and all material incorporated by reference in such prospectus.
 

 
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Records ” has the meaning set forth in Section 5(a)(xvi) .
 
Registrable Securities ” means shares of Common Stock owned by the Holders and received pursuant to the Rollover Agreement, and any securities of the Company which may be issued or distributed with respect to, or in exchange or substitution for, or conversion of, such Common Stock and such other securities pursuant to a stock dividend, stock split or other distribution, merger, consolidation, recapitalization or reclassification or otherwise; provided , however , that any Registrable Securities shall cease to be Registrable Securities when (i) a Registration Statement with respect to the sale of such Registrable Securities has been declared effective under the Securities Act and such Registrable Securities have been disposed of in accordance with the plan of distribution set forth in such Registration Statement, (ii) such Registrable Securities are distributed pursuant to Rule 144 (or any similar provision then in force) under the Securities Act or (iii) such Registrable Securities shall have been otherwise transferred to a Person other than a Holder or a Permitted Assignee; and provided , further , that any securities that have ceased to be Registrable Securities cannot thereafter become Registrable Securities and any security that is issued or distributed in respect of securities that have ceased to be Registrable Securities is not a Registrable Security.
 
Registration ” means a Demand Registration or a Piggyback Registration.
 
Registration Expenses ” means all expenses incident to the Company’s performance of or compliance with this Agreement, including (i) all registration and filing fees, and any other fees and expenses associated with filings required to be made with any stock exchange, the SEC and FINRA, (ii) all fees and expenses of compliance with state securities or blue sky laws, (iii) all printing and related messenger and delivery expenses (including expenses of printing certificates for the Registrable Securities in a form eligible for deposit with The Depository Trust Company and of printing Prospectuses), (iv) all fees and expenses of counsel for the Company and of all independent certified public accountants of the Company (including the expenses of any special audit and cold comfort letters required by or incident to such performance), (v) Securities Act director and officer liability insurance if the Company so desires or the underwriters so require, (vi) all fees and expenses incurred in connection with the listing of the Registrable Securities on any securities exchange, (vii) reasonable fees and expenses of one counsel selected by the Holders of a majority of the Registrable Securities being registered to represent all such Holders in connection with such registration, provided , however , that in no event shall such fees and expenses pursuant to this subclause (vii) exceed $100,000 in the aggregate for all Registrations, (viii) all fees and expenses of underwriters customarily paid by the issuers of securities and (ix) fees and expenses of other Persons retained by the Company in connection with the Registration; provided , however , that in no event shall Registration Expenses include any underwriting discounts, commissions, transfer taxes, if any, fees attributable to the sale of Registrable Securities or fees and expenses of counsel to underwriters.
 
Registration Statement ” means any registration statement of the Company which covers any of the Registrable Securities pursuant to the provisions of this Agreement, including the Prospectus, amendments and supplements to such Registration Statement, including post-effective amendments, all exhibits and all material incorporated by reference in such Registration Statement.
 

 
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Requesting Holder ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2(a) .
 
SEC ” means the Securities and Exchange Commission.
 
Securities Act ” means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended from time to time.
 
Underwritten Registration ” or “ Underwritten Offering ” means a sale of securities of the Company to an underwriter for re-offering to the public.
 
(b)   Other Definitional and Interpretive Matters .  Unless otherwise expressly provided, for purposes of this Agreement, the following rules of interpretation shall apply:
 
Calculation of Time Period .  When calculating the period of time before which, within which or following which any act is to be done or step taken pursuant to this Agreement, the date that is the reference date in calculating such period shall be excluded.  If the last day of such period is a non-business day, the period in question shall end on the next succeeding business day.
 
Dollars .  Any reference in this Agreement to $ shall mean U.S. dollars.
 
Headings .  The descriptive headings of the several sections of this Agreement are inserted for convenience only, do not constitute a part of this Agreement and shall not affect in any way the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement.  All references herein to “Sections” shall be deemed to be references to sections hereof or Exhibits or schedules hereto unless otherwise indicated.
 
Herein .  The words such as “herein,” “hereinafter,” “hereof,” and “hereunder” refer to this Agreement as a whole and not merely to a subdivision in which such words appear unless the context otherwise requires.
 
Including .  The word “including” or any variation thereof means (unless the context of its usage requires otherwise) “including, but not limited to,” and shall not be construed to limit any general statement that it follows to the specific or similar items or matters immediately following it.
 
2.   Demand Registration .
 
(a)   Right to Demand; Demand Notices .  Subject to the provisions of this Section 2 , at any time after August 14, 2011, one or more Holders holding a majority of all Registrable Securities outstanding at such time (collectively, a “ Requesting Holder ”) may make a written request (a “ Demand Request ”) to the Company for registration under and in accordance with the Securities Act (which Demand Request may require that such registration be an Underwritten Offering) of all or part of the Registrable Securities held by it (a “ Demand Registration ”); provided , that the shares of any Holder whose registration rights have expired pursuant to Section 10(b) of this Agreement shall be excluded from the calculation of the number of shares required to make a Demand Request; provided further , that (i) the Company shall not be obligated to effect in total more than three such Demand Registrations, (ii) the Company shall not be obligated to effect any Demand Registration unless the aggregate market value (based on
 

 
4

 

the market price of the Common Stock on the date such Demand Request is made) of the Common Stock to be registered in such Demand Registration is equal to or greater than $15,000,000, and (iii) no Demand Request shall be made within one hundred eighty (180) days of a prior Demand Request.  Promptly upon receipt of any Demand Request from any Requesting Holder (but in no event more than ten (10) business days thereafter), the Company will serve written notice (the “ Demand Notice ”) of such registration request to all Holders who did not make such Demand Request, and, subject to the terms of this Agreement, the Company will include in such Demand Registration all Registrable Securities of any Holder with respect to which the Company has received written requests for inclusion therein within ten (10) business days after the Demand Notice has been given to the applicable Holder. All requests made pursuant to this Section 2 shall specify the aggregate amount of Common Stock to be registered and will also specify the intended methods of disposition thereof.
 
(b)   Company’s Right to Defer Registration .  If the Company is requested to effect a Demand Registration, and the Company furnishes to the Requesting Holders a copy of a resolution of the Board certified by the secretary of the Company stating that in the good faith judgment of the Board it would be seriously detrimental to the Company and its stockholders for such Registration Statement to be filed and it is therefore essential to defer the filing of such Registration Statement, the Company shall have the right to defer such filing for a period of not more than ninety (90) days after receipt of the Demand Request; provided that, in such event, the Company may postpone a Demand Registration pursuant hereto only twice in any 365-day period.  If the Company shall so postpone the filing of a Demand Registration, the Requesting Holder may, within thirty (30) days after receipt of the notice of postponement, advise the Company in writing that the Requesting Holder has determined to withdraw such Demand Request, and the Company shall not be obligated to effect a Demand Registration pursuant to such withdrawn Demand Request and such withdrawn Demand Request shall not be counted as a Demand Registration effected pursuant to Section 2(a) .
 
(c)   Registration Statement Form .  Registrations under this Section 2 shall be on such appropriate registration form of the SEC as shall be selected by the Company and as shall be reasonably acceptable to the Requesting Holder.
 
(d)   Expenses .  The Company will pay all Registration Expenses in connection with each Demand Registration requested pursuant to this Section 2 .
 
(e)   Effective Registration Statement .  The Company shall be deemed to have effected a Demand Registration if (i) the Registration Statement relating to such Demand Registration is declared effective by the SEC; provided , however , that no Demand Registration shall be deemed to have been effected if (A) such Registration, after it has become effective, is interfered with by any stop order, injunction or other order or requirement of the SEC or other governmental agency or court by reason of an act or omission by the Company, or (B) the conditions to closing specified in the purchase agreement or underwriting agreement entered into in connection with such Registration are not satisfied because of an act or omission by the Company, or (ii) at any time after any Requesting Holder requests a Demand Registration and prior to the effectiveness of the Registration Statement, the preparation of such Registration Statement is discontinued or such Registration Statement is withdrawn or abandoned at the request of such Requesting Holder (other than pursuant to the last sentence of Section 2(b) ),
 

 
5

 

unless the Requesting Holder has paid to the Company in full the Registration Expenses in connection with such Registration Statement.
 
(f)   Priority on Demand Registrations . Notwithstanding the foregoing, if a Registration pursuant to this Section 2 involves an Underwritten Offering and the managing underwriter or underwriters of such proposed Underwritten Offering determines in writing that the total or kind of securities which such Holders and any other Persons intend to include in such offering would be reasonably likely to adversely affect the price, marketability or distribution of the securities offered in such offering, then the Company shall include in such Registration (i) first, to the extent of the amount of securities that all Holders have requested to be included in such Registration, which, in the opinion of the managing underwriter or underwriters, can be sold without such adverse effect referred to above, such amount to be allocated pro rata among all such Holders based upon the relative aggregate amount of gross proceeds to be received by such Holders in the offering and (ii) second, the securities of any other Person, which, in the opinion of the managing underwriter or underwriters, can be sold without such adverse effect referred to above.
 
(g)   Selection of Underwriters .  If any offering pursuant to a Demand Registration involves an Underwritten Offering, the Holders of a majority of the Registrable Securities included in such Demand Registration shall have the right to select the managing underwriter or underwriters to administer the offering, which managing underwriters shall be a firm of nationally recognized standing and reasonably satisfactory to the Company.
 
3.   Piggyback Registrations .
 
(a)   Participation .  Subject to Section 3(b) and Section 8 , if at any time after the date hereof the Company files a Registration Statement (other than (i) any Demand Registration pursuant to Section 2 , (ii) a registration on Form S-4 or Form S-8 or any successor form to such Forms or any similar form, (iii) any registration of securities as it relates to an offering and sale to employees of the Company pursuant to any employee stock plan or other employee benefit plan arrangement or (iv) any registration as it relates to the registration for exchange or otherwise of debt securities or equity securities having a preference over the Common Stock of the Company or its subsidiaries) with respect to an offering that includes any shares of Common Stock, then the Company shall give prompt notice (the “ Piggyback Notice ”) to the Holders, and the Holders shall be entitled to include in such Registration Statement the Registrable Securities held by them. The Piggyback Notice shall offer the Holders the opportunity to register such number of shares of Registrable Securities as each Holder may request and shall set forth (A) the anticipated filing date of such Registration Statement and (B) the number of shares of Common Stock that is proposed to be included in such Registration Statement.  Subject to Section 3(b) , the Company shall include in such Registration Statement such shares of Registrable Securities for which it has received written requests to register such shares within fifteen (15) days after the Piggyback Notice has been given.
 
(b)   Underwriter’s Cutback .  Notwithstanding the foregoing, if a Registration pursuant to this Section 3 involves an Underwritten Offering and the managing underwriter or underwriters of such proposed Underwritten Offering determines that the total or kind of securities which the Holders and any other Persons intend to include in such offering would be
 

 
6

 

reasonably likely to adversely affect the price, marketability or distribution of the securities offered in such offering, then the Company shall include in such Registration (i) first, 100% of the securities that the Company (if the Person initiating such Registration is the Company) proposes to sell, (ii) second, to the extent of the amount of Registrable Securities which all Holders have requested to be included in such Registration, which, in the opinion of the managing underwriter or underwriters, can be sold without such adverse effect referred to above, such amount to be allocated pro rata among all such Holders based upon the number of shares requested to be included by such Holders in the offering, and (iii) third, the securities of any other Person, which, in the opinion of the managing underwriter or underwriters, can be sold without such adverse effect referred to above.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, any Registrable Securities of the Holders not included in an Underwritten Offering pursuant to the foregoing sentence shall be included in any underwriter over-allotment option associated with such Underwritten Offering before any securities that the Company proposes to include in such Underwritten Offering are included.
 
(c)   Expenses .  The Company will pay all Registration Expenses in connection with each Registration of Registrable Securities requested pursuant to this Section 3 , regardless of whether any such Registration becomes effective.
 
(d)   Company Control . Other than with respect to a request for a Demand Registration pursuant to Section 2 , the Company may decline to file a Registration Statement to be prepared and filed by the Company after giving the Piggyback Notice, or withdraw such a Registration Statement after filing, but prior to the effectiveness of the Registration Statement, provided that the Company shall promptly notify each Holder in writing of any such action.
 
(e)   No Effect on Demand Registrations .  No Registration effected under this Section 3 shall be deemed to have been effected pursuant to Section 2 or shall relieve the Company of its obligation to effect any Registration upon request pursuant to Section 2 .
 
4.   Lock-Up and Hold-Back .  Except in connection with an exercise of a Holder’s rights with respect to Piggyback Registrations pursuant to Section 3 , from the date hereof until August 14, 2011, no Holder shall sell, make any short sale of, grant any option for the purchase of, hypothecate, hedge or otherwise dispose of any shares of Common Stock of the Company.  Each Holder further agrees, if so requested by any managing underwriter in an Underwritten Offering, not to sell, make any short sale of, grant any option for the purchase of, hypothecate, hedge or otherwise dispose of securities of the Company or any securities convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for such securities, including in connection with a sale under Rule 144 of the Securities Act during the thirty (30) day period prior to, and (except as part of such Underwritten Registration) during such time period after the effective date of any Registration Statement (not to exceed one hundred eighty (180) days) as the Company and the managing underwriter or underwriters may agree.
 
5.   Registration Procedures .
 
(a)   In connection with the Company’s Registration obligations pursuant to Section 2 and Section 3 , the Company will use its commercially reasonable efforts to effect such Registration to permit the sale of such Registrable Securities in accordance with an Underwritten
 

 
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Offering or such other method or methods of distribution to which the Company may reasonably agree, and pursuant thereto the Company will as expeditiously as practicable:
 
(i)   prepare and file with the SEC a Registration Statement or Registration Statements relating to the applicable Demand Registration or Piggyback Registration, including all exhibits and financial statements required by the SEC to be filed therewith, and use its commercially reasonable efforts to cause such Registration Statement(s) to become effective;
 
(ii)   prepare and file with the SEC such amendments and post-effective amendments to the Registration Statement as may be necessary to keep the Registration Statement effective such period as in the opinion of counsel for the underwriters a Prospectus is required by law to be delivered in connection with sales of Registrable Securities by an underwriter or dealer; cause the Prospectus to be supplemented by any required Prospectus supplement, and as so supplemented to be filed pursuant to Rule 424 under the Securities Act; and comply with the provisions of the Securities Act, the Exchange Act, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder with respect to the disposition of all securities covered by such Registration Statement during the applicable period in accordance with the intended method or methods of distribution by the sellers thereof set forth in such Registration Statement or supplement to the Prospectus;
 
(iii)   notify the selling Holders and the managing underwriters, if any, as soon as practicable after notice thereof is received by the Company (A) when the Registration Statement or any amendment thereto has been filed or becomes effective, the Prospectus or any amendment or supplement to the Prospectus has been filed, and, to furnish such selling Holders and managing underwriters with copies thereof, (B) of any request by the SEC for amendments or supplements to the Registration Statement or the Prospectus or for additional information, (C) of the issuance by the SEC of any stop order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement or any order preventing or suspending the use of any preliminary Prospectus or Prospectus or the initiation or threatening of any proceedings for such purposes and (D) of the receipt by the Company of any notification with respect to the suspension of the qualification of the Registrable Securities for offering or sale in any jurisdiction or the initiation or threatening of any proceeding for such purpose;
 
(iv)   promptly notify the selling Holders and the managing underwriters, if any, at any time prior to nine (9) months after the time of issue of the Prospectus, when the Company becomes aware of the happening of any event as a result of which the Prospectus included in such Registration Statement (as then in effect) contains any untrue statement of a material fact or omits to state a material fact necessary to make the statements therein (in the case of the Prospectus and any preliminary Prospectus, in light of the circumstances under which they were made) when such Prospectus was delivered not misleading or, if for any other reason it shall be necessary during such time period to amend or supplement the Prospectus in order to comply with the Securities Act and, in either case as promptly as practicable thereafter, prepare and file with the SEC, and furnish without charge to the selling Holders and the managing underwriters, if any, a supplement or amendment to such Prospectus which will correct such statement or omission or effect such compliance;
 

 
8

 

(v)   make commercially reasonable efforts to obtain the withdrawal of any stop order or other order suspending the use of any preliminary Prospectus or Prospectus or suspending any qualification of the Registrable Securities;
 
(vi)   if reasonably requested by the managing underwriter or underwriters or Holder of Registrable Securities being sold in connection with an Underwritten Offering, promptly incorporate in a Prospectus supplement or post-effective amendment such information as the managing underwriters and the Holders of a majority of the Registrable Securities being sold agree should be included therein relating to the plan of distribution with respect to such Registrable Securities, including information with respect to the amount of Registrable Securities being sold to such underwriters, the purchase price being paid therefor by such underwriters and with respect to any other terms of the Underwritten Offering of the Registrable Securities to be sold in such offering; and promptly make all required filings of such Prospectus supplement or post-effective amendment;
 
(vii)   furnish to each selling Holder and each managing underwriter, without charge, as many conformed copies as they may reasonably request, of the Registration Statement and any post-effective amendment thereto, including financial statements and schedules, all documents incorporated therein by reference and all exhibits thereto (including those incorporated by reference);
 
(viii)   deliver to each selling Holder and the underwriters, if any, without charge, as many copies of the Prospectus (including each preliminary Prospectus) and any amendment or supplement thereto as such Persons may reasonably request (it being understood that the Company consents to the use of the Prospectus or any amendment or supplement thereto by each of the selling Holders and the underwriters, if any, in connection with the offering and sale of the Registrable Securities covered by the Prospectus or any amendment or supplement thereto) and such other documents as such selling Holder may reasonably request in order to facilitate the disposition of the Registrable Securities by such Holder;
 
(ix)   on or prior to the date on which the Registration Statement is declared effective, use its commercially reasonable efforts to register or qualify the Registrable Securities for offer and sale under the securities or blue sky laws of each state and other jurisdiction of the United States as any such seller, underwriter or agent reasonably requests in writing, and do any and all other acts or things reasonably necessary or advisable to keep such registration or qualification in effect for so long as such Registration Statement remains in effect and so as to permit the continuance of sales and dealings therein for as long as may be necessary to complete the distribution of the Registrable Securities covered by the Registration Statement; provided that the Company will not be required to qualify generally to do business in any jurisdiction where it is not then so qualified or to take any action which would subject it to general service of process in any such jurisdiction where it is not then so subject;
 
(x)   cooperate with the selling Holders and the managing underwriter or agent, if any, to facilitate the timely preparation and delivery of certificates representing Registrable Securities to be sold and not required to bear any restrictive legends and enable such Registrable Securities to be in such denominations and registered in such names as the managing underwriters may request prior to any sale of Registrable Securities to the underwriters;
 

 
9

 

(xi)   not later than the effective date of the applicable Registration Statement, provide a CUSIP number for all Registrable Securities and provide the applicable trustee or transfer agent with printed certificates for the Registrable Securities which are in a form eligible for deposit with The Depository Trust Company;
 
(xii)   enter into customary agreements (including an underwriting agreement) as are customary in any Underwritten Registration;
 
(xiii)   use commercially reasonable efforts to obtain for delivery to the Holders of Registrable Securities being registered and to the underwriter an opinion or opinions from counsel for the Company, upon consummation of the sale of such Registrable Securities to the underwriters (the “ Closing Date ”), in customary form and covering such matters of the type customarily covered by opinions as the Holders of Registrable Securities or underwriter reasonably requests;
 
(xiv)   use commercially reasonable efforts to obtain for delivery to the Company and the underwriter, with copies to the Holders, a comfort letter from the Company’s independent public accountants in customary form and covering such matters of the type customarily covered by comfort letters as the managing underwriter or the Holders of a majority of the Registrable Securities being sold reasonably request, dated the effective date of the Registration Statement and brought down to the Closing Date;
 
(xv)   cooperate with each seller of Registrable Securities and each underwriter or agent participating in the disposition of such Registrable Securities and their respective counsel in connection with any filings required to be made with FINRA;
 
(xvi)   make available for inspection by a representative of the Holders of a majority of the Registrable Securities, any underwriter participating in any disposition pursuant to such Registration, and any attorney or accountant retained by such Holders or underwriter (collectively, the “ Inspectors ”), all financial and other records, pertinent corporate documents and properties of the Company (collectively, the “ Records ”), and cause the Company’s officers, directors and employees to supply all information reasonably requested by any such Inspector in connection with such Registration; provided , however , that, unless the disclosure of such Records is necessary to avoid or correct a misstatement or omission in the Registration Statement or the release of such Records is ordered pursuant to a subpoena or other order from a court of competent jurisdiction, the Company shall not be required to provide any information under this Section 5(a)(xvi) if (A) the Company believes, after consultation with counsel for the Company, that to do so would cause the Company to forfeit an attorney-client privilege that was applicable to such information or (B) if either (x) the Company has requested and been granted from the SEC confidential treatment of such information contained in any filing with the SEC or documents provided supplementally or otherwise or (y) the Company reasonably determines in good faith that such Records are confidential and so notifies the Inspectors in writing, unless prior to furnishing any such information with respect to subclause (B) , such Holder of Registrable Securities requesting such information agrees to enter into a confidentiality agreement in customary form and subject to customary exceptions; and provided , further , that each Holder of Registrable Securities agrees that it will, upon learning that disclosure of such Records is sought in a court of competent jurisdiction, give prompt written notice to the
 

 
10

 

Company and allow the Company, at its expense, to undertake appropriate action to prevent disclosure of the Records deemed confidential;
 
(xvii)   use its commercially reasonable efforts to comply with all applicable rules and regulations of the SEC and make generally available to its security holders, as soon as reasonably practicable (but not more than eighteen (18) months) after the effective date of the Registration Statement, an earnings statement satisfying the provisions of Section 11(a) of the Securities Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder;
 
(xviii)   as promptly as practicable after filing with the SEC of any document which is incorporated by reference into the Registration Statement or the Prospectus, provide copies of such document to counsel for the selling Holders and to the managing underwriters, if any;
 
(xix)   provide and cause to be maintained a transfer agent and registrar for all Registrable Securities covered by such Registration Statement from and after a date not later than the effective date of such Registration Statement; and
 
(xx)   use its commercially reasonable efforts to list (if such Registrable Securities are not already listed) all Registrable Securities covered by such Registration Statement on each securities exchange, if any, on which similar securities issued by the Company are then listed.
 
(b)   The Company may require each Holder of Registrable Securities as to which any Registration is being effected to furnish in writing to the Company such information regarding the distribution of such securities, such other information relating to such Holder and its ownership of Registrable Securities as the Company may from time to time reasonably request in writing and such other information as may be legally required in connection with such Registration.  Each Holder agrees to furnish such information to the Company and to cooperate with the Company as necessary to enable the Company to comply with the provisions of this Agreement.
 
(c)   Each Holder agrees that, upon receipt of any notice from the Company of the happening of any event of the kind described in Section 5(a)(iii)(C) or (D) or Section 5(a)(iv) , such Holder shall forthwith discontinue disposition of Registrable Securities pursuant to such Registration Statement until such Holder’s receipt of the copies of the supplemented or amended Prospectus contemplated by Section 5(a)(iv) hereof, or until it is advised in writing by the Company that the use of the Prospectus may be resumed, and until it has received copies of any additional or supplemental filings which are incorporated by reference in the Prospectus, and, if so directed by the Company, such Holder will deliver to the Company all copies, other than permanent file copies then in such Holder’s possession, of the Prospectus covering such Registrable Securities current at the time of receipt of such notice.
 
6.   Indemnification .
 
(a)   Indemnification by the Company .  The Company agrees to indemnify and hold harmless, to the full extent permitted by law, each Holder, its officers, directors, partners, members, employees and agents and each Person who controls such Holder (within the meaning
 

 
11

 

of the Securities Act), against all losses, claims, damages, liabilities and expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees) (“ Damages ”) caused by any untrue or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in any Registration Statement, Prospectus, amendment or supplement thereto or preliminary Prospectus, or any omission or alleged omission to state therein a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, except insofar as such Damages are caused by, related to or contained in any information furnished in writing to the Company by such Holder or on such Holder’s behalf expressly for use therein, provided that the indemnity agreement contained in this Section 6(a) shall not apply to the extent that any Damages result from (i) the fact that a current copy of the Prospectus was not sent or given to the Person asserting such Damages at or prior to the written confirmation of the sale of the Registrable Securities concerned to such Person if it is determined that the Company provided such current Prospectus to the Holder prior to such confirmation and it was the responsibility of the Holder to provide such Person with such Prospectus and such Prospectus would have cured the defect giving rise to such Damages or (ii) transactions by the Holder in violation of Section 5(c) .  Each indemnity and reimbursement of costs and expenses shall remain in full force and effect regardless of any investigation made by or on behalf of such Holder.
 
(b)   Indemnification by the Selling Holders .  In connection with each Registration, each selling Holder will furnish to the Company in writing such information and affidavits as the Company reasonably requests for use in connection with any Registration Statement or Prospectus and agrees to indemnify (severally and not jointly) and hold harmless, to the full extent permitted by law, the Company, its directors, officers, employees and agents and each Person who controls the Company (within the meaning of the Securities Act) against all Damages resulting from any untrue statement of a material fact, or any omission of a material fact, required to be stated in the Registration Statement or Prospectus or preliminary Prospectus or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, to the extent, that such untrue statement or omission is contained in any information or affidavit so furnished in writing by such selling Holder or on such selling Holder’s behalf to the Company specifically for inclusion in such Registration Statement or Prospectus and has not been corrected in a subsequent writing prior to or concurrently with the sale of the Registrable Securities to the Person asserting such loss, claim, damage, liability or expense and was relied upon by the Company in the preparation of such Registration Statement or Prospectus.  In no event shall the liability of any selling Holder hereunder be greater in amount than the dollar amount of the net proceeds received by such Holder upon the sale of the Registrable Securities giving rise to such indemnification obligation.  The Company shall be entitled to receive indemnities from underwriters, selling brokers, dealer managers and similar securities industry professionals participating in the distribution to the same extent as provided above with respect to information so furnished in writing by such Persons specifically for inclusion in any Prospectus or Registration Statement.
 
(c)   Conduct of Indemnification Proceedings .  Any Person entitled to indemnification hereunder will (i) give prompt written notice to the indemnifying party of any claim with respect to which it seeks indemnification and (ii) permit such indemnifying party to assume the defense of such claim with counsel reasonably satisfactory to the indemnified party; provided ,   however , that any delay or failure to so notify the indemnifying party shall relieve the indemnifying party of its obligations hereunder only to the extent, if at all, that it is materially prejudiced by reason of such delay or failure; provided , further however, that any Person entitled to indemnification hereunder shall have the right to select and employ separate counsel and to
 

 
12

 

participate in the defense of such claim, but the fees and expenses of such counsel shall be at the expense of such Person unless (A) the indemnifying party has agreed in writing to pay such fees or expenses, or (B) the indemnifying party shall have failed to assume the defense of such claim within a reasonable time after receipt of notice of such claim from the Person entitled to indemnification hereunder and employ counsel reasonably satisfactory to such Person or (C) in the reasonable judgment of any such Person, based upon advice of its counsel, a conflict of interest may exist between such Person and the indemnifying party with respect to such claims (in which case, if the Person notifies the indemnifying party in writing that such Person elects to employ separate counsel at the expense of the indemnifying party, the indemnifying party shall not have the right to assume the defense of such claim on behalf of such Person).  If such defense is not assumed by the indemnifying party, the indemnifying party will not be subject to any liability for any settlement made without its consent (but such consent will not be unreasonably withheld or delayed), provided that an indemnifying party shall not be required to consent to any settlement involving the imposition of equitable remedies or involving the imposition of any material obligations on such indemnifying party other than financial obligations for which such indemnified party will be indemnified hereunder.  No indemnifying party will be required to consent to entry of any judgment or enter into any settlement which does not include as an unconditional term thereof the giving by the claimant or plaintiff to such indemnifying party of a release from all liability in respect to such claim or litigation.  Whenever the indemnified party or the indemnifying party receives a firm offer to settle a claim for which indemnification is sought hereunder, it shall promptly notify the other of such offer.  If the indemnifying party refuses to accept such offer within twenty (20) business days after receipt of such offer (or of notice thereof), such claim shall continue to be contested and, if such claim is within the scope of the indemnifying party’s indemnity contained herein, the indemnified party shall be indemnified pursuant to the terms hereof.  If the indemnifying party notifies the indemnified party in writing that the indemnifying party desires to accept such offer, but the indemnified party refuses to accept such offer within twenty (20) business days after receipt of such notice, the indemnified party may continue to contest such claim and, in such event, the total maximum liability of the indemnifying party to indemnify or otherwise reimburse the indemnified party hereunder with respect to such claim shall be limited to and shall not exceed the amount of such offer, plus reasonable out-of-pocket costs and expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees and expenses) to the date of notice that the indemnifying party desires to accept such offer, provided that this sentence shall not apply to any settlement of any claim involving the imposition of equitable remedies or to any settlement imposing any material obligations on such indemnified party other than financial obligations for which such indemnified party will be indemnified hereunder.  An indemnifying party who is not entitled to, or elects not to, assume the defense of a claim will not be obligated to pay the fees and expenses of more than one counsel for all parties indemnified by such indemnifying party with respect to such claim in any one jurisdiction, unless in the written opinion of counsel to the indemnified party, reasonably satisfactory to the indemnifying party, use of one counsel would be expected to give rise to a conflict of interest between such indemnified party and any other of such indemnified parties with respect to such claim, in which event the indemnifying party shall be obligated to pay the fees and expenses of one such additional counsel.
 
(d)   Other Indemnification .  Indemnification similar to that specified in this Section 6 (with appropriate modifications) shall be given by the Company and each seller of
 

 
13

 

Registrable Securities with respect to any required registration or other qualification of securities under federal or state law or regulation of governmental authority other than the Securities Act.
 
(e)   Contribution .  If for any reason the indemnification provided for in Sections 6(a) , (b) and (d) is unavailable to an indemnified party or insufficient to hold it harmless as contemplated by Sections 6(a) , (b) and (d) , then the indemnifying party shall, on a several (and not joint and several) basis, contribute to the amount paid or payable by the indemnified party as a result of such Damages in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect not only the relative benefits received by the indemnified party and the indemnifying party, but also the relative fault of the indemnified party and the indemnifying party, as well as any other relevant equitable considerations, provided that no selling Holder shall be required to contribute in an amount greater than the dollar amount of the net proceeds received by such selling Holder with respect to the sale of any securities.  No person guilty of fraudulent misrepresentation (within the meaning of Section 11(f) of the Securities Act) shall be entitled to contribution from any person who was not guilty of such fraudulent misrepresentation.
 
7.   Rule 144 .  The Company agrees to use its commercially reasonable efforts to: (a) file the reports required to be filed by it under the Securities Act and the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations adopted by the SEC thereunder, (b) take such further action as any Holder may reasonably request in writing to the extent required from time to time to enable the sale of Registrable Securities without registration under the Securities Act within the limitation of the exemption provided by Rule 144 (or any similar rule or rules then in effect) of the Securities Act, and (c) upon the reasonable written request of any Holder, deliver to such Holder all information regarding the Company required to be delivered in connection with Rule 144 (or any similar rule or rules then in effect) of the Securities Act.
 
8.   Participation in Underwritten Registrations .  No Person may participate in any Underwritten Registration hereunder unless such Person (a) agrees to sell such Person’s securities on the basis provided in any underwriting arrangements approved by the Persons entitled to approve such arrangements and (b) completes and executes all questionnaires, powers of attorney, indemnities, underwriting agreements and other documents required under the terms of such underwriting arrangements.  Nothing in this Section 8 shall be construed to create any additional rights regarding the Registration of Registrable Securities in any Person otherwise than as set forth herein.
 
9.   Legends .  Each Holder acknowledges and agrees that the certificate(s) representing the Common Stock received pursuant to the Rollover Agreement shall bear a legend in substantially the following form, until such time as they are not subject to restrictions on transfer pursuant to this Agreement:
 
“THIS SECURITY IS SUBJECT TO CERTAIN RESTRICTIONS ON TRANSFER SET FORTH IN THE REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT, DATED DECEMBER 17, 2010, BY AND AMONG DARLING INTERNATIONAL INC. AND CERTAIN STOCKHOLDERS THEREOF, AS THE SAME MAY BE AMENDED FROM TIME TO TIME, AND BY ACCEPTING ANY INTEREST IN THIS SECURITY THE PERSON ACCEPTING SUCH INTEREST
 

 
14

 

SHALL BE DEEMED TO AGREE TO AND SHALL BECOME BOUND BY SUCH RESTRICTIONS CONTAINED IN SUCH REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT.”
 
10.   Miscellaneous .
 
(a)   Assignment.   Neither this Agreement nor any of the rights, interests and obligations of the parties hereunder shall be assigned, in whole or in part, by any party hereto without the prior written consent of the other parties hereto; provided , however , that in connection with a Holder’s sale of any Registrable Securities to an Affiliate of such Holder or to any Person a party to this Agreement (each, a “ Permitted Assignee ”), a Holder may, without the consent of the Company or any Holder, assign its rights, interests and obligations under this Agreement to such Permitted Assignee, and after any such assignment to a Permitted Assignee, such Permitted Assignee shall be deemed a “Holder” for purposes of this Agreement.  Subject to the foregoing sentence, this Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors and permitted assigns.  Any attempted assignment or transfer in violation of this Section 10(a) shall be null and void.
 
(b)   Expiration of Registration Rights .  Any Holder who beneficially owns less than 1% of all of the outstanding Common Stock shall not be entitled to exercise any registration rights provided for in this Agreement after such time as Rule 144 or another similar exemption under the Securities Act is available for the sale of all of such Holder’s shares.
 
(c)   Termination .  The provisions of this Agreement shall terminate on December 17, 2015 (the “ Termination Date ”); provided , however , that the Termination Date shall be extended for the duration of any deferral of any Demand Registration by the Company pursuant to Section 2(b) .
 
(d)   Notices .  All notices, requests, permissions, waivers and other communications hereunder shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given: (i) five (5) business days following sending by registered or certified mail, postage prepaid; (ii) when sent (with written confirmation of transmission), if sent by facsimile; (iii) when delivered (with written confirmation of receipt), if delivered personally to the intended recipient; and (iv) one (1) business day following sending by overnight delivery via a national courier service (with written confirmation of receipt) and, in each case, addressed to a party at the following address and/or facsimile for such party (or to such other address or facsimile number as a party may have specified by notice given to the other party pursuant to this provision):
 
If to the Company:
 
Darling International Inc.
251 O’Connor Ridge Blvd., Suite 300
Irving, Texas  75038
Facsimile:  (972) 281-4475
Attention:  General Counsel
 
with a required copy (that shall not constitute notice) to:
 

 
15

 

Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP
200 Crescent Court, Suite 300
Dallas, Texas  75201
Facsimile:  (214) 746-7777
Attention: Mary R. Korby, Esq.
 
If to any Holder, to the address of such Holder set forth on the signature pages of this Agreement.

or to such other address(es) as shall be furnished in writing by any such party to each of the other parties hereto in accordance with the provisions of this Section 10(d) .
 
(e)   Severability .  If any term or other provision of this Agreement is invalid, illegal, or incapable of being enforced by any law or public policy, all other terms or provisions of this Agreement shall nevertheless remain in full force and effect so long as the economic or legal substance of the transactions contemplated hereby is not affected in any manner materially adverse to any party.
 
(f)   Counterparts .  This Agreement may be executed in two or more counterparts, all of which shall be considered one and the same agreement, and shall become effective when two or more counterparts have been signed by each of the parties hereto and delivered, in person or by exchange via electronic mail (in Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF)) or facsimile with the other parties hereto.
 
(g)   Integrated Contract .  This Agreement and any written amendments to this Agreement satisfying the requirements of Section 10(k) , constitute the entire agreement among the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and thereof and supersede any previous agreements and understandings between the parties with respect to such matters.  There are no restrictions, promises, representations, warranties, agreements or undertakings of either party hereto with respect to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement other than those set forth herein or in any other document required to be executed and delivered hereunder.
 
(h)   Governing Law .  This Agreement and any matter based upon, arising out of or related to this Agreement or the negotiation, execution or performance of this Agreement (whether for breach of contract, tortious conduct or otherwise), the interpretation and enforcement of the provisions of this Agreement and any agreements entered into in connection herewith or any actions of or omissions of any party in any way connected with, related to or giving rise to any of the foregoing matters (collectively, the “ Covered Matters ”) shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws, rules and regulations, and judicial and administrative decisions (in each case, both procedural and substantive) of the State of Delaware, without reference to its conflicts of law principles, that if applied might require the application of the laws of another jurisdiction.
 
(i)   Waiver of Jury Trial .  EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES ANY AND ALL RIGHTS TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY LEGAL PROCEEDING ARISING OUT OF OR RELATED TO THE COVERED MATTERS.
 

 
16

 

(j)   Jurisdiction; Service of Process .  Any action or proceeding seeking to enforce any provision of, or based on any right arising out of, this Agreement shall be brought against any of the parties exclusively in any federal or state court located within the State of Delaware, and each of the parties consents to the exclusive jurisdiction of such courts (and of the appropriate appellate courts) in any such action or proceeding and waives any objection to venue laid therein.  Process in any action or proceeding referred to in the preceding sentence may be served on any party anywhere in the world.
 
(k)   Amendments and Waivers .  This Agreement may not be amended, modified, superseded or canceled, and any of the terms, covenants, representations, warranties or conditions hereof may not be waived, unless the Company has obtained the written consent of the Holders of at least a majority of the then outstanding Registrable Securities.
 
(l)   Non-Recourse .  This Agreement may only be enforced against, and any claim or cause of action based upon, arising out of, or related to this Agreement may only be brought against, the individuals or entities that are expressly named as parties hereto and then only with respect to the specific obligations set forth herein with respect to such party.  Except to the extent a named party to this Agreement, no past, present or future director, officer, employee, incorporator, member, partner, stockholder, subsidiary, affiliate, agent, attorney or representative of any party hereto shall have any liability for any obligations or liabilities of any party hereto under this Agreement or any agreement entered into in connection herewith or for any claim based on, arising out of, in respect of, or by reason of, the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby.
 
[REMAINDER OF PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK]
 

 
17

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement as of the date first written above.
 
COMPANY:
DARLING INTERNATIONAL INC.,
a Delaware corporation
 
       
       
 
By:
/s/ Randall C. Stuewe  
    Randall C. Stuewe  
    Chief Executive Officer  
       
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

Signature Page to Registration Rights Agreement
 
 

 

HOLDERS:
/s/ Dennis B. Griffin                                         
Dennis B. Griffin


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 





Signature Page to Registration Rights Agreement
 
 

 

/s/ Dennis B. Griffin                                         
Dennis B. Griffin, Trustee of
The Traci Lynn Griffin Qualified
Subchapter S Trust


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 





Signature Page to Registration Rights Agreement
 
 

 

/s/ Dennis B. Griffin                                         
Dennis B. Griffin, Trustee of
The Toby Andrew Griffin Qualified
Subchapter S Trust


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 





Signature Page to Registration Rights Agreement
 
 

 

/s/ Dennis B. Griffin                                         
Dennis B. Griffin, Trustee of
The Anthony A. Griffin Qualified
Subchapter S Trust


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 





Signature Page to Registration Rights Agreement
 
 

 

/s/ John M. Griffin                                           
John M. Griffin


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 





Signature Page to Registration Rights Agreement
 
 

 

/s/ John M. Griffin                                           
John M. Griffin, Trustee of the DBG
Grantor Retained Annuity Trust III,
fbo Traci D. Griffin

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 





Signature Page to Registration Rights Agreement
 
 

 

/s/ John M. Griffin                                           
John M. Griffin, Trustee of the DBG
Grantor Retained Annuity Trust III,
fbo Anthony A. Griffin

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 





Signature Page to Registration Rights Agreement
 
 

 

/s/ John M. Griffin                                           
John M. Griffin, Trustee of the DBG
Grantor Retained Annuity Trust III,
fbo Toby A. Griffin

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 






Signature Page to Registration Rights Agreement
 
 

 

/s/ John M. Griffin                                           
John M. Griffin, Trustee of the DBG
Grantor Retained Annuity Trust II,
fbo Traci D. Griffin

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 




Signature Page to Registration Rights Agreement
 
 

 

/s/ John M. Griffin                                           
John M. Griffin, Trustee of the DBG
Grantor Retained Annuity Trust II,
fbo Anthony A. Griffin

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 






Signature Page to Registration Rights Agreement
 
 

 

/s/ John M. Griffin                                           
John M. Griffin, Trustee of the DBG
Grantor Retained Annuity Trust II,
fbo Toby A. Griffin

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 





Signature Page to Registration Rights Agreement
 
 

 

/s/ John M. Griffin                                           
John M. Griffin, Trustee of the Dennis B.
Griffin Grandchildren’s Trust

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 





Signature Page to Registration Rights Agreement
 
 

 

/s/ John M. Griffin                                           
John M. Griffin, Trustee of The Joseph
Scott Griffin Qualified Subchapter S Trust

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 





Signature Page to Registration Rights Agreement
 
 

 

/s/ John M. Griffin                                           
John M. Griffin, Trustee of The Denise
Anne Griffin Qualified Subchapter S Trust

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 





Signature Page to Registration Rights Agreement
 
 

 

/s/ John M. Griffin                                           
John M. Griffin, Trustee of The Dana Lynn
Griffin Qualified Subchapter S Trust

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 





Signature Page to Registration Rights Agreement
 
 

 

/s/ John M. Griffin                                           
John M. Griffin, Trustee of The John
Christian Griffin Qualified Subchapter S
Trust

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 






Signature Page to Registration Rights Agreement
 
 

 

/s/ Robert A. Griffin                                        
Robert A. Griffin

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 






Signature Page to Registration Rights Agreement
 
 

 

/s/ Robert A. Griffin                                        
Robert A. Griffin, Trustee of the JMG
Grantor Retained Annuity Trust III,
fbo Denise A. Griffin

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 




Signature Page to Registration Rights Agreement
 
 

 

/s/ Robert A. Griffin                                        
Robert A. Griffin, Trustee of the JMG
Grantor Retained Annuity Trust III,
fbo Joseph S. Griffin

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 




Signature Page to Registration Rights Agreement
 
 

 

/s/ Robert A. Griffin                                        
Robert A. Griffin, Trustee of the JMG
Grantor Retained Annuity Trust III,
fbo John C. Griffin

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 





Signature Page to Registration Rights Agreement
 
 

 

/s/ Robert A. Griffin                                        
Robert A. Griffin, Trustee of the JMG
Grantor Retained Annuity Trust III,
fbo Dana L. Griffin

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 




Signature Page to Registration Rights Agreement
 
 

 

/s/ Robert A. Griffin                                        
Robert A. Griffin, Trustee of the JMG
Grantor Retained Annuity Trust II,
fbo Denise A. Griffin

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 




Signature Page to Registration Rights Agreement
 
 

 

/s/ Robert A. Griffin                                        
Robert A. Griffin, Trustee of the JMG
Grantor Retained Annuity Trust II,
fbo Joseph S. Griffin

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 




Signature Page to Registration Rights Agreement
 
 

 

/s/ Robert A. Griffin                                        
Robert A. Griffin, Trustee of the JMG
Grantor Retained Annuity Trust II,
fbo John C. Griffin

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 




Signature Page to Registration Rights Agreement
 
 

 

/s/ Robert A. Griffin                                        
Robert A. Griffin, Trustee of the JMG
Grantor Retained Annuity Trust II,
fbo Dana L. Griffin

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 




Signature Page to Registration Rights Agreement
 
 

 

/s/ Robert A. Griffin                                        
Robert A. Griffin, Trustee of the John M.
Griffin Grandchildren’s Trust

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 




Signature Page to Registration Rights Agreement
 
 

 

/s/ Robert A. Griffin                                        
Robert A. Griffin, Trustee of The
Christopher A. Griffin Qualified
Subchapter S Trust
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

Signature Page to Registration Rights Agreement
 
 

 

/s/ Robert A. Griffin                                        
Robert A. Griffin, Trustee of The Michael
R. Griffin Qualified Subchapter S Trust

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 






Signature Page to Registration Rights Agreement
 
 

 

/s/ Robert A. Griffin                                        
Robert A. Griffin, Trustee of The Renee L.
Griffin Qualified Subchapter S Trust

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 






Signature Page to Registration Rights Agreement
 
 

 

/s/ Martin W. Griffin                                        
Martin W. Griffin

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 






Signature Page to Registration Rights Agreement
 
 

 

/s/ Martin W. Griffin                                        
Martin W. Griffin, Trustee of the RAG
Grantor Retained Annuity Trust III,
fbo Renee McDonald

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 






Signature Page to Registration Rights Agreement
 
 

 

/s/ Martin W. Griffin                                        
Martin W. Griffin, Trustee of the RAG
Grantor Retained Annuity Trust III,
fbo Christopher Griffin

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 





Signature Page to Registration Rights Agreement
 
 

 

/s/ Martin W. Griffin                                        
Martin W. Griffin, Trustee of the RAG
Grantor Retained Annuity Trust III,
fbo Michael Griffin

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 






Signature Page to Registration Rights Agreement
 
 

 

/s/ Martin W. Griffin                                        
Martin W. Griffin, Trustee of the RAG
Grantor Retained Annuity Trust III,
fbo Jordan Griffin

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 






Signature Page to Registration Rights Agreement
 
 

 

/s/ Martin W. Griffin                                        
Martin W. Griffin, Trustee of the RAG
Grantor Retained Annuity Trust III,
fbo Jon Marcus Griffin

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 





Signature Page to Registration Rights Agreement
 
 

 

/s/ Martin W. Griffin                                        
Martin W. Griffin, Trustee of the RAG
Grantor Retained Annuity Trust II,
fbo Jordan Griffin

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 





Signature Page to Registration Rights Agreement
 
 

 

/s/ Martin W. Griffin                                        
Martin W. Griffin, Trustee of the RAG
Grantor Retained Annuity Trust II,
fbo Jon Marcus Griffin

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 






Signature Page to Registration Rights Agreement
 
 

 

/s/ Martin W. Griffin                                        
Martin W. Griffin, Trustee of the Robert A.
Griffin Grandchildren’s Trust

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 






Signature Page to Registration Rights Agreement
 
 

 

/s/ Thomas A. Griffin                                       
Thomas A. Griffin

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 






Signature Page to Registration Rights Agreement
 
 

 
/s/ L inda G. Holt                                              
                               Linda G. Holt
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 




Signature Page to Registration Rights Agreement
 
 

 

/s/ Cynthia L. Roeder                                      
                               Cynthia L. Roeder

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 




Signature Page to Registration Rights Agreement
 
 

 

/s/ Judith E. Prewitt                                         
                               Judith E. Prewitt
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Signature Page to Registration Rights Agreement
 
 

 

/s/ Brian J. Griffin                                            
Brian J. Griffin

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 





Signature Page to Registration Rights Agreement
 
 

 

/s/ Elizabeth A. Osborn                                   
                                Elizabeth A. Osborn

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


Signature Page to Registration Rights Agreement
 
 

 

/s/ Janet Means                                               
Janet Means

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 




Signature Page to Registration Rights Agreement
 

EXHIBIT 10.6
 
EXECUTION VERSION
 

 
MARTOM PROPERTIES, LLC, LESSOR
GRIFFIN INDUSTRIES, INC., LESSEE
BUTLER, PENDLETON COUNTY, KENTUCKY
 
GROUND LEASE
 
THIS GROUND LEASE (this “Lease”) is entered into effective as of December 17, 2010, by and between MARTOM PROPERTIES, LLC, a Kentucky Limited Liability Company (“Lessor”) and GRIFFIN INDUSTRIES, INC., a Kentucky corporation (“Lessee”), as follows:
 
1.       Leased Premises .  Lessor hereby leases to Lessee the premises located in Pendleton County, Kentucky described in Exhibit A attached hereto.  All buildings and other improvements and fixtures located thereon as of the date hereof and from time to time during the term of this Lease are the property of Lessee and shall remain the property of Lessee throughout the term of this Lease.  This Lease is a ground lease.
 
2.       Term .
 
2.1   The initial term of this Lease shall be 30 years, commencing December 17, 2010 and ending December 16, 2040.
 
2.2   Lessee shall have the option to renew this Lease for 2 additional terms of 10 years each, the first commencing upon the expiration of the initial term, the second commencing upon the expiration of the first additional term, in each case by giving Lessor notice of exercise of the option to renew not later than 120 days prior to the end of the immediately preceding term; provided, however, that Lessee’s exercise of such renewal options shall not be effective to renew this Lease if any Event of Default, as defined in Section 14.1, exists and is continuing at the time the renewal notice is given or at the commencement of the renewal term. The renewal terms shall be upon the same terms and conditions as are applicable to the initial term, except that the rent shall be as set forth in Section 3.2.
 
3.       Rent .
 
3.1   Lessee shall pay Lessor as rent during the first 60 months of the initial term the sum of $2,500.00 per month, the first installment to be paid on or before December 17, 2010 and the remaining 59 installments to be paid serially on the first day of each of the following 59 months in advance.
 
3.2   The rent for each subsequent 60-month period during the initial and each renewal term shall be the rent for the immediately preceding 60-month period, increased by the percentage by which the Consumer Price Index (the “CPI”, as hereinafter defined) reported for the first month of the applicable subsequent 60-month period is higher than the CPI reported for the first month of the immediately preceding 60-month period.  The “CPI” shall mean the Consumer Price and Index as compiled and published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the United States Department of Labor (All items U.S. - CPI-W.  All cities average (1982-1984 = 100)), or the most comparable economic statistics indicator then being published.  If the CPI for the first month of any applicable 60-month period has not been published by the first day of such period, Lessee shall continue to pay the monthly rent that was in effect during the immediately prior 60-month period on a temporary basis until such CPI is published, at which time Lessee
 

 
 

 

shall pay Lessor the difference, if any, between such new rent and the monthly rent Lessee actually paid for each month during such interim period, and Lessee shall thereafter pay the full amount of the new monthly rent on a monthly basis.
 
4.       Use of Premises .
 
4.1   Lessee shall use and occupy the Leased Premises for the purpose of a bakery by-products processing plant, and for associated parking, storage, administrative uses, including historical uses made by Lessee on the Leased Premises at Lessee’s discretion (provided Lessee shall not be required to utilize the Leased Premises for such uses), including without limitation, land management for hunting purposes, wildlife management, hunting, farming, company excursions and events, and for other uses as may be desired by Lessee for the operation of its business and for all normal purposes related thereto.  Lessee will not use the Leased Premises for any other purpose without the prior written consent of Lessor, although Lessee may remove any improvements on the Leased Premises at any time and/or cease operations on the Leased Premises as Lessee determines.
 
4.2   Lessee shall use and occupy the Leased Premises in accordance with applicable laws, and shall not permit any use of the Leased Premises that would (i) constitute waste or a nuisance, (ii) increase Lessor’s risk of loss or damage to the Leased Premises, (iii) increase the premiums for insurance maintained by Lessor on the Leased Premises over those which would apply to the normal commercial use of the Leased Premises without paying the difference caused by any change in use, or (iv) cause a cancellation of any policy of casualty, public liability or other insurance on the Leased Premises by the carrier or carriers then being used.
 
4.3   Upon the termination of this Lease, Lessee will peacefully and quietly surrender possession of the Leased Premises to Lessor and deliver the Leased Premises, together with all improvements, fixtures and appurtenances, except trade fixtures and equipment removed by Lessee pursuant to Section 5.2, in as good order and condition as when entered upon, except for ordinary wear and tear from normal use and damage by fire or other casualty not caused by Lessee, and natural obsolescence.
 
4.4   Lessee shall comply promptly with all laws, ordinances, regulations, and orders of all governmental authorities, including, without limitation, those relating to protection of health and the environment and to the treatment, storage, disposal and discharge of hazardous substances and solid waste (as those terms are defined in the applicable laws, rules, regulations and orders), and the requirements of any insurance company or insurance inspection bureau that are applicable to the Leased Premises or to Lessee’s use thereof.
 
5.       Alterations and Liens .
 
5.1   Lessee shall have the right to make any alterations, additions or improvements to the Leased Premises as deemed necessary or desirable by Lessee for the use of the Leased Premises as permitted in Section 4 without the prior written consent of Lessor, provided, however, that (i) Lessee shall give not less than 20 days prior written notice to Lessor of the alterations, additions or improvements to be made, and shall allow Lessor the opportunity to file a notice of non-responsibility for the construction thereof.  In addition, Lessee shall
 

 
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obtain builder’s risk insurance for any such construction for the benefit of Lessee and Lessor.  Lessee shall obtain waivers of liens from all contractors upon completion of construction.  Upon termination of this Lease, all additions, alterations or improvements (excluding property which Lessee has the right to remove under Section 5.2) shall become and be Lessor’s property without any obligation of Lessor to compensate or otherwise credit Lessee therefor.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, Lessee shall have the right to demolish any improvements located on the Leased Premises that Lessee deems are not necessary for Lessee’s business operations from time to time, without any obligation of Lessee to compensate or otherwise credit Lessor therefor.  Unless agreed otherwise in writing between the parties, all such alterations, additions and improvements located on the Leased Premises from time to time are and shall remain the property of Lessee for all purposes hereunder during the term of the Lease.
 
5.2   Lessee shall have the right to install in and on the Leased Premises any trade fixtures, equipment and temporary or nonstructural partitions and facilities which Lessee deems necessary or desirable for the use of the Leased Premises as permitted in Section 4 and to remove the same from time to time during the term of this Lease.  If Lessee fails to remove any of its trade fixtures or equipment within 30 days following the expiration or termination of this Lease, Lessee will be deemed to have conveyed such items to Lessor without any obligation of Lessor for compensation or credit to Lessee for the value thereof; provided, however, that if Lessor elects to remove such items from the Leased Premises within such 30-day period, Lessee shall be responsible and shall promptly pay or reimburse Lessor for the cost of such removal and for all costs of repairing any damage to the Leased Premises caused by such removal.  Upon the termination of this Lease, Lessee will also remove any partitions or other facilities installed by Lessee in the Leased Premises which Lessor requests Lessee to remove.  Such removals by Lessee shall be solely at the expense of Lessee and shall be done in a manner reasonably satisfactory to Lessor, and Lessee shall be responsible and promptly pay or reimburse Lessor for all costs of repairing any damage to the Leased Premises caused by such removals.
 
5.3   Lessee shall, at its expense, remove any liens filed against the Leased Premises or Lessee’s interest therein in connection with alterations, additions, repairs, maintenance, improvements or other actions by Lessee or with respect to any obligation or liability of Lessee, before the date upon which any such lien would be foreclosable under law.  Lessee may contest any such lien by lawful procedures provided that Lessee shall pay, or cause the removal by bond or otherwise, as permitted by applicable law, such lien before the date upon which any such lien would be foreclosable under law.  In the event Lessee fails to remove any such lien, Lessor, in addition to its remedies under Section 14, may at its sole discretion, remove such lien by paying such amount thereof or by taking such other actions as may be necessary to release such lien, and Lessee shall reimburse Lessor for all costs and expenses incurred by Lessor to remove such lien promptly upon demand by Lessor.
 
6.       Utilities .  Lessee shall pay when due all charges for gas, electricity and other power, water, sewage, waste removal, telephone and all other utility services used or consumed by Lessee in connection with its use of the Leased Premises.
 
7.       Maintenance and Repairs .
 
7.1   Lessee, at its expense, shall maintain all interior and exterior structural and non-structural parts and areas of the Leased Premises in good repair and in operating condition
 

 
3

 

as needed or desired by Lessee for its business, and shall make all necessary structural and nonstructural repairs and replacements thereto, including, without limitation, all roofs, walls, foundations, partitions and windows, all electrical, heating, ventilating, air conditioning, plumbing and other facilities, systems and equipment which are now or hereafter in, on or part of any buildings and other improvements now or hereafter located on the Leased Premises and all grounds, driveways, parking areas and other exterior parts and areas of the Leased Premises.   Lessee shall take such action as is necessary to protect the Leased Premises from damage or premature wear, tear or depreciation caused by its activities so that the Leased Premises shall function normally throughout their normal useful lives.
 
7.2   In the event Lessee fails to make any repairs or to perform any maintenance required under Section 7.1 within 30 days after Lessor gives Lessee notice requesting the same, Lessor, in addition to its remedies under Section 14, may, at its sole discretion, make such repairs and perform such maintenance for Lessee’s account and at Lessee’s expense, and Lessee shall reimburse Lessor for any and all costs and expenses incurred by Lessor in making such repairs and performing such maintenance promptly upon demand by Lessor.
 
7.3           Notwithstanding the foregoing, Lessee may, at its option, at any time demolish and/or remove any and all improvements located on the Leased Premises as desired by Lessee for the operation of its business.
 
8.       Real Estate Taxes and Assessments .  Lessee shall reimburse Lessor for or, at Lessor’s option, pay directly all real estate taxes, assessments and other governmental charges applicable to the Leased Premises during the initial term and, if renewed, the renewal term of this Lease.
 
9.       Damage or Destruction of Premises .  In the event any building or other improvement on the Leased Premises is destroyed or damaged by fire, explosion or other casualty, except damage or destruction caused by Lessor, Lessee will, at its expense, make such repairs or replacements and do such rebuilding as are necessary to restore the Leased Premises to their former condition and complete such restoration with reasonable diligence; provided, however, that Lessee may, in Lessee’s sole discretion, also elect not to replace any improvements so damaged, and in such event shall remove the debris from the Leased Premises and restore the land.
 
10.       Insurance .
 
10.1   Lessee, at its expense, will maintain (i) commercial general liability insurance insuring Lessee and Lessor against liability for injuries to person or property arising out of the occupancy or control of the Leased Premises with minimum limits of $1,000,000 per occurrence; and (ii) standard “all risk” insurance on the Leased Premises insuring Lessor and Lessee as their interests appear and Lessee’s improvements, together with trade fixtures, equipment, inventory and all other personal property of Lessee (“Lessee’s Contents”) in an amount equal to not less than 100% of the replacement cost of the Lessee’s improvements and Lessee’s Contents.
 

 
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10.2   All policies of insurance required to be maintained by Lessee pursuant to Section 10.1 shall (i) be issued by insurers licensed to issue such policies in the State of Kentucky and reasonably acceptable to Lessor, (ii) in the case of liability insurance, be rated at least A by Best’s Key Rating Guide for Property Liability; and (iii) provide that they may not be cancelled or materially altered without 10 days prior written notice to Lessor.  Prior to occupying the Leased Premises, upon each renewal of insurance and upon Lessor’s reasonable request from time to time, Lessee will furnish Lessor with certificates of such insurance and receipts or other proof of payment of the premiums thereon.
 
10.3   Lessor will not be liable to Lessee for business interruption or any similar loss or damage occurring on the Leased Premises unless caused by the gross negligence or willful misconduct of Lessor.
 
10.4   Except as limited in the next sentence, Lessor and Lessee each hereby waives all rights that each of them has or may have under all policies of insurance maintained by each of them covering any part of the Leased Premises or the contents therein, including Lessee’s Contents, to subrogate the insurer to the rights of the insured party to recover from the other party by reason of the payment by the insurer of the insured party’s claim.  Lessor and Lessee will each obtain and maintain throughout the term of the Lease a waiver of such subrogation rights in all such policies of insurance; provided, however, that such waiver of subrogation will not be required of either party with respect to any policy of insurance if such waiver (i) is prohibited under the terms of such policy or (ii) can only be obtained upon payment of an additional premium or upon other conditions and the party to be benefited by such waiver declines to pay such additional premium or to fulfill such other conditions at the benefiting party’s expense.  In the event such waiver of subrogation cannot be obtained, the party not able to obtain such waiver shall promptly notify the other party of such event.
 
11.       Indemnity .  Except to the extent that Lessee is relieved of liability by waiver of subrogation pursuant to Section 10.4, Lessee will indemnify and defend Lessor and will hold Lessor harmless from and against all claims, demands and damages for injuries to person or property and all other claims, demands, liens, damages, fines or penalties of whatever nature or kind arising out of the use or occupancy of the Leased Premises by or any act or omission of any of Lessee or Lessee’s agents, employees, representatives, invitees, licensees, customers, or anticipated trespassers in or on the Leased Premises, except for injury or damage caused by Lessor’s, negligence or intentional act, or that of any of Lessor’s members, agents, employees, representatives, or invitees.
 
12.       Lessor’s Right of Entry .  Lessor may enter the Leased Premises (i) at any time upon telephonic notice to Lessee to attend to emergency conditions involving imminent danger to person or property, (ii) upon 3 days advance written notice for purposes related to safety or the preservation or protection of the Leased Premises, (iii) upon 3 days advance written notice for the purpose of inspecting the Leased Premises, to determine the compliance by Lessee with the terms of this Lease, to exhibit the Leased Premises to prospective purchasers, and, if Lessee has not exercised its option to renew this Lease, during the last 4 months of the initial term, or, if Lessee has exercised its option to renew, during the last 4 months of the renewal term of this Lease, to exhibit the Leased Premises to prospective tenants.  Lessor shall schedule any such visits in advance with Lessee so as to allow Lessee to accompany Lessor on such visits, to
 

 
5

 

minimize any disruption of Lessee’s operations, and to schedule such visits outside operating hours as necessary and/or reasonably requested by Lessee.
 
13.       Restrictions on Assignment and Subletting . Lessee shall not assign this Lease or sublease any part of the Leased Premises without Lessor’s prior written consent, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed.  Except as provided herein, any assignment or sublease made without Lessor’s prior written consent is void.  Notwithstanding Lessor’s consent thereto, (i) no sublease or assignment shall release Lessee from any of its obligations hereunder, and (ii) no sublessee or assignee shall have any right to further assign its rights or sublease any part of the Leased Premises.  Any transfer, sale or other disposition of ownership interests in Lessee or reorganization of Lessee as a result of which Darling International Inc. no longer has ultimate control of the Lessee, shall be deemed an assignment for purposes of this Section 13.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, Lessee may, without Lessor’s consent but upon not less than 30 days prior written notice to Lessor, assign this Lease, grant possession of the Leased Premises, or sublet all or a portion of the Leased Premises, to (i) any entity which controls, is controlled by or is under common control with Lessee or which results from a merger or consolidation with Lessee (each an “Affiliate”), or (ii) any entity other than an Affiliate which acquires all or substantially all of the Lessee’s business (an “Unrelated Purchaser”).  Upon any such assignment of this Lease to an Affiliate, Lessee shall not be released from its obligations under this Lease and shall remain liable hereunder.  Upon any such assignment of this Lease to an Unrelated Purchaser, Lessee shall be released from all further liabilities and obligations under this Lease arising from and after the date of such assignment provided that (A) such assignee assumes in writing all of Lessee’s obligations hereunder arising from and after the date of such assignment, (B) such assignee has, in Lessor’s reasonable judgment, the reasonably sufficient financial wherewithal to perform Lessee’s obligations under this Lease arising from and after the date of such assignment, (C) Lessee cures any defaults existing under this Lease as of the date of such assignment, and (D) if required by Lessor, Lessor may impose a reasonable and market security deposit to be deposited by any Unrelated Purchaser as a condition to the transfer of this Lease to an Unrelated Purchaser.  For purposes hereof, “control” with respect to any entity (I) means the power to direct the management and policies of such entity, directly or indirectly, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise, and (II) shall be present if a party has the direct or indirect power to appoint or have elected more than 50% of the governing body of such entity or has direct or indirect ownership of 50% or more of the voting shares or securities of such entity.  Lessee shall not be released from liability upon any sublease, license or grant of use to any Affiliate or Unrelated Purchaser.  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Lease, Lessee shall have the right to grant deeds of trust, mortgages or other conveyances of, or liens or encumbrances against or security interests in, Lessee’s leasehold interest in the Leased Premises and the improvements, and, in connection therewith, Lessor agrees to execute and deliver to the holder of any such security instrument an agreement to provide to such holder written notice of Lessee’s defaults under this Lease and an opportunity to cure such defaults, provided any such holder or its designee has, in Lessor’s reasonable judgment, the reasonably sufficient financial wherewithal to perform Lessee’s obligations under this Lease arising from and after the date of such assignment (and provides any security deposit reasonably required by Lessor), and cures any defaults existing under this Lease as of the date of such assignment.
 

 
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14.       Events of Default; Remedies .
 
14.1   Each of the following shall constitute an Event of Default under this Lease:
 
14.1.1   the rent or any other payment due to Lessor from Lessee hereunder, or any part thereof, remains unpaid for 10 days after written notice is received by Lessee of such nonpayment from Lessor;
 
14.1.2   Lessee’s interest herein is taken in execution or by other process of law;
 
14.1.3   Lessee files or has filed against it a petition seeking an order for relief on its behalf as a debtor or seeking reorganization, any receiver or other fiduciary is appointed for the business and property of Lessee and any such filing or appointment is not vacated within 120 days after filing;
 
14.1.4   Lessee makes an assignment for the benefit of Lessee’s creditors;
 
14.1.5   Lessee abandons the Leased Premises; or
 
14.1.6   Lessee fails to cure any other default in the performance or fulfillment of the terms and conditions hereof within 30 days after Lessor gives Lessee notice of such default; provided Lessee shall have a reasonable amount of time to cure such default beyond such 30 days if Lessee commences to cure such default within such 30-day period and thereafter proceed with reasonable diligence and in good faith to cure such default.
 
14.2   Upon the occurrence of an Event of Default, Lessor may (i) re-enter and repossess the Leased Premises and, without terminating this Lease, relet the Leased Premises or any part of it for the account of Lessor or Lessee and apply any rent collected by Lessor to amounts owed by Lessee to Lessor hereunder; or (ii) terminate this Lease by giving notice of termination to Lessee and re-enter and repossess the Leased Premises, such termination effective upon the giving of notice.  In addition to any remedy granted to Lessor pursuant to this Section 14.2, Lessee shall remain liable to Lessor for all damages and injuries suffered by Lessor as a result of such Event of Default.
 
14.3   Upon termination of this Lease, Lessee shall have no legal or equitable interest in this Lease or the Leased Premises and shall immediately peacefully and quietly surrender possession of the Leased Premises and remove its personal property as provided in Sections 4.3 and 5.2.
 
14.4   In addition to the rights provided in Section 14.2, if either party fails to make any payment of rent (as to Lessee) or any other amount due hereunder within 10 days after receipt of demand therefor, the nonpaying party shall pay interest on such amount at a rate equal to 3% per annum in excess of the prime interest rate in effect from time to time as reported in the Wall Street Journal, or the maximum lawful rate, whichever is less, until paid in full.
 
14.5   If Lessor breaches any covenant to be performed by it under this Lease, Lessee, after notice to and demand upon Lessor, without waiving or releasing any obligation
 

 
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hereunder, and in addition to all other remedies available at law to Lessee, may (but shall be under no obligation at any time thereafter to) make such payment or perform such act for the account and at the expense of Lessor.
 
15.       INTENTIONALLY DELETED.
 
16.       Waiver .  No waiver of any breach of any provision of this Lease shall be construed to be a waiver of any succeeding breach of the same provision or a waiver of any prior or subsequent breach of any other provision of this Lease, and the acceptance of rent or other payment by Lessor or Lessee with knowledge of a breach by the other party of any provision hereof shall not be deemed a waiver of such breach.
 
17.       Hold Over .  If Lessee should hold over in possession after the expiration of the initial lease term or, if renewed, after the expiration of the renewal term, such holding over shall not extend the term or renew the Lease, but, without impairing Lessor’s remedies, shall constitute a tenancy at will upon the same terms and conditions as are set forth hereunder until terminated by Lessor at any time by giving Lessee 30 days prior notice of termination or by Lessee at the end of any month by giving Lessor not less than 30 days prior notice of termination.  The rent for such period of holding over shall be 150% of the rent in effect at the expiration of the Lease term and shall be calculated on a per diem basis for any period of less than a full month.
 
18.       Mortgages and Subordination .  Lessor shall have the right from time to time during the term of this Lease to make new and/or additional mortgages covering the Leased Premises, and to refinance any mortgage, each of which shall be prior in lien to the Lease and the rights and privileges of Lessee hereunder.  Any such mortgage shall provide that so long as there shall be no Event of Default on the part of Lessee hereunder, no person shall have the power to impair, modify, abrogate, or in any way adversely affect the rights of Lessee to the full enjoyment of the entire term hereof by virtue of the existence of said indebtedness or mortgage, by reason of being the holder or owner of said indebtedness or any part thereof or by reason of any proceeding instituted under or pursuant to said mortgage, including foreclosure.
 
19.       Condemnation .  If (i) any part of the Leased Premises is taken by or sold under threat of condemnation or eminent domain and (ii) such taking or sale materially and adversely impairs Lessee’s use of the Leased Premises in Lessee’s reasonable determination, Lessee may terminate this Lease as of the date of such taking or sale.  Lessee may make a claim for compensation or award of damages for such taking or sale as to any of its personal property, fixtures and improvements so taken and for its relocation.
 
20.       Signs .  Lessee may install business signs on the Leased Premises for the purpose of identifying the Leased Premises as Lessee’s place of business and for directional and other normal informational purposes, as permitted by applicable law.  The installation, maintenance, repair and replacement of any such signs shall be the responsibility of Lessee, and Lessee shall be responsible for any damage to person or property caused by the erection, maintenance or removal of such signs.  Upon the termination of this Lease, Lessee shall remove said signs and repair any damage caused by such removal.
 

 
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21.       Quiet Enjoyment .  Provided there shall be no Event of Default on the part of Lessee that has occurred and is continuing, Lessee shall peaceably and quietly occupy the Leased Premises, during the term hereof without any hindrance, ejection or molestation by Lessor or any other person.
 
22.       Notices .  All notices required or permitted to be given hereunder shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been given (i) when personally delivered to a principal or executive officer of the party to whom such notice is directed as provided below, (ii) when sent by electronic facsimile to the fax number listed below, for which the transmitting party has a confirmation or other proof of receipt by the addressee, or (iii) 1 business day after having been delivered to a national overnight delivery service with delivery charges prepaid, or 2 business days after having been deposited in a U.S. Mail depository, postage prepaid, for delivery by certified mail, return, receipt requested, and addressed as follows until such time as either party notifies the other of a change of address:
 
Lessor:
 
Martom Properties, LLC
3264 High Ridge Road
Taylor Mill, KY 41015
Attn: Martin W. Griffin
Fax No.: 859-572-2572
 
Lessee:
 
Griffin Industries, Inc.
4221 Alexandria Pike
Cold Spring, KY 41076-1897
Attn: Legal Department
Fax No.: 859-572-2572
 
with a copy to:
 
Darling International Inc.
251 O’Connor Ridge Boulevard, Suite 300
Irving, Texas 75038
Attn: General Counsel
Fax No.: 972-717-3062
 
23.       Estoppel Certificates .  At the request of either party, or its mortgagee or secured party, the other party will execute, acknowledge and deliver to the requesting party a certificate in recordable form stating whether (i) this Lease is in full force and effect; (ii) this Lease has been amended in any respect, and in such event, attaching a copy of such amendment; and (iii) any default exists under this Lease to the certifying party’s knowledge, and if so, specifying the nature of such default.
 
24.       Triple Net Lease .  This Lease is a “triple net” Lease, and except as otherwise specifically provided herein, Lessee shall (i) pay all rent and all other payments and charges required to be made by Lessee hereunder, (ii) pay and be responsible for all costs, expenses,
 

 
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obligations, liabilities and acts necessary to and for the proper use, operation, maintenance, care and occupancy of the Leased Premises, and (iii) perform all of the other obligations and fulfill all of the other covenants and conditions stipulated to be performed and fulfilled by Lessee hereunder without notice or demand and free from any charges, taxes, assessments, claims, damages, expenses, deductions, set-offs, counterclaims, abatements, suspensions or defenses of any kind.
 
25.       Right of First Offer; Right of First Refusal .
 
25.1   Lessee shall have a right of first offer to purchase Lessor’s interest in the Leased Premises should Lessor decide to market or offer the Leased Premises for sale.  Lessor shall first offer to sell the Leased Premises to Lessee at Fair Market Value (defined below) by written notice to Lessee.  Lessee shall have 20 days to respond by written notice if Lessee desires to acquire the Leased Premises.  The sale shall be of the land and Lessor’s residual interest in the improvements, free and clear of all monetary debts and obligations, reversions, right of refusal and rights or options to purchase, with no other encumbrances or restrictions on the land or improvements other than those in existence as of the date of this Lease (except for any placed thereon with the consent and approval of Lessee).  Otherwise, the purchase shall be “AS IS, WHERE IS” by special warranty deed, with all faults and without representation as to physical condition including without limitation environmental condition, and subject to all matters of record.  Lessee shall pay for its own title insurance coverage and any due diligence, real estate taxes, closing costs and other items of expense related to the Leased Premises that are Lessee’s obligation to pay hereunder.  “Fair Market Value” means the value of the land at the time of the sale and Lessor’s residual interest in the improvements thereon at the time of the expiration of this Lease.  If Lessor sends notice to Lessee of Lessor’s election to sell the Leased Premises, Lessor shall include in such notice the name of a person selected to act as appraiser on its behalf.  Within 10 days after receipt of such notice, Lessee shall by notice to Lessor appoint a second person as appraiser on its behalf.  The appraisers thus appointed, each of whom must be a member of the American Institute of Real Estate Appraisers (or any successor organization thereto) with at least 5 years’ experience in the State of Kentucky appraising property similar to the Leased Premises, shall, within 40 days after the date of the Lessor’s original notice appointing the first appraiser, proceed to appraise the Leased Premises to determine the Fair Market Value thereof as of the relevant date; provided, however, that if only 1 appraiser shall have been so appointed (and Lessee shall have the right to accept the appointment of Lessor’s appraiser for all purposes hereunder), then the determination of such appraiser shall be final and binding upon the parties.  If 2 appraisers are appointed and if the difference between the amounts so determined does not exceed 5% of the greater of such amounts, then the Fair Market Value shall be an amount equal to 50% of the sum of the amounts so determined.  If the difference between the amounts so determined exceeds 5% of the greater of such amounts, then such 2 appraisers shall have 20 days to appoint a third appraiser.  If no such appraiser shall have been appointed within such 20 days or within 90 days of the original request for a determination of Fair Market Value, whichever is earlier, either Lessor or Lessee may apply to any court having jurisdiction to have such appointment made by such court.  Any appraiser appointed by the original appraisers or by such court shall be instructed to determine the Fair Market Value or Fair Market Rental within 30 days after appointment of such appraiser.  The determination of the appraiser which differs most in the terms of dollar amount from the determinations of the other 2 appraisers shall be excluded, and 50% of the sum of the remaining 2 determinations shall be final and binding upon Lessor and Lessee as the Fair Market Value.  This provision for
 

 
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determining by appraisal shall be specifically enforceable to the extent such remedy is available under applicable law, and any determination hereunder shall be final and binding upon the parties except as otherwise provided by applicable law.  Lessor and Lessee shall each pay the fees and expenses of the appraiser appointed by it and each shall pay one-half of the fees and expenses of the third appraiser and one-half of all other costs and expenses incurred in connection with each appraisal.  If Lessee fails to respond to Lessor’s first notice within 20 days, or if Lessee rejects such offer within such 20 days, then Lessor may proceed to offer, market and sell the Leased Premises, subject to this Lease, to third parties.
 
25.2   Lessor may sell its interest in the Leased Premises in whole or in part subject to this Lease; provided , however, that such right is subject to Lessor’s grant to Lessee during the term of this Lease (including any renewals or replacements hereof) of an exclusive right of first refusal (the “ROFR”) to purchase the Leased Premises.  In the event Lessor receives an offer to purchase the Leased Premises from any third party which Lessor is willing to accept, Lessor shall first offer to Lessee the right to purchase the Leased Premises for the same consideration and under the same terms and conditions as provided in such offer.  Lessor shall promptly notify, in writing, Lessee of receipt of such offer and provide Lessee a copy of all documents relating to or comprising such offer.  Lessee shall have 30 days to review the offer.  Lessee shall notify Lessor in writing on or before the expiration of such 30 days of Lessee’s election to exercise its ROFR.  In the event Lessee exercises the ROFR, Lessee and Lessor shall enter into a written agreement for the purchase of the Leased Premises by Lessee upon the same terms and conditions contained in the offer.  In the event Lessee fails to respond within such 30-day period to Lessor’s notice, or if Lessee elects to refuse to exercise its ROFR with respect to such offer in writing to Lessor, Lessor may sell the Leased Premises, subject to the terms and conditions of this Lease, to the third party making such offer.  A refusal or failure to exercise its ROFR with respect to any offer will not exhaust or terminate the ROFR granted to Lessee in this Section 25.2, with respect to other offers, whether or not the third party offer to purchase the Leased Premises results in an actual sale of the Leased Premises or not, and any third party purchasing the Leased Premises shall take the Leased Premises subject to all terms and conditions of this Lease and the ROFR granted to Lessee herein and shall submit any offers it may receive from third parties to purchase the Leased Premises thereafter to Lessee as required in this Section 25.2.
 
26.       General .
 
26.1   This Lease shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the Commonwealth of Kentucky.
 
26.2   This Lease constitutes the entire agreement between the parties and supersedes all prior written and oral negotiations and understandings.
 
26.3   The captions contained in this Lease are for reference purposes only and shall not be used for, relate to or affect the interpretation of any provision hereof.
 
26.4   All of Lessor’s rights and remedies hereunder are cumulative and may be exercised separately or concurrently.
 

 
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26.5   This Lease shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the respective successors and assigns of each of the parties hereto; provided, however, that no assignment by Lessee shall vest any rights or interests in the assignee except as provided in Section 13.
 
26.6   The parties hereto will, at the request of either party, execute a Memorandum of Lease to be recorded at the expense of the requesting party.
 
27.       Joint Hunting Uses .  Notwithstanding the exclusive provisions of this Lease, the Lessee agrees, subject to the terms of this Section 27, to allow the Lessor to have limited access to the Leased Premises for hunting purposes, as follows:
 
27.1   All hunting must be during hunting season;
 
27.2   No-one may hunt who does not have a proper license;
 
27.3   No hunting may be done within 1000 feet of the Lessee’s plant operations;
 
27.4   Lessor and Lessee, to the extent permits are limited, shall cooperate in the sharing of permits;
 
27.5   Lessor must maintain insurance in form and amount reasonably satisfactory to cover Lessor’s hunting uses and that of Lessor’s hunter invitees;
 
27.6   All hunting shall be scheduled in advance with Lessee to ensure, and no hunting may be done by any person without advance scheduling and approval;
 
27.7   No hunting shall be done on any day the Leased Premises is being used for Lessee’s company excursions or events;
 
27.8   All hunters must be identified in advance and Lessor must obtain waivers and releases in form and substance satisfactory to Lessee;
 
27.9   All hunters must agree to abide by safety rules and hunting restrictions promulgated by Lessee, and Lessee may bar any hunter violating any such rules and restrictions;
 
27.10   Lessor acknowledges and agrees that Lessor shall use the Leased Premises as permitted hereunder for hunting purposes solely at Lessor’s risk, and Lessor shall indemnify and defend Lessee and will hold Lessee harmless from and against all claims, demands and damages for injuries to person or property and all other claims, demands, liens, damages, fines or penalties of whatever nature or kind arising out of the use or occupancy of the Leased Premises by or any act or omission of any of Lessor or Lessor’s agents, employees, representatives, invitees, licensees, or customers in or on the Leased Premises; and
 
27.11   Notwithstanding the foregoing, Lessee may stop hunting on the Leased Premises, for reasons in Lessee’s reasonable discretion, including without limitation, if Lessee deems hunting interferes with its operations, poses an unacceptable risk, or increases Lessee’s insurance.
 

 
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Lessor and Lessee have executed this Lease as of the date set forth at the beginning of this Lease.
 
Witnesses:
 
 
/s/ Pamela L. Pretot                         
 
/s/ Louis F. Solimine                        
MARTOM PROPERTIES, LLC,
a Kentucky limited liability company
 
By: /s/ Martin W. Griffin                          
Name:
Title: Member
LESSOR
 
 
 
/s/ Pamela L. Pretot                         
 
/s/ Louis F. Solimine                        
GRIFFIN INDUSTRIES, INC.,
a Kentucky corporation
 
By: /s/ Robert A. Griffin                          
Name:
Title:
LESSEE

 

 

 

 
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COMMONWEALTH OF KENTUCKY )
 
COUNTY OF CAMPBELL          ) SS
 
The foregoing instrument was acknowledged by me this 14 day of December, 2010, by Martin Griffin, a member of MARTOM PROPERTIES, LLC, a Kentucky limited liability company, the Lessor in the foregoing Lease, on behalf of said limited liability company.
 
IN WITNESS WHEREOF I have hereunto set my hand and official seal.
 
/s/ Margaret Weinel ______________________
Notary Public

COMMONWEALTH OF KENTUCKY )
 
COUNTY OF CAMPBELL          ) SS
 
The foregoing instrument was acknowledged by me this 14 day of December, 2010, by Robert A. Griffin, the President & Chief Executive Officer of GRIFFIN INDUSTRIES, INC., a Kentucky corporation, the Lessee in the foregoing Lease, on behalf of said corporation.
 
IN WITNESS WHEREOF I have hereunto set my hand and official seal.
 
/s/ Margaret Weinel ______________________
Notary Public

 
14
 
 
EXHIBIT 10.7
EXECUTION VERSION
 
MARTOM PROPERTIES, LLC, LESSOR
GRIFFIN INDUSTRIES, INC., LESSEE
HENDERSON COUNTY, KENTUCKY
 
LEASE
 
THIS LEASE (this “Lease”) is entered into effective as of December 17, 2010, by and between MARTOM PROPERTIES, LLC, a Kentucky Limited Liability Company (“Lessor”) and GRIFFIN INDUSTRIES, INC., a Kentucky corporation (“Lessee”), as follows:
 
1.   Leased Premises .  Lessor hereby leases to Lessee the premises located at 221 Heilman (also known as Outer Fifth Street), Henderson, Kentucky 42420, in Henderson County, Kentucky described in Exhibit A attached hereto, including all buildings and other improvements and fixtures located thereon as of the date hereof and from time to time during the term of this Lease (the “Leased Premises”), excluding trade fixtures, machinery and equipment of Lessee.
 
2.   Term .
 
2.1   The initial term of this Lease shall be 10 years, commencing December 17, 2010 and ending December 16, 2020.
 
2.2   Lessee shall have the option to renew this Lease for 4 additional terms of 5 years each, the first commencing upon the expiration of the initial term, and each subsequent renewal term commencing upon the expiration of the immediately preceding renewal term, in each case by giving Lessor notice of exercise of the option to renew not later than 120 days prior to the end of the immediately preceding term; provided, however, that Lessee’s exercise of such renewal options shall not be effective to renew this Lease if any Event of Default, as defined in Section 14.1, exists and is continuing at the time the renewal notice is given or at the commencement of the renewal term. The renewal terms shall be upon the same terms and conditions as are applicable to the initial term, except that the rent shall be as set forth in Section 3.2.
 
3.   Rent .
 
3.1   Lessee shall pay Lessor as rent during the first 60 months of the initial term the sum of $5,000.00 per month, the first installment to be paid on or before December 17, 2010 and the remaining 59 installments to be paid serially on the first day of each of the following 59 months in advance.
 
3.2   The rent for each subsequent 60-month period during the initial and each renewal term shall be the rent for the immediately preceding 60-month period, increased by the percentage by which the Consumer Price Index (the “CPI”, as hereinafter defined) reported for the first month of the applicable subsequent 60-month period is higher than the CPI reported for the first month of the immediately preceding 60-month period.  The “CPI” shall mean the Consumer Price and Index as compiled and published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the United States Department of Labor (All items U.S. - CPI-W.  All cities average (1982-1984 = 100)), or the most comparable economic statistics indicator then being published.  If the CPI for the first month of any applicable 60-month period has not been published by the first day of such period, Lessee shall continue to pay the monthly rent that was in effect during the immediately
 

 
 

 

prior 60-month period on a temporary basis until such CPI is published, at which time Lessee shall pay Lessor the difference, if any, between such new rent and the monthly rent Lessee actually paid for each month during such interim period, and Lessee shall thereafter pay the full amount of the new monthly rent on a monthly basis.
 
4.   Use of Premises .
 
4.1   Lessee shall use and occupy the Leased Premises for the purpose of a bakery by-products processing plant, and for associated parking, storage, administrative uses, and for other uses as may be desired by Lessee for the operation of its business and for all normal purposes related thereto.  Lessee will not use the Leased Premises for any other purpose without the prior written consent of Lessor, although Lessee may cease operations on the Leased Premises as Lessee determines.
 
4.2   Lessee shall use and occupy the Leased Premises in accordance with applicable laws, and shall not permit any use of the Leased Premises that would (i) constitute waste or a nuisance, (ii) increase Lessor’s risk of loss or damage to the Leased Premises, (iii) increase the premiums for insurance maintained by Lessor on the Leased Premises over those which would apply to the normal commercial use of the Leased Premises without paying the difference caused by any change in use, or (iv) cause a cancellation of any policy of casualty, public liability or other insurance on the Leased Premises by the carrier or carriers then being used.
 
4.3   Upon the termination of this Lease, Lessee will peacefully and quietly surrender possession of the Leased Premises to Lessor and deliver the Leased Premises, together with all improvements, fixtures and appurtenances, except trade fixtures and equipment removed by Lessee pursuant to Section 5.2, in as good order and condition as when entered upon, except for ordinary wear and tear from normal use and damage by fire or other casualty not caused by Lessee, and natural obsolescence.
 
4.4   Lessee shall comply promptly with all laws, ordinances, regulations, and orders of all governmental authorities, including, without limitation, those relating to protection of health and the environment and to the treatment, storage, disposal and discharge of hazardous substances and solid waste (as those terms are defined in the applicable laws, rules, regulations and orders), and the requirements of any insurance company or insurance inspection bureau that are applicable to the Leased Premises or to Lessee’s use thereof.
 
5.   Alterations and Liens .
 
5.1   Lessee shall have the right to make any alterations, additions or improvements to the Leased Premises as deemed necessary or desirable by Lessee for the use of the Leased Premises as permitted in Section 4 without the prior written consent of Lessor, provided, however, that (i) Lessee shall give not less than 20 days prior written notice to Lessor of the alterations, additions or improvements to be made, and shall allow Lessor the opportunity to file a notice of non-responsibility for the construction thereof.  In addition, Lessee shall obtain builder’s risk insurance for any such construction for the benefit of Lessee and Lessor.  Lessee shall obtain waivers of liens from all contractors upon completion of construction.  All improvements, including any additions, alterations or improvements (excluding property which
 

 
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Lessee has the right to remove under Section 5.2) made by Lessee, are and shall remain Lessor’s property without any obligation of Lessor to compensate or otherwise credit Lessee therefor.
 
5.2   Lessee shall have the right to install in and on the Leased Premises any trade fixtures, equipment and temporary or nonstructural partitions and facilities which Lessee deems necessary or desirable for the use of the Leased Premises as permitted in Section 4 and to remove the same from time to time during the term of this Lease.  If Lessee fails to remove any of its trade fixtures or equipment within 30 days following the expiration or termination of this Lease, Lessee will be deemed to have conveyed such items to Lessor without any obligation of Lessor for compensation or credit to Lessee for the value thereof; provided, however, that if Lessor elects to remove such items from the Leased Premises within such 30-day period, Lessee shall be responsible and shall promptly pay or reimburse Lessor for the cost of such removal and for all costs of repairing any damage to the Leased Premises caused by such removal.  Upon the termination of this Lease, Lessee will also remove any partitions or other facilities installed by Lessee in the Leased Premises which Lessor requests Lessee to remove.  Such removals by Lessee shall be solely at the expense of Lessee and shall be done in a manner reasonably satisfactory to Lessor, and Lessee shall be responsible and promptly pay or reimburse Lessor for all costs of repairing any damage to the Leased Premises caused by such removals.
 
5.3   Lessee shall, at its expense, remove any liens filed against the Leased Premises or Lessee’s interest therein in connection with alterations, additions, repairs, maintenance, improvements or other actions by Lessee or with respect to any obligation or liability of Lessee, before the date upon which any such lien would be foreclosable under law.  Lessee may contest any such lien by lawful procedures provided that Lessee shall pay, or cause the removal by bond or otherwise, as permitted by applicable law, such lien before the date upon which any such lien would be foreclosable under law.  In the event Lessee fails to remove any such lien, Lessor, in addition to its remedies under Section 14, may at its sole discretion, remove such lien by paying such amount thereof or by taking such other actions as may be necessary to release such lien, and Lessee shall reimburse Lessor for all costs and expenses incurred by Lessor to remove such lien promptly upon demand by Lessor.
 
6.   Utilities .  Lessee shall pay when due all charges for gas, electricity and other power, water, sewage, waste removal, telephone and all other utility services used or consumed by Lessee in connection with its use of the Leased Premises.
 
7.   Maintenance and Repairs .
 
7.1   Lessee, at its expense, shall maintain all interior and exterior structural and non-structural parts and areas of the Leased Premises in good repair and in operating condition as needed or desired by Lessee for its business, and shall make all necessary structural and nonstructural repairs and replacements thereto, including, without limitation, all roofs, walls, foundations, partitions and windows, all electrical, heating, ventilating, air conditioning, plumbing and other facilities, systems and equipment which are now or hereafter in, on or part of any buildings and other improvements now or hereafter located on the Leased Premises and all grounds, driveways, parking areas and other exterior parts and areas of the Leased Premises.   Lessee shall take such action as is necessary to protect the Leased Premises from damage or premature wear, tear or depreciation caused by its activities so that the Leased Premises shall function normally throughout their normal useful lives.
 

 
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7.2   In the event Lessee fails to make any repairs or to perform any maintenance required under Section 7.1 within 30 days after Lessor gives Lessee notice requesting the same, Lessor, in addition to its remedies under Section 14, may, at its sole discretion, make such repairs and perform such maintenance for Lessee’s account and at Lessee’s expense, and Lessee shall reimburse Lessor for any and all costs and expenses incurred by Lessor in making such repairs and performing such maintenance promptly upon demand by Lessor.
 
7.3           INTENTIONALLY DELETED.
 
8.   Real Estate Taxes and Assessments .  Lessee shall reimburse Lessor for or, at Lessor’s option, pay directly all real estate taxes, assessments and other governmental charges applicable to the Leased Premises during the initial term and, if renewed, the renewal term of this Lease.
 
9.   Damage or Destruction of Premises .  In the event any building or other improvement on the Leased Premises is destroyed or damaged by fire, explosion or other casualty, except damage or destruction caused by Lessor, Lessee will, at its expense, make such repairs or replacements and do such rebuilding as are necessary to restore the Leased Premises to their former condition and complete such restoration with reasonable diligence; provided, however, that Lessee may, in Lessee’s sole discretion, also elect not to replace any improvements so damaged, and in such event shall remove the debris from the Leased Premises and restore the land.  If Lessee so elects not to restore any such improvements, Lessee shall promptly notify Lessor of such election, and in such event all insurance proceeds shall be payable to Lessor.
 
10.   Insurance .
 
10.1   Lessee, at its expense, will maintain (i) commercial general liability insurance insuring Lessee and Lessor against liability for injuries to person or property arising out of the occupancy or control of the Leased Premises with minimum limits of $1,000,000 per occurrence; and (ii) standard “all risk” insurance on the Leased Premises insuring Lessor and Lessee as their interests appear and the improvements, together with trade fixtures, equipment, inventory and all other personal property of Lessee (“Lessee’s Contents”) in an amount equal to not less than 100% of the replacement cost of the improvements and Lessee’s Contents.
 
10.2   All policies of insurance required to be maintained by Lessee pursuant to Section 10.1 shall (i) be issued by insurers licensed to issue such policies in the State of Kentucky and reasonably acceptable to Lessor, (ii) in the case of liability insurance, be rated at least A by Best’s Key Rating Guide for Property Liability; and (iii) provide that they may not be cancelled or materially altered without 10 days prior written notice to Lessor.  Prior to occupying the Leased Premises, upon each renewal of insurance and upon Lessor’s reasonable request from time to time, Lessee will furnish Lessor with certificates of such insurance and receipts or other proof of payment of the premiums thereon.
 
10.3   Lessor will not be liable to Lessee for business interruption or any similar loss or damage occurring on the Leased Premises unless caused by the gross negligence or willful misconduct of Lessor.
 

 
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10.4   Except as limited in the next sentence, Lessor and Lessee each hereby waives all rights that each of them has or may have under all policies of insurance maintained by each of them covering any part of the Leased Premises or the contents therein, including Lessee’s Contents, to subrogate the insurer to the rights of the insured party to recover from the other party by reason of the payment by the insurer of the insured party’s claim.  Lessor and Lessee will each obtain and maintain throughout the term of the Lease a waiver of such subrogation rights in all such policies of insurance; provided, however, that such waiver of subrogation will not be required of either party with respect to any policy of insurance if such waiver (i) is prohibited under the terms of such policy or (ii) can only be obtained upon payment of an additional premium or upon other conditions and the party to be benefited by such waiver declines to pay such additional premium or to fulfill such other conditions at the benefiting party’s expense.  In the event such waiver of subrogation cannot be obtained, the party not able to obtain such waiver shall promptly notify the other party of such event.
 
11.   Indemnity .  Except to the extent that Lessee is relieved of liability by waiver of subrogation pursuant to Section 10.4, Lessee will indemnify and defend Lessor and will hold Lessor harmless from and against all claims, demands and damages for injuries to person or property and all other claims, demands, liens, damages, fines or penalties of whatever nature or kind arising out of the use or occupancy of the Leased Premises by or any act or omission of any of Lessee or Lessee’s agents, employees, representatives, invitees, licensees, customers, or anticipated trespassers in or on the Leased Premises, except for injury or damage caused by Lessor’s negligence or intentional act, or that of any of Lessor’s members, agents, employees, representatives, or invitees.
 
12.   Lessor’s Right of Entry .  Lessor may enter the Leased Premises (i) at any time upon telephonic notice to Lessee to attend to emergency conditions involving imminent danger to person or property, (ii) upon 3 days advance written notice for purposes related to safety or the preservation or protection of the Leased Premises, (iii) upon 3 days advance written notice for the purpose of inspecting the Leased Premises, to determine the compliance by Lessee with the terms of this Lease, to exhibit the Leased Premises to prospective purchasers, and, if Lessee has not exercised its option to renew this Lease, during the last 4 months of the initial term, or, if Lessee has exercised its option to renew, during the last 4 months of the renewal term of this Lease, to exhibit the Leased Premises to prospective tenants.  Lessor shall schedule any such visits in advance with Lessee so as to allow Lessee to accompany Lessor on such visits, to minimize any disruption of Lessee’s operations, and to schedule such visits outside operating hours as necessary and/or reasonably requested by Lessee.
 
13.   Restrictions on Assignment and Subletting . Lessee shall not assign this Lease or sublease any part of the Leased Premises without Lessor’s prior written consent, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed.  Except as provided herein, any assignment or sublease made without Lessor’s prior written consent is void.  Notwithstanding Lessor’s consent thereto, (i) no sublease or assignment shall release Lessee from any of its obligations hereunder, and (ii) no sublessee or assignee shall have any right to further assign its rights or sublease any part of the Leased Premises.  Any transfer, sale or other disposition of ownership interests in Lessee or reorganization of Lessee as a result of which Darling International Inc. no longer has ultimate control of the Lessee, shall be deemed an assignment for purposes of this Section 13.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, Lessee may, without Lessor’s consent but upon not less than 30 days prior written notice to Lessor, assign this
 

 
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Lease, grant possession of the Leased Premises, or sublet all or a portion of the Leased Premises, to (i) any entity which controls, is controlled by or is under common control with Lessee or which results from a merger or consolidation with Lessee (each an “Affiliate”), or (ii) any entity other than an Affiliate which acquires all or substantially all of the Lessee’s business (an “Unrelated Purchaser”).  Upon any such assignment of this Lease to an Affiliate, Lessee shall not be released from its obligations under this Lease and shall remain liable hereunder.  Upon any such assignment of this Lease to an Unrelated Purchaser, Lessee shall be released from all further liabilities and obligations under this Lease arising from and after the date of such assignment provided that (A) such assignee assumes in writing all of Lessee’s obligations hereunder arising from and after the date of such assignment, (B) such assignee has, in Lessor’s reasonable judgment, the reasonably sufficient financial wherewithal to perform Lessee’s obligations under this Lease arising from and after the date of such assignment, (C) Lessee cures any defaults existing under this Lease as of the date of such assignment, and (D) if required by Lessor, Lessor may impose a reasonable and market security deposit to be deposited by any Unrelated Purchaser as a condition to the transfer of this Lease to an Unrelated Purchaser.  For purposes hereof, “control” with respect to any entity (I) means the power to direct the management and policies of such entity, directly or indirectly, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise, and (II) shall be present if a party has the direct or indirect power to appoint or have elected more than 50% of the governing body of such entity or has direct or indirect ownership of 50% or more of the voting shares or securities of such entity.  Lessee shall not be released from liability upon any sublease, license or grant of use to any Affiliate or Unrelated Purchaser.  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Lease, Lessee shall have the right to grant deeds of trust, mortgages or other conveyances of, or liens or encumbrances against or security interests in, Lessee’s leasehold interest in the Leased Premises and the improvements, and, in connection therewith, Lessor agrees to execute and deliver to the holder of any such security instrument an agreement to provide to such holder written notice of Lessee’s defaults under this Lease and an opportunity to cure such defaults, provided any such holder or its designee has, in Lessor’s reasonable judgment, the reasonably sufficient financial wherewithal to perform Lessee’s obligations under this Lease arising from and after the date of such assignment (and provides any security deposit reasonably required by Lessor), and cures any defaults existing under this Lease as of the date of such assignment.
 
14.   Events of Default; Remedies .
 
14.1   Each of the following shall constitute an Event of Default under this Lease:
 
14.1.1   the rent or any other payment due to Lessor from Lessee hereunder, or any part thereof, remains unpaid for 10 days after written notice is received by Lessee of such nonpayment from Lessor;
 
14.1.2   Lessee’s interest herein is taken in execution or by other process of law;
 
14.1.3   Lessee files or has filed against it a petition seeking an order for relief on its behalf as a debtor or seeking reorganization, any receiver or other fiduciary is appointed for the business and property of Lessee and any such filing or appointment is not vacated within 120 days after filing;
 

 
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14.1.4   Lessee makes an assignment for the benefit of Lessee’s creditors;
 
14.1.5   Lessee abandons the Leased Premises; or
 
14.1.6   Lessee fails to cure any other default in the performance or fulfillment of the terms and conditions hereof within 30 days after Lessor gives Lessee notice of such default; provided Lessee shall have a reasonable amount of time to cure such default beyond such 30 days if Lessee commences to cure such default within such 30-day period and thereafter proceed with reasonable diligence and in good faith to cure such default.
 
14.2   Upon the occurrence of an Event of Default, Lessor may (i) re-enter and repossess the Leased Premises and, without terminating this Lease, relet the Leased Premises or any part of it for the account of Lessor or Lessee and apply any rent collected by Lessor to amounts owed by Lessee to Lessor hereunder; or (ii) terminate this Lease by giving notice of termination to Lessee and re-enter and repossess the Leased Premises, such termination effective upon the giving of notice.  In addition to any remedy granted to Lessor pursuant to this Section 14.2, Lessee shall remain liable to Lessor for all damages and injuries suffered by Lessor as a result of such Event of Default.
 
14.3   Upon termination of this Lease, Lessee shall have no legal or equitable interest in this Lease or the Leased Premises and shall immediately peacefully and quietly surrender possession of the Leased Premises and remove its personal property as provided in Sections 4.3 and 5.2.
 
14.4   In addition to the rights provided in Section 14.2, if either party fails to make any payment of rent (as to Lessee) or any other amount due hereunder within 10 days after receipt of demand therefor, the nonpaying party shall pay interest on such amount at a rate equal to 3% per annum in excess of the prime interest rate in effect from time to time as reported in the Wall Street Journal, or the maximum lawful rate, whichever is less, until paid in full.
 
14.5   If Lessor breaches any covenant to be performed by it under this Lease, Lessee, after notice to and demand upon Lessor, without waiving or releasing any obligation hereunder, and in addition to all other remedies available at law to Lessee, may (but shall be under no obligation at any time thereafter to) make such payment or perform such act for the account and at the expense of Lessor.
 
15.   INTENTIONALLY DELETED.
 
16.   Waiver .  No waiver of any breach of any provision of this Lease shall be construed to be a waiver of any succeeding breach of the same provision or a waiver of any prior or subsequent breach of any other provision of this Lease, and the acceptance of rent or other payment by Lessor or Lessee with knowledge of a breach by the other party of any provision hereof shall not be deemed a waiver of such breach.
 
17.   Hold Over .  If Lessee should hold over in possession after the expiration of the initial lease term or, if renewed, after the expiration of the renewal term, such holding over shall not extend the term or renew the Lease, but, without impairing Lessor’s remedies, shall constitute a tenancy at will upon the same terms and conditions as are set forth hereunder until terminated by Lessor at any time by giving Lessee 30 days prior notice of termination or by
 

 
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Lessee at the end of any month by giving Lessor not less than 30 days prior notice of termination.  The rent for such period of holding over shall be 150% of the rent in effect at the expiration of the Lease term and shall be calculated on a per diem basis for any period of less than a full month.
 
18.   Mortgages and Subordination .  Lessor shall have the right from time to time during the term of this Lease to make new and/or additional mortgages covering the Leased Premises, and to refinance any mortgage, each of which shall be prior in lien to the Lease and the rights and privileges of Lessee hereunder.  Any such mortgage shall provide that so long as there shall be no Event of Default on the part of Lessee hereunder, no person shall have the power to impair, modify, abrogate, or in any way adversely affect the rights of Lessee to the full enjoyment of the entire term hereof by virtue of the existence of said indebtedness or mortgage, by reason of being the holder or owner of said indebtedness or any part thereof or by reason of any proceeding instituted under or pursuant to said mortgage, including foreclosure.
 
19.   Condemnation .  If (i) any part of the Leased Premises is taken by or sold under threat of condemnation or eminent domain and (ii) such taking or sale materially and adversely impairs Lessee’s use of the Leased Premises in Lessee’s reasonable determination, Lessee may terminate this Lease as of the date of such taking or sale.  Lessee may make a claim for compensation or award of damages for such taking or sale as to any of its personal property, trade fixtures and equipment so taken and for its relocation.
 
20.   Signs .  Lessee may install business signs on the Leased Premises for the purpose of identifying the Leased Premises as Lessee’s place of business and for directional and other normal informational purposes, as permitted by applicable law.  The installation, maintenance, repair and replacement of any such signs shall be the responsibility of Lessee, and Lessee shall be responsible for any damage to person or property caused by the erection, maintenance or removal of such signs.  Upon the termination of this Lease, Lessee shall remove said signs and repair any damage caused by such removal.
 
21.   Quiet Enjoyment .  Provided there shall be no Event of Default on the part of Lessee that has occurred and is continuing, Lessee shall peaceably and quietly occupy the Leased Premises, during the term hereof without any hindrance, ejection or molestation by Lessor or any other person.
 
22.   Notices .  All notices required or permitted to be given hereunder shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been given (i) when personally delivered to a principal or executive officer of the party to whom such notice is directed as provided below, (ii) when sent by electronic facsimile to the fax number listed below, for which the transmitting party has a confirmation or other proof of receipt by the addressee, or (iii) 1 business day after having been delivered to a national overnight delivery service with delivery charges prepaid, or 2 business days after having been deposited in a U.S. Mail depository, postage prepaid, for delivery by certified mail, return, receipt requested, and addressed as follows until such time as either party notifies the other of a change of address:
 

 
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Lessor:
 
Martom Properties, LLC
3264 High Ridge Road
Taylor Mill, KY 41015
Attn: Martin W. Griffin
Fax No.: 859-572-2572
 
Lessee:
 
Griffin Industries, Inc.
4221 Alexandria Pike
Cold Spring, KY 41076-1897
Attn: Legal Department
Fax No.: 859-572-2572
 
with a copy to:
 
Darling International Inc.
251 O’Connor Ridge Boulevard, Suite 300
Irving, Texas 75038
Attn: General Counsel
Fax No.: 972-717-3062
 
23.   Estoppel Certificates .  At the request of either party, or its mortgagee or secured party, the other party will execute, acknowledge and deliver to the requesting party a certificate in recordable form stating whether (i) this Lease is in full force and effect; (ii) this Lease has been amended in any respect, and in such event, attaching a copy of such amendment; and (iii) any default exists under this Lease to the certifying party’s knowledge, and if so, specifying the nature of such default.
 
24.   Triple Net Lease .  This Lease is a “triple net” Lease, and except as otherwise specifically provided herein, Lessee shall (i) pay all rent and all other payments and charges required to be made by Lessee hereunder, (ii) pay and be responsible for all costs, expenses, obligations, liabilities and acts necessary to and for the proper use, operation, maintenance, care and occupancy of the Leased Premises, and (iii) perform all of the other obligations and fulfill all of the other covenants and conditions stipulated to be performed and fulfilled by Lessee hereunder without notice or demand and free from any charges, taxes, assessments, claims, damages, expenses, deductions, set-offs, counterclaims, abatements, suspensions or defenses of any kind.
 
25.   Right of First Offer; Right of First Refusal .
 
25.1   Lessee shall have a right of first offer to purchase Lessor’s interest in the Leased Premises should Lessor decide to market or offer the Leased Premises for sale.  Lessor shall first offer to sell the Leased Premises to Lessee at Fair Market Value (defined below) by written notice to Lessee.  Lessee shall have 20 days to respond by written notice if Lessee desires to acquire the Leased Premises.  The sale shall be of the land and improvements, free and clear of all monetary debts and obligations, reversions, right of refusal and rights or options
 

 
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to purchase, with no other encumbrances or restrictions on the land or improvements other than those in existence as of the date of this Lease (except for any placed thereon with the consent and approval of Lessee).  Otherwise, the purchase shall be “AS IS, WHERE IS” by special warranty deed, with all faults and without representation as to physical condition including without limitation environmental condition, and subject to all matters of record.  Lessee shall pay for its own title insurance coverage and any due diligence, real estate taxes, closing costs and other items of expense related to the Leased Premises that are Lessee’s obligation to pay hereunder.  “Fair Market Value” means the value of the land and improvements at the time of the sale at the time of the expiration of this Lease.  If Lessor sends notice to Lessee of Lessor’s election to sell the Leased Premises, Lessor shall include in such notice the name of a person selected to act as appraiser on its behalf.  Within 10 days after receipt of such notice, Lessee shall by notice to Lessor appoint a second person as appraiser on its behalf.  The appraisers thus appointed, each of whom must be a member of the American Institute of Real Estate Appraisers (or any successor organization thereto) with at least 5 years’ experience in the State of Kentucky appraising property similar to the Leased Premises, shall, within 40 days after the date of the Lessor’s original notice appointing the first appraiser, proceed to appraise the Leased Premises to determine the Fair Market Value thereof as of the relevant date; provided, however, that if only 1 appraiser shall have been so appointed (and Lessee shall have the right to accept the appointment of Lessor’s appraiser for all purposes hereunder), then the determination of such appraiser shall be final and binding upon the parties.  If 2 appraisers are appointed and if the difference between the amounts so determined does not exceed 5% of the greater of such amounts, then the Fair Market Value shall be an amount equal to 50% of the sum of the amounts so determined.  If the difference between the amounts so determined exceeds 5% of the greater of such amounts, then such 2 appraisers shall have 20 days to appoint a third appraiser.  If no such appraiser shall have been appointed within such 20 days or within 90 days of the original request for a determination of Fair Market Value, whichever is earlier, either Lessor or Lessee may apply to any court having jurisdiction to have such appointment made by such court.  Any appraiser appointed by the original appraisers or by such court shall be instructed to determine the Fair Market Value or Fair Market Rental within 30 days after appointment of such appraiser.  The determination of the appraiser which differs most in the terms of dollar amount from the determinations of the other 2 appraisers shall be excluded, and 50% of the sum of the remaining 2 determinations shall be final and binding upon Lessor and Lessee as the Fair Market Value.  This provision for determining by appraisal shall be specifically enforceable to the extent such remedy is available under applicable law, and any determination hereunder shall be final and binding upon the parties except as otherwise provided by applicable law.  Lessor and Lessee shall each pay the fees and expenses of the appraiser appointed by it and each shall pay one-half of the fees and expenses of the third appraiser and one-half of all other costs and expenses incurred in connection with each appraisal.  If Lessee fails to respond to Lessor’s first notice within 20 days, or if Lessee rejects such offer within such 20 days, then Lessor may proceed to offer, market and sell the Leased Premises, subject to this Lease, to third parties.
 
25.2   Lessor may sell its interest in the Leased Premises in whole or in part subject to this Lease; provided , however, that such right is subject to Lessor’s grant to Lessee during the term of this Lease (including any renewals or replacements hereof) of an exclusive right of first refusal (the “ROFR”) to purchase the Leased Premises.  In the event Lessor receives an offer to purchase the Leased Premises from any third party which Lessor is willing to accept, Lessor shall first offer to Lessee the right to purchase the Leased Premises for the same consideration and under the same terms and conditions as provided in such offer.  Lessor shall
 

 
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promptly notify, in writing, Lessee of receipt of such offer and provide Lessee a copy of all documents relating to or comprising such offer.  Lessee shall have 30 days to review the offer.  Lessee shall notify Lessor in writing on or before the expiration of such 30 days of Lessee’s election to exercise its ROFR.  In the event Lessee exercises the ROFR, Lessee and Lessor shall enter into a written agreement for the purchase of the Leased Premises by Lessee upon the same terms and conditions contained in the offer.  In the event Lessee fails to respond within such 30-day period to Lessor’s notice, or if Lessee elects to refuse to exercise its ROFR with respect to such offer in writing to Lessor, Lessor may sell the Leased Premises, subject to the terms and conditions of this Lease, to the third party making such offer.  A refusal or failure to exercise its ROFR with respect to any offer will not exhaust or terminate the ROFR granted to Lessee in this Section 25.2, with respect to other offers, whether or not the third party offer to purchase the Leased Premises results in an actual sale of the Leased Premises or not, and any third party purchasing the Leased Premises shall take the Leased Premises subject to all terms and conditions of this Lease and the ROFR granted to Lessee herein and shall submit any offers it may receive from third parties to purchase the Leased Premises thereafter to Lessee as required in this Section 25.2.
 
26.   General .
 
26.1   This Lease shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the Commonwealth of Kentucky.
 
26.2   This Lease constitutes the entire agreement between the parties and supersedes all prior written and oral negotiations and understandings.
 
26.3   The captions contained in this Lease are for reference purposes only and shall not be used for, relate to or affect the interpretation of any provision hereof.
 
26.4   All of Lessor’s rights and remedies hereunder are cumulative and may be exercised separately or concurrently.
 
26.5   This Lease shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the respective successors and assigns of each of the parties hereto; provided, however, that no assignment by Lessee shall vest any rights or interests in the assignee except as provided in Section 13.
 
26.6   The parties hereto will, at the request of either party, execute a Memorandum of Lease to be recorded at the expense of the requesting party.
 

 
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Lessor and Lessee have executed this Lease as of the date set forth at the beginning of this Lease.
 
Witnesses:
 
 
/s/ Pamela L. Pretot                           
 
/s/ Louis F. Solimine                           
MARTOM PROPERTIES, LLC,
a Kentucky limited liability company
 
By: /s/ Martin W. Griffin                    
Name:
Title: Member
LESSOR
 
 
/s/ Pamela L. Pretot                           
 
/s/ Louis F. Solimine                           
GRIFFIN INDUSTRIES, INC.,
a Kentucky corporation
 
By: /s/ Robert A. Griffin                   
Name:
Title:
LESSEE

 

 

 

 
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COMMONWEALTH OF KENTUCKY )
 
COUNTY OF CAMPBELL          ) SS
 
The foregoing instrument was acknowledged by me this 14 day of December, 2010, by Martin Griffin, a member of MARTOM PROPERTIES, LLC, a Kentucky limited liability company, the Lessor in the foregoing Lease, on behalf of said limited liability company.
 
IN WITNESS WHEREOF I have hereunto set my hand and official seal.
 
/s/ Margaret Weinel_______________________
 
Notary Public
 
COMMONWEALTH OF KENTUCKY )
 
COUNTY OF CAMPBELL          ) SS
 
The foregoing instrument was acknowledged by me this 14 day of December, 2010, by Robert A. Griffin, the President & Chief Executive Officer of GRIFFIN INDUSTRIES, INC., a Kentucky corporation, the Lessee in the foregoing Lease, on behalf of said corporation.
 
IN WITNESS WHEREOF I have hereunto set my hand and official seal.
 
/s/ Margaret Weinel_______________________
 
Notary Public
 

 
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EXHIBIT 10.9
 
EXECUTION VERSION

EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
 
This Employment Agreement (this “ Agreement ”) is made and entered into as of December 17, 2010, by and among Darling International Inc., a Delaware corporation (“ Parent ”), Griffin Industries, Inc., a Kentucky corporation and, upon consummation of the Merger (as defined below), wholly owned subsidiary of Parent (“ Employer ”), and Robert A. Griffin (“ Employee ”).  Parent, Employer and Employee are collectively referred to herein as the “ Parties ”.
 
RECITALS:
 
WHEREAS, Parent and Employer are parties to that certain Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of November 9, 2010, by and among Parent, DG Acquisition Corp. (“ Merger Sub ”), Employer and Robert A. Griffin, as the Shareholder’s Representative (the “ Merger Agreement ”), pursuant to which Merger Sub will be merged with and into Employer, with Employer continuing as the surviving corporation and a wholly owned subsidiary of Parent (the “ Merger ”);
 
WHEREAS, immediately following the closing of, but subject to the consummation of, the Merger, Employer desires to employ Employee and Employee desires to be employed by Employer, under the terms and pursuant to the conditions set forth herein; and
 
WHEREAS, prior to the consummation of the Merger, Employee is a shareholder of Employer, and, as such, will personally receive substantial benefits upon the consummation of the transactions contemplated in the Merger Agreement.
 
AGREEMENTS:
 
NOW, THEREFORE, for and in consideration for the foregoing recitals, and in consideration of the mutual covenants, agreements, understandings, undertakings, representations, warranties and promises hereinafter set forth, and intending to be legally bound thereby, the Parties do hereby agree as follows:
 
1.   Employment .  Employer hereby agrees to employ Employee, and Employee hereby agrees to be employed by Employer during the Employment Period (as defined below), upon substantially the same terms and conditions as his employment with Employer immediately prior to the Merger, except as, and subject to, the conditions set forth in this Agreement.  Employee shall carry out such duties as are assigned by Parent’s Chief Executive Officer.  Employee will initially have the title of President and will have the Cold Spring, Kentucky headquarters office as his primary office.  The Parties agree that during the Term, Employee, in his capacity as President of Employer, shall have sole responsibility for all personnel decisions regarding Employer’s employees and Parent shall not make any personnel decisions regarding an employee of Employer without Employee’s express consent.
 
2.   Base Salary .  Employee shall receive a base salary of not less than his 2010 base salary during the Employment Period as compensation for the services contemplated hereby, payable periodically in accordance with Parent’s payroll policy for executive officers (“ Base Salary ”).  Employee will not receive any compensation other than the Base Salary except
 

 
 

 

as set forth in Section 5 (Bonus) and Section 6 (Employee Benefits).  The amount of Base Salary will be reviewed by the Compensation Committee of Parent’s Board of Directors annually and may be increased, subject to the approval of the Compensation Committee of Parent’s Board of Directors in its sole discretion.
 
3.   Employment Period .  The term of this Agreement shall commence on the effective date of the Merger (the “ Effective Date ”) and shall continue until three years from the date hereof, subject to termination as provided in Section 8 (the “ Term ”).  The term “ Employment Period ” means all times Employee is employed by Employer, commencing on the Effective Date and continuing throughout the Term.
 
4.   Employee Service .  During the Employment Period, Employee shall devote his full time and best efforts to the business of Employer and Parent and at all times faithfully, industriously and to the best of his ability, experience and talent, perform all of the duties reasonably requested by the Chief Executive Officer of Parent or such other officer of Employer or Parent as determined by the Chief Executive Officer of Parent.
 
5.   Bonus .  For Employer’s fiscal year 2011, Employee will be eligible to receive a two (2) to four (4) week bonus consistent with Employer’s past practice.  For Employer’s fiscal year 2012 and through the end of the Employment Period, Employee will participate in Parent’s 2004 Omnibus Incentive Plan (the “ Plan ”) to the same extent as similarly situated executive officers and senior management of Parent.  The Plan is based upon annual performance objectives and terms of any subplan adopted by Parent’s Board of Directors under the Plan from time to time.  Bonuses awarded pursuant to the Plan will be payable in accordance with the then current policy of Parent.  Employee’s base salary will be taken into account by the Compensation Committee of Parent’s Board of Directors in determining the level of Employee’s award opportunities under the Plan.
 
6.   Employee Benefits .  During the Term, Employee shall be entitled to substantially the same benefits as to which he was entitled during his employment with Employer immediately prior to the Merger, including:
 
(a)   continued participation in health and welfare and 401(k) plans in which Employee participates as of the date of the signing of the Merger Agreement, which shall be maintained by Employer or Parent for a period of time, or Parent’s welfare and 401(k) plans thereafter;
 
(b)   reimbursement for all ordinary and necessary motor vehicle expenses and travel expenses incurred by Employee in connection with the performance of his duties hereunder, subject to submission of appropriate documentation thereof in compliance with such policies and procedures as Employer or Parent may adopt from time to time;
 
(c)   accrue and be entitled to use up to four (4) weeks of vacation each year, at full pay, in accordance with Employer’s or Parent’s vacation policy;
 
(d)   eligibility for consideration by the Compensation Committee of Parent’s Board of Directors for participation in Parent’s long term incentive program;
 

 
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(e)   continued use of motor vehicle to which Employee is entitled under current arrangements with Employer immediately prior to the Merger; and
 
(f)   participate in Employer’s current salary continuation program for sickness and disabilities.
 
Employee shall not be entitled to any benefits other than as set forth in this Section 6 .
 
7.   Certain Covenants .
 
(a)   Confidentiality Agreement .  Employee acknowledges that he has in his possession as of the Effective Date, and that he will continue to have access to, Confidential Information (hereinafter defined), which has great value to Employer and Parent.  “ Confidential Information ” includes, in whole or in part, information concerning Employer’s or its affiliates’ experimental and development plans, trade secrets, secret procedures, information relating to ideas, improvements, and inventions, disclosures, processes, systems, contracts, agreements, formulas, patents, patent applications, machinery, material research activities and plans, customers or vendors and prospective customers, Employer’s or its affiliates’ product costs, prices, profits and volume of sales, and future business plans, and other confidential or proprietary information belonging to Employer or its affiliates or relating to Employer’s or its affiliates’ affairs, including, without limitation, such information that has been disclosed to one or more third parties pursuant to distribution agreements, joint research agreements, joint ventures or other agreements entered into by Employer or any of its affiliates; provided , however , that “ Confidential Information ” shall not include any information that has entered or enters the public domain through no fault of Employee.  During the Employment Period and at all times thereafter, Employee shall keep all of the Confidential Information in confidence and shall not disclose any of such Confidential Information to any other person for any reason, whether or not developed by Employee, except Employer’s and Parent’s personnel entitled thereto and other persons designated in writing by Parent’s Chief Executive Officer.  Employee shall not cause, suffer or permit the Confidential Information to be used for the gain or benefit of any party outside Employer or Parent or for Employee’s personal gain or benefit outside the scope of Employee’s engagement by Employer.  Employer shall have the right to communicate with any of the future or prospective employers of Employee concerning Employee’s continuing obligation to hold and safeguard the Confidential Information.
 
(b)   Non-Competition Agreement .  For the longer of (x) five years after the date hereof and (y) the date that is two (2) years following the Employment Period, Employee shall not:
 
(i)   directly or indirectly, own, manage, operate, have any interest as an employee, salesman, consultant, officer or director, control or participate in the ownership, management, operation or control of any business, whether in corporate, proprietorship or partnership form or otherwise, engaged in (A) the collection and conversion of animal and poultry by-products from meat processing, poultry processing and restaurant industries into fats and protein meal products and fertilizer and fuel products, (B) the collection and processing of used cooking oil, (C) the collection, processing and marketing of animal hides, (D) the sale of the processed products to
 

 
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livestock and pet food manufacturers, among other customers, (E) the collection, processing and marketing of bakery waste and (F) the servicing of grease traps, each within any state identified on Schedule A attached hereto (a “ Restricted Business ”); provided , however , that the restrictions contained in this Section 7(b)(i) shall not restrict (i) the acquisition of any capital stock or other securities of Parent and (ii) the acquisition by Employee, directly or indirectly, of less than 1% of the outstanding capital stock of any publicly traded company engaged in a Restricted Business;
 
(ii)   solicit or assist any other person to solicit any business (other than for Employer or Parent) from any customer of Employer or Parent or request or advise any present or future customer of Employer or Parent to withdraw, curtail or cancel its business dealings with Employer or Parent, as the case may be;
 
(iii)   commit any other act or assist others to commit any other act which might injure the business of Employer or Parent;
 
(iv)   directly or indirectly, solicit or encourage to leave the employment of Employer or any of its affiliates, any employee of Employer or any of its affiliates; or
 
(v)   directly or indirectly, solicit or encourage to cease work with Employer or any of its affiliates any consultant then under the oral or written contract with Employer or any of its affiliates within one (1) year of the termination of such Employee’s employment with Employer or any of its affiliates.
 
8.   Termination .
 
(a)   Death or Total Disability of Employee .  If Employee dies or becomes totally disabled during the Employment Period, the Employment Period shall automatically terminate.  A determination of “ Total Disability ” shall be made by a physician satisfactory to both Employee and Employer; provided , however , that if Employee and Employer do not agree on a physician, Employee and Employer shall each select a physician and these two together shall select a third physician, and the determination by a majority of the three physicians as to Total Disability shall be binding on all Parties; provided , further , that for purposes of this Agreement, Employee shall be deemed to have a “ Total Disability ” if Employee shall become physically or mentally incapacitated or disabled or otherwise unable to discharge fully Employee’s duties hereunder for a period of ninety (90) consecutive calendar days or for one hundred twenty (120) calendar days in any one hundred eighty (180) calendar-day period.
 
(b)   Termination for Cause .  The Employment Period may be terminated by Employer for the following occurrences (“ Cause ”):
 
(i)   Employee’s material breach of any of the covenants contained in Section 7 of this Agreement;
 
(ii)   Employee’s conviction by, or entry of a plea of guilty or nolo contendere in, a court of competent and final jurisdiction for any crime (whether
 

 
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felony or misdemeanor) (A) involving moral turpitude or punishable by imprisonment for more than one (1) year in the jurisdiction involved or (B) resulting in any imprisonment;
 
(iii)   Employee’s commission of any crime, act of fraud, embezzlement or theft upon or against (A) Employer or Parent in connection with his duties with Employer or in the course of his employment with Employer or otherwise, or (B) any third party whether prior to our subsequent to the date hereof;
 
(iv)   Employee’s continuing repeated failure or refusal to perform Employee’s duties as required by this Agreement (including, without limitation, Employee’s inability to perform Employee’s duties hereunder as a result of chronic alcoholism or drug addiction and/or as a result of any failure to comply with any laws, rules or regulations of any governmental entity with respect to Employee’s employment by Employer), provided that termination of the Employment Period pursuant to this subsection  (iv) shall not constitute valid termination for Cause unless Employee shall have first received written notice from Employer or Parent stating with specificity the nature of such failure or refusal and affording Employee at least thirty (30) days to correct the act or omission complained of; or
 
(v)   gross negligence, insubordination, material violation by Employee of any duty of loyalty to Employer or Parent, material violation of any of Employer’s or Parent’s written policies, disparagement of Employer or Parent or its affiliates or their respective businesses, or any other material misconduct on the part of Employee, provided that termination of the Employment Period pursuant to this subsection  (v) shall not constitute valid termination for Cause unless Employee shall have first received written notice from Employer or Parent stating with specificity the nature of such failure or refusal and affording Employee at least thirty (30) days to correct the act or omission complained of.
 
Except as otherwise agreed between Parent and Employee in writing, if Employee is terminated for Cause, all payments and benefits pursuant to this Agreement will cease immediately upon the date of such termination.
 
(c)   Effects of a Termination by Resignation .  If Employee resigns, Employee shall be entitled to receive to the effective date of the notice of termination Base Salary and his benefits pursuant to Section 6 hereof.  Employee will be entitled to no other compensation except as otherwise agreed by Parent in writing.
 
(d)   Effects of Termination for Death or Total Disability .  Upon the occurrence of Employee’s death or Total Disability during the Employment Period, all payments and benefits pursuant to this Agreement will cease.
 
(e)   Termination by Expiration of Time .  If this Agreement is not otherwise terminated prior to the expiration of the Term, it will be terminated as of the close of business on the final day of the Term.
 
9.   Return of Employer’s or Parent’s Property and Confidential Information .  Upon the termination of the Employment Period for any reason, Employee shall promptly deliver
 

 
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to Employer all property of Employer or Parent in his possession and any and all documents or materials containing or constituting Confidential Information.
 
10.   Withholding .  Employer shall be entitled to withhold from any payments or deemed payments any amount of federal and state income, FICA and other withholding tax it determines to be required by law.
 
11.   Section 409A .
 
(a)           The Parties hereto acknowledge and agree that the interpretation of Section 409A (as defined below) and its application to the terms of this Agreement is uncertain and may be subject to change as additional guidance and interpretations become available.  Anything to the contrary herein notwithstanding, the intent of the Parties is that the payments and benefits under this Agreement comply with or be exempt from Section 409A and, accordingly, to the maximum extent permitted, this Agreement shall be interpreted to be in compliance therewith.  If, however, any such benefit or payment is deemed to not comply with Section 409A, Employer and Employee agree to renegotiate in good faith any such benefit or payment (including, without limitation, as to the timing of any severance payments payable hereof) so that either (i) Section 409A will not apply or (ii) compliance with Section 409A will be achieved.
 
(b)           If any payment, compensation or other benefit provided to Employee under this Agreement in connection with Employee’s “separation from service” (as defined below) is determined, in whole or in part, to constitute “nonqualified deferred compensation” (within the meaning of Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “ Code ”), and the regulations and other authoritative guidance promulgated thereunder (collectively, “ Section 409A ”)) and Employee is a specified employee (as defined in Section 409A(a)(2)(B)(i)) at the time of separation from service, no portion of such payments shall be paid before the earlier of (i) the day that is six (6) months plus one (1) day after the date of termination or (ii) five (5) days following Employee’s death (the “ New Payment Date ”).  The aggregate of any payments that otherwise would have been paid and/or provided to Employee during the period between the date of separation of service and the New Payment Date shall be paid to Employee in a lump sum on such New Payment Date.  Thereafter, any payments that remain outstanding as of or immediately following the New Payment Date shall be paid without delay over the time period originally scheduled, in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, to the extent that the foregoing delay applies to the provision of any ongoing welfare benefits to Employee that would not be required to be delayed if the premiums therefor were paid by Employee, Employee shall pay the full cost of premiums for such welfare benefits due and payable prior to the New Payment Date and Employer shall pay Employee an amount equal to the amount of such premiums which otherwise would have been paid by Employer during such period on or within five (5) business days following the New Payment Date.
 
(c)           Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement, all reimbursements for costs and expenses under this Agreement shall be paid in no event later than the end of the taxable year following the taxable year in which Employee incurs such expense. With regard to any provision herein that provides for reimbursement of costs and expenses or in-kind benefits, except as permitted by Section 409A, (i) the right to reimbursement
 

 
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or in-kind benefits shall not be subject to liquidation or exchange for another benefit, (ii) the amount of expenses eligible for reimbursements or in-kind benefits provided during any taxable year shall not affect the expenses eligible for reimbursement or in-kind benefits to be provided in any other taxable year, provided , however , that the foregoing clause (ii) shall not be violated with regard to expenses reimbursed under any arrangement covered by Section 105(b) of the Code solely because such expenses are subject to a limit related to the period the arrangement is in effect, and (iii) any tax gross-up payment as provided herein, if any, shall be made in any event no later than the end of the calendar year immediately following the calendar year in which Employee remits the related taxes (and any reimbursement of expenses incurred due to a tax audit or litigation shall be made no later than the end of the calendar year immediately following the calendar year in which the taxes that are the subject of the audit or litigation are remitted to the taxing authority, or, if no taxes are to be remitted, the end of the calendar year following the calendar year in which the audit or litigation is completed).
 
(d)           For purposes of Section 409A, Employee’s right to receive any installment payments pursuant to this Agreement shall be treated as a right to receive a series of separate and distinct payments.  Whenever a payment under this Agreement specifies a payment period with reference to a number of days (e.g., payment shall be made within 30 days following the date of termination), the actual date of payment within the specified period shall be within the sole discretion of Employer.
 
(e)           A termination of employment shall not be deemed to have occurred for purposes of any provision of this Agreement providing for the payment of any amounts or benefits subject to Section 409A upon or following a termination of employment unless such termination is also a “separation from service” within the meaning of Section 409A, including the default presumptions, and for purposes of any such provision of this Agreement, references to a “resignation,” “termination,” “terminate,” “termination of employment” or like terms shall mean separation from service.
 
12.   Miscellaneous .
 
(a)   Integrated Contract .  This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement among the Parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes any previous agreements and understandings between the Parties with respect to such matters.
 
(b)   Amendments and Waivers .  This Agreement may be amended, modified, superseded or canceled only by an instrument in writing signed by or on behalf of each of the Parties hereto or their respective successors or legal representatives.
 
(c)   Survival .  Notwithstanding the termination of this Agreement or the Employment Period, Sections 7 , 9 and 12 hereof shall survive any such termination.
 
(d)   Severability .  In the event that a court of competent jurisdiction determines that any provision of this Agreement is illegal, unenforceable, unreasonable, or against public policy, then such provisions shall be modified by the court’s determination to the extent necessary to be legal, enforceable, reasonable and not against public policy, and such modification shall be incorporated herein by reference and treated as the provision that has been
 

 
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agreed to between the parties. Subject to the foregoing, if any term, phrase, clause, paragraph, restriction, covenant or other provision of this Agreement is held to be illegal, unenforceable, unreasonable, or against public policy, the same shall be deemed (and it is hereby agreed that same is meant to be) severable and shall not defeat or impair the remaining provisions hereof.
 
(e)   Choice of Law .  This Agreement and any matter based upon, arising out of or related to this Agreement, or the negotiation, execution or performance of this Agreement (whether for breach of contract, tortious conduct or otherwise), the interpretation and enforcement of the provisions of this Agreement or any actions of or omissions of any party in any way connected with, related to or giving rise to any of the foregoing matters shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws, rules and regulations, and judicial and administrative decisions (in each case, both procedural and substantive) of the Commonwealth of Kentucky, without reference to its conflicts of law principles, that if applied might require the application of the laws of another jurisdiction.
 
(f)   Assignment .  This Agreement is personal to Employee and without the prior written consent of Employer shall not be assignable by Employee otherwise than by will or the laws of descent and distribution.  This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Parties, and their legal representatives, heirs, and, subject to the preceding sentence of this Section 12(f) , their successors and assigns.
 
(g)   Counterparts .  This Agreement may be executed in two or more counterparts, all of which shall be considered one and the same agreement, and shall become effective when two or more counterparts have been signed by each of the Parties hereto and delivered, in person or by exchange via electronic mail (in Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF)) or facsimile with the other Parties hereto.
 
(h)   Headings .  The descriptive headings of the several sections of this Agreement are inserted for convenience only, do not constitute a part of this Agreement and shall not affect in any way the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement.  All references herein to “Sections” shall be deemed to be references to sections hereof unless otherwise indicated.
 
(i)   Compliance .  Employee acknowledges and agrees that (i) Parent is a publicly traded company subject to federal and state securities laws and (ii) Parent’s stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange, which requires that Parent comply with the rules and regulations of the New York Stock Exchange.
 
[The Remainder of This Page Is Intentionally Left Blank.]
 

 

 
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be duly executed as of the date hereinabove set forth.
 
DARLING INTERNATIONAL INC.
 

 
By: /s/ Randall C. Stuewe                          
Randall C. Stuewe
Chief Executive Officer
 

 
GRIFFIN INDUSTRIES, INC.
 

 
By: /s/ Randall C. Stuewe                          
Randall C. Stuewe
Chief Executive Officer
 

 

Signature Page to
Employment Agreement
 
 

 

EMPLOYEE:
 
/s/ Robert A. Griffin                            
Robert A. Griffin
 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


 

Signature Page to
Employment Agreement
 

 
EXHIBIT 10.10
 
EXECUTION VERSION

EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
 
This Employment Agreement (this “ Agreement ”) is made and entered into as of December 17, 2010, by and among Darling International Inc., a Delaware corporation (“ Parent ”), Griffin Industries, Inc., a Kentucky corporation and, upon consummation of the Merger (as defined below), wholly owned subsidiary of Parent (“ Employer ”), and Martin W. Griffin (“ Employee ”).  Parent, Employer and Employee are collectively referred to herein as the “ Parties ”.
 
RECITALS:
 
WHEREAS, Parent and Employer are parties to that certain Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of November 9, 2010, by and among Parent, DG Acquisition Corp. (“ Merger Sub ”), Employer and Robert A. Griffin, as the Shareholder’s Representative (the “ Merger Agreement ”), pursuant to which Merger Sub will be merged with and into Employer, with Employer continuing as the surviving corporation and a wholly owned subsidiary of Parent (the “ Merger ”);
 
WHEREAS, immediately following the closing of, but subject to the consummation of, the Merger, Employer desires to employ Employee and Employee desires to be employed by Employer, under the terms and pursuant to the conditions set forth herein; and
 
WHEREAS, prior to the consummation of the Merger, Employee is a shareholder of Employer, and, as such, will personally receive substantial benefits upon the consummation of the transactions contemplated in the Merger Agreement.
 
AGREEMENTS:
 
NOW, THEREFORE, for and in consideration for the foregoing recitals, and in consideration of the mutual covenants, agreements, understandings, undertakings, representations, warranties and promises hereinafter set forth, and intending to be legally bound thereby, the Parties do hereby agree as follows:
 
1.   Employment .  Employer hereby agrees to employ Employee, and Employee hereby agrees to be employed by Employer during the Employment Period (as defined below), upon substantially the same terms and conditions as his employment with Employer immediately prior to the Merger, except as, and subject to, the conditions set forth in this Agreement.  Employee shall carry out such duties as are assigned by Employer’s President.  Employee will initially have the title of Executive Vice President - Chief Operations Officer and will have the Cold Spring, Kentucky headquarters office as his primary office.  The Parties agree that during any period during the Term in which the Employment Agreement between Robert Griffin, Parent and Employer, of even date herewith, is no longer in effect, Employee, in his capacity as Executive Vice President – Chief Operations Officer of Employer, shall have sole responsibility for all personnel decisions regarding Employer’s employees and Parent shall not make any personnel decisions regarding an employee of Employer without Employee’s express consent.
 

 
 

 

2.   Base Salary .  Employee shall receive a base salary of not less than his 2010 base salary during the Employment Period as compensation for the services contemplated hereby, payable periodically in accordance with Parent’s payroll policy for executive officers (“ Base Salary ”).  Employee will not receive any compensation other than the Base Salary except as set forth in Section 5 (Bonus) and Section 6 (Employee Benefits).  The amount of Base Salary will be reviewed by the Compensation Committee of Parent’s Board of Directors annually and may be increased, subject to the approval of the Compensation Committee of Parent’s Board of Directors in its sole discretion.
 
3.   Employment Period .  The term of this Agreement shall commence on the effective date of the Merger (the “ Effective Date ”) and shall continue until three years from the date hereof, subject to termination as provided in Section 8 (the “ Term ”).  The term “ Employment Period ” means all times Employee is employed by Employer, commencing on the Effective Date and continuing throughout the Term.
 
4.   Employee Service .  During the Employment Period, Employee shall devote his full time and best efforts to the business of Employer and Parent and at all times faithfully, industriously and to the best of his ability, experience and talent, perform all of the duties reasonably requested by the Employer’s President or such other officer of Employer or Parent as determined by the President of Employer or the Chief Executive Officer of Parent.
 
5.   Bonus .  For Employer’s fiscal year 2011, Employee will be eligible to receive a two (2) to four (4) week bonus consistent with Employer’s past practice.  For Employer’s fiscal year 2012 and through the end of the Employment Period, Employee will participate in Parent’s 2004 Omnibus Incentive Plan (the “ Plan ”) to the same extent as similarly situated executive officers and senior management of Parent.  The Plan is based upon annual performance objectives and terms of any subplan adopted by Parent’s Board of Directors under the Plan from time to time.  Bonuses awarded pursuant to the Plan will be payable in accordance with the then current policy of Parent.  Employee’s base salary will be taken into account by the Compensation Committee of Parent’s Board of Directors in determining the level of Employee’s award opportunities under the Plan.
 
6.   Employee Benefits .  During the Term, Employee shall be entitled to substantially the same benefits as to which he was entitled during his employment with Employer immediately prior to the Merger, including:
 
(a)   continued participation in health and welfare and 401(k) plans in which Employee participates as of the date of the signing of the Merger Agreement, which shall be maintained by Employer or Parent for a period of time, or Parent’s welfare and 401(k) plans thereafter;
 
(b)   reimbursement for all ordinary and necessary motor vehicle expenses and travel expenses incurred by Employee in connection with the performance of his duties hereunder, subject to submission of appropriate documentation thereof in compliance with such policies and procedures as Employer or Parent may adopt from time to time;
 

 
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(c)   accrue and be entitled to use up to four (4) weeks of vacation each year, at full pay, in accordance with Employer’s or Parent’s vacation policy;
 
(d)   eligibility for consideration by the Compensation Committee of Parent’s Board of Directors for participation in Parent’s long term incentive program;
 
(e)   continued use of motor vehicle to which Employee is entitled under current arrangements with Employer immediately prior to the Merger; and
 
(f)   participate in Employer’s current salary continuation program for sickness and disabilities.
 
Employee shall not be entitled to any benefits other than as set forth in this Section 6 .
 
7.   Certain Covenants .
 
(a)   Confidentiality Agreement .  Employee acknowledges that he has in his possession as of the Effective Date, and that he will continue to have access to, Confidential Information (hereinafter defined), which has great value to Employer and Parent.  “ Confidential Information ” includes, in whole or in part, information concerning Employer’s or its affiliates’ experimental and development plans, trade secrets, secret procedures, information relating to ideas, improvements, and inventions, disclosures, processes, systems, contracts, agreements, formulas, patents, patent applications, machinery, material research activities and plans, customers or vendors and prospective customers, Employer’s or its affiliates’ product costs, prices, profits and volume of sales, and future business plans, and other confidential or proprietary information belonging to Employer or its affiliates or relating to Employer’s or its affiliates’ affairs, including, without limitation, such information that has been disclosed to one or more third parties pursuant to distribution agreements, joint research agreements, joint ventures or other agreements entered into by Employer or any of its affiliates; provided , however , that “ Confidential Information ” shall not include any information that has entered or enters the public domain through no fault of Employee.  During the Employment Period and at all times thereafter, Employee shall keep all of the Confidential Information in confidence and shall not disclose any of such Confidential Information to any other person for any reason, whether or not developed by Employee, except Employer’s and Parent’s personnel entitled thereto and other persons designated in writing by Parent’s Chief Executive Officer.  Employee shall not cause, suffer or permit the Confidential Information to be used for the gain or benefit of any party outside Employer or Parent or for Employee’s personal gain or benefit outside the scope of Employee’s engagement by Employer.  Employer shall have the right to communicate with any of the future or prospective employers of Employee concerning Employee’s continuing obligation to hold and safeguard the Confidential Information.
 
(b)   Non-Competition Agreement .  For the longer of (x) five years after the date hereof and (y) the date that is two (2) years following the Employment Period, Employee shall not:
 
(i)   directly or indirectly, own, manage, operate, have any interest as an employee, salesman, consultant, officer or director, control or participate in the ownership, management, operation or control of any business, whether in corporate,
 

 
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proprietorship or partnership form or otherwise, engaged in (A) the collection and conversion of animal and poultry by-products from meat processing, poultry processing and restaurant industries into fats and protein meal products and fertilizer and fuel products, (B) the collection and processing of used cooking oil, (C) the collection, processing and marketing of animal hides, (D) the sale of the processed products to livestock and pet food manufacturers, among other customers, (E) the collection, processing and marketing of bakery waste and (F) the servicing of grease traps, each within any state identified on Schedule A attached hereto (a “ Restricted Business ”); provided , however , that the restrictions contained in this Section 7(b)(i) shall not restrict (i) the acquisition of any capital stock or other securities of Parent and (ii) the acquisition by Employee, directly or indirectly, of less than 1% of the outstanding capital stock of any publicly traded company engaged in a Restricted Business;
 
(ii)   solicit or assist any other person to solicit any business (other than for Employer or Parent) from any customer of Employer or Parent or request or advise any present or future customer of Employer or Parent to withdraw, curtail or cancel its business dealings with Employer or Parent, as the case may be;
 
(iii)   commit any other act or assist others to commit any other act which might injure the business of Employer or Parent;
 
(iv)   directly or indirectly, solicit or encourage to leave the employment of Employer or any of its affiliates, any employee of Employer or any of its affiliates; or
 
(v)   directly or indirectly, solicit or encourage to cease work with Employer or any of its affiliates any consultant then under the oral or written contract with Employer or any of its affiliates within one (1) year of the termination of such Employee’s employment with Employer or any of its affiliates.
 
8.   Termination .
 
(a)   Death or Total Disability of Employee .  If Employee dies or becomes totally disabled during the Employment Period, the Employment Period shall automatically terminate.  A determination of “ Total Disability ” shall be made by a physician satisfactory to both Employee and Employer; provided , however , that if Employee and Employer do not agree on a physician, Employee and Employer shall each select a physician and these two together shall select a third physician, and the determination by a majority of the three physicians as to Total Disability shall be binding on all Parties; provided , further , that for purposes of this Agreement, Employee shall be deemed to have a “ Total Disability ” if Employee shall become physically or mentally incapacitated or disabled or otherwise unable to discharge fully Employee’s duties hereunder for a period of ninety (90) consecutive calendar days or for one hundred twenty (120) calendar days in any one hundred eighty (180) calendar-day period.
 
(b)   Termination for Cause .  The Employment Period may be terminated by Employer for the following occurrences (“ Cause ”):
 

 
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(i)   Employee’s material breach of any of the covenants contained in Section 7 of this Agreement;
 
(ii)   Employee’s conviction by, or entry of a plea of guilty or nolo contendere in, a court of competent and final jurisdiction for any crime (whether felony or misdemeanor) (A) involving moral turpitude or punishable by imprisonment for more than one (1) year in the jurisdiction involved or (B) resulting in any imprisonment;
 
(iii)   Employee’s commission of any crime, act of fraud, embezzlement or theft upon or against (A) Employer or Parent in connection with his duties with Employer or in the course of his employment with Employer or otherwise, or (B) any third party whether prior to our subsequent to the date hereof;
 
(iv)   Employee’s continuing repeated failure or refusal to perform Employee’s duties as required by this Agreement (including, without limitation, Employee’s inability to perform Employee’s duties hereunder as a result of chronic alcoholism or drug addiction and/or as a result of any failure to comply with any laws, rules or regulations of any governmental entity with respect to Employee’s employment by Employer), provided that termination of the Employment Period pursuant to this subsection  (iv) shall not constitute valid termination for Cause unless Employee shall have first received written notice from Employer or Parent stating with specificity the nature of such failure or refusal and affording Employee at least thirty (30) days to correct the act or omission complained of; or
 
(v)   gross negligence, insubordination, material violation by Employee of any duty of loyalty to Employer or Parent, material violation of any of Employer’s or Parent’s written policies, disparagement of Employer or Parent or its affiliates or their respective businesses, or any other material misconduct on the part of Employee, provided that termination of the Employment Period pursuant to this subsection  (v) shall not constitute valid termination for Cause unless Employee shall have first received written notice from Employer or Parent stating with specificity the nature of such failure or refusal and affording Employee at least thirty (30) days to correct the act or omission complained of.
 
Except as otherwise agreed between Parent and Employee in writing, if Employee is terminated for Cause, all payments and benefits pursuant to this Agreement will cease immediately upon the date of such termination.
 
(c)   Effects of a Termination by Resignation .  If Employee resigns, Employee shall be entitled to receive to the effective date of the notice of termination Base Salary and his benefits pursuant to Section 6 hereof.  Employee will be entitled to no other compensation except as otherwise agreed by Parent in writing.
 
(d)   Effects of Termination for Death or Total Disability .  Upon the occurrence of Employee’s death or Total Disability during the Employment Period, all payments and benefits pursuant to this Agreement will cease.
 

 
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(e)   Termination by Expiration of Time .  If this Agreement is not otherwise terminated prior to the expiration of the Term, it will be terminated as of the close of business on the final day of the Term.
 
9.   Return of Employer’s or Parent’s Property and Confidential Information .  Upon the termination of the Employment Period for any reason, Employee shall promptly deliver to Employer all property of Employer or Parent in his possession and any and all documents or materials containing or constituting Confidential Information.
 
10.   Withholding .  Employer shall be entitled to withhold from any payments or deemed payments any amount of federal and state income, FICA and other withholding tax it determines to be required by law.
 
11.   Section 409A .
 
(a)           The Parties hereto acknowledge and agree that the interpretation of Section 409A (as defined below) and its application to the terms of this Agreement is uncertain and may be subject to change as additional guidance and interpretations become available.  Anything to the contrary herein notwithstanding, the intent of the Parties is that the payments and benefits under this Agreement comply with or be exempt from Section 409A and, accordingly, to the maximum extent permitted, this Agreement shall be interpreted to be in compliance therewith.  If, however, any such benefit or payment is deemed to not comply with Section 409A, Employer and Employee agree to renegotiate in good faith any such benefit or payment (including, without limitation, as to the timing of any severance payments payable hereof) so that either (i) Section 409A will not apply or (ii) compliance with Section 409A will be achieved.
 
(b)           If any payment, compensation or other benefit provided to Employee under this Agreement in connection with Employee’s “separation from service” (as defined below) is determined, in whole or in part, to constitute “nonqualified deferred compensation” (within the meaning of Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “ Code ”), and the regulations and other authoritative guidance promulgated thereunder (collectively, “ Section 409A ”)) and Employee is a specified employee (as defined in Section 409A(a)(2)(B)(i)) at the time of separation from service, no portion of such payments shall be paid before the earlier of (i) the day that is six (6) months plus one (1) day after the date of termination or (ii) five (5) days following Employee’s death (the “ New Payment Date ”).  The aggregate of any payments that otherwise would have been paid and/or provided to Employee during the period between the date of separation of service and the New Payment Date shall be paid to Employee in a lump sum on such New Payment Date.  Thereafter, any payments that remain outstanding as of or immediately following the New Payment Date shall be paid without delay over the time period originally scheduled, in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, to the extent that the foregoing delay applies to the provision of any ongoing welfare benefits to Employee that would not be required to be delayed if the premiums therefor were paid by Employee, Employee shall pay the full cost of premiums for such welfare benefits due and payable prior to the New Payment Date and Employer shall pay Employee an amount equal to the amount of such premiums which otherwise would have been paid by Employer during such period on or within five (5) business days following the New Payment Date.
 

 
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(c)           Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement, all reimbursements for costs and expenses under this Agreement shall be paid in no event later than the end of the taxable year following the taxable year in which Employee incurs such expense. With regard to any provision herein that provides for reimbursement of costs and expenses or in-kind benefits, except as permitted by Section 409A, (i) the right to reimbursement or in-kind benefits shall not be subject to liquidation or exchange for another benefit, (ii) the amount of expenses eligible for reimbursements or in-kind benefits provided during any taxable year shall not affect the expenses eligible for reimbursement or in-kind benefits to be provided in any other taxable year, provided , however , that the foregoing clause (ii) shall not be violated with regard to expenses reimbursed under any arrangement covered by Section 105(b) of the Code solely because such expenses are subject to a limit related to the period the arrangement is in effect, and (iii) any tax gross-up payment as provided herein, if any, shall be made in any event no later than the end of the calendar year immediately following the calendar year in which Employee remits the related taxes (and any reimbursement of expenses incurred due to a tax audit or litigation shall be made no later than the end of the calendar year immediately following the calendar year in which the taxes that are the subject of the audit or litigation are remitted to the taxing authority, or, if no taxes are to be remitted, the end of the calendar year following the calendar year in which the audit or litigation is completed).
 
(d)           For purposes of Section 409A, Employee’s right to receive any installment payments pursuant to this Agreement shall be treated as a right to receive a series of separate and distinct payments.  Whenever a payment under this Agreement specifies a payment period with reference to a number of days (e.g., payment shall be made within 30 days following the date of termination), the actual date of payment within the specified period shall be within the sole discretion of Employer.
 
(e)           A termination of employment shall not be deemed to have occurred for purposes of any provision of this Agreement providing for the payment of any amounts or benefits subject to Section 409A upon or following a termination of employment unless such termination is also a “separation from service” within the meaning of Section 409A, including the default presumptions, and for purposes of any such provision of this Agreement, references to a “resignation,” “termination,” “terminate,” “termination of employment” or like terms shall mean separation from service.
 
12.   Miscellaneous .
 
(a)   Integrated Contract .  This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement among the Parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes any previous agreements and understandings between the Parties with respect to such matters.
 
(b)   Amendments and Waivers .  This Agreement may be amended, modified, superseded or canceled only by an instrument in writing signed by or on behalf of each of the Parties hereto or their respective successors or legal representatives.
 
(c)   Survival .  Notwithstanding the termination of this Agreement or the Employment Period, Sections 7 , 9 and 12 hereof shall survive any such termination.
 

 
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(d)   Severability .  In the event that a court of competent jurisdiction determines that any provision of this Agreement is illegal, unenforceable, unreasonable, or against public policy, then such provisions shall be modified by the court’s determination to the extent necessary to be legal, enforceable, reasonable and not against public policy, and such modification shall be incorporated herein by reference and treated as the provision that has been agreed to between the parties. Subject to the foregoing, if any term, phrase, clause, paragraph, restriction, covenant or other provision of this Agreement is held to be illegal, unenforceable, unreasonable, or against public policy, the same shall be deemed (and it is hereby agreed that same is meant to be) severable and shall not defeat or impair the remaining provisions hereof.
 
(e)   Choice of Law .  This Agreement and any matter based upon, arising out of or related to this Agreement, or the negotiation, execution or performance of this Agreement (whether for breach of contract, tortious conduct or otherwise), the interpretation and enforcement of the provisions of this Agreement or any actions of or omissions of any party in any way connected with, related to or giving rise to any of the foregoing matters shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws, rules and regulations, and judicial and administrative decisions (in each case, both procedural and substantive) of the Commonwealth of Kentucky, without reference to its conflicts of law principles, that if applied might require the application of the laws of another jurisdiction.
 
(f)   Assignment .  This Agreement is personal to Employee and without the prior written consent of Employer shall not be assignable by Employee otherwise than by will or the laws of descent and distribution.  This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Parties, and their legal representatives, heirs, and, subject to the preceding sentence of this Section 12(f) , their successors and assigns.
 
(g)   Counterparts .  This Agreement may be executed in two or more counterparts, all of which shall be considered one and the same agreement, and shall become effective when two or more counterparts have been signed by each of the Parties hereto and delivered, in person or by exchange via electronic mail (in Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF)) or facsimile with the other Parties hereto.
 
(h)   Headings .  The descriptive headings of the several sections of this Agreement are inserted for convenience only, do not constitute a part of this Agreement and shall not affect in any way the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement.  All references herein to “Sections” shall be deemed to be references to sections hereof unless otherwise indicated.
 
(i)   Compliance .  Employee acknowledges and agrees that (i) Parent is a publicly traded company subject to federal and state securities laws and (ii) Parent’s stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange, which requires that Parent comply with the rules and regulations of the New York Stock Exchange.
 
[The Remainder of This Page Is Intentionally Left Blank.]
 

 

 
8

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be duly executed as of the date hereinabove set forth.
 
DARLING INTERNATIONAL INC.
 

 
By:  /s/ Randall C. Stuewe                       
Randall C. Stuewe
Chief Executive Officer
 

 
GRIFFIN INDUSTRIES, INC.
 

 
By:  /s/ Randall C. Stuewe                       
Randall C. Stuewe
Chief Executive Officer
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Signature Page to
Employment Agreement
 
 

 

EMPLOYEE:
 
/s/ Martin W. Griffin                                 
Martin W. Griffin
 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

 

Signature Page to
Employment Agreement
 
 

 

 
EXHIBIT 99.1
 
 



DARLING INTERNATIONAL INC. COMPLETES MERGER WITH
GRIFFIN INDUSTRIES, INC.


December 17, 2010 – IRVING, TEXAS – Darling International Inc. (NYSE: DAR),   a leading provider of rendering, recycling and recovery solutions to the nation’s food industry, today announced that it has completed its merger with Griffin Industries, one of the largest independent, privately owned rendering, bakery by-product and used cooking oil recycling companies in North America headquartered in Cold Spring, Kentucky.
 
As previously announced, the transaction is valued at approximately $840 million in cash and stock, subject to certain purchase price adjustments.  The purchase price consisted of $740 million in cash and 9,998,017 shares of Darling common stock, which approximates 12.1 percent of Darling’s outstanding common shares on a fully diluted basis.
 
Randall C. Stuewe, Chairman and CEO of Darling, said “We are pleased to have the opportunity to add Griffin Industries to our company.   Together, we will be stronger, more efficient and most importantly have the ability to better serve our customers and suppliers.  Our national platform will provide new opportunities for growth.  This is truly a win for our shareholders and employees.”
 
In conjunction with the closing of the transaction, Darling has entered into a $625 million senior secured credit facility comprised of a revolving loan facility of $325 million and a term loan facility of $300 million, with JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent.  In addition, Darling has privately placed an aggregate of $250 million of its 8.5% Senior Notes due 2018.
 
ABOUT DARLING
 
Darling International Inc. is the U.S. largest and only publically traded provider of rendering and bakery waste recycling solutions to the nation’s food industry.  The Company recycles beef, pork and poultry waste streams into useable ingredients such as tallow, feed-grade fats, meat and bone meal, poultry meal and hides.  The Company also recovers and transforms used cooking oil and commercial bakery waste into valuable feed and fuel ingredients.  These products are primarily sold to agricultural, pet food, leather, oleo-chemical and bio-diesel manufacturers around the world.  In addition, the Company provides grease trap collection services and sells used cooking oil collection equipment to restaurants.
 
For additional information, visit the Company’s web site at http://www.darlingii.com .
 
{This media release contains forward-looking statements regarding the business operations and prospects of Darling and industry factors affecting it, as well as forward-looking information regarding the Griffin transaction and the combined company. These statements are identified by
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
News Release
December 17, 2010
Page 2
     
     
 
 
 
words such as "may," "will,"  " begin," " look forward, " "expect," "believe," "intend," "anticipate," "should", “potential,” "estimate," “continue," “momentum” and other words referring to events to occur in the future. These statements reflect Darling's current view of future events and are based on its assessment of, and are subject to, a variety of risks and uncertainties beyond its control, including the continued disturbances in world financial, credit, commodities and stock markets,  a decline in consumer confidence and discretionary spending,  the general performance of the U.S. economy, and global demands for bio-fuels and grain and oilseed commodities, which have exhibited volatility, each of which could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Other risks and uncertainties regarding Darling, its business and the industry in which it operates are referenced from time to time in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.  Darling is under no obligation to (and expressly disclaims any such obligation to) update or alter its forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.}
 
 
 

 
For More Information, contact:
John O. Muse, Executive Vice President of Finance and Administration, or
Brad Phillips, Treasurer, at
972-717-0300
EXHIBIT 99.4

 
Unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial
information
 
The following unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information is based upon the historical consolidated financial information of Darling and Griffin included elsewhere in this offering memorandum, and has been prepared to reflect the Merger based on the acquisition method of accounting, with Darling treated as the accounting acquirer. Under the acquisition method, the assets and liabilities of Griffin will be recorded by Darling at their respective fair values as of the date the Merger is completed. The unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information presents the combination of the historical financial statements of Darling and Griffin, adjusted to give effect to the Merger and related financing, based on the assumptions and adjustments described in the accompanying notes to the unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information. The historical financial information has been adjusted to give effect to events that are directly attributable to the Merger and factually supportable and, in the case of the statement of operations information, that are expected to have a continuing impact.
 
The unaudited pro forma condensed combined balance sheet information has been prepared as of October 2, 2010, and gives effect to the Merger as if it had occurred on that date. The unaudited pro forma condensed combined statement of operations information, which has been prepared for the year ended January 2, 2010, the nine months ended October 3, 2009, the nine months ended October 2, 2010 and the twelve months ended October 2, 2010 (the “Pro Forma LTM Period”), gives effect to the Merger as if it had occurred on January 4, 2009.
 
The unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information was prepared using (1) the audited consolidated financial statements of Darling for the fifty two weeks ended January 2, 2010, (2) the unaudited consolidated financial statements of Darling as of and for the nine months ended October 2, 2010 and October 3, 2009, included in this offering memorandum, (3) the audited consolidated financial statements of Griffin for the year ended December 31, 2009, included in this offering memorandum and (4) the unaudited consolidated financial statements of Griffin as of and for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, included in this offering memorandum.
 
The Pro Forma LTM Period is calculated as follows: (i) the unaudited pro forma condensed combined statement of operations for the year ended January 2, 2010, plus (ii) the unaudited pro forma condensed combined statement of operations for the nine months ended October 2, 2010, less (iii) the unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated statement of operations for the nine months ended October 3, 2009.
 
The unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information is presented for informational purposes only and is not necessarily indicative of the financial position or results of operations that would have been achieved had the transactions been completed at the dates indicated. In addition, the unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information does not purport to project the future financial position or results of operations of the combined company after completion of the Merger. In the opinion of Darling’s management, all adjustments considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included.
 
The unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information does not give effect to any potential cost savings or other operating efficiencies that could result from the Merger. In addition, the fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed are based upon estimates. The final allocation is dependent upon third party valuations and other studies that will not be completed until after the Merger is consummated and could vary materially from the estimated allocation used in the unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information presented in this offering memorandum.
 
 

 
1

 

Unaudited pro forma condensed combined balance sheet
As of October 2, 2010
 
                           
(In thousands)
 
Darling
   
Griffin
   
Pro Forma
Adjustments
 
Notes
 
Pro Forma
Combined
 
                           
                           
Assets
                         
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 77,075     $ 39,556     $ (114,556 )
(a)
  $ 2,075  
Restricted cash
    373                       373  
Accounts receivables, net
    46,482       34,291                 80,773  
Inventories
    26,570       15,334                 41,904  
Income taxes refundable
    1,102                       1,102  
Prepaid expenses
    7,154       3,864                 11,018  
Deferred income taxes
    6,826                       6,826  
 
                                 
Total current assets
    165,582       93,045       (114,556 )       144,071  
Property, plant and equipment, net
    158,761       139,842       55,776  
(b)
    354,379  
Collection route and contracts, net
    43,434             467,450  
(c)
    510,884  
Goodwill
    84,655             192,021  
(c)
    276,676  
Deferred loan costs
    941             26,559  
(d)
    27,500  
Other assets
    7,924       40                 7,964  
 
                                 
Total assets
  $ 461,297     $ 232,927     $ 627,250       $ 1,321,474  
 
                                 
                                   
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
                                 
Current portion of long-term debt
  $ 5,009     $     $ (2,000 )
(e)
  $ 3,009  
Accounts payable
    22,258       18,334                 40,592  
Accrued Interest
    7             (7 )
(d)
     
Accrued expenses
    46,877       25,107       (6,422 )
(d), (h)
    65,562  
 
                                 
Total current liabilities
    74,151       43,441       (8,429 )       109,163  
Long-term debt
    23,782             737,184  
(e)
    760,966  
Other non-current liabilities
    35,108                       35,108  
Deferred income taxes
    6,303             (338 )
(d)
    5,965  
Total liabilities
    139,344       43,441       728,417         911,202  
Stockholders’ Equity:
                                 
Common stock
    829       8,440       (8,340 )
(g), (h)
    929  
Additional paid in capital
    159,080             100,278  
(g)
    259,358  
Treasury stock
    (4,197 )                     (4,197 )
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
    (22,335 )                     (22,335 )
 
                       
(d), (f),
       
                                   
Retained earnings
    188,576       181,046       (193,105 )
(g), (h)
    176,517  
Unearned compensation
                           
 
                                 
Total stockholders’ equity
    321,953       189,486       (101,167 )       410,272  
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
  $ 461,297     $ 232,927     $ 627,250       $ 1,321,474  
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial statements
 
 

 
2

 

Unaudited pro forma condensed combined
statement of operations
For the fiscal year ended January 2, 2010
 
                           
(In thousands, except per share data)
 
Darling
   
Griffin
   
Pro Forma
Adjustments
 
Notes
 
Pro Forma
Combined
 
                           
                           
Condensed Combined Statement of Operations Data:
                         
Net sales
  $ 597,806     $ 525,302             $ 1,123,108  
 
                               
                                 
Costs and expenses:
                               
Cost of sales and operating expenses
    440,111       366,064     $ (11,171 )
(i)
    795,004  
Selling, general and administrative
    61,530       65,436       1,368  
(j)
    128,334  
Depreciation and amortization
    25,226       22,088       20,030  
(k)
    67,344  
 
                                 
Total costs and expenses
    526,867       453,588       10,227         990,682  
Operating Income
    70,939       71,714       (10,227 )       132,426  
                                   
Other income/(expense)
                                 
Interest expense
    (3,105 )           (47,362 )
(l)
    (50,467 )
Interest Income
          248                 248  
Other, net
    (955 )     685                 (270 )
Total other income/(expense)
    (4,060 )     933       (47,362 )       (50,489 )
Income from continuing operations before income taxes
    66,879       72,647       (57,589 )       81,937  
Income tax expense
    25,089             5,637  
(m)
    30,726  
Net Income from continuing operations
  $ 41,790     $ 72,647     $ (63,226 )     $ 51,211  
 
                                 
                                   
Per share data:
                                 
                                   
Income from continuing operations per share:
                                 
Basic
  $ 0.51                       $ 0.56  
Diluted
  $ 0.51                       $ 0.55  
                                   
Weighted average number of shares outstanding:
                                 
Basic
    82,142               10,035  
(n)
    92,177  
Diluted
    82,475               10,638  
(n)
    93,113  
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial statements
 
 

 
3

 

Unaudited pro forma condensed combined
statement of operations
For the nine months ended October 3, 2009
 
                           
(In thousands, except per share data)
 
Darling
   
Griffin
   
Pro Forma
Adjustments
 
Notes
 
Pro Forma
Combined
 
                           
                           
Condensed Combined Statement of Operations Data:
                         
Net sales
  $ 448,234     $ 386,887             $ 835,121  
 
                               
                                 
Costs and expenses:
                               
Cost of sales and operating expenses
    330,169       269,386     $ (8,306 )
(i)
    591,249  
Selling, general and administrative
    45,443       41,709       1,026  
(j)
    88,178  
Depreciation and amortization
    18,187       15,552       16,037  
(k)
    49,776  
 
                                 
Total costs and expenses
    393,799       326,647       8,757         729,203  
Operating Income
    54,435       60,240       (8,757 )       105,918  
                                   
Other income/(expense)
                                 
Interest expense
    (2,156 )           (35,695 )
(l)
    (37,851 )
Interest Income
          212                 212  
Other, net
    (318 )     780                 462  
Total other income/(expense)
    (2,474 )     992       (35,695 )       (37,177 )
Income from continuing operations before income taxes
    51,961       61,232       (44,452 )       68,741  
Income tax expense
    19,379             6,399  
(m)
    25,778  
Net Income from continuing operations
  $ 32,582     $ 61,232     $ (50,851 )     $ 42,963  
 
                                 
                                   
Per share data:
                                 
                                   
Income from continuing operations per share:
                                 
Basic
  $ 0.40                       $ 0.47  
Diluted
  $ 0.40                       $ 0.46  
                                   
Weighted average number of shares outstanding:
                                 
Basic
    82,114               10,035         92,149  
Diluted
    82,434               10,638         93,072  
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial statements
 
 

 
4

 

Unaudited pro forma condensed combined statement of operations
For the nine months ended October 2, 2010
 
                           
(In thousands, except per share data)
 
Darling
   
Griffin
   
Pro Forma
Adjustments
 
Notes
 
Pro Forma
Combined
 
                           
                           
Condensed Combined Statement of Operations Data:
                         
Net sales
  $ 497,677     $ 461,665             $ 959,342  
 
                               
                                 
Costs and expenses:
                               
Cost of sales and operating expenses
    369,913       316,157     $ (8,609 )
(i)
    677,461  
Selling, general and administrative
    48,096       43,085       1,026  
(j)
    92,207  
Depreciation and amortization
    21,853       17,263       14,326  
(k)
    53,442  
 
                                 
Total costs and expenses
    439,862       376,505       6,743         823,110  
Operating Income
    57,815       85,160       (6,743 )       136,232  
                                   
Other income/(expense)
                                 
Interest expense
    (2,656 )           (35,195 )
(l)
    (37,851 )
Interest Income
          24                 24  
Other, net
    (1,739 )     277                 (1,462 )
Total other income/(expense)
    (4,395 )     301       (35,195 )       (39,289 )
Income from continuing operations before income taxes
    53,420       85,461       (41,938 )       96,943  
Income tax expense
    19,189             15,633  
(m)
    34,822  
Net Income from continuing operations
  $ 34,231     $ 85,461     $ (57,571 )     $ 62,121  
 
                                 
                                   
Per share data:
                                 
Income from continuing operations per share:
                                 
Basic
  $ 0.42                       $ 0.67  
Diluted
  $ 0.41                       $ 0.67  
                                   
Weighted average number of shares outstanding:
                                 
Basic
    82,395               10,034  
(n)
    92,429  
Diluted
    82,771               10,638  
(n)
    93,409  
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial statements
 
 

 
5

 

Unaudited pro forma condensed combined
statement of operations
For the twelve months ended October 2, 2010
 
                           
(In thousands, except per share data)
 
Darling
   
Griffin
   
Pro Forma
Adjustments
 
Notes
 
Pro Forma
Combined
 
                           
                           
Condensed Combined Statement of Operations Data:
                         
Net sales
  $ 647,249     $ 600,080             $ 1,247,329  
 
                               
                                 
Costs and expenses:
                               
Cost of sales and operating expenses
    479,855       412,835     $ (11,474 )
(i)
    881,216  
Selling, general and administrative
    64,183       66,812       1,368  
(j)
    132,363  
Depreciation and amortization
    28,892       23,799       18,319  
(k)
    71,010  
 
                                 
Total costs and expenses
    572,930       503,446       8,213         1,084,589  
Operating Income
    74,319       96,634       (8,213 )       162,740  
                                   
Other income/(expense)
                                 
Interest expense
    (3,605 )           (46,862 )
(l)
    (50,467 )
Interest Income
          60                 60  
Other, net
    (2,376 )     182                 (2,194 )
Total other income/(expense)
    (5,981 )     242       (46,862 )       (52,601 )
Income from continuing operations before income taxes
    68,338       96,876       (55,075 )       110,139  
Income tax expense
    24,899             14,663  
(m)
    39,562  
Net Income from continuing operations
  $ 43,439     $ 96,876     $ (69,738 )     $ 70,577  
 
                                 
                                   
Per share data:
                                 
Income from continuing operations per share:
                                 
Basic
  $ 0.53                       $ 0.76  
Diluted
  $ 0.53                       $ 0.76  
                                   
Weighted average number of shares outstanding:
                                 
Basic
    82,364               10,035  
(n)
    92,399  
Diluted
    82,736               10,638  
(n)
    93,374  
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial statements
 
 

 
6

 

Notes to unaudited pro forma condensed
Combined financial statements
 
1. Basis of presentation
 
These unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial statements have been prepared based upon historical financial information of Darling and Griffin giving effect to the Merger and other related adjustments described in these footnotes. Certain footnote disclosures normally included in the financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States have been condensed or omitted as permitted by SEC rules and regulations. These unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial statements are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations that would have been achieved had the Merger actually taken place at the dates indicated and do not purport to be indicative of future financial positions or operating results. The unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial statements should be read in conjunction with the historical financial statements.
 
The Merger will be accounted for using the acquisition method of accounting, in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, with Darling treated as the “acquiror” and Griffin as the acquired company. Under the acquisition method, the total estimated purchase price is calculated as described in note 2 below.
 
The unaudited pro forma condensed combined statements of operations combine the historical consolidated statements of operations of Darling and Griffin, for the nine months ended October 3, 2009 and October 2, 2010 and the fiscal year ended January 2, 2010, giving effect to the Merger and related events as if they had been consummated on January 4, 2009 and includes the presentation of the unaudited pro forma condensed combined statements of operation for the twelve months ended October 2, 2010 (the “Pro Forma LTM Period”). The Pro Forma LTM Period is calculated as follows: (i) the unaudited pro forma condensed combined statement of operations for the year ended January 2, 2010, plus (ii) the unaudited pro forma condensed combined statement of operations for the nine months ended October 2, 2010, less (iii) the unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated statement of operations for the nine months ended October 3, 2009. The unaudited pro forma condensed combined balance sheet combines the historical consolidated balance sheet of Darling and the historical consolidated balance sheet of Griffin, giving effect to the Merger and related events as if they had been consummated on October 2, 2010.
 
The unaudited pro forma condensed combined income statements do not reflect operational and administrative cost savings, which are referred to as synergies, that management of the combined company believes may be achieved as a result of the Merger, or other incremental costs that may be incurred as a direct result of the Merger.
 
 
2. Purchase price and financing considerations
 
Purchase price
 
For purposes of presentation in the unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information, the preliminary estimate of the purchase price for Griffin is as follows:
 
     
 
(in thousands)
 
   
Cash consideration
$ 740,000  
Additional cash consideration(1)
  25,117  
Share consideration
  100,000  
Estimated capitalized debt issuance costs
  27,500  
Estimated purchase price
$ 892,617  
 
(1)
Additional cash consideration represents the estimated additional payment assumed to be made to the Griffin shareholders upon the election of IRC Section 338(h)(10), which election Darling currently expects to make three to five months after the closing of the Merger.
 
 

 
 
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The tangible and intangible assets acquired from Griffin will be recorded as of the closing date of the Merger, at their respective fair values, and added to those of Darling. The reported financial position and results of operations of Darling after completion of the Merger will reflect these values, but will not be restated retroactively to reflect the historical financial position or results of operations of Griffin. The allocation is dependent upon certain valuations and other studies that have not progressed to a stage where there is sufficient information to make a definitive allocation. Accordingly, the purchase price allocation pro forma adjustments are preliminary and have been made solely for the purpose of providing unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information. The final purchase price allocation, which will be determined subsequent to the closing of the Merger, and its effect on results of operations, may differ significantly from the pro forma amounts included in this section, although these amounts represent management’s best estimate.
 
For the purpose of the pro forma condensed combined financial information, the above estimated purchase price has been allocated based on a preliminary estimate of the fair value of tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed as follows:
 
     
 
(In thousands)
 
     
Value of net tangible assets acquired at October 2, 2010
$ 205,646  
       
Remaining allocations:
     
Deferred financing costs
  27,500  
Identifiable intangible assets at fair value
  467,450  
Goodwill
  192,021  
Estimated purchase price
$ 892,617  
 
 
 
Darling estimates that substantially all of the acquired identifiable intangible assets will be attributable to the following categories:
 
   
 
Estimated Fair
Value
 
Estimated
Used Lives
 
Estimated
Annual
Amortization
 
 
(In thousands)
     
(In thousands)
 
             
Non-compete agreements
$ 3,100  
                 5 years
  $ 620  
Permits
  222,550  
                 15 years
    14,837  
Trade names
  111,900  
                 Indefinite
     
Supplier relationships
  129,900  
                 15 years
    8,660  
Total
  467,450            
 
Darling recognizes that if the final valuation, which is expected to be completed within three months from the completion of the Merger, derives different amounts from their estimate, Darling will adjust these expected identifiable intangible amounts to those amounts. Any adjustments could result in changes to depreciation or amortization expense from that included in these “pro forma adjustments”.
 
Financing considerations
 
Set forth below is a summary of the anticipated sources and uses of cash in the Merger, as if the Merger had occurred as of October 2, 2010:
 
   
 
(In thousands)
   
   
Sources of cash:
 
Estimated available cash to be used in the Merger(i)
$                     75,000
Revolver loan(ii)
                     213,874
Term loan(ii)
                     300,000
Notes(ii)
                     250,000
Total Sources
$                     838,874
 
 
   
Uses of cash:
 
Purchase of equity(iii)
$                     740,000
Additional cash consideration(iv)
                     25,117
Repayment of existing debt(v)
                     28,757
Fees and expenses(vi)
                     45,000
 
 
Total Uses
$                     838,874
   
 
 
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(i)
Represents the estimated amount of cash available as of October 2, 2010 to be utilized in the Merger, assuming $2.1 million of cash remains on the balance sheet. The amount of cash to be used in the Merger (and the amount of the cash remaining on the balance sheet) may vary depending on Darling’s and Griffin’s working capital position at the time of the closing. See “Description of the Merger—Merger Agreement.” The Griffin cash will be used to purchase the leased fleet from the shareholders ($27.8 million) and a cash distribution ($11.7 million) to its shareholders.
 
(ii)
Represents the new debt assumed to finance the Merger consisting of (1) $213.9 million revolver loan, (2) $300.0 million Term Loan B and (3) $250.0 million of notes offered hereby. We will have a $325.0 million revolver credit facility, of which $213.9 million is assumed to be drawn upon the consummation of the Merger, also assuming the additional cash consideration and repayment of existing debt are paid at the closing of the Merger.
 
(iii)
 Represents the cash portion of the Merger Consideration.
 
(iv)
Represents the estimated payment assumed to be made to the Griffin shareholders upon the election under IRC Section 338(h)(10).
 
(v)
Represents the repayment of all outstanding borrowings under Darling’s existing credit agreement, which will be terminated at closing of the Merger.
 
(vi)
Includes commitment and financing fees payable in connection with the Senior Secured Facilities and the offering and investment banking, legal, accounting and other costs for professional services rendered in connection with the Merger and related transactions. Of this amount, $27.5 million relates to deferred debt issuance costs and $17.5 million is for merger related transaction costs, which are required to be expensed as incurred. All fees and expenses are estimates and actual amounts may differ.
 
The unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information included herein reflects management’s estimate of the amounts of financing at the time this unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information was prepared. The actual amounts of financing will not be determined until shortly before the closing date of the Merger. The unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information presented herein assumes the following:
 
Darling will issue approximately $100 million in shares of Darling common stock to the Griffin shareholders in the Merger. The actual number of shares to be issued was computed based upon the volume weighted average price of Darling’s common stock during the 20 business days immediately prior to the signing date of the Merger Agreement. The Rollover Agreement provides for a true-up adjustment in which additional cash consideration of up to $15 million could be paid by Darling if on the True-Up Date (the last day of the 13th full consecutive month following the closing of the Merger) the True-Up Market Price (as defined in the Rollover Agreement) is less than $10.002. If the True-Up Market Price exceeds $10.002, no additional cash consideration will be paid.
 
Subject to market and other conditions, Darling may raise additional equity capital subsequent to the closing of the Merger, the proceeds of which could be used to pay down a portion of the new Revolver and Term Loan B. The effects of a subsequent equity capital raise, if any, have not been included in the pro forma statements.
 
The Merger Agreement permits Darling to make an election under IRC Section 338(h)(10) to step up the tax basis of the assets acquired in the Merger. Darling currently intends to make this election. The allocation of the step up to individual assets is dependent upon certain valuations and other studies that have not progressed to a stage where there is sufficient information to make a definitive election or allocation. The deferred tax benefit related to this election has not been included in the pro forma statements.
 
 
3. Pro forma adjustments
 
Adjustments included in the column under the heading “Pro Forma Adjustments” in both the unaudited pro forma combined balance sheet and statements of operations correspond with the following:
 
Pro forma balance sheet adjustments
 
a. The adjustment reflects the sources and uses of cash for the Merger including a net adjustment of $114.6 million reflected in the “Cash and cash equivalents” caption of the accompanying pro forma balance sheet. This adjustment consists of cash to be used by Darling in the Merger ($75.0 million), cash used by Griffin to purchase the leased fleet from Griffin shareholders ($27.8 million) and a pre-closing cash distribution ($11.7 million) to Griffin shareholders.
 
b. The adjustments represent an increase to record Griffin property, plant and equipment at estimated fair market value. This also reflects the purchase of the leased fleet by Griffin for $27.8 million prior to the closing of the Merger. Griffin leases certain fleet equipment (primarily trucks, trailers, autos and raw material collection equipment) from its stockholders under short-term operating leases. These leases will terminate and the fleet equipment will be acquired by Griffin prior to the Merger for approximately $27.8 million.
 
c. The adjustments represent the estimated value of identifiable intangible assets of $467.5 million and the estimated value of goodwill acquired in the Merger of $192.0 million.
 
d. The adjustment represents $27.5 million of deferred financing costs incurred in the Merger, which is offset by the write-off of $0.9 million in
 
 
 
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deferred financing cost included in Darling’s balance sheet as of October 2, 2010. The $0.9 million in deferred financing costs will be written-off due to the replacement of the existing credit agreement, which will result in a $0.6 million reduction in retained earnings after adjusting for a $0.3 million deferred income tax benefit.
 
e. The adjustments represent $763.9 million of new debt used to finance the cash portion of the Merger Consideration and repayment of $28.8 million of existing Darling debt. $3.0 million of such new debt has been recorded as a current liability upon completion of the Merger.
 
f. The board of directors of Darling has approved a stock incentive plan for management related to the Merger. The stock price on the date of the grant was $12.53. The issuance of the vested stock results in an increase in common stock and a compensation charge of $0.3 million and a corresponding tax benefit of $0.1 million has been reflected as of October 2, 2010.
 
g. The adjustments represent the issuance as part of the Merger Consideration of approximately 10 million shares, par value $0.01 per share, at an estimated value of $100.0 million, of which $99.9 million will be recorded as additional paid-in capital.
 
h. The adjustment represents the elimination of Griffin common stock and retained earnings. In addition, $17.5 million (less $6.3 million of tax benefit) of Merger related transaction costs, which are required to be expensed as incurred, have been charged to retained earnings. An additional $27.5 million has been capitalized as deferred financing cost. The $17.5 million and the $27.5 million equal the $45.0 million for fees and expenses in the Sources and Uses of Cash.
 
 
Pro forma statements of operations adjustments
 
i. The adjustment to cost of sales and operating expenses represents the removal of lease expense related to the transportation fleet which will be purchased by Griffin prior to the close of the Merger and therefore, will be included in the purchased fixed assets.
 
j. The adjustment to selling, general and administrative expense represents the compensation charges related to the unvested stock issued under the stock incentive plan approved by the board of directors whereby a total of 640,000 shares of stock were granted on November 11, 2010 at $12.53 per share. The shares vest upon the achievement of certain varying market conditions. Darling has estimated the value of the awards to be $7.21 per share based on the preliminary calculations. The value of the award will be amortized over vesting periods spanning four years.
 
k. The adjustment to depreciation and amortization expense represents the amortization of certain acquired intangibles and the depreciation of the purchased property, plant and equipment, including the transportation fleet assets which will be purchased by Griffin from stockholders and transferred to fixed assets at the close of the Merger with estimated useful lives of 5 to 8 years. Following the Merger, Darling expects to amortize the fair value of the identifiable intangible assets of $355.5 million acquired in the Merger with finite lives on a straight-line basis over an estimated useful life of 5 to 15 years. Upon finalization of the assets valuations, specific useful lives will be assigned to the acquired assets, and depreciation and amortization will be adjusted accordingly. Darling also expects to have $111.9 million in identifiable intangible assets with indefinite lives.
 
l. The adjustment represents the interest from the additional debt that will be issued to finance the cash portion of the Merger Consideration. Darling is assuming that it will replace the existing credit agreement, which has a balance outstanding of $28.8 million at October 2, 2010, with a new $325.0 million new revolver of which $213.9 million is assumed to be drawn at close. It also assumed that Darling will borrow $300.0 million under the Term Loan B and receive proceeds from the $250.0 million in notes offered hereby. The weighted average interest rate for the new debt is assumed to be 5.9%. The adjustment also includes adjusted amortization of deferred financing fees. The prior deferred fees have been replaced with $27.5 million in new financing fees related to the new debt agreements, which will be amortized over the lives of the facilities which are assumed to be 5 years for the revolver, 6 years for Term Loan B and 8 years for the notes offered hereby. The interest rate assumed in this paragraph is based on financing commitments that Darling has received from prospective lenders related to this Merger.
 
m. The adjustment represents the income taxes that would have been incurred had the Merger occurred on January 4, 2009, assuming an effective tax rate of 37.3% for the nine months ended October 3, 2009, 35.92% for the nine months ended October 2, 2010, and 37.5% for the year ended January 2, 2010, which in each case was Darling’s effective tax rate for such period, and assuming an effective tax rate of 35.92% for the twelve months ended October 2, 2010.
 
n. As discussed in the Financing consideration above, 10.0 million shares of Darling common stock are estimated to be issued at closing to the Griffin shareholders. In addition, 0.1 million shares of Darling common stock will be granted to certain Darling employees upon the completion of the Merger pursuant to the stock incentive plan described above.
 
 

 
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4. Cost savings
 
The unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial statements do not reflect the projected realization of recurring cost savings. These savings are projected to result from, among other things, the reduction of freight costs, changes in corporate infrastructure and other reductions in operating costs. Although management expects cost savings will result from the Merger, there can be no assurance these cost savings will be achieved.
 
The unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial statements include non-recurring operating expenses which will be eliminated after the Merger. The impact to Fiscal 2009 would be $7.1 million before tax. These expenses include compensation expense for two executives of Griffin who will not remain employed by the combined company following the Merger and certain charitable contributions.
 
5. Pro forma income from continuing operations per share
 
Pro forma income from continuing operations per common share for the nine months ended October 2, 2010, the fiscal year ended January 2, 2010 and the twelve months ended October 2, 2010 have been calculated based on a pro forma basis which reflects the issuance of 10.0 million shares of Darling common stock to the Griffin shareholders in the Merger as described below.
 
       
(in millions, except per share data)
 
Fiscal year
ended
January 2,
2010
 
       
Pro forma income form continuing operations
  $ 51,211  
Basic weighted average shares
     92,177  
Diluted weighted average shares
     93,113  
Pro forma basic income from continuing operations per common share
  $  0.56  
Pro forma diluted income from continuing operations per common share
  $  0.55  
         
 
     
 
Nine months
ended
October 3,
2009
 
     
Pro forma income from continuing operations
$ 42,963  
Basic weighted average shares
  92,149  
Diluted weighted average shares
  93,072  
Pro forma basic income from continuing operations per common share
$ 0.47  
Pro forma diluted income from continuing operations per common share
$ 0.46  
       
 
 
 
     
 
Nine months
ended
October 2,
2010
 
     
Pro forma income from continuing operations
$ 62,121  
Basic weighted average shares
  92,429  
Diluted weighted average shares
  93,409  
Pro forma basic income from continuing operations per common share
$ 0.67  
Pro forma diluted income from continuing operations per common share
$ 0.67  
       
 
     
 
Twelve months
ended
October 2,
2010
 
     
Pro forma income form continuing operations
$ 70,577  
Basic weighted average shares
  92,399  
Diluted weighted average shares
  93,374  
Pro forma basic income from continuing operations per common share
$ 0.76  
Pro forma diluted income from continuing operations per common share
$ 0.76  
       
 
 
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